8 Things To See in Cambridge
Our pick of the top must-see sights, from historic colleges to museums, gardens and the River Cam.
There are so many things to see in Cambridge – the city is packed with historic landmarks and famous sights, not to mention beautiful gardens and the iconic River Cam. If you're only here for a short time, deciding what to see can feel a little overwhelming, so our Blue Badge guides have put together their top picks for the must-see Cambridge sights. Have a read and start planning your trip!
Number 8
Cambridge Market Square
Market traders have been selling their goods on Cambridge Market Square since the Middle Ages, and this historic square makes number 8 on our list of things to see in Cambridge.
The square hosts a bustling market every day, with a wide range of stalls selling everything from street food to jewellery, Cambridge University clothing and souvenirs.
On Sundays the square also hosts a flourishing local food, arts and crafts market, where vendors sell organic produce from local farmers alongside work by some of the region's most talented artists, craftspeople, potters, sculptors and photographers – a great way to try some local Cambridge produce.
Market Hill, Cambridge
Number 7
The Fitzwilliam Museum
Cambridge is home to several fascinating museums, but the Fitzwilliam Museum makes our list of the top things to see in Cambridge. It houses a world-renowned collection of over half a million works of art, masterpiece paintings and historical artefacts from all over the globe.
Explore its halls to discover world history from as far back as 2500 BC to the present day, and see famous works by Rubens, Constable, Monet and Picasso.
General admission is free – check the museum's website for current opening times before you visit.
Trumpington Street, Cambridge CB2 1RB
Number 6
Cambridge University Botanic Garden
Cambridge University Botanic Garden holds a collection of over 8,000 plant species from all over the world to support teaching and research.
It's also a beautiful place for everyone to enjoy – a series of wonderful landscapes in which to discover the drama of plant diversity – and we highly recommend a visit while you're in Cambridge.
There are many different areas to explore, from the tropical glasshouses to British wild flowers. Take a stroll through the Scented Garden, try not to get lost in the Grass Maze, or simply relax by the fountain.
1 Brookside, Cambridge CB2 1JE
Number 5
Great St Mary's Church
At number 5 is Great St Mary's Church. The University Church since 1209, Great St Mary's is a spiritual home for both the University and the city of Cambridge.
Climb the famous tower for the best view in Cambridge – the 123 steps are worth it for the panoramic views across the city. There's also a gift shop and café on site.
Entry to the church is free, but there's a charge to climb the tower. Check the church's website for current opening times before you go.
Senate House Hill, Cambridge CB2 3PQ
Number 4
Queens' College
Founded in 1448, Queens' College is one of the oldest colleges of the University of Cambridge and has some of the most iconic and recognisable buildings in the city.
The college has a beautiful riverside setting, with the famous Mathematical Bridge – built entirely from straight timbers yet forming an arch – spanning the River Cam. The two sides of the college are known as the "light side" and the "dark side".
The medieval college has continued to evolve throughout its six centuries and is well worth a visit. Colleges set their own visiting hours and admission charges, so check the college website before you go.
Queens' Lane, Cambridge CB3 9ET
Number 3
Punting on the River Cam
No trip to Cambridge is complete without a punting trip on the River Cam! See some of Cambridge's finest buildings as you sit back and enjoy the world-famous views from the calm waters of the historic Cam. A punting tour along the College Backs takes in the University colleges as well as beautiful gardens and famous landmarks, including the Bridge of Sighs and the Wren Library.
Several punting companies run regular chauffeured punting tours throughout the year, with options to suit every budget – from shared punts to your own private punt with a bottle of Champagne or an indulgent afternoon tea.
Cantab Tours recommends Rutherford's Punting Cambridge – and you can even combine punting with a private walking tour.
Number 2
St John's College
At number 2 is St John's College. Another stunning historic college, St John's was founded in 1511 by the Tudor matriarch Lady Margaret Beaufort and is one of the largest colleges in Cambridge.
St John's also enjoys a riverside setting and is home to the Bridge of Sighs – a covered bridge built in 1831 between the college's Third Court and New Court, said to have been a favourite spot of Queen Victoria.
Check the college website for current visiting hours and admission charges before you go.
St John's Street, Cambridge CB2 1TP
Number 1
King's College
Our number one sight in Cambridge has to be King's College! Founded in 1441 by Henry VI, King's is arguably the most famous sight in Cambridge. It stands beside the River Cam and faces out onto King's Parade in the heart of the city.
King's College Chapel is regarded as one of the greatest examples of late Gothic English architecture. It has the world's largest fan vault, and its stained-glass windows and wooden chancel screen are considered among the finest of their era.
King's is an emblem of Cambridge and a must-see for anyone visiting the city. To make the most of your visit, book a private guided tour of King's College.
King's Parade, Cambridge CB2 1ST
See the Best of Cambridge With a Blue Badge Guide
Inspired by our list? Our daily Cambridge Highlights Tour takes in many of these sights, with fascinating stories of the people who changed the world. Tours leave every day at 11:30am.