The city is well known for its world-wide prestigious University of Cambridge. However, the city has its charm beneath the old historical colleges. Cambridge reminds me of the middle city between Amsterdam and Venice. The rich history, traditions, leafy green meadows, and picturesque riverside with punting boats.

Often comparable with its historic rival Oxford. However, let’s focus for now on what Cambridge can offer and what you can’t miss while visiting there. From getting inspired by the intellectual alumni of the University of Cambridge to enjoying the vibrant city life. Cambridge is a city attracting many students, travelers as well as start-ups!

Visit the beautiful colleges

Cambridge University has altogether 31 colleges from which some of them are restricted by age of undergraduates, by sex, or only admit postgraduates. These colleges were founded between the 13th to 20th centuries the oldest college is Peterhouse, founded in 1284, and the newest is Robinson, founded in 1977.

These colleges provide accommodations for students throughout the year and may be partially open for the public to visit. Students were able to choose their colleges depending on their major, and accessibility. Some of these colleges were older than others and some of them were located in the city center or outside.

The most popular colleges that are being visited by tourists are King’s College, St. John’s College, and Trinity College. The standard adult fee to enter a college is £10.

Go punting

Punting is available all year long. Whether it is warm or cold. Punting is not only romantic, but also it provides you with a great tour of Cambridge and its colleges from the river Cam. The price for a punting tour is about £15, and you will share a boat with other people. Alternatively, you may also hire to punt yourself or just to have the boat for yourself if you wish.

The tour takes about 40 min and usually starts off Bridge street. There are many punting companies around and you will not have a problem finding one, as you will find people approaching you to advise you. It is a definitely beautiful experience and you will find yourself like in Venice’s gondolas.

Hang out at The Backs

The Backs is the green meadow riverside popular with students, locals, and tourists as well. Here, students enjoy hanging out during their reading weeks, going for picnics or enjoying some quiet time while people watching. The name “Backs” refers to the backs of the colleges. As the area consists of several colleges on the River Cam.

Count the bridges and explore their history

There are in total 25 bridges in Cambridge over the river Cam. Interestingly enough, the city could have taken its name from the river “Cam” and “bridge”. Nevertheless, you won’t miss these bridges alongside The Backs if you go punting. However, you will be still able to cross or see some of the prettiest and most historical bridges on foot.

One of the famous bridges in Cambridge is the Bridge of Sighs, similar to Oxford or Venice. And this is the only covered bridge and one of two footbridges at St John’s College. It was built in 1831 and you won’t be able to cross it unless you will be in the college. The second famous bridge is called the Mathematical bridge. A wooden footbridge in Queen’s college was built in 1749. It was built from straight timbers on an unusually sophisticated engineering design, hence the name. Lastly, the oldest bridge on the river Cam and the only surviving pre-civil war bridge is the Clare bridge. Not the prettiest out of all, but at least with a rich history.

Immerse yourself in art and culture

Cambridge has many museums and galleries to tailor to a variety of tastes of visitors. From archeology, history, and modern art to contemporary art. Use the fact that the UK has free access to museums for visitors and explore different galleries and museums in here for free!

From the well-known Fitzwilliam museum, which is the largest museum in Cambridge to the University Museum of Archaeology & Anthropology or Kettle’s Yard.

Have a bite of Chelsea bun in Fitzbillies

Fitzbillies has been part of Cambridge since 1920 with the famous and traditional Chelsea buns. Hence, you should stop by for an afternoon tea, brunch, or just for a snack in one of their two branches in Cambridge. They don’t take reservations, so first come, first serve.

Stroll around the Cambridge Market Square

The marker located just behind Great St. Mary’s Church is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm. Here you can find literally anything! From local organic food, and arts and crafts to souvenirs. It is a vibrant square to spend your afternoon strolling around the stalls and grabbing a quick snack or lunch.

Take a bike ride

Feeling more active and want to take the extra level of exploration? Then in this case, why don’t you hire a bike to explore the city on a bike? In fact, go explore beyond the city center, the surroundings, and Cambridgeshire is such a beautiful calm place. Take a bike ride to nearby villages, and meadows outside the city or alongside the river Cam.

Go shopping and explore boutiques

Apart from Market Square, Cambridge has many arcades and shopping alleys filled by known and unknown brands. Cambridge has it all. Who would knew that Cambridge can be a good spot for some shopping too, right? Just stroll around the city center of Cambridge, as shops are spread around a short distance from each other.

Visit the botanical garden

The Cambridge University Botanic Garden is located just outside the city center and closer to the train station. The garden covers an area of 16 hectares and it offers not only beautiful green space but also runs regular events and workshops for adults, families, and kids. The entrance fee to the garden is £6 but check for regular free weekend tours.

Admire the details of King’s College Chapel

King’s College Chapel is a beautiful chapel located at King’s College at the University of Cambridge. It is considered to be one of the finest examples of late Perpendicular Gothic English architecture. It was built from 1446 to 1515 by a succession of kings of England. The chapel is an active house of worship and home of the King’s College Choir. This chapel is also commonly used as a symbol of the city. Visit the chapel, as well as the chors, and admire the beautiful colorful windows.

Spot the Corpus Clock

The Corpus Clock is a large sculptural clock just outside of the Taylor Library at Corpus Christi College. It is designed with 24-carat gold plated stainless steel, and it has no hands or numerals. It displays the time by opening individual slits in the clock face backlit with blue LEDs. The clock also features the world’s largest grasshopper escapement.