Cambridge itinerary: 1 to 7 days
Plans for one to seven days in Cambridge, day by day: the Fitzwilliam Museum, Market Hill, King's Parade and the Backs first, then the riverside commons, Parker's Piece and Ely Cathedral, and the university museums and the Botanic Garden as you add days. Every stop has a typical visit length.
How long do you have?
Map: 3 days
Cambridge in 1 day
Day 1
King's College Chapel
A masterpiece of Perpendicular Gothic architecture with the world's largest fan vault and remarkable stained-glass windows.
King's Parade
Street facing King's College and its chapel, lined with shops and cafes, with the Corpus Clock nearby.
Queens' College and the Mathematical Bridge
A Cambridge college founded in 1448, spanning both banks of the Cam and linked by the famous wooden Mathematical Bridge.
Fitzwilliam Museum
The university's free art and antiquities museum in a grand neoclassical building, with Egyptian, Greek and Old Master collections.
Market Hill, Cambridge
The central market square, with a daily outdoor market of food, crafts and street food stalls.
Trinity College
One of the largest Cambridge colleges, founded by Henry VIII in 1546, with the Great Court and the Wren Library.
St John's College
A large Cambridge college founded by Lady Margaret Beaufort, with a grand gatehouse and the Bridge of Sighs over the Cam.
The Backs
Lawns and gardens behind the colleges along the River Cam, with views of King's College Chapel and the bridges.
Cambridge in 2 days
Day 1
King's College Chapel
A masterpiece of Perpendicular Gothic architecture with the world's largest fan vault and remarkable stained-glass windows.
King's Parade
Street facing King's College and its chapel, lined with shops and cafes, with the Corpus Clock nearby.
Queens' College and the Mathematical Bridge
A Cambridge college founded in 1448, spanning both banks of the Cam and linked by the famous wooden Mathematical Bridge.
Coe Fen
Riverside meadow south of the centre where cattle graze, crossed by footpaths from the Mill Pond to Newnham.
Market Hill, Cambridge
The central market square, with a daily outdoor market of food, crafts and street food stalls.
Trinity College
One of the largest Cambridge colleges, founded by Henry VIII in 1546, with the Great Court and the Wren Library.
St John's College
A large Cambridge college founded by Lady Margaret Beaufort, with a grand gatehouse and the Bridge of Sighs over the Cam.
The Backs
Lawns and gardens behind the colleges along the River Cam, with views of King's College Chapel and the bridges.
Day 2
Fitzwilliam Museum
The university's free art and antiquities museum in a grand neoclassical building, with Egyptian, Greek and Old Master collections.
Round Church
One of the few round churches in England, built in the 12th century and modelled on the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
Kettle's Yard
A house and art gallery where Jim Ede's collection of modern art is displayed in the intimate rooms of his former home.
Jesus Green
Riverside park north of the centre with tennis courts, an avenue of plane trees and views of punts at the lock.
Midsummer Common
Large riverside common east of the centre, used for the Midsummer Fair, with cattle grazing and boathouses opposite.
Cambridge in 3 days
Day 1
King's College Chapel
A masterpiece of Perpendicular Gothic architecture with the world's largest fan vault and remarkable stained-glass windows.
King's Parade
Street facing King's College and its chapel, lined with shops and cafes, with the Corpus Clock nearby.
Queens' College and the Mathematical Bridge
A Cambridge college founded in 1448, spanning both banks of the Cam and linked by the famous wooden Mathematical Bridge.
Coe Fen
Riverside meadow south of the centre where cattle graze, crossed by footpaths from the Mill Pond to Newnham.
Fitzwilliam Museum
The university's free art and antiquities museum in a grand neoclassical building, with Egyptian, Greek and Old Master collections.
Trinity College
One of the largest Cambridge colleges, founded by Henry VIII in 1546, with the Great Court and the Wren Library.
St John's College
A large Cambridge college founded by Lady Margaret Beaufort, with a grand gatehouse and the Bridge of Sighs over the Cam.
The Backs
Lawns and gardens behind the colleges along the River Cam, with views of King's College Chapel and the bridges.
Day 2
Ely Cathedral
Norman and Gothic cathedral 25 km north of Cambridge, known as the Ship of the Fens, with its unique Octagon lantern.
Round Church
One of the few round churches in England, built in the 12th century and modelled on the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
Kettle's Yard
A house and art gallery where Jim Ede's collection of modern art is displayed in the intimate rooms of his former home.
Jesus Green
Riverside park north of the centre with tennis courts, an avenue of plane trees and views of punts at the lock.
Midsummer Common
Large riverside common east of the centre, used for the Midsummer Fair, with cattle grazing and boathouses opposite.
Day 3
Our Lady and the English Martyrs Church
Large Gothic Revival Catholic church of 1890 at Hills Road junction, with a tall spire.
Parker's Piece
Large open green near the centre where the rules of football were first used, with the Reality Checkpoint lamppost.
Cambridge University Botanic Garden
University garden of 40 acres south of the centre, with glasshouses, a rock garden and a winter garden.
The Eagle
Old coaching inn on Bene't Street where Crick and Watson announced DNA's structure, with RAF graffiti on the ceiling.
Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Cambridge
Free university museum of world archaeology and anthropology, with totem poles and finds from across the world.
Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences
Free university geology museum with fossils, minerals and dinosaurs, including rocks collected by Darwin.
Cambridge in 4 days
Day 1
King's College Chapel
A masterpiece of Perpendicular Gothic architecture with the world's largest fan vault and remarkable stained-glass windows.
King's Parade
Street facing King's College and its chapel, lined with shops and cafes, with the Corpus Clock nearby.
Queens' College and the Mathematical Bridge
A Cambridge college founded in 1448, spanning both banks of the Cam and linked by the famous wooden Mathematical Bridge.
Coe Fen
Riverside meadow south of the centre where cattle graze, crossed by footpaths from the Mill Pond to Newnham.
Fitzwilliam Museum
The university's free art and antiquities museum in a grand neoclassical building, with Egyptian, Greek and Old Master collections.
Trinity College
One of the largest Cambridge colleges, founded by Henry VIII in 1546, with the Great Court and the Wren Library.
St John's College
A large Cambridge college founded by Lady Margaret Beaufort, with a grand gatehouse and the Bridge of Sighs over the Cam.
The Backs
Lawns and gardens behind the colleges along the River Cam, with views of King's College Chapel and the bridges.
Day 2
Round Church
One of the few round churches in England, built in the 12th century and modelled on the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
Kettle's Yard
A house and art gallery where Jim Ede's collection of modern art is displayed in the intimate rooms of his former home.
The Baron of Beef
Traditional pub on Bridge Street near Magdalene Bridge, with real ales and a long bar.
Jesus Green
Riverside park north of the centre with tennis courts, an avenue of plane trees and views of punts at the lock.
Midsummer Common
Large riverside common east of the centre, used for the Midsummer Fair, with cattle grazing and boathouses opposite.
Day 3
Our Lady and the English Martyrs Church
Large Gothic Revival Catholic church of 1890 at Hills Road junction, with a tall spire.
Parker's Piece
Large open green near the centre where the rules of football were first used, with the Reality Checkpoint lamppost.
Cambridge University Botanic Garden
University garden of 40 acres south of the centre, with glasshouses, a rock garden and a winter garden.
The Eagle
Old coaching inn on Bene't Street where Crick and Watson announced DNA's structure, with RAF graffiti on the ceiling.
Market Hill, Cambridge
The central market square, with a daily outdoor market of food, crafts and street food stalls.
Day 4
Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences
Free university geology museum with fossils, minerals and dinosaurs, including rocks collected by Darwin.
Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Cambridge
Free university museum of world archaeology and anthropology, with totem poles and finds from across the world.
Cambridge University Museum of Zoology
Free museum of animal skeletons and specimens, including Darwin's collections, under a fin whale skeleton.
Clare College
The second-oldest surviving Cambridge college, founded in 1326, with Clare Bridge over the Cam and peaceful Fellows' Garden.
St Radegund, Cambridge
Tiny pub on King Street, among the smallest in Cambridge, open from late afternoon.
Cambridge in 5 days
Day 1
King's College Chapel
A masterpiece of Perpendicular Gothic architecture with the world's largest fan vault and remarkable stained-glass windows.
King's Parade
Street facing King's College and its chapel, lined with shops and cafes, with the Corpus Clock nearby.
Queens' College and the Mathematical Bridge
A Cambridge college founded in 1448, spanning both banks of the Cam and linked by the famous wooden Mathematical Bridge.
Coe Fen
Riverside meadow south of the centre where cattle graze, crossed by footpaths from the Mill Pond to Newnham.
Fitzwilliam Museum
The university's free art and antiquities museum in a grand neoclassical building, with Egyptian, Greek and Old Master collections.
Trinity College
One of the largest Cambridge colleges, founded by Henry VIII in 1546, with the Great Court and the Wren Library.
St John's College
A large Cambridge college founded by Lady Margaret Beaufort, with a grand gatehouse and the Bridge of Sighs over the Cam.
The Backs
Lawns and gardens behind the colleges along the River Cam, with views of King's College Chapel and the bridges.
Day 2
Round Church
One of the few round churches in England, built in the 12th century and modelled on the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
Kettle's Yard
A house and art gallery where Jim Ede's collection of modern art is displayed in the intimate rooms of his former home.
The Baron of Beef
Traditional pub on Bridge Street near Magdalene Bridge, with real ales and a long bar.
Jesus Green
Riverside park north of the centre with tennis courts, an avenue of plane trees and views of punts at the lock.
Midsummer Common
Large riverside common east of the centre, used for the Midsummer Fair, with cattle grazing and boathouses opposite.
Day 3
Our Lady and the English Martyrs Church
Large Gothic Revival Catholic church of 1890 at Hills Road junction, with a tall spire.
Parker's Piece
Large open green near the centre where the rules of football were first used, with the Reality Checkpoint lamppost.
Cambridge University Botanic Garden
University garden of 40 acres south of the centre, with glasshouses, a rock garden and a winter garden.
Cambridge University Museum of Zoology
Free museum of animal skeletons and specimens, including Darwin's collections, under a fin whale skeleton.
Market Hill, Cambridge
The central market square, with a daily outdoor market of food, crafts and street food stalls.
Day 4
Clare College
The second-oldest surviving Cambridge college, founded in 1326, with Clare Bridge over the Cam and peaceful Fellows' Garden.
Great St Mary's Church
The university church on King's Parade; climb its tower for one of the best views over central Cambridge.
Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences
Free university geology museum with fossils, minerals and dinosaurs, including rocks collected by Darwin.
The Eagle
Old coaching inn on Bene't Street where Crick and Watson announced DNA's structure, with RAF graffiti on the ceiling.
Day 5
Ely Cathedral
Norman and Gothic cathedral 25 km north of Cambridge, known as the Ship of the Fens, with its unique Octagon lantern.
Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Cambridge
Free university museum of world archaeology and anthropology, with totem poles and finds from across the world.
Cambridge in 6 days
Day 1
King's College Chapel
A masterpiece of Perpendicular Gothic architecture with the world's largest fan vault and remarkable stained-glass windows.
King's Parade
Street facing King's College and its chapel, lined with shops and cafes, with the Corpus Clock nearby.
Queens' College and the Mathematical Bridge
A Cambridge college founded in 1448, spanning both banks of the Cam and linked by the famous wooden Mathematical Bridge.
Trinity College
One of the largest Cambridge colleges, founded by Henry VIII in 1546, with the Great Court and the Wren Library.
St John's College
A large Cambridge college founded by Lady Margaret Beaufort, with a grand gatehouse and the Bridge of Sighs over the Cam.
The Backs
Lawns and gardens behind the colleges along the River Cam, with views of King's College Chapel and the bridges.
Day 2
Round Church
One of the few round churches in England, built in the 12th century and modelled on the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
Kettle's Yard
A house and art gallery where Jim Ede's collection of modern art is displayed in the intimate rooms of his former home.
The Baron of Beef
Traditional pub on Bridge Street near Magdalene Bridge, with real ales and a long bar.
Jesus Green
Riverside park north of the centre with tennis courts, an avenue of plane trees and views of punts at the lock.
Midsummer Common
Large riverside common east of the centre, used for the Midsummer Fair, with cattle grazing and boathouses opposite.
Day 3
Our Lady and the English Martyrs Church
Large Gothic Revival Catholic church of 1890 at Hills Road junction, with a tall spire.
Parker's Piece
Large open green near the centre where the rules of football were first used, with the Reality Checkpoint lamppost.
Great St Mary's Church
The university church on King's Parade; climb its tower for one of the best views over central Cambridge.
Market Hill, Cambridge
The central market square, with a daily outdoor market of food, crafts and street food stalls.
The Eagle
Old coaching inn on Bene't Street where Crick and Watson announced DNA's structure, with RAF graffiti on the ceiling.
Clare College
The second-oldest surviving Cambridge college, founded in 1326, with Clare Bridge over the Cam and peaceful Fellows' Garden.
Day 4
Ely Cathedral
Norman and Gothic cathedral 25 km north of Cambridge, known as the Ship of the Fens, with its unique Octagon lantern.
Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences
Free university geology museum with fossils, minerals and dinosaurs, including rocks collected by Darwin.
Day 5
Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Cambridge
Free university museum of world archaeology and anthropology, with totem poles and finds from across the world.
Cambridge University Museum of Zoology
Free museum of animal skeletons and specimens, including Darwin's collections, under a fin whale skeleton.
Day 6
Cambridge Junction
Arts centre near the station with live music, club nights, theatre and comedy, mostly in the evening.
Cambridge University Botanic Garden
University garden of 40 acres south of the centre, with glasshouses, a rock garden and a winter garden.
Cambridge in 7 days
Day 1
King's College Chapel
A masterpiece of Perpendicular Gothic architecture with the world's largest fan vault and remarkable stained-glass windows.
King's Parade
Street facing King's College and its chapel, lined with shops and cafes, with the Corpus Clock nearby.
Queens' College and the Mathematical Bridge
A Cambridge college founded in 1448, spanning both banks of the Cam and linked by the famous wooden Mathematical Bridge.
Trinity College
One of the largest Cambridge colleges, founded by Henry VIII in 1546, with the Great Court and the Wren Library.
St John's College
A large Cambridge college founded by Lady Margaret Beaufort, with a grand gatehouse and the Bridge of Sighs over the Cam.
The Backs
Lawns and gardens behind the colleges along the River Cam, with views of King's College Chapel and the bridges.
Day 2
Round Church
One of the few round churches in England, built in the 12th century and modelled on the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
Kettle's Yard
A house and art gallery where Jim Ede's collection of modern art is displayed in the intimate rooms of his former home.
The Baron of Beef
Traditional pub on Bridge Street near Magdalene Bridge, with real ales and a long bar.
Jesus Green
Riverside park north of the centre with tennis courts, an avenue of plane trees and views of punts at the lock.
Midsummer Common
Large riverside common east of the centre, used for the Midsummer Fair, with cattle grazing and boathouses opposite.
Day 3
Great St Mary's Church
The university church on King's Parade; climb its tower for one of the best views over central Cambridge.
Market Hill, Cambridge
The central market square, with a daily outdoor market of food, crafts and street food stalls.
The Eagle
Old coaching inn on Bene't Street where Crick and Watson announced DNA's structure, with RAF graffiti on the ceiling.
Clare College
The second-oldest surviving Cambridge college, founded in 1326, with Clare Bridge over the Cam and peaceful Fellows' Garden.
Day 4
Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Cambridge
Free university museum of world archaeology and anthropology, with totem poles and finds from across the world.
Cambridge University Museum of Zoology
Free museum of animal skeletons and specimens, including Darwin's collections, under a fin whale skeleton.
Day 5
Ely Cathedral
Norman and Gothic cathedral 25 km north of Cambridge, known as the Ship of the Fens, with its unique Octagon lantern.
Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences
Free university geology museum with fossils, minerals and dinosaurs, including rocks collected by Darwin.
Day 6
Cambridge Arts Theatre
Theatre near King's Parade, founded by John Maynard Keynes in 1936, staging drama, comedy and the pantomime.
Cambridge Corn Exchange
Victorian corn exchange now used as a concert and events venue; open for performances, not as a sight.
Day 7
Cambridge Junction
Arts centre near the station with live music, club nights, theatre and comedy, mostly in the evening.
Cambridge University Botanic Garden
University garden of 40 acres south of the centre, with glasshouses, a rock garden and a winter garden.
Watch: Cambridge in 3 days
A one-minute look at the plan: every stop, day by day, with the map.
When to go to Cambridge
May to September brings the warmest weather and the best days for punting on the Cam, though July and August are crowded with tour groups. Colleges are busiest with exams in May and early June, and some close to visitors then. Winter is cold and damp but quiet, and term-time choral services continue until early December.
Plan the rest of your trip
- Where to stay: hotels in Cambridge on Booking.com or Trip.com
- Skip-the-line tickets: museums and sights in Cambridge on Tiqets
- Tours and day trips: things to do in Cambridge on GetYourGuide
- From the airport: a private transfer in Cambridge with Kiwitaxi
- Data on arrival: an eSIM for United Kingdom from Airalo
- Last day: leave your bags in Cambridge with Radical Storage and keep sightseeing
Some of these are affiliate links: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Tips for Cambridge
- King's College Chapel needs a ticket for daytime visits and closes for services and events; Choral Evensong is free to attend in term time.
- Most colleges charge entry or close to visitors during the exam period from May to mid-June; check each college's website on the day.
- Punts can be hired, or taken with a guide, at Quayside and Mill Pond; a punt along the Backs takes about 45 minutes.
- The Fitzwilliam Museum and most university museums are free and closed on Mondays.
- Ely is about 15 minutes by train from Cambridge station; walk or cycle in the centre and use Park & Ride if driving.
Make it your own
Open the guide in Andiamo Places to see every stop on a map with walking directions, move places between days, check opening hours for your dates, and add your own finds. After the trip, your photos become a journal and, if you like, a printed photo book.
Guides are made with the help of AI and public sources such as Wikipedia, and may contain errors. Opening hours and prices change, so check before you go. Spotted a wrong photo, a pin in the wrong place, a missing stop or a better one? Write to andiamotravelapp@gmail.com: the e-mail opens with this guide filled in.
Photo credits
- Cambridge Arts Theatre: Sebastian Ballard, CC BY-SA 2.0
- Cambridge Corn Exchange: Lin Mei, CC BY 2.0
- Cambridge Junction: Magnus Manske, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Cambridge University Botanic Garden: Rept0n1x, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Cambridge University Museum of Zoology: Magnus Manske, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Clare College: Dmitry Tonkonog, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Coe Fen: Deeptrivia at English Wikipedia, Public domain
- Ely Cathedral: Verbcatcher, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Fitzwilliam Museum: unknown author, CC BY-SA 2.0
- Great St Mary's Church: Jean-Christophe BENOIST, CC BY 3.0
- Jesus Green: Ajlatham at English Wikipedia, CC BY 3.0
- Kettle's Yard: unknown author, CC BY-SA 2.0
- King's College Chapel: Christian Richardt, CC BY-SA 3.0
- King's Parade: Andrew Dunn, CC BY-SA 2.0
- Market Hill, Cambridge: Andrew Dunn, CC BY-SA 2.0
- Midsummer Common: The original uploader was Richard Taylor at English Wikipedia ., CC BY-SA 2.5
- Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Cambridge: Magnus Manske, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Our Lady and the English Martyrs Church: Dicklyon, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Parker's Piece: Rich257 at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Queens' College and the Mathematical Bridge: unknown author, Public domain
- Round Church: Noles1984, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences: Sebastian Ballard, CC BY-SA 2.0
- St John's College: Jean-Christophe BENOIST, CC BY 3.0
- St Radegund, Cambridge: the wub, CC BY-SA 3.0
- The Backs: Photographed by RXUYDC June 10, 2005., CC BY-SA 3.0
- The Baron of Beef: Hans Wolff, Public domain
- The Eagle: Keith Edkins, CC BY-SA 2.0
- Trinity College: Rafa Esteve, CC BY-SA 4.0
Opening hours change; check before you go. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
