Visit Harvard

Whether you have a few hours or a few days, many discoveries await.

The Harvard University Visitor Center offers in-person and virtual tours daily. At this time, only registered Harvard tours are permitted in Harvard Yard. For information about Harvard College Admissions tours for prospective students, visit their website.

Please note: A self-guided historical tour is offered on the Visit Harvard mobile app, available to download on iOS and Android devices.

Students sitting at the information desk in front of a bright orange wall and screen.

The Harvard University Center is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Harvard University Visitor Center

Harvard University established the Visitor Center in 1962 as the front door to the University, where students greet visitors from all over the world, answer questions about campus, and provide official tours of Harvard.

Questions? Email the Visitor Center

Tours

Mysterious facts, hidden gems, iconic figures, famous traditions, world-changing ideas, and everyday quirks—explore these and more on the official Harvard tours. Our tours are led by students and are offered both in-person, on campus and virtually. In addition, self-guided tours are offered on the Visit Harvard mobile app, available to download on iOS and Android devices.

See all of our tours

Historical Tour of Harvard

The free, student-led public walking tour through Harvard Yard provides a history of the University, general information, and a unique view on the students’ individual experience.

Private tours

Private tours of Harvard are available on campus and virtually. Please make your request at least two weeks in advance. In-person private tours are for groups of 15-60 people.

Request a tour

Visit Harvard mobile app

This free mobile app features a self-guided walking tour through Harvard Yard that highlights the history behind iconic buildings, traditions, alumni and more.

Learn more about our app

Virtual Historical Tour of Harvard

This free virtual tour of Harvard showcases rarely seen images and offers insight into current students’ experiences.

Virtual Harvard Women’s History Tour

This free, virtual tour aims to highlight the many women who have contributed to Harvard’s legacy.

Explore on your own

Turn virtually any corner at Harvard and you’ll find something that leaves you feeling inspired. Explore the places, ideas, artifacts, and moments that make us who we are.

Find more at our museums

Places we love

Harvard community members share their favorite places on campus.

A view of a winding branch with changing yellow leaves shot from the base of the tree.

William “Ned” Friedman, Director of the Arboretum

Arnold Arboretum

“There is a magnificent horticultural “sport” (genetic mutant) of the standard European beech tree (Fagus sylvatica) that came to the Arboretum in 1888 from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (and was probably collected in the wild in France). Instead of growing straight up to the sky, the shoots twist and turn into gyres, and the net effect is a tree that is essentially a small hemisphere.”

A bench surrounded by green grass and flowers.

Rhea Bennett, Class of ’20

Radcliffe’s sunken garden

“One of my favorite places on campus when the weather is warm is the sunken garden in Radcliffe Yard. It is a beautiful, little green spot on campus where the gurgle of the fountain creates a quiet, calm atmosphere. Doing work there on a sunny day makes me feel like I’m in an oasis in the middle of the city.”

Paths in the Harvard Yard covered in snow.

Jason Luke, Associate Director of custodial and support services

Tercentenary Theatre

“I keep coming back to Tercentenary Theatre. I especially like being there at night, when it’s more peaceful, sitting on the steps of Memorial Church or Sever Hall. I’ve spent a lot of time there: Commencement, presidential inaugurations, Harvard’s 375th, special convocations, Harvard College student events, and on many other occasions over the past 25 years. That space just brings back so many great memories!”