Just an hour north of London, the small university city of Cambridge feels like stepping straight into a British storybook. Think cobblestone lanes, ancient college courtyards, ivy-covered walls, bicycles everywhere, and a peaceful river ‘Cam’ winding through it all. At the heart of the city is the prestigious University of Cambridge, founded all the way back in 1209. But Cambridge doesn’t feel like a traditional US “college town” — the university is woven into the city itself. Its thirty-one separate colleges sit tucked behind stone gates and leafy gardens throughout the historic center, giving the entire place a timeless, almost magical atmosphere.
One of the most breathtaking sights in Cambridge is King’s College Chapel. Even if you’ve seen photos, nothing really compares to in person. The massive Gothic structure dominates the skyline, and inside you’ll find one of the most beautiful ceilings in the world — an intricate fan-vaulted masterpiece of stone — all constructed in 1446 AD. Just a short walk away are some of the university’s most famous colleges, including Trinity College, where Isaac Newton studied centuries ago, and St John’s College, home to the picturesque Bridge of Sighs that arches gracefully over the river. Wandering through these colleges feels like walking through living history (Harry Potter!)— quiet lawns, old libraries, and courtyards that have been used by scholars for hundreds of years.
Of course, the most iconic thing to do in Cambridge is get out on the water. The River Cam gently runs through the center of town, and “punting” along it has become a classic Cambridge tradition. Punts are these long, flat wooden boats that are pushed along with a pole — kinda like gondolas from Venice, but more relaxed. Floating down the river gives you one of the best views in the city as you drift past the lush lawns known as “The Backs,” where the back façades of the historic colleges meet the water. It’s incredibly peaceful, especially on a sunny afternoon when the riverbanks are filled with students and locals lounging & picnic-ing in the grass!
Cambridge is the kind of place that rewards getting lost. On narrow streets such as Trinity Lane & the winding passageways around Senate House are packed with character — old stone buildings, hidden courtyards, and bikes leaning against centuries-old walls. In the center of it all, Market Square buzzes with food stalls and local vendors. Just around the corner sits one of Cambridge’s most legendary pubs, The Eagle, where in 1953, 2 scientists announced to the pub that they had discovered the structure of DNA.
For a city its size, Cambridge also punches well above its weight when it comes to food. Everybody has to make a pilgrimage to Fitzbillies for their famously sweet & gooey Chelsea buns, which have been drawing crowds since the 1920s. Nearby, The Cambridge Chop House serves classic British dishes with views of King’s College, while Parker’s Tavern inside the stunnin’ University Arms Hotel offers a more refined take on local cuisine. And after a day of exploring, there’s nothing better than a pint by the water at The Mill while the evening light settles over the river. Two favorites from London have landed in Cambridge: Dishoom’s Permit Room for a delicious Indian experience and The Ivy for that classic British take on a Brasserie.
When I was in Cambridge, it was February, and we had some cold and overcast days — how very British. But there were some lovely days with the sun out right as the flowers were deciding to come up to say “hi!” to Spring. Layering was the name of the game on this trip, and also kept me lookin’ “smart” in prestegious collage campus such as Cambridge! Lots of NN07 Sweaters and button-downs were in the mix. When I do layer, I always aim to layer in “3s” – a button-down or tee, sweater or cardigan, and an outer layer. I had to bring my trusted waxed Barbour Beaufort Jacket for the cold and the rain, but also got to use my lighter Barbour Spey Jacket as the temperatures warmed! For the past 2 years, I’ve been rocking my Gola Cyclone sneakers, which also happen to be from the UK. They’re so comfortable, and I like having something other than a Samba!
Shop my outfits:
To eat:
- *The Ivy – If you want something a little chic right in the center of town, The Ivy is always a solid choice. It’s polished but still fun — classic British dishes, great cocktails, and a lively dining room. Perfect for a celebratory dinner or a long lunch after wandering around the colleges.
- *Dishoom Permit Room – A favorite from London! Dishoom’s Permit Room is one of the coolest spots in Cambridge right now. It has that warm, buzzing Bombay café vibe with incredible Indian comfort food — the kind of place where you order way too much and share everything. Go with friends, get a few curries, naan, and cocktails, and settle in for a long meal.
- Old Bicycle Shop – This place is classic Cambridge — cozy, a little quirky, and full of character. It’s set in an old bicycle shop (naturally), and the menu leans seasonal and modern British. Great for brunch or a relaxed dinner when you want somewhere that feels local and unfussy.
- *Brown’s – Brown’s is the kind of reliable brasserie you can always count on. It’s elegant without being stuffy and great for a leisurely lunch or classic British dinner. If you’re in the mood for oysters, steak, or a proper Sunday roast, this is a safe bet.
- *The Cambridge Chop House – The Cambridge Chop House is a great choice if you’re craving a proper British meal in the heart of the city. It sits right next to King’s College, so you can enjoy classic dishes like steak or roast while looking out at one of Cambridge’s most iconic views.
- The Giggling Squid – If you’re craving Thai food, Giggling Squid is a local favorite. The atmosphere is lively and colorful, and the menu has all the classics — curries, noodles, and loads of small plates to share. It’s fun, flavorful, and perfect for a casual dinner with friends.
- *Margaret’s Cambridge – Margaret’s is a small, stylish neighborhood restaurant that feels like a hidden gem. The menu is creative and seasonal with beautifully plated dishes, and the vibe is relaxed but thoughtful. It’s a great pick if you’re looking for something a little more special without being overly formal.
- Aromi – Aromi is one of those places you stumble into and instantly want to come back to. It’s a Sicilian café known for its incredible pizza, pastries, and gelato. Perfect for a quick lunch or an afternoon treat while exploring the city.
- *Restaurant Twenty Two – For a true fine-dining experience in Cambridge, Restaurant Twenty Two is the standout. It’s intimate, beautifully run, and focused on seasonal British ingredients with a creative twist. Definitely the spot for a memorable dinner if you want something elevated.
- Scott’s All Day – Scott’s All Day is one of the best brunch spots in the city. Expect excellent coffee, creative breakfast dishes, and a bright, relaxed atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you end up lingering longer than you planned.
- Smokeworks – Smokeworks is where you go when you’re craving serious barbecue.With slow-smoked meats, loaded trays, and big flavors. It’s casual, loud, and perfect if you’re hungry after a long day of sightseeing.
- Bread and Meat – This tiny sandwich shop has a cult following for good reason. Bread & Meat keeps things simple — incredible sandwiches made with high-quality ingredients. It’s quick, delicious, and perfect for grabbing lunch on the go.
- *Midsummer House – Midsummer House is Cambridge’s most celebrated fine-dining experience — a beautiful restaurant set in a Victorian house right on the banks of the River Cam. With two Michelin stars and an ever-evolving tasting menu, it’s the place to go if you want an unforgettable, special-occasion meal with creative, beautifully crafted dishes.
- Steak and Honour – If you want one of the best burgers in Cambridge, Steak & Honour is the place. The menu is simple, the ingredients are top quality, and the burgers are seriously good. Casual, satisfying, and always busy.
- Limoncello -Limoncello is a charming little Italian restaurant that feels warm and welcoming the moment you walk in. Expect handmade pasta, classic Italian dishes, and friendly service. It’s a great option for a cozy dinner.
- Fin Boys – Fin Boys is a tiny seafood restaurant that locals absolutely love. The menu focuses on fresh, sustainable fish and shellfish, often prepared in creative ways. It’s small, lively, and perfect if you’re in the mood for something a little different.
- Fancett’s – Fancett’s is a small neighborhood bistro with a loyal following. The cooking leans French and seasonal, and the atmosphere feels intimate and welcoming. It’s one of those places where everything feels thoughtful — a great pick for a relaxed but excellent dinner.
Coffee & Bakeries:
- *Fitzbillie’s – You can’t visit Cambridge without stopping at Fitzbillies. It’s been a local institution since the 1920s and is famous for its sticky, buttery Chelsea buns — which truly live up to the hype. It’s the perfect place to start your morning with coffee and something sweet before heading out to explore the colleges.
- Hot Numbers Coffee – Hot Numbers is one of the best coffee spots in the city if you’re serious about your espresso. The vibe is relaxed and a little hip, and they roast their own beans, so everything is top-notch. Great place to grab a coffee and recharge after a morning of walking around town.
- Charlie’s Coffee Company – Charlie’s is a small, independent café that feels very neighborhood-y in the best way. The coffee is excellent, the staff are friendly, and it’s a cozy place to sit for a while with a pastry and watch Cambridge life go by.
- Gail’s – Gail’s is a London classic! A great stop for a quality coffee and something freshly baked while you’re wandering around Cambridge. I love their spinach + feta pies!
- Bould Brothers – Bould Brothers is a favorite among locals who take their coffee seriously. It’s a sleek little café known for beautifully made espresso drinks and a constantly rotating selection of high-quality beans. If you’re a coffee nerd, this is definitely one to check out.
- Bean Theory – Bean Theory is a small specialty coffee shop that quietly does some of the best brews in the city. It’s the kind of place where the baristas really know their craft, and the atmosphere is calm and welcoming — perfect for a slower morning coffee.
- Knoops – Knoops is heaven for chocolate lovers. Their whole concept revolves around hot chocolate made with different percentages of real chocolate, so you can customize your drink exactly how you like it. On a chilly Cambridge day, it’s one of the coziest treats you can find.
- Harriet’s Tearoom – Harriet’s feels like stepping into a classic English tearoom. It’s a charming spot for afternoon tea with scones, cakes, and proper pots of tea served in a relaxed, old-school setting. A great place to slow down for an hour between sightseeing stops.
- Bedford Lodge Hotel – Just outside Cambridge in nearby Newmarket, Bedford Lodge offers a beautiful traditional afternoon tea experience. Think elegant tea service, delicate pastries, and warm scones in a peaceful countryside setting — perfect if you’re looking for a more refined afternoon treat.
- Jack’s Gelato – Jack’s Gelato is legendary in Cambridge. The flavors change constantly and range from classic to totally inventive, and there’s usually a line out the door — always a good sign. It’s the perfect stop for a sweet treat while wandering around the city.
Drinks:
- Pubs:
- The Eagle – The Eagle is probably Cambridge’s most famous pub — and for good reason. It’s been around for centuries and is where scientists James Watson and Francis Crick famously announced they had discovered the structure of DNA. It’s a classic British pub with lots of history, great beer, and a lively atmosphere — definitely worth stopping in for a pint.
- The Mill – The Mill is a classic riverside pub right along the River Cam and one of the best places in town for a relaxed pint. Grab a seat outside if the weather’s nice — it’s the perfect spot to watch the punts drift by after a day exploring the city.
- The Architect – The Architect sits right by the river and has a beautiful terrace overlooking the water. It’s an ideal place for a sunny afternoon drink or a relaxed evening cocktail while watching the punts glide past.
- Baron of Beef – This is a proper old-school Cambridge pub — cozy, historic, and full of character. It’s the kind of place where you settle in with a pint and soak up the atmosphere after a long day of exploring.
- The Mitre – The Mitre is another classic Cambridge pub right in the center of town. It’s a great stop when you’re wandering between the colleges and want a quick pint or a casual drink in a traditional setting.
- The Champion of the Thames – Locals love this pub for its excellent selection of real ales and relaxed neighborhood vibe. It’s slightly off the main tourist track, which makes it feel more authentic — perfect if you want a classic Cambridge pub experience.
- The Maypole -The Maypole is a beloved pub with a slightly quirky personality and a great selection of drinks. It’s also known for its Italian-inspired food, which makes it a great spot to settle in for a longer evening.
- The Varsity Hotel & Spa – If you want one of the best views in Cambridge, head up to the rooftop at the Varsity Hotel. From here you can see the towers and rooftops of the colleges stretching across the city. It’s a great place for sunset drinks — especially on a warm evening.
- Calverley’s – Calverley’s is a relaxed brewery taproom just outside the main tourist center. It’s laid-back, a little industrial, and perfect if you want to try locally brewed craft beer. Great spot to hang out with friends for a few casual pints.
- Thirsty – Thirsty is a small, independent craft beer bar with a rotating selection of interesting brews. It’s very low-key and local — the kind of place where you can chat with the bartender about what’s on tap and discover something new.
- Baroosh – Baroosh is a fun, lively bar right in the city center. It’s a good spot for cocktails and tends to get busy in the evenings with a younger crowd.
- La Raza – La Raza is a great late-night cocktail bar with a vibrant atmosphere. Expect creative drinks, good music, and a bit more energy than the traditional pubs around town.
- 196 – 196 is a stylish cocktail bar known for its inventive drinks and cozy vibe. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for something a little more intimate and cocktail-focused.
- Parker’s Tavern – Inside the beautiful University Arms Hotel, Parker’s Tavern is an elegant spot for a drink. It’s refined but welcoming — perfect for a pre-dinner cocktail or a glass of wine in a sophisticated setting.
- Cambridge Gin Laboratory – If you love gin, this place is a must. The Cambridge Gin Laboratory specializes in craft gin and cocktails, and they even offer experiences where you can blend your own gin. It’s fun, a little different, and very Cambridge.
- Lola Lo -Lola Lo is where things get a little more party-focused. It’s a tropical-themed cocktail bar that turns into a lively nightlife spot later in the evening — fun if you’re in the mood to keep the night going.
Things to do:
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- Explore Cambridge University:
- Tour King’s College Chapel
- Christ’s College: stunning embossed crests over Narnia-style doorways
- Magdalene College: Pepys Library and views of the river
- Downing College: classical style architecture and modern art in The Heong Gallery
- Jesus College: a long Harry Potter-style entrance, sculptures and gardens galore
- Sir Isaac Newton’s Apple Tree
- Tour Great St. Mary’s
- Visit the Round Church
- Punting on the river Cam (with Rutherford’s or Cambridge Chauffeur Punts)
- Visit The Fitzwilliam Museum
- “Climb” to the top of Castle Mound
- See the Mathematical Bridge
- See the Corpus Clock
- See a movie at Everyman Cinema
- Walk along “the backs” and have a picnic
- Visit the Cambridge market square
- Shop along Trinity Street
- Visit Bookshops:
- Visit the Botanical Garden of Cambridge
- Explore Cambridge University:
To stay:
- University Arms – University Arms is one of Cambridge’s most iconic hotels, sitting right on Parker’s Piece and just a short walk from the historic colleges. It blends classic Cambridge elegance with modern luxury, and the bar and restaurant — Parker’s Tavern — make it a great place to relax after a day exploring the city.
- Wilde Aparthotels – Wilde Aparthotels is a fantastic option if you want something stylish and modern right in the center of Cambridge. The rooms are sleek and apartment-style with kitchenettes, which makes it a great base if you’re staying a few days and want a little more space.
- The Varsity Hotel & Spa – The Varsity Hotel & Spa is a boutique hotel right by the River Cam with some of the best views in the city. Its rooftop terrace is a highlight — the perfect place for a drink while looking out over the rooftops and college towers of Cambridge.
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What really makes Cambridge special is the atmosphere. It’s not flashy or fast-paced — instead, it’s quietly beautiful and endlessly charming. Students bike past medieval chapels, chapel bells ring across the courtyards, and the river glides through it all as it has for centuries. Spend a day wandering its streets, drifting along the Cam, and soaking in the history, and it’s easy to see why so many people fall in love with Cambridge the moment they arrive.
Stay risky,
– John
