What is there to do in Cambridge? You might be wondering? I fell in love with Cambridge on my very first visit – it’s one of those cities that instantly charms you. If you’re planning a Cambridge day trip, you’re in for a treat. From wandering the atmospheric streets lined with historic colleges to stopping at cosy cafes and local shops, there’s always something to discover. I loved spotting hidden courtyards, enjoying quiet riverside corners, and soaking up the city’s unique mix of history and student energy. Let me tell you about all of my favourite spots to explore, where to eat & drink and which tours are worth booking. I’ve also put together a handy Cambridge one day itinerary so you can make the most of every minute in this beautiful city.
Things to do in Cambridge
Punting Tour
After my trip, I’d say the punting tour is a must for any Cambridge one day itinerary. It’s a great way to see a different side of the city, rest your legs, and soak up the history of the colleges and riverside buildings. I booked a shared tour with Cambridge Punt Company – but I ended up being the only person on it, so it turned into an accidental private tour! My guide, Joe, was hilarious and shared a perfect mix of funny stories and interesting facts. Plus, there are so many photo opportunities that your camera will be full by the end of your Cambridge day trip.
The shared tours are more affordable, but there are also options for private tours if you would prefer not to share with others. The tour is about 45 minutes and I would recommend booking in advance.
See the sights
There is lots to see in Cambridge and I really enjoyed just walking around and seeing where I ended up. I’ll admit, I had made a little guide with pins of all the spots I wanted to see beforehand. That way, I knew roughly what route to take and could tick off all the sights I was interested in. Here are my top four sights you absolutely shouldn’t miss. I’ve also included a few more on my Cambridge one day itinerary further down!
- Mathematical Bridge
- Corpus Clock
- Kings College
- The Backs
♥ Tip: If you do a punting tour then you also get to go underneath the mathematical bridge as that’s the spot where they turn the punts around.
Visit the colleges
I wish I could tell you more about visiting the colleges as I really wanted to see them during my visit. Unfortunately they were closed during the day in mid December that I was in the city as there was filming going on. At least it’s a good reason to come back soon as see more of Cambridge.
Although King’s College is the most popular, thanks to its stunning Chapel, many other colleges are worth visiting too. Check the individual college websites before your visit for opening times and ticket info. Be aware that mid-April to mid-June is the Quiet Period, when exams take place. During this time, some colleges may not allow visitors.
- Kings College
- Trinity College
- St John’s
- Clare College
- Pembroke College
- Queens College
- Jesus College
Climb the church tower of St Marys
First up, a warning: this isn’t for anyone scared of heights, claustrophobic, or not great with stairs. The church tower of St Mary’s has 123 steps, winding up a narrow, uneven spiral staircase. I had to stop a few times to catch my breath. It can feel a bit scary going up and down because the space is so tight. The church itself is worth seeing and free to enter. If you want to climb the tower, tickets cost around £7.50.
Visit a Museum:
My top recommendation if you want to visit only one museum in Cambridge is the Fitzwilliam Museum. I fell in love with this gorgeous building and the staff were also so helpful with questions. When you walk into the great hall I highly recommend asking the people at the reception desk to tell you more about the room itself and the different international marbles used for it for example. There is a lot to see here and there is also a café if you fancy something to eat, a refreshment or hot drink.
There are of course plenty of other museums in Cambridge as well so you can pick and choose from your own personal interests. You could probably plan a full Cambridge one day itinerary visiting only the different museums across the city.
♥ Need somewhere to stay on your Cambridge trip? Check out our guide to the best hotels!
Where to eat & drink in Cambridge
- Fitzbillies: Fitzbillies are known for the Chelsea Bun so that is a must-try, but they also do breakfast, afternoon tea and cakes.
- Old Bicycle Shop: British bistro classics in what is known as the oldest bicycle shop in the country!
- Kibou: Japanese cuisine with a lot of options such as different sushi and ramen.
- Oz & Isle: the restaurant at The Hobson by Adina hotel which does small plates for sharing. My recommendations is the gin & dill cured salmon and the perfectly pink sirloin.
- The Cambridge Chop House: Choose between different cuts of meat and find the ones that suits you.
- d’Arrys: Go for the cheese as they have a varied selection!
- Fancett’s: French-inspired fine dining recommended in the Michelin Guide and Good Food Guide for 2025.
Ultimate 1 day itinerary for your Cambridge day trip
Morning
- 09.00: Grab breakfast at your hotel or at Fitzbillies (don’t forget to try the local classic: the Chelsea Bun!).
- 10.00: Time to see the sights. Start at The Fitzwilliam Museum and explore the various rooms and collections. Then you can continue your walk to first the mathematical bridge, around the backs to see Kings College from a different angle. Once you head back over the river at Trinity Bridge you witl be in the perfect spot to see both Triniy Lane with its iconic chimneys and the Senate House Passage which is another good photo spot. As you head back around to Kings College, why not check out the corpus clock and see if you can watch it long enough to see any of its quirky movements.
Midday
- 12.00: Book in for a tour of Kings College to see these famous grounds and the chapel as well. Booking in advance is advised.
- 13.00: Sit down for lunch at Kibou if you fancy Japanese flavours or the Old Bicycle Shop for British bistro classics.
- 14.00: Head along to the meet up spot for you shared or private punting tour. It’s the perfect activity to see new angles of Cambridge and learn more about the universities, history and pepple who have passed through here before you. You can also pass by the round church on the way for another photo opportunity.
- 15.00: Climb the 123 steps up the church tower of St Marys to admire some stunnin views. Then spend some time for some shopping around Rose Crescent. Check out the Cambridge University Press Bookshop or Ryder & Amies for university merchandise souvenirs.
Evening
- 17.00: Head back to the hotel and freshen up before dinner. Maybe have a little quick nap after all those steps you’ve done.
- 18.00: Dinner at d’Arrys (you’ll have to try at least one cheese), The Cambridge Chop House where you can pick from a variety of different cuts of meat or Fancett’s for more of a French-influenced fine dining option.
- 20.00: Go for a cocktail or two at Oz & Isle at The Hobson by Adina or Parker’s Tavern.
- 22.00: Go to bed and enjoy a lovely night’s sleep after spending so much time walking around and experiencing beautiful Cambridge.
Read more about the United Kingdom
England
- The Hobson Cambridge by Adina Review: Elegance and history meet in this apartment hotel
- Visiting the Christmas Market in Cambridge
- Where to stay in Cambridge: the 11 best hotels in this historic town
- The Old Rectory by Crabtree & Crabtree: a wholesome escape to a Northumberland holiday cottage
- The Roseate Villa Bath: A Boutique Hotel Full of English Charm
- Bath England Hotel Guide: Luxury Stays in a Historic Spa City
- The best places for afternoon tea in London: from classic British luxury to fantastic views and fusion flavours
Scotland
- Edinburgh: A local’s guide and recommendations to things to do and see
- The Three Chimneys Isle of Skye: Where Luxury Meets Wilderness
- Inside Ardbeg House: Islay’s Ultimate Whisky Hotel
- Isle of Raasay Guide – the hidden island gem next to the Isle of Skye
- Romantic getaways in Scotland: The Most Luxurious Escapes for Couples in 2026
Read all our articles from Scotland in our travel guide.
Meet Moa, our multi-talented writer from Sweden who now calls Edinburgh, Scotland home. With over a decade exploring Europe’s hidden corners—from Nordic landscapes to alpine villages—Moa brings a unique perspective shaped by her years as a travel guide in the Swiss and Austrian Alps. As a whisky book author and freelance drinks writer, she has an eye for exceptional food and beverage experiences, while her background as a photographer ensures she never misses a scenic moment. Whether she’s discovering old European cities or chasing golden hour in mountain villages, Moa’s stories blend cultural insight with a dash of adventure and plenty of authenticity.
