With its independent food spots, unique art galleries, and iconic history and architecture, Cambridge needs more than a day to truly get the most out of it.
Give it 48 hours and you’ll have the chance to enjoy it all, beyond the standard day trip. Here’s how to make the most of a weekend or mini-break in this ancient, prestigious, enchanting city.
Day 1
Breakfast: A Cambridge icon
It’s famous for a reason. Fitzbillies is a Cambridge rite of passage, known for its sticky, moreish Chelsea buns that have been fuelling students since 1921. Grab one warm from the oven, find a window seat, and watch the morning rush of bikes glide past.
Morning: Architecture
From there, a short stroll brings you to King’s Parade, where the spires of King’s College Chapel rise like something from a dream. Book a ticket in advance, then step inside to admire the vast fan-vaulted ceiling (it’s the world’s largest). Afterwards, head opposite to Great St Mary’s, the University Church, to climb its tower and admire panoramic views over college rooftops and the River Cam.
From here, it’s time to swap cobbled lanes for the river. Punting is Cambridge’s unofficial sport, best experienced with a guide who can steer, narrate and dodge the occasional tourist boat. Head to Scudamore’s, hire your boat, then sit back and drift past the college “Backs”, where centuries of history lean over the water alongside willow trees and wildlife.
Lunch: Riverside pub
For lunch, head to The Mill, a riverside pub loved for its picnic tables, craft ales and casual energy. On sunny days, you’ll find half of Cambridge sitting here with a pint in hand and their feet dangling over the water.
Afternoon: Museums and gardens
Spend your afternoon wandering through The Fitzwilliam Museum, an award-winning collection of art and antiquities housed in a neoclassical palace. The museum is free to enter, although donations are greatly appreciated and exhibitions require you to purchase a separate ticket.
If you prefer something less formal, the Museum of Zoology surprises with a full-sized whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling.
Before dinner, slow down at the Cambridge University Botanic Garden, forty acres of calm filled with glasshouses, rare orchids and winding paths that feel a world away from the city centre.
Evening: Dinner and cocktails
When evening comes, cross to Mill Road, the city’s buzzy strip of bars and restaurants. Fin Boys serves some of the best seafood outside London; The Petersfield is a smart yet easy-going gastropub; and 196 Cocktail Bar mixes drinks that rival anything in Soho.
Where to stay in Cambridge
Image credit: Visit Cambridge / University Arms
Come bedtime, University Arms leads the charge: a gorgeous Edwardian landmark overlooking Parker’s Piece, recently revamped by architect John Simpson and interior designer Martin Brudnizki. Expect parquet floors, clawfoot bathtubs, and the city’s smartest restaurant, Parker’s Tavern, downstairs.
For something with more of a buzz, The Varsity Hotel & Spa pairs sleek modern rooms with panoramic city views. Its Six Panoramic Bar & Brasserie and rooftop terrace are unbeatable at sunset.
Those on a smaller budget look to Gonville Hotel, a charming independent stay known for its afternoon tea and live piano in the lounge, or Tamburlaine, close to the station, for plush rooms and easy access to the city’s café scene. Another great budget hotel in Cambridge is ibis Cambridge Central Station. This hotel couldn't be more convenient, located right next to the railway station for easy transport links into the city centre, with 24-hour front desk and comfortable rooms.
Day 2
Breakfast: A local legend
Morning in Cambridge calls for caffeine, and Hot Numbers is the place to go. With two locations, including one near the train station, this independent roastery is loved by locals for its small-batch brews and next-level brunch plates.
Morning: Unique art followed by pub lunch
Once fed, make your way to Kettle’s Yard, an extraordinary gallery and former home of curator Jim Ede. Every pebble, vase, and beam of sunlight is carefully curated and thoughtfully placed. Afterwards, stroll to The Castle Inn for a classic pub lunch, or explore the market square, where local traders sell handmade jewellery, flowers, and fresh artisan food.
Afternoon: History and heritage
For the afternoon, dip into Heffers, the city’s historic bookshop, where first editions and student paperbacks mingle on the shelves. After you’ve filled your soul with the words of incredible writers, take a walk through Jesus Green, a local favourite for picnics and people-watching, or see what’s on at Cambridge Arts Theatre or the ADC, both springboards for future stars.
For the grand finale, splash out on dinner at Midsummer House, Cambridge’s dining crown jewel with two Michelin stars, exquisite service, and a riverside setting. For something more spontaneous (and budget-friendly), The Gonville Hotel’s restaurant serves excellent British plates with live jazz if you time it right.
The afterglow
Spend a weekend in Cambridge and you’ll see why it's so captivating. You leave not just with photos of grand chapels and river scenes, but with a renewed sense of curiosity for indie bookshops, unique exhibitions, and boutique hotels.
Forty-eight hours later, you’ll already be planning your return with an appetite for more.
