Walking along the River Cam today feels less like tourism and more like slipping into a living library, where the quiet intensity of study mixes with the gentle bobbing of punts. It is a city that balances profound historical weight with a surprisingly relaxed, green atmosphere, inviting you to wander through time while sipping coffee in its charming, sun-dappled squares.
Do Cambridge the way locals do: start slow at Ferry Meadows in Nene Park, eat where the regulars do at Dishoom Permit Room Cambridge, let the evening run long at Eagle.
Top things to do in Cambridge
Ranked by rating and review volume. These earn their hype. Booking links may earn Roam a commission, at no cost to you.
1
IWM Duxford
WWI airfield displaying hundreds of military and civilian vehicles, plus exhibits on warfare.
Check tours & tickets2
The Fitzwilliam Museum
Huge showcase of classical art & artefacts, from Asian ceramics to armour, coins & paintings.
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Anglesey Abbey
Art-filled mansion and historic buildings in 98 acres of landscaped grounds filled with statuary.
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Cambridge University Botanic Garden
40 acres of gardens and plants, popular with families and couples, plus glasshouses and a cafe.
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National Trust - Wimpole Estate
Country estate with parkland and walled gardens, a family-friendly farm and a grand mansion.
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American Air Museum, Duxford
History museum since 1997 showcasing an extensive collection of US military aircraft & memorabilia.
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Traditional Punting Cambridge
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Parker's Piece
25 grassy acres of pathways and pitches, reputed to be the birthplace of the rules of football.
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Escape Hunt Cambridge
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Cambridge Market Square
Outdoor market showcasing gourmet food stalls, plus Cambridge University clothing & souvenirs.
Check tours & ticketsWhere to eat
Local favorites, not tourist traps.
11
Dishoom Permit Room Cambridge
Website12
Eagle
Drinking and thinking hub where Watson and Crick announced they had discovered 'the secret of life'.
Website13
Pizza Pilgrims Cambridge
Website14
The Tiffin Truck
Street-eats, snacks, afternoon tea & Indian cocktails are offered in a casual, colorful setting.
Website15
Mina Pan Asian - Cambridge
Posh halal hangout with rose-clad decor serving steaks, burgers, seafood & mocktails, plus shisha.
Website16
Browns Cambridge
All-day British chain brasserie & bar with lobster nights & afternoon tea in a grand cafe setting.
Website17
Bill's Cambridge Restaurant
Contemporary European chain dishing up separate breakfast, afternoon tea, lunch and dinner menus.
Website18
The Cambridge Blue
Cosy pub and garden for snacks and simple British dishes plus a huge menu of international beers.
WebsiteHungry for more? Book a food tour or tasting in Cambridge
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Tours worth booking ahead
These sell out, so lock them in early.
19
Lets Go Punting Cambridge
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Traditional Punting Cambridge
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We Are Cambridge | Punting & Walking Tours
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Scholars Punting
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Cambridge Punt Company
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Rutherford's Punting Cambridge
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25
Ferry Meadows in Nene Park
Destination for walks, fishing, horseback riding & other activities amid meadows, woodlands & lakes.
Website26
National Trust - Houghton Mill & Waterclose Meadows
National Trust-owned flour mill constructed largely from wood with an artificially filled mill pond.
Website27
Hinchingbrooke Country Park
Home to a variety of birds & wildlife, this park features open grassy expanses, wetlands & lakes.
Website28
National Trust - Wicken Fen Nature Reserve
Conservation area with a raised boardwalk over wetland habitat and rare species like hen harriers.
Website29
Milton Country Park
A 95-acre woodlands & wetlands area, with cycling paths and a small cafe.
WebsiteAfter dark
30
Eagle
Drinking and thinking hub where Watson and Crick announced they had discovered 'the secret of life'.
Website31
Revolution Revolution Cambridge
Individually styled chain bar with a global menu of comfort-food classics and nightly happy hours.
Website32
Boom Battle Bar Cambridge
Website33
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