Cambridge Itinerary: A 48-Hour Summer Guide by a Local Architect

The perfect two day Cambridge Itinerary picked by me! Your backpacking architect and local Cambridgeshire boy Jack!

Cambridge is a city where history, academia, and stunning architecture come together to create a truly unforgettable destination. Home to one of the world’s most prestigious universities (although Oxford would argue otherwise) Cambridge offers visitors centuries-old colleges, charming cobbled streets, breathtaking riverside views, and a vibrant cultural scene. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or just looking for a relaxing weekend escape, Cambridge has something for everyone.

The best part is, Cambridge is located just an hour from London, it’s the perfect destination for a weekend getaway; and in this architects opinion, its a must stop if you are visiting the UK or heck if you live in the UK you should be checking it out!

Cambridge really is the embodiment of the British stereotype of rich heritage, unique attractions, and more architectural lore than you can shake a stick at! The city centre is nice and safe due to its young student demographic, so you can explore confidently rather than feeling like you are going to have your phone snatched out out your hand (see our Is London Safe blog for more on this!) so lets get you to Cambridge and let me help you organise your stay with the Perfect Weekend Itinerary for this wonderful city.

Just a note I have called this a weekend Itinerary, but naturally if you are able to visit during the week, Cambridge will be a lot less busy! Ohh and you can find everything including links to places on the map at the bottom of the page.

-- Cambridge 2-Day Itinerary,

A 48-Hour Summer Guide for 2025 --

Arrive the night before so we can get a full day in (accommodation recommendations below). Lets check out this Cambridge Itinerary.

Day 01 (Saturday)

8:00 am - Breakfast Fitzbillies (on the map)

Start your day with breakfast at Fitzbillies, a legendary Cambridge café famous for its sticky Chelsea buns which they have been baking for over 100 years!

10:00 am Trinity College Tour

Founded in 1546 by King Henry VIII, Trinity College is the largest and wealthiest of Cambridge’s colleges. Its Great Court is the biggest enclosed courtyard in Europe, famously featured in the movie Chariots of Fire.

The Wren Library, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, is home to rare manuscripts, including Sir Isaac Newton’s notebooks and the first editions of Shakespeare’s works. Visitors can usually enter the library during opening hours for free, book your tickets through the colleges home page and be guided round by a porter.

12:00 am - Cambridge & Kings College Walking Tour

Just down the road after your trinity tour, its time to get to know the city better with a walking tour of the colleges.

The cool thing about these tours are they are alumni led, so you get a super knowledgable tour guide explaining all you need to know about the colleges. From Sir Isaac Newton to Stephen Hawking you will get deep insights into the importance of Cambridge and its university scene.

Reserve your spot on the Cambridge Alumini Tour (they are popular) in the knowledge you are in safe hands. Make sure to check out the King’s College Chapel (additional cost), One of the most iconic sights in Cambridge, the chapel features stunning Gothic architecture and one of the finest fan-vaulted ceilings in the world. Tickets are available 'on the door' (your guide will help you here) or from the Kings College home page which I will link here 👈 If you do not want to take the walking tour then you can simply do the collage on your todd! There are also options for private tours if you want a more intimate experience without a group but they are more expensive.

2pm - Lunch at The Eagle Pub (on the map)

If you want to experience a real 'English Pub' then this is the one. It has an added bonus! The Eagle Pub is also where the discovery of life' building blocks, DNA was announced!

4pm - Go punting along the River Cam 

Now you have seen the street side of the colleges lets see them from the water, punting down the river in Cambridge is almost as iconic as doing it in Venice (well at least for us Brits!). Glide past the famous colleges and under picturesque bridges, your guide will give you more of the cities history ... you know what, pack a note book!

Walk along The Backs

Often the iconic images you see of the colleges are from the river side facades, think beautifully striped lawns leading from a stunning piece of architecture to the river beyond, perfect. After your boat ride and tours you will be able to understand the universities better and snap some stunning photos.

7pm - Dinner at Midsummer House 

A two-Michelin-starred restaurant offering a fine-dining experience in a beautiful riverside setting, naturally this is not the cheap option but if you are looking for a special way to spend an evening perhaps with a loved one then its a fantastic option.

10pm - Nightcap at The Pickerel Inn (on the map) – Get inn and amongst the locals at the Pickerel inn for one last drink before hitting the hay. Or if you have had the perfect evening at Midsummer then simply head back and get your head down ready for another day of exploration.

Day 02 (Sunday)

8am - Breakfast at Aromi

A cozy Italian café serving delicious pastries and coffee. A great place to start the day.

9:00am - Visit the Fitzwilliam Museum

Cambridge’s most renowned museum, featuring art, antiquities, and incredible exhibitions, its a bit like an antique shop for art history!

11am - Climb St Mary’s Church Tower

We have seen Cambridge from the streets we have seen it from the water, now it is time to see it from above, the best spot for this is from St.Mary's Church Tower for one of the best views over Cambridge. Spend a little time here before we go and grab some lunch.

12am - Explore the Cambridge Market Square & Shops

A great place to find artisan foods, vintage goods, and souvenirs, there are also food options here if you want to grab something on the fly instead of sitting in and dining. Do not forget to have a look at the Harry Potter shop and wander down the streets fronting Kings Collage to find all things Cambridge!

1pm - Afternoon tea at Six

After views from the tower how about having afternoon tea with them six is a restaurant with beautiful views across the roof-scapes. This place is the perfect spot for afternoon tea before we step away from the centre of the city for a bit and head to ...

2pm+ - Cambridge University Botanic Garden – A beautiful and peaceful escape showcasing a variety of plant species. Its the perfect place to slowly walk off your sandwiches and cakes.

5pm - Parkers Tavern

A restaurant inside the architecturally stunning University Arms Hotel, serving classic British cuisine with a modern twist.

7pm - Cambridge Arts Theatre or ADC 

A fantastic way to experience Cambridge’s cultural scene, in 2025 there are construction works going on which at the Cambridge Arts Theatre these are meant to be completed around autumn. If you go before they reopen and want to take in a show then the alternative is the student led ADC theatre.

-- Where to Stay in Cambridge, Top Rated Accommodations for all budgets --

There are some fantastic places to stay in Cambridge for all kinds of budgets so fear not, Cambridge is accessible to everyone from backpackers on a budget to those looking for a luxury retreat.

🏛️ Blueprint Architecture Rating → Out of 5 based on historical significance, design quality, and uniqueness.

 🎨 Blueprint Interior Design Rating → Out of 5 based on style, aesthetics, and traveller experience

🎒 Backpackers on a budget

YHA Cambridge – Affordable, Social & Functional

Architecture: 🏛️ Standard modern hostel building; not much historical charm, but functional and well-located.

Interior: 🎨🎨🎨 Clean, simple, and practical; good common areas but lacks standout character.

Vibe: Friendly and budget-friendly, ideal for solo travellers and backpackers looking for an affordable base in Cambridge.

Ideal for: Backpackers, students, and budget-conscious travellers.

🏠 Mid-Range budget (Comfort & Style)

University Arms - Classic Meets Contemporary

Architecture: 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ Stunning Edwardian building, beautifully restored to retain its historic character.

Interior: 🎨🎨🎨🎨🎨 Sophisticated & elegant; plush interiors with Cambridge-inspired touches, a literary theme, and rich detailing.

Vibe: High-end boutique hotel feel with a strong academic, Cambridge-inspired aesthetic.

Ideal for: Couples, professionals, and visitors looking for a stylish stay with historical charm.

Clayton Hotel Cambridge - Modern Elegance with a Touch of History

Architecture: 🏛️🏛️ A modern hotel with Victorian influences, blending well into Cambridge’s architectural fabric.

Interior: 🎨🎨🎨 Smart, stylish interiors with plush furnishings and a refined, upscale atmosphere.

Vibe: Sleek and comfortable, a perfect balance of modern luxury and Cambridge heritage.

Ideal for: Couples, professionals, and visitors looking for a comfortable but stylish stay.

Graduate Cambridge - Quirky, Collegiate-Themed Stay

Architecture Rating: 🏛️🏛️🏛️ Charming riverside location, with some traditional Cambridge architectural details.

Interior: 🎨🎨🎨🎨🎨 One of the most unique stays in Cambridge - vintage, university-inspired interiors with a cosy, nostalgic feel.

Vibe: Boutique meets collegiate nostalgia, a playful nod to Cambridge’s academic heritage.

Ideal for: Alumni, tourists, and those looking for a fun, design-led stay with personality.

🏛️ Luxury (High-End & Architecturally Beautiful Stays)

Gonville Hotel - Grand, Historic & Elegant

Architecture: 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ Beautifully restored Regency-style building, exuding timeless elegance.

Interior: 🎨🎨🎨🎨 Refined interiors with a mix of traditional and modern luxury.

Vibe: Classy and refined, with an old-world charm that still feels fresh and inviting.

Ideal for: Luxury travellers, romantic getaways, and history lovers.

The Varsity Hotel & Spa – Luxury with a View

Architecture: 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ Modern meets historic; parts of the hotel retain Cambridge’s heritage charm, while others are sleek & contemporary.

Interior: 🎨🎨🎨🎨🎨 Top-tier luxury; plush interiors, sophisticated spa, and one of the best rooftop bars in the city.

Vibe: Chic and stylish, the perfect mix of classic Cambridge and modern indulgence.

Ideal for: Couples, high-end travellers, and those who want a boutique luxury stay with incredible views.

-- How to Get to Cambridge from London --

The are several options for getting from London to Cambridge, if you are not in London but in a surrounding area, the best way will likely be to drive unless you are not confident on the roads at which point you should be able to find a route via train line (link below)

🚆 By Train London to Cambridge

Time: Around 50 minutes

Depart From: London King’s Cross or London Liverpool Street

Best For: Speed and convenience, with frequent departures throughout the day.

How to do it: The best and easiest way to get around the UK via train to to simply download the 'trainline app' I use it for all my train travel, it is also the most economical and quickest way of getting tickets.

London side note: The underground is contactless so you can simply use your phone or a bank card to pass through the barriers, no need for a ticket office.

🚌 By Bus London to Cambridge

Time: Around 2 hours

Depart From: London Victoria Coach Station

Best For: Budget travellers, with National Express offering comfortable and affordable rides. Alternate try Bus Bud which can get you from Montfichet Rd London to Trumpington Park and Ride (just outside of Cambridge), you will then need to get a separate bus to the city centre. Cheaper, but more hassle!

🚗 By Car

Time: Around 1.5 hours (depending on traffic)

Best For: Those wanting to explore the countryside or nearby villages, though parking in Cambridge is limited.

London Car Tip: Get a car as far north as possible discover cars have collections available from St.Pancreas station. This way you are on the right side of the city and do not have to drive through it and London is not the most fun of places to drive through!

-- Cambridge On the Map --

-- Final Thoughts and more on Cambridge --

A weekend in Cambridge is an unforgettable experience for tourists and UK nationals alike. Offering a perfect mix of history, architecture, culture, and relaxation. Whether you’re punting along the Cam, exploring centuries-old colleges, or indulging in the city’s fantastic food scene, Cambridge has something for every type of traveller. In the summer is really is the perfect get away as people enjoy sitting on the grass along the river and in the parks enjoying a G&T in the sunshine. If Cambridge architecture excites you then make sure to check out my youtube video on Ely Cathedral

🚶‍♂️ Have you explored Cambridge? Share your favourite spots in the comments!

📷 Follow my journey on Youtube (@BackpackersBlueprint) for more travel inspiration and architecture!

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