
Places to stay near Harvard University
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Top-rated vacation rentals near Harvard University
Guests agree: these stays are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.

Best House Cambridge/Somerville
spacious 1900's mansard Victorian. Bright cheerie & centrally located if you're looking for a pad in Cambridge/Somerville. A 10-12minute walk to Harvard Square & close to the Red Line. Great kitchen, living room & /cablewifi. Three bedrooms--one with a European Queen Bed, one double bed & one single. There is one full bathroom w/a large glass shower & a claw foot tub. There is a half bath on the first floor. There is a front porch to sit & sip wine on & a back deck where you can grill & eat out on. I've been living here 12 years--Its tastefully appointed, eclectic finds & a mid century modern touch--absolutely the best equipted kitchen. I've been a chef in Boston & Cambridge for quite some time!
ValueFamilyPool
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 337 reviews
Sunny, private, quiet, modern apt near Harvard/MIT
Owner-managed! Unique, fair cancellation policy: if someone rents it for dates you canceled, you get a refund. Why should you pay if it gets rented after you cancel? Near Harvard, MIT, MGH, Children's Hospital. Private, modern, clean, serene. Sleeps 2 couples + infant. Very comfortable queen bed in bedroom. Living room queen sofa-bed much more comfortable than most. Pack-n-play for baby. Air conditioning. Big kitchen. Dishwasher, gas range, cookware, dishes. Washing machine & dryer (no fee).
ValueFamilyCleanliness
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 287 reviews
Private Studio in Top Location: Steps to Harvard
Lovely studio on the ground level of a classic brick townhouse in Cambridge. Practically on campus: walk to Harvard yard (5 min) or MIT (15 min). Back porch for enjoying fresh air. Well appointed; areas for seating, dining, private bathroom w/tub, and kitchenette (mini fridge, oven, microwave, toaster, espresso machine), smart TV, and everything you need for an enjoyable stay. 3 minutes to #1 bus stop, 7 to Harvard subway. Walk score 95: Walker's paradise! Bike score: 93: Biker's paradise!
ValueFamilyCheck-in
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 195 reviews
Pvt Bedrm/Bathrm/Kitch'ette on Quiet Tree Lined St
One (1) private bedroom with new queen bed, private bath and private kitchenette in renovated 1860's house on a quiet, tree lined street in Cambridge. Separate dedicated entrance for the exclusive use of our guests. Short walk to Red Line T-stop, Charles River, neighborhood parks and great local coffee shops and restaurants. Only one mile to Harvard, MIT or BU. Free visitor parking permit available upon request. Note: House rules include: no smoking, no fire arms, and no vaping on property.
ValueLocationBathroom
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 120 reviews
Phil's Harvard Home - Harvard Set
Right at the heart of Harvard University, we are seconds away from university facilities and key attractions, making it a perfect place to stay if you are interested in exploring Harvard. The apartment is part of a beautiful Victorian-style house with classic architectural charm and rich history. Your space is completely private and includes a bedroom, a bathroom, a living room, and a beautiful private backyard. The entire apartment and backyard were recently renovated and updated in 2026.
FamilyValueAir conditioning
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 198 reviews
Lux 2BR Apt w/ Pool and Gym
Welcome to your perfect getaway! Our space combines the comforts of home with luxurious amenities to make your stay truly special. Highlights: • Conveniently close to Downtown Boston • Meticulously deep-cleaned before every stay • Complimentary gourmet coffee, fresh linens, and premium bathroom essentials • 24/7 access to a state-of-the-art fitness center • Modern yoga studio and high-tech training equipment • Experience the charm of Somerville while enjoying hotel-quality amenities at home.
FamilyValueCheck-in
4.87 out of 5 average rating, 202 reviews
Cambridge Retreat - Sunny 2BR - Close to Harvard
Beautiful two bedroom apartment on the first floor of a classic two-family home in West Cambridge. A corner lot in a quiet neighborhood, with a grassy yard on three sides and small city garden across the street. A block from Danehy Park, a five minute walk to Huron Village and Fresh Pond Reservation, a twenty minute walk to Porter Square, and a quick bus ride to Harvard Square. A perfect home base for college tours and working vacations. The owners, long time Airbnb travelers, live upstairs.
LocationFamilyView
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 183 reviews
Stay Across from Harvard's Campus!
You can see the back of Widener Library in Harvard's Old Yard from the front door. Minutes away from the Harvard T-station with lots of shops, restaurants, and cafes, the apartment is a perfectly situated amongst the best of the in the Boston/Cambridge area. PLEASE take the time to read the entire description before proceeding with an inquiry or a booking request. Most of your questions will be answered below and you will need to RESPOND WITH THE CODE WORD in order to book. Thanks ;-)
ValueFamilyHospitality
4.83 out of 5 average rating, 281 reviews
Sunny Apt near MIT/Harvard Central Sq-FreeParking
BIG & BRIGHT renovated 1 bdrm apt w/10 FT ceilings. Walk to MIT or HARVARD. We’re in Cambridge Central Sq., 5 min walk to Red Line Central Sq. Station, 8-12 min walk to MIT & Harvard Square. Parking Pass available upon request. KEY PAD CODE ENTRY! SELF-check in/out. Private entrance. Free coffee (Keurig). MINIMALIST KITCHEN: Pots, pans, cutlery, silverware, cups, plates, bowls w/20 spice rack. 50" TV w/Cable 1 Queen bed, 1 leather sleeper sofa, 1 chaise sleeper & 1 Gray sleeper sofa
FamilyValueCondition
4.75 out of 5 average rating, 329 reviews
Spacious 2BR 2 bath, walk to Harvard & MIT
Welcome! This home is spacious and airy, with high ceilings and open floor plan. Charming, historic house with all modern amenities: central A/C, stainless steel appliances, Wi-fi, and washer/dryer in unit. Complimentary coffee & tea. Quiet, residential street, yet close to everything: 10 min walk to Harvard, 20-30 min walk to MIT, bus or T (subway) to Boston (25 min). WholeFoods, restaurants, and shops around the corner, with lots more within 5-15 mins walk. Parking by arrangement.
LocationValueDecor
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 363 reviews
Spacious 2 bedrooms Apt -Roof deck NO Cleaning fee
A brand new spacious 3rd floor apartment over 1,000 sq ft centrally locate, near 2 subway stations/bus line, 4 grocery stores within 10 mins walk. The apt has a big kitchen, roof top deck and a huge yard. All brand new furnitures from Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn and West Elm. Bed sheet sets from Crate & Barrel. NO Cleaning fee. We offer a great atmosphere, high quality amenities and cleanliness are utmost importance. Please read the reviews from prior guests.
ValueLocationWifi
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 912 reviews
RiverSide Studio next to Harvard /MIT/BU w/parking
Discover historic charm in our 1880s studio with a beautiful backyard and patio. Right in the heart of Harvard University, just steps from student dorms Mather House & Dunster House, and key attractions like the Charles River and eclectic shops. Walking distance to HBS, HLS, MIT, Harvard Sq, Central Sq. Easy access to the rest of Boston via Red Line, car, or bike - this is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the essence of Harvard, Cambridge, and Boston.
FamilyLocationWifi
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 344 reviewsPopular amenities for vacation rentals near Harvard University
Condo rentals with wifi

Private studio w/ parking by MIT/Harvard/BU/Fenway
FamilyLocationAir conditioning
4.86 out of 5 average rating, 1131 reviews
Cambridge Base Steps to Porter Square
FamilyValueAccuracy
4.85 out of 5 average rating, 331 reviews
Luxury 4BR near Harvard/MIT w/ King Beds+Parking!
LocationValueHospitality
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 136 reviews
Pretty private garden-level condo+parking near MIT
LocationValueCheck-in
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 208 reviews
Modern, Spacious, Top Floor Condo in A++ Location!
ValueFamilyHospitality
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 116 reviews
Full 1800 Sq Feet Condo Steps from Hip Davis Sq.
FamilyValueCleanliness
4.84 out of 5 average rating, 199 reviews
2bd Kg bd Harvard MIT-subway parking near dwntn -1
ValueLocationHospitality
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 242 reviews
Lovely Studio - Spotless, W/D, Parking, Private
FamilyLocationAccess
4.87 out of 5 average rating, 124 reviewsFamily-friendly house rentals

Stunning urban hideaway nearby Harvard Square
LocationValueParking
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 338 reviews
MIT/Harvard/Kendall/Central 3Br with 1 Parking
FamilyValueLong stay
4.8 out of 5 average rating, 258 reviews
Cozy, Spacious Home in the Heart of Cambridge
FamilyLocationCleanliness
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 237 reviews
Luxurious House-Harvard/PorterT 4BR/4Bath, Parking
FamilyValueWifi
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 357 reviews
Cambridge Cottage Retreat Near Harvard
FamilyLocationDecor
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 13 reviews
Modern 3BR House| 2 ParkingSpots|Boston| Harvard
ValueLocationGetting around
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 39 reviews
2 bed apartment in Somerville AC parking included
FamilyLocationIndoor spaces
4.87 out of 5 average rating, 45 reviews
Luxe Home w/ Driveway Parking! Close to Boston
FamilySleep qualityComfort
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 3 reviewsApartment rentals with air conditioning

Newly-Renovated, Stunning Cambridge 2BR
ValueLocationHospitality
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 536 reviews
*1 bedroom * free parking Harvard MIT Cambridge 4
ValueFamilyCondition
4.83 out of 5 average rating, 515 reviews
Wonderful Cambridge Apt. for Short and Long Stays!
ValueFamilyHeating
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 116 reviews
Luxurious Home | Free Parking near Harvard, MIT, T
ValueLocationCleanliness
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 126 reviews
2-bedroom quiet Cambridge, sleeps up to 5
ValueFamilyAccess
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 180 reviews
Cambridge Luxurious Apartment Free Parking
LocationFamilyHeating
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 114 reviews
New 3 bedroom, 2 bath unit, meadow view!
ValueFamilyLaundry
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 145 reviews
Picture-perfect Cambridge guest apartment, parking
ValueFamilyCleanliness
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 398 reviewsOther great vacation rentals near Harvard University

Cozy 2BR near Harvard & MIT
ValueLocationComfort
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 53 reviews
Apartment in Cambridge
ValueFamilyView
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 42 reviews
The Cambridge Five | Luxe 5BR 3BA |2 Parking Spots
FamilyLocationWalkability
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 5 reviews
Steps to Harvard | Cozy Studio w/ Private Yard
LocationValueShared spaces
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 28 reviews
Monthly Academic Retreat | Steps to Harvard
LocationHospitalityAmenities
4.86 out of 5 average rating, 7 reviews
Harvard MIT Gem| Games+FREE Parking+Subway
FamilyValueCheck-in
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 41 reviews
Best Location at Harvard University! Free Parking!
ValueLocationNearby
4.75 out of 5 average rating, 212 reviews
Private Cambridge Studio • Parking • Harvard/MIT
LocationKitchenWifi
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 8 reviewsFrequently Asked Questions
Where is Harvard University located?
Harvard University is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, near the Charles River and just outside Boston. The campus sits among historic neighborhoods, lively shopping areas, and several museums.
When is the best time to visit Harvard University?
Late spring and early fall are frequently suggested for visiting Harvard University, with comfortable temperatures and leafy campus scenery. Winters can be quite cold and snowy, while summers bring warmer days and more outdoor activities around campus.
How old is Harvard University?
Harvard University was founded in the 1600s, making it over 380 years old. Its longstanding history is visible in the campus’s architecture and traditions.
Why was Harvard University built?
Harvard University was established in the 1600s to train clergy and civic leaders for the early colonial community. Over time, it grew into a broader institution supporting research and education in many fields.
What are some things to do near Harvard University?
You can explore the Harvard Art Museums, browse shops and cafés in Harvard Square, or stroll the university’s historic campus. The area also has live performances, public lectures, and parks for relaxing or people-watching.
How is the weather near Harvard University?
Expect cold winters near 23–37°F (-5–3°C), with snowfall possible, and warm summers around 66–82°F (19–28°C). Spring and fall bring milder temperatures and frequent rainfall, so packing layers and a rain jacket is helpful.
How was Harvard University built?
Early buildings at Harvard University were constructed using regional materials like wood and brick, reflecting colonial architecture. Over the years, the campus evolved with a mix of historic and modern facilities, often designed by noted architects.
What is the history of Harvard University?
Harvard University has roots as one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the United States, founded in the 1600s. Its campus has witnessed significant academic, scientific, and social developments over the centuries, reflecting broader changes in American society.
Destinations to explore
- Fenway Park
- Hampton Beach
- TD Garden
- Boston Seaport
- Gillette Stadium
- Boston Common
- Revere Beach
- Boston Convention and Exhibition Center
- Boston University
- Lizzie Borden House
- Freedom Trail
- Northeastern University
- Boston College
- New England Aquarium
- Onset Beach
- Canobie Lake Park
- Harvard Square
- Duxbury Beach
- Tufts University
- North Hampton Beach
- MIT Museum
- Crane Beach
- Quincy Market
- Snhu Arena
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