Alright, so you’ve got 24 hours in Cambridge, and you don’t want to spend it just queuing outside King’s College or stuck behind a tour group waving selfie sticks, right? Good. Because Cambridge is so much more than the postcard stuff. It’s a city that somehow manages to be dreamy, academic, low-key cool, and a little bit quirky, all at once. And if you know where to go, it’s actually pretty easy to slip into that “local” rhythm.
I’ve done the classic touristy route (cue: guided punting tour with strangers and awkward group photo), but the real fun started when I began wandering like someone who actually lived there. Think strong coffee in tucked-away cafés, spontaneous punting attempts (some more graceful than others), picnics where cows randomly walk past you, and indie shops that sell everything from secondhand poetry books to handmade jewellery. Yep, it’s that kind of city.
So, if you’re ready to experience Cambridge the chill, authentic way, not rushed, not scripted, here’s exactly how I’d spend a full day there. Let’s start in the morning, yeah?
Morning in Cambridge (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
First stop: Coffee (8:00–9:00 AM)
Okay, real talk, if we’re spending a day walking around Cambridge, we need caffeine. And no, I’m not talking about grabbing a generic flat white from a chain. We’re going local.
My go-to? Hot Numbers. It’s got this cool industrial-chic vibe with proper I’m-a-creative-person-who-reads-zines energy. Plus, the coffee is chef’s kiss. I got a flat white there once that actually made me pause mid-sip and say, “Okay, this is dangerous. I could get used to this.” They also do amazing pastries if you need a pre-breakfast snack (no judgment, I always do).
If you’re closer to the city centre, Bould Brothers is another absolute gem. Tiny, always busy, and the baristas actually seem to care about your coffee-drinking experience. Bonus points for the latte art, which is so good it almost feels rude to drink it.
Grab your drink, snag a window seat or a spot outside, and just enjoy the early-bird Cambridge vibe. Students are cycling past, dogs are trotting by, and the whole city feels like it’s quietly stretching awake. It’s kinda magic.
Brunch Like You Belong There (9:00–10:00 AM)
Now that we’ve got a bit of a caffeine buzz going, it’s time to track down something delicious. And in Cambridge, brunch isn’t just a meal, it’s practically a lifestyle.
If you want something iconic, Fitzbillies is the spot. Their Chelsea buns are legendary. Like, sticky, cinnamon-swirled, this-is-a-mess-but-I-love-it kind of legendary. I went once just intending to “share a bun” with a friend. Let’s just say… that bun didn’t get shared. No regrets.
The inside of Fitzbillies has this old-school, cosy feel, all wooden panels and nostalgic charm, but you can also grab something to go and eat it on the grass nearby if the weather’s being nice (rare, but when it is, it’s glorious).
Prefer something a little more modern and lowkey? Head to Urban Larder. It’s tiny, rustic, and ridiculously friendly, plus, their sourdough toasties are next-level. Also, if you’re the “brunch must include avocado” type (hey, no shame), you’ll be sorted here. I had the smashed avo with chilli flakes and lemon, and it made me feel like I had my life together.
Time for a Walk by the River (10:00–11:00 AM)
Now that we’re fed and happy, let’s go walk it off. And I’m not talking about a power walk, I mean a slow, nosey stroll. The kind where you pretend you’re in a romantic indie film, looking dramatically thoughtful by the water.
The best spot? The Backs, the stretch along the River Cam behind the colleges. It’s peaceful, scenic, and makes you feel like you’ve time-travelled into an Oxbridge daydream. I wandered there one spring morning and literally saw a heron fishing right in front of Trinity College. It was giving BBC nature documentary meets postcard.
If you’re up for a longer loop, keep going toward Jesus Green or Midsummer Common. You’ll probably see rowers gliding along the river, and sometimes there are even cows grazing in the middle of the green. Yes, actual cows. Just chilling. Classic Cambridge.
Sneaky College Visit (11:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Okay, so everyone and their cousin flocks to King’s College, but if you want to actually enjoy the atmosphere without elbowing through crowds or paying a tenner just to enter, I’ve got better ideas.
Try Pembroke College. It’s one of the oldest in town and feels like something out of a fantasy novel, all ivy-covered walls, peaceful courtyards, and that warm, “I could totally study here if I magically got smarter” kind of vibe. When I popped in, I swear I saw a squirrel doing gymnastics in the garden and thought, Yeah, even the animals are cultured here.
Another underrated gem is Sidney Sussex, super central, low-key, and hardly any tourists bother with it. And if you love a good historical tidbit: Oliver Cromwell’s head was supposedly buried here. Bit creepy. Very Cambridge.
Most of the smaller colleges have open hours and either free or super cheap entry, just check the little signs outside or on their websites. Locals often stroll through these spots on lunch breaks because they’re that peaceful.
Lunchtime! Local Picks Only (12:00 PM – 1:30 PM)
Alright, now it’s officially lunchtime and you’ve earned it.
If you want something quick, tasty, and bursting with flavour, head straight to Aromi. It’s a Sicilian café and basically everyone in Cambridge (students, locals, visiting uncles) is obsessed with it. Their pizza slices are outrageously good, the crust is chewy in the best way, and don’t even get me started on the arancini. I once bit into one, and time paused for a second.
Prefer something a bit more meaty and messy (in the good way)? Bread & Meat does unreal roast meat sandwiches, think juicy roast beef with truffle mayo on ciabatta. It’s the kind of place where you order a sandwich and end up talking about it three hours later.
And if the weather’s on your side, grab your food to go and head to Christ’s Pieces or the grass behind St John’s for a little lunchtime picnic. You’ll probably see someone playing the violin or a group of students attempting a frisbee game that turns into chaos. It’s all part of the vibe.
Afternoon in Cambridge (1:30 PM – 5:00 PM)
Indie Shops & Market Wandering (1:30 – 2:30 PM)
Now that you’re full and content, it’s prime time for a little browsing, and no, I don’t mean walking around the big-name high street stores (though they’re there if you’re desperate for socks or a forgotten toothbrush). I’m talking proper Cambridge shopping: independent, creative, and just a little quirky.
Start at Cambridge Market Square. It’s been around for centuries and still has that real old-school charm. You’ll find everything from vintage records and handmade jewellery to secondhand books and delicious street food (in case you fancy a cheeky snack, I usually do, even after lunch). Last time I was there, I bought a tiny notebook with hand-drawn maps inside it. Did I need it? No. Did I love it? Absolutely.
From there, wander over to places like Podarok (fun, colourful gifts), Ark (a treasure trove of cute homewares), and Nomads if you’re into ethical fashion and cool accessories.
I also have a soft spot for Heffers Bookshop, a proper book lover’s paradise, and locals genuinely go there for browsing and events. It’s big, calm, and has that satisfying bookshop smell.
Take your time. Try something on, flip through a book, buy a badge you don’t need. You’re on Cambridge time now. It’s slower, softer, and better for it.
Time to Get a Bit Artsy (2:30 – 3:30 PM)
After the shops, how about a little culture that doesn’t come with a massive crowd or an audio guide that makes you sleepy?
First up: Kettle’s Yard. It’s hands-down one of my favourite places in Cambridge. It’s a modern art gallery combined with a beautifully preserved home, like walking into the perfectly curated, slightly boho living room of someone who definitely owns too many scarves and knows about wine. I wandered through on a rainy afternoon once and didn’t want to leave. It’s peaceful, inspiring, and oddly calming.
If you’ve got more museum energy, the Fitzwilliam Museum is a classic, and locals do go, especially for the rotating exhibitions and that ridiculously fancy front hall. It’s got everything from ancient Egyptian stuff to paintings that make you feel very intellectual just for looking at them. Also, it’s free. Can’t argue with that.
More offbeat? The Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology sounds super niche (because it is), but it’s surprisingly fascinating, and weirdly quiet. You’ll find ancient relics next to tribal art, and you’ll probably leave knowing five new facts to casually drop into conversation.
Chill Time on the Green (3:30 – 5:00 PM)
By now, your feet are probably feeling the strolls and the shops. Time to find a patch of grass and chill like a proper local.
Head to Jesus Green. There’s usually someone busking, someone picnicking, and someone playing guitar badly but enthusiastically. You can sit by the river, lie on the grass, or wander along the path toward Midsummer Common, where cows roam freely like they pay rent.
I once had an ice cream here (from Jack’s Gelato, thank me later), and a cow walked past so slowly I genuinely thought it was posing for my Instagram story.
Bring your coffee or a pastry, find a bench or lie flat out, and just exist for a bit. That’s honestly one of the most local things you can do in Cambridge. Stop trying to “do” stuff and just enjoy being here.
Evening in Cambridge (5:00 PM – 9:00 PM)
Punting — But Do It Your Way (5:00 – 6:30 PM)
Okay, yes, punting is the most Cambridge-y thing you can do, but hear me out: you don’t have to do it the touristy way.
Forget the mega boat tours where some poor guy shouts facts over screaming toddlers. Instead, hire a self-drive punt and have a go yourself. It’s chaotic. It’s hilarious. You will go in circles at first. But it’s also way more fun. I once tried punting with a friend who insisted she’d “get the hang of it” — she didn’t, but we laughed for a solid hour and still talk about it.
You can rent a self-punt from places like Scudamore’s or Let’s Go Punting. If you’re feeling lazy or just want to take photos and relax, you can still do the classic guided version, just pick a quieter time or a shared punt with fewer people.
My tip? Bring a little picnic or snack, a drink (even if it’s just sparkling water in a fancy can), and let the river do its thing. Floating under the bridges with the sun dipping low? Unreal.
Dinner Like a Local (6:30 – 8:00 PM)
Punting builds an appetite. It’s science.
Now, for dinner, you’ve got options depending on your vibe. Here are a few of my local favourites:
The Olive Grove – If you’re into Greek food, this place slaps. I had the moussaka once and genuinely considered ordering another one to take home. Cosy vibes, friendly staff, and those mezze plates? Don’t even get me started.
Fin Boys – A little on the bougie side, but if you like seafood, it’s one of the best in town. They’ve got that modern, minimal aesthetic but the food is anything but plain. Think fresh fish, bold flavours, and desserts that make you want to write poetry.
The Pint Shop – For something more casual but still delicious, this spot’s perfect. Amazing craft beers, loaded burgers, and those addictive scotch eggs. It has that buzzy, locals-meeting-up-after-work kind of energy.
If it’s a nice evening, book a table outside (or just rock up early) and soak up the golden hour. It’s that time when everyone slows down a little and the city just feels happy. That’s the only way I can describe it.
Optional: Pub Time or Sweet Treats (8:00 – 9:00 PM)
Feeling social? Head to The Eagle – one of the oldest pubs in Cambridge and also where Watson and Crick announced the discovery of DNA, as casually as if they’d just found a new kind of lager. It’s cosy, historic, and always full of character (and characters).
More into cocktails? Try Six, the rooftop bar at The Varsity Hotel. The drinks are fancy, the view is stunning, and the vibe is very “I live here and I’m effortlessly cool.”
Or – hear me out – skip the booze and go get Jack’s Gelato instead. It’s open late, the flavours are wild (brown butter and pecan, anyone?), and there’s nothing better than strolling through the city with an ice cream as the fairy lights come on. I’ve done this more times than I care to admit.
Night in Cambridge (9:00 PM – Late)
A Chill Wind-Down (9:00 PM onwards)
Alright, so you’ve eaten well, wandered like a pro, probably laughed your way through a semi-successful punt session… now what?
Now it’s time to wind down properly. And in Cambridge, that means keeping things cosy, chill, and just a little bit magical.
If you’re in the mood for one last drink, head to The Mill – right by the river, with a pub garden that’s perfect on a summer night. It’s one of those places where locals chat across tables and everyone seems to know someone. The vibe? Laid-back but warm. I’ve had many slow pints here with friends while watching punters glide by in the dark, fairy lights twinkling. It’s basically a rom-com scene waiting to happen.
Prefer tea over tipple? Totally fair. Pop into Fitzbillies again if they’re still open (some evenings they do late hours), and grab a tea or hot chocolate to-go. Then take a slow stroll through the city centre. Honestly, Cambridge at night is next-level beautiful – all softly lit cobblestones, glowing college windows, and that weird, peaceful hush that only old cities seem to pull off.
If you’re lucky, you might hear someone practising violin from a dorm room or catch a glimpse of the moon over King’s College Chapel. I know that sounds dramatic, but I’ve legit had moments walking home at night in Cambridge where I thought, Yup, this is my movie scene moment.
Where to Stay (If You’re Crashing Overnight)
If you’re not just here for the day, you’ve got options.
For something central and charming, check out The Varsity Hotel – it’s a bit of a splurge but worth it for the rooftop view and swanky vibes. Want something a little more wallet-friendly but still lovely? Graduate Cambridge has a fun, old-school feel and is right by the river, so you wake up to ducks and rowers – can’t really beat that.
There are also plenty of boutique B&Bs dotted around the city that give you that real “local in a historic house” experience, creaky floorboards and all.
Final Thoughts: Your 24 Hours, Cambridge-Style
So, you’ve caffeinated at Hot Numbers, wandered along The Backs, munched your way through local faves like Fitzbillies and Aromi, laughed your way through punting, and ended with a riverside pint or a gelato stroll. That’s not just a day in Cambridge – that’s the right way to do it.
And sure, you didn’t rush around to tick off every landmark – but you soaked it in. You felt the rhythm of the place. You lived it, not just visited it.
That’s what being a local in Cambridge is really about: taking your time, finding your own favourite corners, and letting the city unfold around you – quietly, beautifully, and just a little bit brilliantly weird.
