Massachusetts Institute of Technology Tours and Activities

Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Immerse yourself in an atmosphere of academia at the architecturally rich, museum-filled campus of one of America’s most celebrated universities.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is not only one of the most famous educational establishments in the country, but its campus is also one of the architectural highlights of Massachusetts. Wander around the 168-acre (68-hectare) campus along the edges of the Charles River to admire a variety of stunning buildings and thought-provoking museums.

The university was established in 1861 and in 1916 moved to Cambridge, a town neighboring Boston. Stroll around the campus to admire some of its most impressive buildings. Explore buildings designed by 21st-century architectural heroes such as Frank Gehry, I.M. Pei and Eero Saarinen.

The modernist MIT Chapel was designed by Eero Saarinen as a windowless, cylindrical space to encourage contemplation. Marvel at the neoclassical style of the Walker Memorial and the Great Dome. The iconic and controversial Ray and Maria Stata Center is Frank Gehry’s jagged, multicolored contribution to the campus.

Visit one of the institution’s 12 museums and galleries. Explore the MIT Museum to learn about how the establishment has been at the forefront of scientific research and discovery. Exhibits cover topics such as artificial intelligence, the art of holography and student engineering prototypes.

The MIT List Visual Arts Center hosts a collection of over 3,500 artworks, including a wealth of contemporary sculptures and paintings. Come here throughout the year to see a variety of rotating exhibitions in this prestigious gallery space.

Witness the meeting of science and creativity in the MIT Center for Art, Science and Technology. Exhibits show collaborations between engineers and artists that push the boundaries of their disciplines. Marvel at the elegant geometry of the building, which was designed by I.M. Pei.

Spend an evening in the Kresge Auditorium, another building by Saarinen. The auditorium seats over 1,200 people and hosts MIT Music and Theatre Arts performances.

Take a subway or bus from Boston to Cambridge to reach the campus. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is easy to explore on foot and features a range of places to break for food and drink.

Plan a trip to see Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
The Langham, Boston

The Langham, Boston

5 out of 5
Downtown Boston
per person
Sep 1 - Sep 4
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip flight included
Detroit (DTW) to Boston (BOS)
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,003 reviews)
I had an amazing stay over the 4th of July, the bubbly left in my room was a great treat! Nothing but luxuries throughout my stay and i will be returning!!

Reviewed on Jul. 28, 2025

Boston Harbor Hotel

Boston Harbor Hotel

5 out of 5
North End
per person
Oct 10 - Oct 13
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip flight included
Detroit (DTW) to Boston (BOS)
9.8/10 Exceptional! (1,018 reviews)
Our favorite hotel in Boston with amazing gym, pool, spa and food. We come here monthly and have tried other hotels but they just can’t compete.

Reviewed on Jul. 31, 2025

Raffles Boston

Raffles Boston

5 out of 5
Back Bay
per person
Oct 2 - Oct 5
found 6 hours ago
Roundtrip flight included
Detroit (DTW) to Boston (BOS)
9.6/10 Exceptional! (122 reviews)
Excellent, elegant, great service in every way possible. Friendly, helpful and responsive staff too.

Reviewed on Jul. 14, 2025

Popular places to visit

Stata Center

Stata Center

Learn about the local history of Cambridge when you take a trip to Stata Center. Experience the fascinating museums or attend a sporting event in this vibrant area.

Stata Center
Cambridge Center Roof Garden

Cambridge Center Roof Garden

Enjoy an outing to Cambridge Center Roof Garden during your stay in Cambridge. Experience the acclaimed art scene or attend a sporting event in this vibrant area.

Cambridge Center Roof Garden
Kendall Square

Kendall Square

You can learn about the history of Cambridge when you stop by Kendall Square. Experience the acclaimed theater scene or attend a sporting event in this vibrant area.

Kendall Square
Longfellow Bridge

Longfellow Bridge

You can learn about the history of Cambridge with a stop at Longfellow Bridge. Discover the fascinating museums and notable monuments in this vibrant area.

Longfellow Bridge
Cambridgeside Galleria

Cambridgeside Galleria

You can search for that perfect souvenir at Cambridgeside Galleria during your visit to Cambridge. Attend a sporting event or visit the notable monuments in this vibrant area.

Cambridgeside Galleria
Commonwealth Avenue Mall

Commonwealth Avenue Mall

After visiting Commonwealth Avenue Mall, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Boston. Discover the fascinating museums and notable monuments in this vibrant area.

Commonwealth Avenue Mall

Best Lodging Options Near Massachusetts Institute of Technology

citizenM Boston Back Bay

citizenM Boston Back Bay

4 out of 5
408 Newbury street, Boston, MA
citizenM Boston Back Bay
Hyatt Regency Boston/Cambridge

Hyatt Regency Boston/Cambridge

4 out of 5
575 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA
Hyatt Regency Boston/Cambridge
Copley Square Hotel, a FOUND Hotel

Copley Square Hotel, a FOUND Hotel

4 out of 5
47 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA
Copley Square Hotel, a FOUND Hotel
The Westin Copley Place, Boston, a Marriott Hotel

The Westin Copley Place, Boston, a Marriott Hotel

4 out of 5
10 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA
The Westin Copley Place, Boston, a Marriott Hotel
citizenM Boston North Station

citizenM Boston North Station

4 out of 5
80-120 Causeway Street, Boston, MA
citizenM Boston North Station
Sheraton Boston, a Marriott Hotel

Sheraton Boston, a Marriott Hotel

4 out of 5
39 Dalton St, Boston, MA
Sheraton Boston, a Marriott Hotel
Hilton Boston Park Plaza

Hilton Boston Park Plaza

4 out of 5
50 Park Plaza, Boston, MA
Hilton Boston Park Plaza
The Kendall Hotel at the Engine 7 Firehouse

The Kendall Hotel at the Engine 7 Firehouse

3 out of 5
350 Main Street, Cambridge, MA
The Kendall Hotel at the Engine 7 Firehouse
Boston Marriott Cambridge

Boston Marriott Cambridge

4 out of 5
Two Cambridge Center, 50 Broadway, Cambridge, MA
Boston Marriott Cambridge
See all 3,209 properties in Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Massachusetts Institute of Technology

While visiting the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, explore the vibrant local scene with exciting sports events and captivating theatre performances. Don't miss out on campus events and live concerts that showcase the university's dynamic culture. Whether you're enjoying a game or attending a show, there's an array of activities to engage in, making your visit truly memorable.

Shopping

Experience shopping at Harvard Square, a vibrant shopping centre only 3.2km from MIT, offering a mix of family-friendly and entertainment options. Nearby, Boston Public Market, also 3.2km away, features local goods in a lively atmosphere. For closer finds, visit John Lewis, Inc, just 1.6km from campus.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at MGM Music Hall at Fenway, just 1.6km from MIT, featuring live concerts. For sports enthusiasts, Agganis Arena, two miles away, hosts thrilling events. Enjoy the elegance of dance at the Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre, located a mile from campus, perfect for culture lovers.

Adventure

The Irish Heritage Trail, located 3.2km from MIT, offers scenic hiking through lush landscapes, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The Courageous Sailing Center, also 3.2km away, provides thrilling water sports experiences amidst stunning views. For a leisurely stroll, enjoy the Deer Island HarborWalk, situated 11.3km from campus.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near MIT with a visit to the Charles Playhouse for captivating performances, or enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere at the Charles Hayden Planetarium. For a romantic evening, catch a show at the Wilbur Theatre, both offering a delightful mix of culture and entertainment.

Find the best attractions near Massachusetts Institute of Technology

At Massachusetts Institute of Technology, visitors can explore a blend of historic colleges and universities, urban parks, and event venues. These attractions cater to those seeking cultural experiences, family activities, and a taste of city life. Whether you’re interested in the rich history of MIT or enjoying the surrounding green spaces, there’s plenty to discover in this vibrant area of Cambridge, Massachusetts.

  • Fenway Park: Experience the rich history and vibrant atmosphere of Fenway Park, a beloved sports stadium that has hosted countless memorable baseball games. Immerse yourself in the culture and energy of Boston sports as you explore this iconic venue, just 1.6km from MIT.
  • TD Garden: Discover TD Garden, a premier event venue located 3.2km from MIT, where world-class sports and entertainment converge. Enjoy the dynamic business vibe as you attend a game, concert, or conference in this bustling arena.
  • Boston Common: Stroll through Boston Common, a picturesque urban park only 1.6km away from MIT. Perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts, this green oasis invites relaxation amidst the vibrant city life.

Best time to go to Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Visitor numbers around Massachusetts Institute of Technology is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Massachusetts Institute of Technology is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January30.0°F (-1.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February31.5°F (-0.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March37.9°F (3.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April48.2°F (9.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May58.5°F (14.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June66.6°F (19.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July73.6°F (23.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August72.7°F (22.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September65.7°F (18.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
November44.4°F (6.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December36.3°F (2.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Visiting the Massachusetts Institute of Technology can be budget-friendly with several money-saving tips. Enjoy free access to MIT and nearby attractions like Boston Common and Harvard University. The best time to visit is during the off-peak months of December to February, particularly on Tuesdays, when accommodation prices are lowest. Use Expedia to find affordable hotels by sorting prices and filtering for eco-certified options. Consider booking a package that combines your hotel, flights, and activities for further savings. With careful planning, you can make the most of your trip without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Massachusetts Institute of Technology are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May and September to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Massachusetts Institute of Technology is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Massachusetts Institute of Technology is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget and choose your desired location, among other options. You can easily arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save on your travel expenses by combining your hotel stay near the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.