Among Tourists in the Yard

Across the yard, Memorial Church echoes with the sounds of French, Spanish, and Mandarin as tour guides lead groups of about fifty people past students cramming for their Stat 110 midterm. A faint smell of urine lingers as a crowd of tourists lines up to touch the gleaming foot of John Harvard on a beautiful Sunday morning.

Turning the corner at University Hall, the steps of Widener Library are filled with students who want to enjoy their $8 oat milk matcha lattes and read vintage copies of Hamlet without being accidentally featured in an Instagram photoshoot (or perhaps they don't mind).

Some students consider the millions of tourists visiting Harvard yearly a manageable nuisance — like an unexpected game of parkour on their way to class. Yet, speaking with these visitors reveals a deeper appreciation for the college experience.

Tourists’ Perspectives on Harvard

Thomas was relaxing on University Hall steps when two FM reporters approached. She described Harvard as “iconic,” highlighting the “massive old trees canvassing the campus.” She last visited twenty years ago for a wedding at Memorial Church.

Quintana, who has lived in Cambridge for eight years, recalls Harvard fondly, mentioning the “peace” of walking through the Yard and feeling immersed in a “loved” institution.

The admiration tourists express for Harvard goes beyond the campus’s beauty.

Student and Tourist Interaction

Students often find tourists a minor disruption but understand their interest.
Tourists value Harvard’s history, architecture, and tranquil atmosphere.
Visitors describe the campus as iconic and peaceful, enhancing their respect for the university.

These impressions show how the tradition and campus environment continue to inspire admiration from around the world.

Author's Summary

The constant flow of visitors to Harvard is more than a disruption—it reflects a global appreciation for the university's historical and cultural significance.

The Harvard Crimson — 2025-11-04