Bike the Charles River with Urban Adventours in Boston
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2.5–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for riders comfortable on a bike with basic aerobic fitness; minimal hills keep it accessible.
Overview
Glide across the Charles River on a 2.5-hour bike tour that threads through Cambridge’s key sights, from Harvard Square to MIT. Discover a bike-friendly city alive with culture and innovation.
Tour de Cambridge
10AM • 2PM • 2.5-3 Hours • See Harvard and MIT!
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Experience the vibrant charm of Cambridge on the Tour de Cambridge! This 2.5 to 3-hour bike tour takes you across the Charles River, showcasing iconic sites like Harvard Square and MIT. Enjoy the city's unique atmosphere, renowned for its arts and bicycle-friendly paths, guided by a knowledgeable expert.
The perfect counterpart to the City View Tour, it’s the Tour de Cambridge!
On this tour, you’ll cross the Charles River and enter the City of Cambridge. Renowned as one of America’s most bicycle-friendly cities, you will experience the atmosphere and appeal of Cambridge as only possible on two wheels. Touted as “Boston’s Left Bank,” Cambridge is a hotspot of arts and home to MIT and Harvard University.
We are currently requiring advance bookings. Please reserve you tour spot by 6pm the day prior to your preferred tour date.
Add ons
- +$20 option to extend to full-day rental (starting at 9am)
- +$35 upgrade to Electric Bike!
Tour Time
• 10AM & 2PM
Duration
• 2.5 -3 hours long • 12 -14 miles
This extensive tour, designed to show you the best of Cambridge, includes:
- Harvard Square, the heart of America’s oldest university
- The beautiful Charles River, with views of the Boston Skyline
- The Stata Center, Frank Gehry’s only building in Massachusetts
- The famous Longfellow Bridge
- MIT, The Massachusetts Institute of Technology
All of our tours include an individually-fitted bicycle, helmet, water, and, of course, a friendly and knowledgeable guide who will lead you on your travels. From the cycling paths on the Charles River to the booming industry of Kendall Square, this tour will show you the most exciting and vibrant parts of Cambridge!
Additional Information
About half of the biking on this tour is on bike/pedestrian paths (away from cars) along the Charles River. This tour is not recommended for those who are not comfortable cycling on city streets, but we welcome families with children who are 10 and older and are confident cyclists. Younger riders or those less comfortable on two wheels are encouraged to take our Tour de Boston. We do not allow tandem bikes, burley trailers, or trail-a-bikes on this tour.
Please call us with any questions.
Adventure Tips
Wear layers
Boston weather can change quickly; dress in breathable layers to stay comfortable during your ride.
Bring water
Though the tour length is moderate, staying hydrated is essential, especially on warm days.
Use a helmet
Helmets are recommended for safety on urban streets with mixed traffic and bike paths.
Mind traffic lights
The route crosses busy intersections; always obey traffic signals and be alert to vehicles and pedestrians.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- River otters occasionally spotted along the Charles River.
- Varied songbirds thriving in the riverside parks and green spaces.
History
Cambridge dates back to the 1630s and grew as both an intellectual hub and a center of early American innovation, with Harvard University founded in 1636.
Conservation
Cambridge’s commitment to green transportation helps reduce urban congestion and carbon emissions, promoting bike-friendly infrastructure citywide.
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Adventure Hotspots in Boston
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable biking shoes
Supportive shoes improve pedal efficiency and comfort for the duration of the ride.
Helmet
Protects your head on mixed urban terrain and is required for many group rides.
Water bottle
Staying hydrated is especially important in summer heat or on longer rides.
summer specific
Light rain jacket
Useful for unexpected showers or cool winds during transitional seasons.
spring|fall specific