Harvard Yard is the historic and symbolic heart of Harvard University, the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States, founded in 1636. Located in Cambridge, just across the river from Boston, this 22.4-acre green space is surrounded by centuries-old brick buildings, towering elms, and some of the most famous academic halls in the world.

It’s home to Harvard’s freshman dorms, the iconic Widener Library, and the famed John Harvard Statue, often rubbed for luck by visitors (despite the fact that the statue’s inscription is historically inaccurate). Over the centuries, Harvard Yard has hosted presidents, poets, and revolutionaries—from George Washington, who used it as a military camp during the Revolutionary War, to modern-day scholars shaping the future.

Visitors can stroll through the gates of Harvard Yard, take a free student-led Hahvahd Tour, or simply soak in the intellectual energy of one of the world’s most prestigious universities. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or just pretending to be a student for the day, Harvard Yard is a must-see for any Boston bucket list.