With its young student population, it makes for a lively place -- full of cheap and good eating places, excellent bookshops, active nightlife centers and fine museums.

Harvard was founded in 1636 in Cambridge on the banks of the River Charles just across Boston. In 1639, John Harvard, a young clergymen bequeathed his entire library and half his estate to the college which was then named Harvard in his honor.

Harvard boasts of some fine museums, namely, the Fogg Art Museum, the Busch-Reisinger Museum and the Arthur M Sackler Museum. Visit the Widener Library with its large collection of books including some rare manuscripts. Or if you just want to soak in the atmosphere sit on the steps of Harvard Square and do some people watching!

Summer months of May to September are pleasant and the student population is on vacation.The months of July and August are hot and humid. Winters are very cold.

Getting to Harvard is not a problem as Cambridge is a 10 minute ride from downtown Boston. You can drive or take one of the many buses from Boston and neighbouring towns. Walk around Harvard and see the interesting sights around.

You can choose to stay in Boston and make a day trip to Harvard or you can stay in the motels or B&Bs in Cambridge.

Food is no problem in Harvard as Cambridge is full of interesting eateries serving cuisine from all over the world. In most places, prices are reasonable and servings large.

Harvard Square is a shoppers paradise --there are nearly 200 stores here with some excellent book shops. Another area great for shopping is Cambridge Side Galleria.