Rick Steves Says This Giant, Historic University In Europe Is Absolutely Destination-Worthy

Europe hosts some of the world's most ancient and prestigious universities, institutions that have profoundly shaped the global education system. The University of Bologna, established in 1088, and the University of Oxford, founded in 1096, are among the oldest, with ancient lecture halls whispering lessons from centuries past. These institutions boast alumni lists dazzling with top leaders and innovators, including prime ministers, archbishops, saints, popes, Nobel Prize winners, and many influential politicians, their contributions to the world greatly shaping history. Beyond academics, these campuses are renowned for their architecture and design, and are home to priceless pieces of art, manuscripts, and cultural treasures that lure travelers worldwide. 

Rick Steves, a celebrated travel writer and European travel expert, champions the idea of exploring universities as part of any travel itinerary. On his blog, Steves calls these academic hubs "essential sightseeing" that offers "great architectural, artistic, and cultural treasures." Among Europe's storied institutions, Steves lists the University of Cambridge as a must-visit college destination for visitors to Europe. Founded in 1209, Cambridge is a prestigious public university in Cambridge, England, about 90 minutes north by car or train from the bustling city of London. With 31 colleges and about 25,000 students (in 2024-25), it's a global leader in academic excellence, known for its medieval architecture and vibrant intellectual legacy. May to September offers some of the best times to visit, when the weather is drier and the spring temperatures provide blooming gardens, adding a dash of color to a campus tour.

Rick Steves recommends two unmissable landmarks on Cambridge's historic campus: King's College Chapel and the Wren Library. "The 500-year-old King's College Chapel is the best surviving example of late Gothic architecture," Steves says, and it is arguably one of the campus' most iconic structures. Its brilliant interior features a soaring vaulted roof, the largest of its kind, and what Steves calls "the most complete collection of original 16th-century Renaissance stained glass in existence." The chapel is renowned for its choral services, particularly "A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols," which the BBC broadcasts globally on Christmas Eve. Visitors can attend free choral evensong on most days while classes are in session, or stop by for organ recitals to immerse themselves in the chapel's rich ambiance. Its intricate architecture, historical significance, and live performances make it a crucial pit stop on campus.

The Wren Library at Trinity College, designed by famed architect Sir Christopher Wren, is another of Steves' favorites. This light-filled space, perched on an upper floor, is home to notable treasures and world-renowned artifacts, like early Shakespearean editions, John Milton's handwritten manuscripts, a notebook of Sir Isaac Newton's, and A.A. Milne's original edition of "Winnie the Pooh." There are twelve rotating display cases showcasing medieval manuscripts and rare prints, providing a glimpse into the history of science and literacy in one of the world's greatest libraries. The library's large windows, designed to show only the sky to those inside in order to minimize student distractions, reflect Wren's blend of academic interest and elegance. Free and open to the public (with limited hours), the Wren Library captivates with its architectural beauty and intellectual riches, and should be on the bucket-list of every bookworm.

Cambridge's campus extends beyond the top picks of Rick Steves, providing diverse attractions that enrich visits beyond the bookish. The Cambridge University Botanic Garden, which spans about 40 acres, is a verdant oasis housing over 8,000 plant species both native and worldly, including nine national collections and a glass arboretum. Conceived by John Stevens Henslow, Charles Darwin's mentor, the garden features rock gardens, a tropical glasshouse, delightful rose gardens, and a grass maze beloved by children and those play oriented. Open year-round, it educates visitors on plant science, horticulture, and conservation while providing many tranquil spaces for reflection and enjoyment. A cafe and shop add convenience, making this heritage-listed garden a splendid retreat during campus explorations.

Kettle's Yard, a unique house-turned-gallery, offers an intimate encounter with modern and contemporary art. Founded by a couple who believed art could transform lives, it hosts rotating exhibitions, sculpture walks, and galleries that showcase 20th-century works. Visitors can linger over coffee or pastries at the Garden Kitchen cafe, discussing the art in a cozy setting. Or if you want to drink something stronger, the Cambridge Gin Laboratory, part of the Cambridge Distillery, brings a spirited twist. Claiming the title of the world's most innovative distillery three times in a row, per its website, it offers tastings of award-winning gins and classes on cocktail mixing, gin blending, and even gin-and-cheese pairings. Guided by experts, these sessions elevate any visitor's understanding of gin, and offer a unique experience at one of the most renowned collegiate campuses. From botanical preserves to architectural libraries and spirited lessons, these destinations highlight Cambridge's diverse allure, clearly agreeing with Rick Steve's tip that this university is absolutely destination-worthy.