Among Tourists in the Yard | Magazine | The Harvard Crimson

Among Tourists in the Harvard Yard

Across Harvard Yard, Memorial Church resonates with the sounds of French, Spanish, and Mandarin as tour guides lead groups of about fifty people past students preparing intensely for their Stat 110 midterm. A faint scent of urine fills the air as crowds of tourists gather to touch the polished foot of the John Harvard statue on a sunny Sunday morning.

Turning the corner by University Hall, the steps of Widener Library overflow with students who want to enjoy their $8 oatmilk matcha lattes and read vintage copies of Hamlet without ending up in the background of Instagram photoshoots — or perhaps they don’t mind.

Some students consider the millions of annual visitors to Harvard a manageable disruption, likening it to an unexpected game of parkour on their way to class. However, speaking with the tourists themselves reveals a different perspective, one that deepens appreciation for the college experience.

Tourist Perspectives on Harvard

Thomas and Quintana were relaxing on the steps of University Hall when approached by reporters from FM Radio. Thomas described Harvard as “iconic,” highlighting the “massive old trees canvassing the campus.” She had last visited twenty years earlier for a wedding held at Memorial Church.

“Iconic,” — Thomas on Harvard’s appeal.

Quintana, a Cambridge resident for eight years, shared warm recollections of Harvard, praising the tranquility of strolling through the Yard and feeling connected to such a cherished institution.

“The peace of walking through the Yard and feeling immersed in such a loved institution.” — Quintana

The esteem tourists hold for Harvard clearly goes beyond the campus’s physical beauty.

Author’s Summary

Tourists’ admiration for Harvard highlights the university as both a historic landmark and a peaceful, beloved space that enriches the college experience.

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The Harvard Crimson The Harvard Crimson — 2025-11-04

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