Among Tourists in the Yard

Across the yard, Memorial Church fills with the sounds of French, Spanish, and Mandarin as tour guides lead groups of about fifty people past students anxiously preparing for their Stat 110 midterm. A faint scent of urine lingers in the air while a crowd of tourists waits to touch the polished foot of the John Harvard statue on a bright Sunday morning.

Turning the corner by University Hall, the steps of Widener Library are bustling with students eager to enjoy their $8 oatmilk matcha lattes and read vintage editions of Hamlet without unintentionally becoming part of an Instagram photo session.

For many students, the millions of tourists visiting Harvard annually are a manageable distraction—like an unexpected obstacle course on the way to class. Yet conversations with some of these visitors reveal a newfound appreciation for the college experience.

Tourists’ Perspectives on Harvard

Thomas and Quintana were relaxing on the University Hall steps when approached by two FM reporters. Thomas described Harvard as “iconic,” highlighting the “massive old trees canvassing the campus.” He had last been to Harvard twenty years earlier for the wedding of Quintana’s daughter at Memorial Church.

Quintana, who has lived in Cambridge for eight years, shared warm memories of Harvard, recalling the “peace” of walking through the Yard and feeling connected to such a “loved” institution.

The admiration tourists seem to hold for Harvard extends beyond the beauty of campus.

This deep respect reflects the lasting impression Harvard leaves on visitors, enriching both the tourists’ experiences and the campus atmosphere.

Author’s Summary

The diverse voices of Harvard’s visitors reveal a shared admiration that enhances appreciation for the campus beyond its academic reputation.

The Harvard Crimson — 2025-11-04