Framed by a meandering river and lush green gardens, Cambridge City Centre is the beating heart of the city. Get an insight into the student life and architectural majesty of one of the world’s oldest universities. Visit superb museums, catch contemporary performing arts events and enjoy a night out at lively pubs.

Trading since the Middle Ages, Cambridge Market Square is the place for anything from books to fresh produce to jewelry and everything in between. Find popular fashion brands, such as Levis and Swarovski, at Grand Arcade shopping mall. Climb to the tower of the Church of St. Mary the Great for an exquisite panorama of the city. The 12th-century Round Tower has an exhibition about city history since Roman times.

The University of Cambridge counts Charles Darwin and Isaac Newton among its esteemed alumni. Experience 800 years of student life while strolling between the various colleges of the university. Kings College was established by King Henry VI and is home to the magnificent Gothic-style King’s College Chapel. Visit Pembroke College to see a chapel designed by Christopher Wren and feel the ceremonial splendor of Senate House.

Museum lovers are spoiled for choice in Cambridge. Discover Roman and Egyptian artifacts alongside works by Monet and Titian at The Fitzwilliam Museum. Learn about the animal kingdom at the University Museum of Zoology. The Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology and Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences are other notable venues.

Attend comedies and dramas at the Cambridge Arts Theatre and live music at Cambridge Corn Exchange. The ADC Theatre puts on shows by student and amateur theater groups. Mingle with an energetic student crowd at 350-year-old The Eagle. Biologists Francis Crick and James Watson proclaimed to have discovered the meaning of life here in 1953.

Take to the water on a sunny day with a punt trip on the River Cam. Look up at the architectural landscape as you cruise passed The Backs riverside gardens.

The compact streets of Cambridge City Centre lend themselves to exploring on foot. Cambridge train station is located 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) to the southeast.