Princeton University Tours

Princeton University showing heritage elements and a park
Princeton University which includes wildflowers, a garden and heritage elements
Princeton University which includes heritage elements
Princeton University which includes a square or plaza and heritage elements as well as a couple
Princeton University showing wildflowers

Explore the famous Ivy League university that educated numerous prestigious graduates, including Woodrow Wilson, Michelle Obama, John Nash and more.  

Princeton University is one of the prestigious Ivy League universities. As you walk around the campus, you will quickly discover that it is literally covered in ivy. Behind these leaves, discover centuries of history. Princeton University was established in 1746, before the United States had even gained its independence. Its graduates have included U.S. presidents, Nobel Prize recipients, Supreme Court justices and Pulitzer Prize winners. Clearly there is something remarkable about this Ivy League school.

Stroll around campus on a self-guided tour or join a student-led tour, which originates at the Office of Admissions. Stop at FitzRandolph Gate, which serves as the elaborate entrance to Princeton’s campus from Nassau Street. The wrought iron structure was erected in 1905 and restored for its centennial in 2005.

Near the northeastern side of campus, find Nassau Hall and Maclean House. The buildings, which were completed in 1756, are the oldest and only remaining original buildings on campus. Each has a place in early American history. George Washington stayed in Maclean House in 1777 during the Battle of Princeton and again in 1783 while Congress convened in Nassau Hall.

See a performance in Alexander Hall. The Richardsonian Romanesque architecture of the hall is as impressive as the acoustics within. A short walk away, see events encompassing theater, music, dance and more in the McCarter Theatre Center.

In the Princeton University Art Museum, see highlights from the university’s global collections. Browse through more than a dozen exhibits or attend a public lecture. Stop at Prospect House and Garden. The Italianate home was the residence of the Princeton University president for 90 years, including Woodrow Wilson during his tenure.

Admire the imposing Gothic architecture of Cleveland Tower, which was built in 1913 in honor of university trustee and U.S. President Grover Cleveland. See a bust of the former president inside the tower.

It’s no surprise that Princeton University, with nearly three centuries of history, has a lot to see and do. Give yourself plenty of time to explore its historic buildings, see a performance, watch an athletic game or just enjoy the beautiful campus.

Plan a trip to see Princeton University

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DoubleTree by Hilton Mahwah

DoubleTree by Hilton Mahwah

4 out of 5
Save 100% on your flight
per person
Oct 12 - Oct 15
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip flight included
Dallas (DFW) to Newark Liberty Intl. Airport (EWR)
7.8/10 Good! (861 reviews)
Nice place, soacious and comfortable room. Figuring out the shower took a while--not intuitive.

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

Hyatt Regency Jersey City on the Hudson

Hyatt Regency Jersey City on the Hudson

4 out of 5
Downtown Jersey City
Save 100% on your flight
per person
Oct 31 - Nov 3
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip flight included
Atlanta (ATL) to Newark Liberty Intl. Airport (EWR)
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,450 reviews)
Fantastic river view and can see manhattan. Right next to PATH.

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

Pocono Mountain Villas by Exploria Resorts

Pocono Mountain Villas by Exploria Resorts

3.5 out of 5
Save 100% on your flight
per person
Sep 14 - Sep 20
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip flight included
Atlanta (ATL) to Newark Liberty Intl. Airport (EWR)
8.6/10 Excellent! (856 reviews)
I love this place. I come one a year.

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

Popular places to visit

Princeton University Stadium showing outdoor art

Princeton University Stadium

Don your black and orange attire, practice the Princeton Cannon Song and cheer on the Princeton Tigers as they play a football game on their home turf.

Princeton University Stadium
Princeton Battle Monument which includes heritage elements and a statue or sculpture

Princeton Battle Monument

At this monument featuring General Washington and his troops, honor a crucial battle of the American Revolutionary War that took place on Princeton’s soil.

Princeton Battle Monument
Princeton University Art Museum which includes interior views and heritage elements

Princeton University Art Museum

From Mesopotamian artifacts to Monet landscapes, find art spanning continents and centuries within Princeton University’s museum, known across the world.

Princeton University Art Museum
Princeton showing heritage architecture

Princeton United Methodist Church

Marvel at the stained-glass windows and works of art decorating the interior of this church, which forms an important part of the community.

Princeton United Methodist Church
Palmer Square featuring a park and outdoor art

Palmer Square

Find myriad dining and shopping opportunities, along with a packed calendar of special events, in this small square in downtown Princeton.

Palmer Square
Morven featuring flowers, a park and a house

Morven Museum & Garden

Discover the notable people who have called this Princeton estate home, from a signer of the Declaration of Independence to numerous governors of New Jersey.

Morven Museum & Garden

Best Lodging Options Near Princeton University

Hyatt Regency Princeton

Hyatt Regency Princeton

4 out of 5
102 Carnegie Ctr, Princeton, NJ
Hyatt Regency Princeton
The Westin Princeton at Forrestal Village

The Westin Princeton at Forrestal Village

4 out of 5
201 Village Blvd, Princeton, NJ
The Westin Princeton at Forrestal Village
Homewood Suites by Hilton Princeton

Homewood Suites by Hilton Princeton

3 out of 5
3819 U.S. 1 South, Princeton, NJ
Homewood Suites by Hilton Princeton
Hampton Inn Princeton

Hampton Inn Princeton

2.5 out of 5
4385 Us Highway 1, Princeton, NJ
Hampton Inn Princeton
MHO Inn & Suites

MHO Inn & Suites

2.5 out of 5
4191 Us Highway 1, Monmouth Junction, NJ
MHO Inn & Suites
Holiday Inn Princeton by IHG

Holiday Inn Princeton by IHG

3 out of 5
100 Independence Way, Princeton, NJ
Holiday Inn Princeton by IHG
Candlewood Suites Lawrenceville Princeton by IHG

Candlewood Suites Lawrenceville Princeton by IHG

2.5 out of 5
3000 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, NJ
Candlewood Suites Lawrenceville Princeton by IHG
Staybridge Suites Cranbury by IHG

Staybridge Suites Cranbury by IHG

3 out of 5
1272 South River Rd, Cranbury, NJ
Staybridge Suites Cranbury by IHG
La Mirage Motor Inn

La Mirage Motor Inn

2.5 out of 5
3775 US Highway 1, Kendall Park, NJ
La Mirage Motor Inn
See all 1,289 properties in Princeton University
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Princeton University

When visiting Princeton University, you can enjoy a variety of activities such as attending a thrilling football game or exploring beautiful golf courses. Don't miss the chance to witness a graduation ceremony or explore the scenic attractions around campus. The university also features an amphitheater, perfect for gatherings, and offers great options for party sites and partners, ensuring a memorable experience during your stay.

Shopping

In Princeton, visit Palmer Square, just 0.5 mile away, offering a vibrant mix of shops and eateries. University Square Shopping Center, 2 miles away, is great for family-friendly shopping. If you're up for a drive, check out Blue Moon Acres, located 7 miles away, for a charming public market experience.

Recreation

At Princeton University Stadium, immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of college sports, just 0.2 miles away. For a leisurely day, the Princeton Country Club offers scenic golf experiences, located 3 miles from campus. Finally, unwind at Cadwalader Park, a peaceful retreat 10 miles away, perfect for relaxation.

Adventure

The Delaware River Heritage Trail at Lake Carnegie Trailhead offers a scenic hiking experience only 1 mile from campus, perfect for nature lovers. For tennis enthusiasts, the Lenz Tennis Center, located 0.4 miles away, provides an exciting adventure atmosphere. Explore the Rocky Hill Trailhead, 4 miles away, for more outdoor thrills.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Princeton University with a visit to McCarter Theatre, offering a mix of culture and romance, just 0.4 miles away. For film lovers, AMC MarketFair 10 is 2 miles away, while the charming Princeton Garden Theatre, only 0.3 miles away, adds a touch of entertainment and family-friendly vibes.

Find the best attractions near Princeton University

Princeton University offers a rich blend of attractions, including historic civic buildings, urban parks, and charming historic houses. Visitors can immerse themselves in culture, enjoy outdoor activities, and explore the beautiful university campus. Don't miss the opportunity to learn about Princeton's esteemed faculty while discovering the vibrant local community and its historical significance. Whether you're with family or seeking solo adventures, Princeton has something for everyone.

  • Princeton University Art Museum: Located only 0.3 miles from Princeton University, this museum boasts an impressive collection of art spanning various cultures and eras. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich cultural vibes and stunning exhibitions that showcase works from ancient to contemporary artists.
  • Albert Einstein's House: A historic treasure situated 0.7 miles from campus, this is where the famed physicist lived. The house offers a glimpse into Einstein's life and contributions to science, wrapped in a charming residential setting that reflects the cultural history of the area.
  • Institute for Advanced Studies: Situated 1 mile away, this prestigious institute is a hub for intellectual pursuit. While not a typical tourist destination, its serene campus and historical significance attract those interested in academia and groundbreaking research.

Best time to go to Princeton University

Visitor numbers around Princeton University is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Princeton University is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January31.6°F (-0.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February33.8°F (1.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March41.2°F (5.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April52.0°F (11.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May61.9°F (16.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June70.5°F (21.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July76.8°F (24.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August74.8°F (23.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September68.4°F (20.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November45.5°F (7.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December37.9°F (3.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Princeton University

To save money on your trip to Princeton University, consider visiting between January and March for lower accommodation rates. Mondays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays tend to be more expensive. Use Expedia to compare hotel prices, refine your search by preferences, and consider booking a package deal that includes flights and activities for additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and allow you to earn OneKeyCash for future bookings. Explore free campus attractions and utilize public transport options to keep costs down.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Princeton University are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Princeton University is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Princeton University is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool makes it easy to choose your budget, preferred destination, and additional preferences. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, helping you find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will show you sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by booking an Expedia package that combines your hotel stay near Princeton University with your flights and activities.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.