Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Visit Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Activities

Immerse yourself in an atmosphere of academia at the architecturally rich, museum-filled campus of one of America’s most celebrated universities.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is not only one of the most famous educational establishments in the country, but its campus is also one of the architectural highlights of Massachusetts. Wander around the 168-acre (68-hectare) campus along the edges of the Charles River to admire a variety of stunning buildings and thought-provoking museums.

The university was established in 1861 and in 1916 moved to Cambridge, a town neighboring Boston. Stroll around the campus to admire some of its most impressive buildings. Explore buildings designed by 21st-century architectural heroes such as Frank Gehry, I.M. Pei and Eero Saarinen.

The modernist MIT Chapel was designed by Eero Saarinen as a windowless, cylindrical space to encourage contemplation. Marvel at the neoclassical style of the Walker Memorial and the Great Dome. The iconic and controversial Ray and Maria Stata Center is Frank Gehry’s jagged, multicolored contribution to the campus.

Visit one of the institution’s 12 museums and galleries. Explore the MIT Museum to learn about how the establishment has been at the forefront of scientific research and discovery. Exhibits cover topics such as artificial intelligence, the art of holography and student engineering prototypes.

The MIT List Visual Arts Center hosts a collection of over 3,500 artworks, including a wealth of contemporary sculptures and paintings. Come here throughout the year to see a variety of rotating exhibitions in this prestigious gallery space.

Witness the meeting of science and creativity in the MIT Center for Art, Science and Technology. Exhibits show collaborations between engineers and artists that push the boundaries of their disciplines. Marvel at the elegant geometry of the building, which was designed by I.M. Pei.

Spend an evening in the Kresge Auditorium, another building by Saarinen. The auditorium seats over 1,200 people and hosts MIT Music and Theatre Arts performances.

Take a subway or bus from Boston to Cambridge to reach the campus. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is easy to explore on foot and features a range of places to break for food and drink.

Popular places to visit

Stata Center

Learn about the local history of Cambridge when you spend time at Stata Center. Experience the acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event in this vibrant area.

Cambridge Center Roof Garden

Enjoy an outing to Cambridge Center Roof Garden during your stay in Cambridge. Experience the fascinating museums or attend a sporting event in this vibrant area.

Kendall Square

You can learn about the history of Cambridge with a trip to Kendall Square. Experience the fascinating museums or attend a sporting event in this vibrant area.

Longfellow Bridge

You can learn about the history of Cambridge when you stop by Longfellow Bridge. Discover the fascinating museums and notable monuments in this vibrant area.

Cambridgeside Galleria

You can do some window-shopping at Cambridgeside Galleria during your visit to Cambridge. Attend a sporting event or visit the notable monuments in this vibrant area.

Commonwealth Avenue Mall

After visiting Commonwealth Avenue Mall, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Boston. Discover the fascinating museums and notable monuments in this vibrant area.

Top Hotel Deals

Check availability on hotels close to Massachusetts Institute of Technology

citizenM Boston Back Bay

408 Newbury street, Boston, MA

citizenM Boston North Station

70 Causeway Street, Boston, MA

Sheraton Boston, a Marriott Hotel

39 Dalton St, Boston, MA

The Westin Copley Place, Boston, a Marriott Hotel

10 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA

The Revolution Hotel

40 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA

Copley Square Hotel, a FOUND Hotel

47 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA

The Newbury Boston

15 Arlington St, Boston, MA

The Dagny Boston

89 Broad Street, Boston, MA

The Kendall Hotel at the Engine 7 Firehouse

350 Main Street, Cambridge, MA

See all 3,219 properties in Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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 Massachusetts Institute of Technology

When visiting the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, explore the vibrant surroundings, including exciting sports events, captivating theatre performances, and impressive art galleries. Don't miss the fascinating museums nearby, which offer a rich blend of science, technology, and culture, making your trip both educational and enjoyable.

Shopping

Harvard Square, located 3.2km from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, offers a vibrant shopping experience with entertainment and city vibes. Boston Public Market, also 3.2km away, features local businesses and a bustling atmosphere. Wine & Cheese Cask, just 1.6km away, is perfect for unique gifts.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at MGM Music Hall at Fenway, just 1.6km from MIT, offering exhilarating music concerts. For sports enthusiasts, Agganis Arena, located two miles away, provides thrilling events. For a serene escape, Chestnut Hill Reservation, four miles away, invites relaxation amidst nature's beauty.

Adventure

Explore the Minuteman Bikeway, a scenic hiking trail 1.6km from MIT, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Engage in thrilling water sports at Courageous Sailing Center, located 3.2km away, or unleash your competitive spirit at Boston Paintball, situated 6.4km from campus. Adventure awaits.

Nightlife

In Cambridge, the Orpheum Theater offers a charming mix of culture and romance, perfect for an enchanting evening. Just 1.6km away, the Charles Hayden Planetarium provides fascinating entertainment, while the Frog Pond Carousel adds a whimsical touch to your nighttime adventures.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Within and around the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, visitors can explore a range of attractions including historic colleges and universities, urban parks, and event conference venues. These points of interest cater to those seeking cultural experiences, family-friendly activities, and urban exploration, making it an ideal destination for a diverse array of travellers.

Fenway Park: Experience the rich history of this iconic sports stadium, home to the Boston Red Sox. With its unique atmosphere and passionate fans, you'll feel the spirit of American baseball while enjoying the vibrant culture surrounding the park, just 1.6km from MIT.
Harvard University: As one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, Harvard offers stunning architecture and a rich cultural heritage. Stroll through its beautiful campus, just 3.2km from MIT, and soak in the academic vibes that inspire generations of scholars.
TD Garden: A premier venue for events and conferences, TD Garden hosts a variety of entertainment, from sports to concerts. Located 3.2km from MIT, the venue buzzes with business and excitement, making it a must-visit for any tourist.

Best time to go to Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The best time to visit Massachusetts Institute of Technology 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 Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	30.0°F (-1.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
February	31.5°F (-0.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
March	37.9°F (3.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	48.2°F (9.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
May	58.5°F (14.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
June	66.6°F (19.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
July	73.6°F (23.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
August	72.7°F (22.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
September	65.7°F (18.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
October	55.6°F (13.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly High
November	44.4°F (6.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
December	36.3°F (2.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Massachusetts Institute of Technology

For a budget-friendly visit to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, consider travelling between December and February, when accommodation prices are lower. Sundays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays tend to be pricier. Utilise Expedia's search tool to filter hotels by budget and eco-certification, ensuring you find sustainable options. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities for potential discounts with Expedia packages. Always check for the best price guarantee and sort prices from lowest to highest for the best deals. Enjoy free activities around the campus to further save on costs.

The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Massachusetts Institute of Technology are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May and September to October, 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 Massachusetts Institute of Technology is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Massachusetts Institute of Technology is Saturday.
Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and desired type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
Consider bundling your trip: You could potentially reduce your expenses by combining your hotel reservation near the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

See a list of all hotels in Boston

Unlock instant savings with Member Prices