Travel Budget for Cambridge Visit Cambridge on a Budget or Travel in Style

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Cambridge include:

• Cambridge Bed & Breakfast starting at $133
• The Gonville Hotel starting at $211
• University Arms Autograph Collection starting at $200
• Graduate Cambridge starting at $187

Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Cambridge

With Cambridge's good public transit system, you can stay further out of the university town and save on accommodations, though commuting could take more time and cost you more in transit fees.

If you plan your trip outside of summer and during the low or shoulder season, you'll find better accommodation rates and fewer tourists.

Many travelers like to navigate Cambridge on foot which can save on transportation costs. So, you'll want to stay in a more central location. This could mean higher hotels prices, though.

Transportation Tips

Be sure your hotel has hassle-free parking if you're planning to drive.

Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:

• Private Transfer: London Heathrow Airport To Cambridge. For $126 details
• Heathrow Airport to Cambridge Private Transfer for $101 details
• Private Transfer: From Cambridge to London Heathrow Airport for $139 details

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Cambridge is around $94 (£72) per person, with previous travelers spending from $40 to $193. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Cambridge are as follows:

• Breakfast: $9 to $28
• Lunch: $14 to $37
• Dinner: $28 to $65
• Coffee: $7
• Fast Food or Street Food: $14

Cambridge has a rich and varied dining scene like most cities. Traditional fare of England consists of anything you might find in a British pub-fish and chips, bangers and mash (sausages and mashed potatoes), stews, soups, and just about any kind of meat pie you could ask for (often called pasties). A few additional specialties include black pudding (black sausage), steak and kidney pudding, pickled eggs, and plenty of coffee and tea shops. With England's imperial history, curry is also a very popular specialty in many British cities, including Cambridge. English pubs can be found just about everywhere, as well as kebab and pizza shops, but there are also plenty of restaurants serving Asian, Indian, Italian, American, and more.

Food & Dining Tips

Several hotels include breakfast with your stay, while others charge separately for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly depending on the hotel. Knowing this in advance can guide your budget decisions. It could be worth it for the tasty buffet available at the hotel, or you may wish to find a cheaper option at a local bakery or cafe.

You can cut costs and soak in the views by having a picnic. Swing by a local grocery store or market, pick up some fresh goodies, and head to a lovely park or picturesque location to savor your meal.

Bring your own water bottle instead of grabbing drinks on the fly. It's better for the environment as well.

If you're considering a tour, double-check which meals are included in the package. There may be instances where you'll have to pay for your own meals, potentially stretching your budget.

Many visitors come to Cambridge to see the university and its many colleges. Some charge entrance fees, and they are all generally closed to the public during exam periods. King’s College and King’s College Chapel are popular landmarks for sightseeing, as is Queens' College with its Mathematical Bridge across the River Cam and medieval Old Hall. Trinity College is also very famous, featuring a beautiful courtyard and a library that houses important artifacts including medieval bibles, possessions of Sir Isaac Newton, and original manuscripts by Wittgenstein. Other colleges good for sightseeing include St Johns College, Pembroke College, Clare College, Saint Catharine’s College, and Homerton College-all of which have scenic grounds and impressive architecture.

As far as green areas go, one of the most popular is The Backs-a large green space along the River Cam that runs behind several colleges, offering walking paths, trees, and opportunities for boating. The Botanic Garden of Cambridge University is also a relaxing place to spend some time enjoying the collection of more than 10,000 species of plants. Other areas with parks and recreation include Jesus Green, Parker's Piece, and Christ's Piece.

Churches are another central aspect to the Cambridge landscape. Loyal to the Church of England, the colleges of Cambridge all have chapels. One of the largest and most impressive is Great St Mary's, which is open to the public. Dating from the 15th-century, the church is open daily and allows visitors to catch stunning views of the city from its bell-tower.

In addition to sightseeing, there are also a number of museums worth-visiting in Cambridge. The most important is probably the Fitzwilliam Museum on Trumpington Street, which showcases a large collection of art and antiquities from many ages and civilizations. Their departments include Antiquities, Applied Arts, Coins and Medals, Manuscripts and Printed Books, and Paintings, Drawings and Prints. Other museums include The Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, the Folk Museum, the Polar Museum, and the University Library.

Other activities involve enjoying the green spaces, gardens, parks, and opportunities for recreation along the River Cam. Punting, for example, involves propelling yourself in a long wooden boat by pushing a pole against the shallow river bottom. Guided river tours are available for those looking to experience the local sport, as are options for self-hire. Rowing on the Cam is also very common, and visitors might be able to see races at certain times of the year.

Sightseeing Tips

Museums and Attractions:
People flock to Cambridge for its renowned museums and famous landmarks. The history is rich and impressive in this university town. There are countless museums and architectural sights that you should check out. High on the list are the Cambridge University buildings, The Fitzwilliam Museum, the Bridge of Sighs, The Round Church, and many more.

Shopping:
Don't pass up the chance to shop here, as it's fun and enjoyable. The town offers independent boutique shops, local brands, and a 7 day a week market. The three main shopping areas in town are The Grafton, Lion Yard and Grand Arcade.

A nice way to explore destinations in Cambridge is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

• Cambridge Science Tour for $32 details
• Tangential Private Walking Tour of Cambridge for $193 details
• Guided Walking Tour through Cambridge University | Small Groups for $39 details

Nightlife Tips

Nights out are fun, but limiting your alcohol consumption can help keep your travel costs in check.

Nighttime outings can be fun, but make sure to stay aware of your environment, especially if you've been drinking. Pickpockets or worse could take advantage, so stick to trusted company.