{shortcode-d491702c0a4041a2f54cdce3825e3bcb14239e4b}Welcome to Harvard’s campus, prefrosh! We know you’ve probably been eagerly looking forward to exploring all of the photo-esque parts of campus you’ve seen online. But there is so much more that Harvard has to offer… at least if your so-called tour guide (read: other prefrosh or overly invested current student) has anything to say about it. Unfortunately for you, their suggestions are a bit lacking. If you’d like to avoid walking ten thousand miles this weekend for no real reason, you’ll listen to us.

Tasty Basty

If you think this has something to do with turkey basters, you’ve somehow managed to fall behind on your readings before committing. Something will probably happen in the basement of Tasty Burger this weekend, but trust us, you don’t need (or want) to be there.

Holworthy Basement

If Tasty Basty wasn’t small or sweaty enough, boy, do we have something in store for you! Once you get access to Sidechat, you’ll undoubtedly scroll past posts reading, “roll Holworthy basement!” more times than any of us would like to admit; save being traumatized by visiting the basement till then.

The Student Organizations Center at Hilles (SOCH)

The name is a lie. No student group has ever met in this building. (Okay, that might be a slight exaggeration, but we’d never choose to meet anyone but our worst enemies here.) The only thing I’ve ever done in the SOCH is count down the minutes until I can leave. There are no redeeming qualities to this building. It makes us upset.

The Charles River

You cross this to get to the Harvard Business School. That’s about it.

Harvard Business School

Unnecessary detour. But now that you’re here, you can get ahead on McKinsey recruitment! Small mercies.

MIT

Undoubtedly, someone will suggest hopping on the T as a dangerous, rebellious excursion. Ah yes, nothing is more thrilling than leaving Cambridge to go to… Cambridge.

Newbury Street

Someone will find an aesthetic TikTok of places to visit in Boston, and Newbury Street will be the first to pop up. Is it basic? Yes. Is it overpriced? Yes. Will you still keep visiting over and over again throughout all your four years at Harvard? Also yes. At least you’ll be ahead of the game?

Smith Rooftop Garden

On the second floor of the Smith Campus Center lies a beautiful side quest venue where you can enjoy a late night or a casual brunch. Real plants exist here, and it feels like a true escape from the hustle and bustle of Harvard life. Unfortunately, you (or one of your Visitas “besties”) will inevitably catch sight of the infamous TikTok chairs while on the second floor, so good luck actually making it onto the rooftop.

Smith Tenth Floor

If you still can’t get enough of the Smith Campus Center, take a trip to its top floor! Here you’ll be able to view all of Harvard’s campus from a bird’s eye view — yes, this includes all of the prefrosh with their blaring red lanyards. (Seriously, you guys stand out like a beacon.) You’ll also be able to see other, more focused prefrosh attending the four simultaneous events you’d bookmarked on your calendar. If you love the feeling of FOMO, we suppose this spot might be worth the trip.

The Harvard Crimson

Jokes aside, this is a must-see part of campus during Visitas. How else would you be able to sign up to join the funniest and coolest and smartest and awesomest group of people as a writer for Flyby Blog? Comp Flyby.

In all, there is so much more to Harvard’s campus than its beautiful red brick aesthetic. These places, though? Not it. You’re lucky you have us to save your time, steps, and energy so that you can fully enjoy your weekend!

Read the rest of our Visitas 2025 feature here!