Our Favourite Places
Our city
![A photo of an ice cream from Jacks Gelato.](/site/assets/files/1357/jack_rutherford_-_jacks_gelato.jpg)
An alternative guide to Cambridge.
We asked our students to share the best bits of Cambridge with you. Some of them are hidden gems, and some of them actually hidden. Some will have you queuing round the block but trust us – it'll be worth it.
![Map of Cambridge showing ARU location](/site/assets/files/1366/cambridge_map_with_aru_logo_resized.jpg)
![Medieval engraving](/site/assets/files/5708/fitzwilliam_30.jpg)
The Fitzwilliam Museum
Trumpington StreetCambridge CB2 1RB
Half a million works of art - there aren’t many places where you’ll find Leonardo da Vinci, Monet and Picasso, all under one roof.
See Place![Grantchester Meadows](/site/assets/files/5821/grantchester.jpg)
Grantchester Meadows
GrantchesterCambridge
It’s totally worth the long walk to get there! The river is gorgeous.
See Place![Relevant Record Cafe exterior (Photo: Charles Matthews)](/site/assets/files/5770/800px-relevant_record_mill_road_cambridge.jpg)
Relevant Record Cafe
260 Mill RoadCambridge CB1 3NF
Hidden away at the end of Mill Road is Relevant Record Cafe.
See Place![Italian tomato sauce dish](/site/assets/files/5745/tradizioni-1.jpg)
Tradizioni
18 The BroadwayCambridge CB1 3AH
This somewhat unassuming Italian makes simple, tasty dishes just like their Nonna taught them.
See Place![Close-up of an ornate box](/site/assets/files/5760/david_parr.jpg)
David Parr's House of Artistry
184/186 Gwydir StreetCambridge CB1 2LW
On the outside, it looks like any other terraced house in the city...
See Place![Customers at The Roof Terrace](/site/assets/files/5790/drinks_with_a_difference.jpg)
Drinks with a Difference
Various locationsCambridge
Fancy taking in some of the best views of the city? Or maybe a cocktail in a secret room – if you can find it.
See Place![Cycle King exterior](/site/assets/files/5816/cycle-king.jpg)
Cycle King
195-197 Mill RoadCambridge CB1 3AN
One of the best ways to get about the city is by bicycle, so knowing where to take it for repairs is essential.
See Place![The Eagle beermats on table](/site/assets/files/5826/the_eagle.jpg)
The Eagle
Bene't StreetCambridge CB2 3QN
This isn’t any ordinary pub. The Eagle is where Francis Crick and James Watson announced they had discovered ‘the secret of life,’ the structure of DNA.
See Place![Aerial view of Market Square, Cambridge](/site/assets/files/5805/market_square_aerial_view.jpg)
Market Square
Market HillCambridge
On any given day you’ll find Market Square alive with independent traders of every shape, size and variety.
See Place![8-bit representation of building](/site/assets/files/5785/centre_for_computing_history.jpg)
The Centre for Computer History
Rene Court, Coldham's RoadCambridge CB1 3EW
A museum where you’re not only allowed to touch the display, you're actively encouraged.
See Place![Goldfinch stone in Mill Road cemetery](/site/assets/files/5846/mill_road_cemetery.jpg)
Mill Road Cemetery
Mill RoadCambridge CB1 2AW
Set amongst the headstones of Mill Road Cemetery, you’ll find seven bird sculptures created by artist Gordon Young.
See Place![Stone relief with mammoth carving](/site/assets/files/5905/sedgwick_museum.jpg)
Sedgwick Museum
University Of Downing StreetCambridge CB2 3EQ
A complete Iguanadon skeleton waits to greet you as you enter this museum of Earth Sciences.
See Place![Photo of Lost in Vinyl exterior on a vinyl sleeve](/site/assets/files/5775/lost_in_vinyl.jpg)
Lost in Vinyl
14 Magdalene StreetCambridge CB3 0AF
Do as the name suggests and lose yourself for a few hours in this record shop.
See Place![Bould Brothers Coffee exterior](/site/assets/files/5841/bould_brothers.jpg)
Bould Brothers Coffee
16 Round Church StreetCambridge CB5 8AD
If you want coffee so good that it’s been featured in the pages of Vogue then Bould Brothers Coffee is the place for you.
See Place![Mock-up of tequila plant growing out of greenhouse](/site/assets/files/5795/botanic_gardens.jpg)
The Botanic Gardens
1 BrooksideCambridge CB2 1JE
The Botanic Gardens is home to many rare and wonderful plants.
See Place![People gathered around food trucks](/site/assets/files/5740/foodpark.jpg)
foodPark
Various locationsCambridge
A collective of some of the best local street food traders operating regular markets across Cambridge throughout the year.
See Place![Aerial view of Jesus Green lido](/site/assets/files/5703/jesus_green_lido.jpg)
Jesus Green Lido
Chesterton RoadCambridge CB4 3AX
This isn’t any ordinary lido, you know. Not only is it one of the longest outdoor swimming pools in the country, but it also has an unusual shape...
See Place![A pile of cheese toasties in a bowl](/site/assets/files/5836/urban_larder.jpg)
Urban Larder
9 The BroadwayCambridge CB1 3AH
Sat in the middle of Mill Road is this cosy little coffee shop.
See Place![A row of cottages](/site/assets/files/5765/orchard_street.jpg)
Orchard Street
Orchard StreetCambridge CB1 1JS
Step onto Orchard Street and you might think you’ve suddenly left the city.
See Place![The Wrestlers exterior](/site/assets/files/5750/thewrestlers.jpg)
The Wrestlers
Newmarket RoadCambridge CB5 8JE
This isn’t your average pub grub. The Wrestlers have been serving up delicious Thai food for over thirty years.
See Place![Cream being poured into a cup of coffee](/site/assets/files/5831/stir.jpg)
Stir
253 Chesterton RoadCambridge CB4 1BG
A short walk out of the city centre but well worth the trip.
See Place![Reality Checkpoint lamp post](/site/assets/files/5800/reality_checkpoint.jpg)
Reality Checkpoint
Parker's PieceCambridge
This isn’t any ordinary lamppost. For a start, it’s probably one of the only lampposts to have its own Wikipedia page.
See Place![Pint Shop interior](/site/assets/files/5735/pint_shop.jpg)
Pint Shop
10 Peas HillCambridge CB2 3PN
The former home of the writer E.M Forster is now home to the Pint Shop.
See Place![Photo of the Corpus Clock and Chronophage](/site/assets/files/5811/chronophage.jpg)
The Chronophage
58 Trumpington StreetCambridge CB2 1RH
A grasshopper-like creature that devours each minute with a snap of its jaws.
See Place![A plate of food from Stem & Glory](/site/assets/files/5755/stem_and_glory.jpg)
Stem & Glory
50-60 Station RoadCambridge CB1 2JH
A go-to place for vegans and vegetarians in the city.
See Place![Beer being poured from a tap into a pint glass.](/site/assets/files/2848/bence-boros-8t5uav6kkza-unsplash.jpg)
Calverley's Brewery & Taproom
23A Hooper StCambridge CB1 2NZ
Calverley's Brewery is a beer lovers hidden gem, based just off Mill Road in the heart of Cambridge.
See Place![Fopp logo](/site/assets/files/5780/fopp.jpg)
Fopp
37 Sidney StreetCambridge CB2 3HX
Your one-stop shop for all things music, film and books.
See Place![The Empress pub pictured from outside.](/site/assets/files/1855/the_empress.jpg)
The Empress
72 Thoday StreetCambridge CB1 3AX
The Empress If you live near, on or just off Mill Road this place should be your Cambridge local, in fact even if you don't live within walking distance this should still be your local!
See Place![The outside of the Maypole pub photographed early evening.](/site/assets/files/2856/5509194_bbfcb7ea.jpg)
The Maypole
20A Portugal PlCambridge CB5 8AF
For a great list of ales and craft beer and good sized pub garden, look no further than The Maypole!
See Place![A photo of one of Cambridge 'dinky doors'.](/site/assets/files/2514/6254966_5d6bc569.jpg)
Dinky Doors
VariousYou might have tried Geocaching but Dinky Doors are Cambridge through and through. Why? Because frankly they’re a bit weird...
See Place![ARU PhD student Jack pictured outside with a coffee from Hot Numbers cafe.](/site/assets/files/1881/hot_numbers_2.jpg)
Hot Numbers
Dales Brewery, 5/6 Gwydir StCambridge CB1 2LJ
Hot Numbers has a cult status in Cambridge and it is well deserved. They serve the best coffee in town, play/showcase some great music and have really tasty food as well.
See Place![A photo of three hands holding a coffee.](/site/assets/files/2830/nathan-dumlao-6vhpy27jdps-unsplash.jpg)
Espresso Library
210 East RoadCambridge CB1 1BG
Espresso Library is a airy, glass-fronted cafe with bikes hanging from ceiling, with a delicious range of artisan coffees and tasty homemade food.
See Place![A photo of table and chairs inside of a cafe.](/site/assets/files/2503/drew-coffman-juoaonoxjqk-unsplash.jpg)
5 blends coffee shop
42 Mill Rd, PetersfieldCambridge CB1 2AD
Amazing and unique artwork on the walls giving you modern yet rustic vibe. It's the perfect spot for getting some work down, having some down time alone or having a catchup with your mates.
See Place![Arjuna Wholefoods store photographed from the outside.](/site/assets/files/2839/6027829_6ffa33d6.jpg)
Arjuna Wholefoods
12 Mill Rd, PetersfieldCambridge CB1 2AD
A Cambridge staple, a wholefood shop with heritage offering ethically sourced and high quality organic artisan food and daily vegan meals to take-away, a must visit!
See Place![Two scoops of ice cream in a Jacks Gelato branded cup.](/site/assets/files/2143/jack_rutherford_-_jacks_gelato.jpg)
Jack's Gelato
6 Benet StCambridge CB2 3QN
If you’re looking for some amazing gelato (and even if you’re not!) then Jack’s Gelato is the place to go. Jack’s is so good, and loved by so many, that I was once stood in a queue for an ice cream there at 10pm on Wednesday in February!
See Place![A photo of Vegan Vice burgers and sides.](/site/assets/files/1868/vegan_vice.jpg)
Vegan Vice
170 East RdCambridge CB1 1DB
It's probably the best fast-food place in Cambridge and caters to all diets so if you're going with friends everybody will find something they want. If your thinking you'll be eating dry tofu burgers or flavourless Quorn nuggets, you are dead wrong.
See Place![Specialist recording equipment pictured inside OT Music Studio.](/site/assets/files/2494/ot_studio.jpg)
24 Hour Club
39A St Andrew's SCambridge CB2 3AR
This designer clothes shop sources the newest urban fashion from places such as France, New York, London, and Japan. It has 2 floors of clothing and a cool interior using ladders as clothing rails and led lights for a relaxed vibe while shopping.
See Place![Jemporium Vintage pictured from outside with mannequins in the window.](/site/assets/files/1933/jemporiumvintage_cambridge.jpg)
Jemporium Vintage
6A Burleigh StCambridge CB1 1DG
A wonderful breath of individuality and the home of alternative fashion in Cambridge. You'll find a carefully curated range of band t shirts, comfortable denim, genuine American high school varsity wear and some unique sportswear.
See Place![ARU student Jay Wright pictured applying a new window stick in Full Circle Cafe.](/site/assets/files/2156/jay_wright_-_full_circle_cafe.jpg)
Full Circle Cafe
9 Norfolk StCambridge CB1 2LD
Zero waste & ethical shop on 9 Norfolk street. Lovely little shop, and quite affordable considering they are completely plastic-free and mostly organic. They also offer a discount for students. (Jay Wright, BA Illustration).
See Place![A box light with the word burgers illuminated.](/site/assets/files/2169/hello-i-m-nik-hmdscjvjoqg-unsplash.jpg)
Doppelganger
59 Regent St,Cambridge CB2 1AB
Vegan burger restaurant. Funky interior and some of the best vegan burgers out there! (Jay Wright, BA Illustration).
See Place![Cakes and coffees photographed on a table in Thrive Cafe.](/site/assets/files/2183/alice_setti_-_thrive.jpg)
Thrive Cafe
5-7 Norfolk St,Cambridge CB1 2LD
My favourite place to hang out and chat with some tea and cake is Thrive Cambridge Cafe, next to the university. (Alice Setti, BA Fine Art).
See Place![A photograph a people walking through Christ's Pieces Cambridge.](/site/assets/files/2196/christs_pieces-_cambridge_-_geograph_org_uk_-_1071777.jpg)
Christ’s Pieces
Emmanuel RoadCambridge CB1 1JW
My favourite park is Christ’s pieces to go read or draw or just walk. (Alice Setti, BA Fine Art).
See PlaceWhere now
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Campus
Take a look around our facilities
From dark rooms to performance spaces, computer labs and a printmaking workshop complete with letterpress.
Explore![](/site/assets/files/1948/aru_02074.jpg)
People
Staff, students and alumni
Meet some of the people that make up the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Meet Nick![](/site/assets/files/1949/aru_03455.jpg)
Events
Take a look at our culture calendar
Whether you're into film, Shakespeare, music therapy or the future of modern policing, our events cover just about everything.
See what's happening