Yale Campus Tours: All Your Options on How to Tour Yale University

(Updated October 2022, Originally Posted March 2021) Whether you’re visiting New Haven as a tourist or as a prospective student, touring Yale’s incredible campus in the heart of the city is one of the best (and free) activities to do here. Catch a glimpse into what life is like as a student at this world-class institution and soak in the bustling atmosphere of thriving campus life.  Yale’s official campus tours are the perfect opportunity to find out what student life is like, what campus clubs are available and what special features each college has to offer.

Here are 4 key pieces of advice for taking a tour at Yale University:

1. Get there early to ensure you have a spot on the tour!
2. Dress appropriately for outdoor touring.
3. Go to the restrooms in the Visitor Center or the Office of Undergraduate Admissions before your tour begins. The 60-75 minute tours don’t have pit stops!
4. Speak to your student guides. They are super friendly and are happy to answer your questions about their experiences.

Tour as a visitor

From the Visitor Center on one side of New Haven Green (149 Elm Street), you can take your spot on one of the campus tours.  The tour starts with a very informative and playful video that gives a broad overview of what this university has to offer its students.  This 60-minute walking tour covers central campus and shares plenty of interesting details about Yale’s 300-year history as well as what life is like through the eyes of the student guide. Take a look in one of the 14 residential colleges, the impressive record-breaking libraries and walk the paths previously taken by Yale’s many famous alumni.

One of the best parts of the walking tours is getting to hear from the student guides!  Take advantage of your time to ask them questions and hear about their classes, extra-curriculars and student life in New Haven. Wondering where to go next for a snack or directions around the downtown area? Your guide will be happy to help!