The Backs

Cambridge, United Kingdom (England)

The scenic area along the River Cam behind the colleges, famous for punting.

Places in The Backs

• The Backs riverside bars Bars along the scenic river area, popular after a punting trip.

Practical notes for Cambridge

Best time to visit

April to June and September to October offer pleasant weather for punting on the Cam and exploring the college grounds.

Getting around

Cambridge's historic centre and colleges are compact and walkable, with punting on the River Cam a signature way to see the backs of the colleges.

Currency

Pound Sterling (£)

Language

English.

Timezone

GMT (UTC+0, BST UTC+1 in summer)

Current trends

Cambridge's café culture continues thriving alongside its Michelin-starred dining scene, with specialist coffee shops and old-school bakeries complementing the city's eight Michelin restaurants.

Other neighborhoods in Cambridge

• University quarter (city centre) — The historic core surrounding the main colleges and River Cam.
• Market Square area — The city's central market and shopping district.

Read the full Cambridge guide