Clare Balding's Cambridge - Telegraph Newnham College, Cambridge University (Alamy) Which is the best place to stay? It has to be the Hotel du Vin (01223 227330; hotelduvin.com; doubles from £180), which has a very nice library and cellar bar. Where would you meet friends for a drink? I'm a great fan of Fitzbillies (352500; fitzbillies.com), the perfect place to go for a coffee or afternoon tea. It's famous for its Chelsea Buns, but also does lovely carrot cakes.. Where is the best place for lunch? The River Bar Steakhouse & Grill (01223 307030; riverbar steakhouse.com), near Magdalene College, has a lovely location by the river and serves very good steaks; the salads are pretty good, too. And for dinner? That's a no-brainer. I would eat at the Hotel du Vin's restaurant, because the hotel chain's food is superb. They always have such a fantastic wine list, too. Where would you send a first-time visitor? You obviously have to visit the colleges - and of course, King's College Chapel, which is fabulous. Try to hear the choir sing there too, if you can. I would also go punting on the Cam because punting isn't something you can do in many places. Finally, if they're up for a challenge, I would send first-time visitors down to the river early in the morning to watch the rowing. King's College Chapel (Alamy) What should I avoid? Driving in the city - not only is the parking bad, as I mentioned, but the traffic is pretty bad, too. If you're physically fit, I'd suggest walking around the colleges rather than hopping on one of those tour buses. You always see so much more of a place on foot. What should I bring home? Photographs and properly framed pictures of the city. Cambridge is such a gorgeous-looking place and you'll want to remember your visit. And you might buy some of the fudge they sell in the market. Anywhere that isn't your kind of town? I went to Singapore some years ago and didn't like it. But then again, I didn't have much money in those days either and, let's face it, nowhere's much fun if you're short of cash. My Animals and Other Family" by Clare Balding is out now (Viking, £20) Cambridge essentials Guided tours Walking or cycling on your own around Cambridge obviously brings plenty of rewards, but you'll get far more from a tour in the company of expert local guides.Oxbridge Tours (01223 969598; oxbridgetours.com) offers private 90-minute walking tours, tailor-made to suit your specific interests, from £55 for two people. or join Walk of Fame tours from £14 per person. The company also offers two bike tours, around the city and to Granchester, each £20 adult (private tours on request), as well as punting tours for up to 12 people (£110). Concerts For a detailed and exhaustive listings of concerts in and around the city, visit cambridgeconcerts.com. For information on how and when to hear Kings College Choir (and organ recitals in the chapel), visit kings.cam.ac.uk. The next formal concert is on Wednesday, November 14, and features the choir, Andreas Scholl and the Academy of Ancient Music preforming works by J S Bach. The next organ recital (free, but a collection is taken afterwards), is at 6.30pm on Saturday, November 10, with visiting organist Robert Munns. Douglas Tang of King's performs at 6.30 on Saturday, November 24. Stay in a college Cambridgerooms.co.uk (cambridgerooms.co.uk) allows you stay in college accommodation during the student holidays.You can combine a historic bed for the night in a central location with prices from as little as £34 b & b, a cost-effective alternative to hotels - and you contribute to the upkeep of the famous buildings.