places to visit in cambridge ma

Cambridge, MA   Travel Guide

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10 Best Things To Do in Cambridge, MA

Updated March 23, 2023

Cambridge, which sits just across the Charles River from Boston , has its own identity and charms entirely separate from the "Hub." From the world-renowned Harvard University to the city's many unique "squares," Cambridge offers plenty to see and

• All Things To Do

Harvard Square Harvard Square free

Iconic Harvard Square, a bustling epicenter of Cambridge, is packed with quirky boutiques, bookstores, restaurants, cafes, bars, buskers and, of course, students from Harvard University, which borders one side of the square. No matter the time of day or night, there is always a lively atmosphere. Simply wandering around people-watching can be entertaining by itself.

Visitors say Harvard Square "feels like a European square" with a "fun and energetic vibe." Additionally, many add that it offers a great place to hang out in the evenings.

Harvard University Harvard University free

One of the world's most famous universities, Harvard has been educating students since the 17th century. It was named for John Harvard, a clergyman who died in 1638 and left the college his library and half of his estate. Visitors can walk the grounds to take in the gorgeous buildings, which span a variety of architectural styles over the centuries. There's the Georgian-style Holden Chapel, completed in 1744, University Hall, designed in 1815 by Charles Bulfinch, and the Romanesque-style Sever Hall, completed in 1880, among many others.

Recent travelers called the buildings "stunning," adding that a stop at Harvard was one of the highlights of their time in Cambridge. While visitors may not go into campus buildings, they can tag along on a free guided tour of the grounds. Tours provide an overview of campus history and offer fun tidbits. For instance, the 1884 statue of John Harvard by Daniel Chester French (the left foot of which many visitors rub for luck) is not actually a depiction of Harvard himself, but rather Sherman Hoar, a Harvard graduate who acted as the model for this sculpture.

Harvard Museum of Natural History Harvard Museum of Natural History

The world-famous Blaschka Glass Flowers receive a lot of attention at this museum – and rightly so – but there are a lot of other must-see exhibits at the Harvard Museum of Natural History (which also contains specimens from the Museum of Comparative Zoology, the Harvard University Herbaria and the Mineralogical & Geological Museum). After you've had your fill of the stunningly life-like collection of more than 4,000 glass models, which represent more than 830 plant species, make sure to check out the other galleries. Popular exhibits include the Great Mammal Hall, Birds of the World and Climate Change: Our Global Experiment.

Recent visitors – who called the museum "fabulous" and "great for all ages" – said they wished they would have set aside more time to explore all of the exhibits. Reviewers also described the experience as a great value thanks to the two-for-one admission to both the adjacent Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology  and the natural history museum.

Popular Tours

Harvard University Campus Guided Walking Tour

(2040 reviews)

from $ 23.00

Public MIT Campus Guided Walking Tour

(88 reviews)

from $ 22.00

Plymouth half day private tour from Boston, groups 1-4

from $ 675.00

Massachusetts Institute of Technology Massachusetts Institute of Technology free

Founded in 1861, MIT's emphasis on science and technology is clearly seen in its amazing architecture and sculptures. Take a guided or self-guided tour around the campus to see works by Pablo Picasso and Alexander Calder and buildings designed by I.M. Pei and other award-winning architects. Highlights include the domed Kresge Auditorium, designed by Eero Saarinen, which rests on just three points, and the curvy Ray and Maria Stata Center, designed by Frank Gehry. A free audio guide that focuses on 51 works of art and architecture throughout the campus, with commentary from artists, architects, scholars and curators, is available online. Visitors can access it here .

Past visitors enjoyed the campus' modern architecture but advised you'll get more out of a visit with a guided tour. Visitors who are not prospective students are able to join a student-led campus tour, which are offered after weekday information sessions end at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., if space is available. Contact MIT admissions to inquire or stop by the Office of Admissions.

Harvard Art Museums Harvard Art Museums

The Harvard Art Museums are the combination of the formerly separate Busch-Reisinger, Fogg and Arthur M. Sackler museums, making it quite an "eclectic" experience, according to past visitors who say it's definitely worth a visit.

The 204,000-square-foot museum – designed by award-winning architect Renzo Piano – is quite a stunner, with a pyramid-shaped roof and glass ceilings. It spans seven levels and houses 250,000 pieces of art. Works on display include American and European paintings, sculptures and decorative arts, pieces by German expressionists, materials related to the Bauhaus and postwar contemporary art from German-speaking Europe. Several visitors were happily surprised at the collection of impressionist painters, including works by Claude Monet and others.

MIT Museum MIT Museum

For anyone curious about what the creative minds at MIT are up to, the MIT Museum is a great place to explore. The museum displays objects from its own fascinating collection and features rotating exhibitions on a variety of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, or so-called "STEAM"- based topics. In the "Robots and Beyond" exhibit, visitors can check out inventions from MIT's robotics lab, such as the 7-foot-tall M. Tallchief, a robot built for NASA and lent to MIT to test space suits, and Troody, a robot modeled after a carnivorous, two-legged dinosaur of the cretaceous era, designed to spark kids' interest in science.

According to recent visitors, this is the place to see MIT's latest inventions. Reviewers also appreciated the interactive displays.

Mount Auburn Cemetery Mount Auburn Cemetery free

This beautiful and peaceful 175-acre cemetery was the country's first "garden cemetery" when it opened in 1831 and it's filled with artwork, sculptures and gorgeous landscaping. What's more, it's a National Historic Landmark. Famous names buried here include Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Mary Baker Eddy, Winslow Homer, Amy Lowell, Isabella Stewart Gardner and architect Charles Bulfinch. Along with its intricate gravestones, the cemetery is also home to plenty of flora and fauna. In fact, the Massachusetts Audubon Society named it an Important Bird Area for its warbler species. One of the most prominent structures in the cemetery is the 62-foot-tall Washington Tower, which is located at the highest point in the cemetery and offers stunning views of Cambridge and Boston .

Since there are more than 60,000 monuments in the cemetery, you'll want to pick up a brochure or audio guide (for a fee) at the cemetery's visitor center or download its free app from Google's or Apple's app store to get the story behind its fascinating structures. Visitors say the cemetery is "fantastic" and call it "an amazing arboretum, birder's paradise and history museum" all in one.  

Longfellow House Washington's Headquarters Longfellow House Washington's Headquarters free

This house has witnessed a lot of history. Not only did it serve as General George Washington's headquarters during the Siege of Boston (considered the beginning stages of the Revolutionary War), it was also the home of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. One of a number of original Tory Row homes on Brattle Street, the house was built in 1759 by John Vassall, Jr. Longfellow lived here in 1837 as a boarder and later received the house as a gift from his father-in-law upon his marriage to Frances Appleton. For 45 years, Longfellow wrote and hosted luminaries, such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne and Charles Sumner, an abolitionist senator. Today, the house is owned and operated by the National Park Service and features well-preserved, original Longfellow family furniture.

Previous visitors said that for anyone who loves American history, this is a "must-see." They also praised the knowledgeable tour guides and the incredible preservation of the site.

Public Innovation Trail Tour in Cambridge

(12 reviews)

from $ 20.00

Harvard Campus Cambridge Self-Guided Walking Tour

(28 reviews)

from $ 14.99

LEGO® Discovery Center Boston Admission Ticket

from $ 29.99

Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology

This museum focuses on Native American and Central and South American cultures. Its collection includes more than 5,000 ancient Peruvian textiles and the largest surviving assemblage of artifacts acquired from Native American people during the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Overall, the museum, which was founded in 1866, houses more than 1 million objects, making it one of the largest museums of cultural artifacts in the world. It spans the 10,000-year cultural history of six continents in its eight galleries. Highlights include full-size Native American totems, life-size casts of Maya monuments and a rare collection of West African masks.

Recent visitors said they were impressed with the museum, especially its collection of Native American artifacts. Reviewers also appreciated the two-for-one ticket that includes combined admission to the adjacent Harvard Museum of Natural History .

Harvard Semitic Museum Harvard Semitic Museum free

Something of a hidden gem, the Harvard Semitic Museum, founded in 1889, boasts more than 40,000 Near Eastern artifacts, mostly from museum-sponsored excavations in Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Syria and Tunisia. Highlights include pottery, cylinder seals, sculptures, coins and cuneiform tablets. The museum rotates items in its collection in temporary exhibits, but recent examples include "House of Ancient Egypt," "Monuments from Mesopotamia" and "Ancient Cyprus."

Recent visitors called the small museum "informative" and "worth a visit" if you're interested in ancient civilizations of the Near East.

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24 Fabulous Things to Do in Cambridge, Massachusetts

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Why visit Cambridge when you’re spending time in Boston? Cambridge feels different — innovative, cultured, intellectually curious. It may be a separate city from Boston, but Cambridge is absolutely worth visiting in its own right.

Some of the best things to do in Cambridge are visiting Harvard and MIT, the two rock star universities — but for me, Cambridge is about simply hanging out, poking my head into interesting shops, sitting at the Harvard Book Store with a cup of coffee, and enjoying the day.

I grew up in the Boston area, spent several years living in Cambridge-adjacent Boston and Somerville, and I continue to visit Cambridge today. Strangely, as time has passed, Cambridge is a place that feels even more like home to me than Boston does.

I love Boston, but it can be brash, basic, and singularly sports-focused. One reason why I left was because I’m not much of a sports fan, and I hated how sports dominated every conversation at work, how you couldn’t talk to anyone in a bar until “the game” was over.

But you don’t get that in Cambridge. I feel like Cambridge is a place where you can be yourself more, let your intellectual flag fly (or freak flag fly!), and spend your time listening to interesting music and trying cool foods rather than just watching the millionth Red Sox game of the year.

I feel like most travel guides miss this. Cambridge isn’t just the city of Harvard and MIT. Cambridge is a vibe. A cozy vibe, with riverside views, brick buildings, and soul dance parties on the weekend. The People’s Republic of Cambridge.

So I’d like to introduce you to the Cambridge I know. Who knows — you might like Cambridge even more than Boston!

Just one thing. PLEASE don’t ask anyone if they park their car in Harvard Yard . It won’t go over well.

Table of Contents

Traveling to Cambridge, Massachusetts

Is Cambridge part of Boston? Technically, no. Cambridge is its own city, with its own government and school system and public services, but you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s a Boston neighborhood.

A lot of people are surprised when they find out that Boston has a population of only 684,000. Surely this big city with lots of skyscrapers is bigger than that!

But unlike New York, or Houston, or Los Angeles, Boston isn’t a giant sprawling city. It’s one of many cities pushed together in a relatively small area. Cambridge is one of those cities, the largest of those cities, and it’s known as the “other” side of the Charles River.

Cambridge has a population of 118,000; Somerville has 81,000, Brookline has 59,000, Quincy has 94,000. And that doesn’t even include the many suburbs. Boston’s metro area has a population closer to five million.

Take a tour of Harvard University , enjoy the wonderful restaurants, and check out some live music.

Most people visit Cambridge for a day or a half day, but I recommend spending a few days .

Harvard Square is the best neighborhood to stay in Cambridge. See the best hotels here.

The absolute best thing to do in Cambridge with kids is go to the Museum of Science ! They will LOVE IT.

Things to Do in Cambridge

For a lot of travelers, “Cambridge” is synonymous with “Harvard.” Many a Boston visitor comes to Cambridge for an afternoon, just long enough to wander Harvard Yard and buy a sweatshirt.

But Cambridge is so much more than that. More than anything, this is a city that lends itself to wandering.

Visit the different neighborhoods. Hop on the red line or 1 bus and jump from square to square, exploring the little shops and bars and restaurants. Catch some live music or wile away the day in the Harvard Bookstore.

Here are my top recommendations of things to do in Cambridge.

Hang out in Harvard Square

If there’s any iconic neighborhood of Cambridge, it’s Harvard Square. This neighborhood is full of historic buildings, coffee shops, restaurants, and fun boutiques, as well as theaters and performance spaces. All this and more brings millions of people to the square each year.

Harvard Square has gentrified over the years, and has a lot more chain establishments than it used to, but the square still has a bohemian feel. It’s a great place to enjoy buskers and street performers, or just grab a cup of coffee and people-watch.

Whether you use the square as a complement to your tour of Harvard or stay in a hotel here and use it as the base for your Cambridge trip (which I highly recommend!), spending time in Harvard Square should be a priority!

Visit Harvard University

Hmm, Harvard…are they any good? Yeah, they might be. America’s oldest university, established in 1636, and perhaps the most famous institution of higher education on the planet, Harvard is very much worth visiting.

Harvard’s campus is well-integrated throughout the city of Cambridge — so well, in fact, that you may step on campus without realizing it.

You can tour Harvard University on your own if you’d like, but I recommend taking a guided tour . These affordable tours are led by Harvard students, with a lot of humor and creativity, and you’ll learn a ton of history and get a glimpse of what life at Harvard is like today.

One big tip: do not rub the foot of the John Harvard statue. Some Harvard students like to pee on it as a prank, then tell tourists to rub it for good luck.

And don’t forget to check out Pooh’s House while at Harvard! It’s a tiny painted door at the stump of a tree outside of the Science Center. The door gets stolen on and off over the years, but it’s a cute little place on campus.

Museum of Science

Located on the Craigie Drawbridge between Cambridge and Boston, the Museum of Science is one of the city’s gems. Here you’ll find more than 700 interactive exhibits, live presentations, shows at the Omni IMAX theater, 4D films, and planetarium shows, all fun and science-y!

This is the best thing to do in Cambridge with kids — hands down. When I was a kid, I thought the Museum of Science was the coolest place I’d ever seen. It has fun stuff for kids of all ages. But adults, especially kids at heart, will have a ton of fun here, too!

The Museum of Science costs $29 for adults, $24 for children ages 3 to 11, and free for children under age 3. Tickets for the films and shows at the planetarium cost an additional $6. Be sure to allocate more time than you think you need, because this is one Cambridge attraction people enjoy much more than planned!

Mount Auburn Cemetery

If you’re lucky enough to visit Cambridge during fall foliage, you must visit Mount Auburn Cemetery! I think it’s one of the best fall foliage spots in the Boston area, filled with glorious reds, oranges and yellows among the peaceful gravestones. There are fabulous Boston skyline views, too.

Mount Auburn Cemetery was established in 1831, becoming the first garden cemetery in the United States. People buried here include Oliver Wendell Holmes, Isabella Stuart Gardner, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Dorothea Dix, and quite a few more .

No matter what time of year it is, though, this is a nice place to visit to get some quiet time in the middle of the city. Keep in mind that this is a place for mourning, and be respectful of other visitors. It’s free to visit.

Head of the Charles Regatta

If there’s any one event that you should prioritize in Cambridge, it’s the Head of the Charles Regatta — the largest regatta in the world. Cambridge has lots of events throughout the year, but the Head of the Charles may be the most Cantabrigian celebration of all!

Taking place in late October, amid beautiful fall foliage, athletes from around the world compete in rowing. The route is upstream and has a lot of twists and turns, making it a dynamic and highly entertaining race to watch.

While the Charles River divides Boston and Cambridge, there are plenty of places to watch the rowers. Bridges are a great choice if you don’t mind standing, though you can pay for VIP areas. See the spectator’s guide here.

Central Square, Inman Square, Porter Square, and Kendall Square

Indeed, Cambridge is a city of squares — and while Harvard Square gets most of the attention, the other squares are worth your time as well.

Central Square is a great place to go out at night. There are tons of restaurants (including a huge variety of global cuisine), diverse nightlife, live music, even dance clubs.

Inman Square is where I’d live in Cambridge if I had a choice! It’s a bit of a walk from the red line, which keeps it feeling very local, and there are a ton of good restaurants and coffee shops.

Porter Square is one of the more sedate squares and feels more suburban, but there is an awesome Japanese mall with several cool shops and restaurants.

Kendall Square is home to MIT, tech companies, and startups. It’s a more business-y environment catering to workers, but they have a nice movie theater, The Garment District thrift store, and some nice restaurants.

Want to continue your square exploration? Head to Davis Square (my former neighborhood!) and Union Square in Somerville. Somerville is Cambridge’s sister city and they have a similar feel.

Longfellow House

A National Historic Site in Cambridge, Longfellow House is named after its former inhabitant, 19th century poet Henry Longfellow. Previously, the house served as headquarters for General George Washington during the Siege of Boston from 1775 to 1776.

Today, the beautifully preserved house has 19th-century literature and arts on display. There are gardens to explore as well as artwork, furniture, and decorative objects to see throughout the house. Most noteworthy is a library with books in over 30 languages!

One nice surprise? Visiting the Longfellow House is free for all to visit! This also includes all tours and events. Guides are available to take you on both outdoor and indoor tours during your visit.

Toscanini’s Ice Cream

No trip to Cambridge is complete without a stop at Toscanini’s ! This is one of the best ice cream shops in the Boston area, if not all of New England, and even received the “World’s Best Ice Cream” award by the New York Times .

Established in 1981, all of the ice cream is handmade in-store. You can also order coffee, tea, and various baked goods that come from other businesses in the area. The shop has had various homes in Cambridge and is now located in Kendall Square.

The ice cream flavors available change often so I feel like they will have changed by the time you read this! Keep an eye out for new unique flavors like Vienna Finger Cookie, Blueberry Fluff, Green Tea Cookies & Cream, and more. They have conventional flavors, too — Burnt Caramel is always popular.

The ice cream is a bit on the pricier end for Boston, but for good reason — it’s special.

Visit MIT and the MIT Museum

You’ve already seen Harvard — why not see MIT, too? Massachusetts Institute of Technology is one of the world’s most prestigious universities specializing in science and technology. Many of our most innovative creators spent time learning here.

MIT offers hourlong student-guided tours where you can learn about the university and the latest technology they’re working on. You can book a tour here. Alternatively, MIT has put together a map for visitors here .

MIT is known for their hacks, or pranks. One eternal prank you can see on the Harvard Bridge — in 1958 they measured the bridge in “Smoots,” or 5’7″ intervals, based on a student named Oliver Smoot! (Smoot is an MIT legend.)

The MIT Museum is closed until 2022 as it moves to a new Kendall Square location, but when it returns, you’ll get to enjoy scientific research and innovation through various galleries, exhibits, workshops, performances, conversations, and more. Admission is $10 for adults or $5 for children, students, and seniors. 

Stroll Along Memorial Drive

Memorial Drive is a street running along the Charles River in Cambridge with outstanding views of the Boston skyline. On any Cambridge day with decent weather, you’ll see people walking, pushing strollers, running, riding bikes, skateboarding, you name it.

It’s a nice spot that gives you the true sense of the two cities and the differences between Cambridge and Boston. And if you’re visiting Cambridge on the Fourth of July, Memorial Drive is one of the best spots to watch the fireworks!

Enjoy Live Music

Cambridge is one of the best destinations for live music in the Boston area. While many music venues have faced hardship over the years, eventually closing, several of the best venues are still holding strong and featuring cutting-edge acts.

Club Passim in Harvard Square is a true Cambridge treasure. A folk music venue dating back to the 1950s, today it features all kinds of folk and folk-adjacent musical acts with food (most often vegetarian) served at communal tables, making it a great place to meet people while enjoying some culture.

The Middle East in Central Square is more than just a club — it’s a complex of venues and restaurants. The Middle East is one of the best places in Boston for indie and underground rock acts.

Lizard Lounge , just north of Harvard Square, features an insane variety of music genres seven nights a week. Not only that, they also do poetry slams on Sunday nights and open mics on Monday nights. While it’s closed at the moment for COVID reasons, we hope it returns soon.

Regattabar in the Charles Hotel in Harvard Square is Cambridge’s best venue for live jazz. While it’s closed at the moment for COVID reasons, we hope it returns soon.

And while it’s not live music, I must recommend Soulelujah , a Saturday night dance party at The Sinclair in Harvard Square. It’s funk, soul, R&B, all vinyl. Best dance music in the world. And there’s NOTHING like the crowd reaction when the first notes of “I Want You Back” ring out!

Explore Cambridge by Bike

Want to explore Cambridge on two wheels? Great choice. While Cambridge is definitely a city, it has a more suburban feel than downtown Boston, making it a beautiful place to ride. Plus, there’s nothing like enjoying the view as you pedal down Memorial Drive!

Taking a bike tour is a great way to explore Cambridge while not having to worry about where to go or how to get your equipment. This guided tour includes some of the city’s best areas, like the Charles River, Harvard Square, MIT, and more.

The bike tour lasts 2.5-3 hours and covers 11-13 miles. Bike and helmet are included. You can book the tour here.

Fresh Pond Reservation

If you want to get a bit more offbeat in the Cambridge area, I recommend heading to North Cambridge, which doesn’t see as many tourists. One nice place to visit in North Cambridge is Fresh Pond Reservation.

Fresh Pond Reservation is a park you can visit, but more importantly, the pond is the water supply for Cambridge. In the 1800s, when the pond froze in the winter, the ice was sold around the world by Boston’s “Ice King,” Frederic Tudor.

It’s a nice 2.25-mile walk around the pond — enough for a substantial bit of exercise. There are over 100 acres of land to explore and a nine-hole golf course.

Fresh Pond Reservation is free to visit. Parking is for Cambridge residents only; take the red line to Alewife or use street parking.

See a Play at the A.R.T.

The American Repertory Theater at Harvard University, also known as A.R.T. , puts on a unique collection of performances. Their aim is to expand the boundaries of theater through research, development, and hard work. Many of the performances have received national recognition. 

There are two venues that are part of A.R.T. and include the Loeb Drama Center and Oberon, both are in Cambridge. The Loeb Drama Center is the main box office for shows and the headquarters of A.R.T. Oberon is the A.R.T.’s second stage with theater and nightlife in Harvard Square. 

Seeing a play at one of the A.R.T. venues is a great way to do something a bit out of the ordinary and experience a great show. Years ago I saw a modern interpretation of Chekhov’s The Seagull at the A.R.T. that blew my mind.

Visit Harvard’s Museums

Yes, on top of everything else, Harvard has museums! Very good ones, too.

The Fogg Museum is the oldest and largest art museum at Harvard University. It includes work from artists like Paul Cezanne and Vincent Van Gogh. You’ll also find a lot of Italian Renaissance art. Admission is $20 for adults and is free for all students with an ID, residents of Cambridge, youth under 18, and free for everyone on Sundays.

The Harvard Museum of Natural History includes three research museums at Harvard: the Museum of Comparative Zoology, the Harvard University Herbaria, and the Mineralogical & Geological Museum. The museum aims to increase the appreciation and understanding of nature for the public. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for youth ages 3 to 18, and children under 3 are free.

The Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Etymology is one of the oldest anthropology museums in the world. It’s still in the original 19th-century building it first occupied and aims to engage and promote the study and appreciation of ancient people from all over the world. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for youth ages 3 to 18, and children under 3 are free.

Join a Dumpling-Making Party

If you enjoy doing out-of-the-ordinary activities, consider a cooking class on Airbnb experience where you can learn how to make Taiwanese cuisine. It’s time to make one of the happiest foods in the world — dumplings!

In the 2.5-hour long cooking class, Chef Patty will teach you how to make 5-6 shapes with three different stuffings and tell you stories about growing up in a Chinese and Taiwanese family. Once they’re done, you can also enjoy them and take any leftovers with you.

You can book the class here. And sometimes cooking classes are the greatest investment of all — because you can come home and show off your new skills for your loved ones.

Take a Chocolate Tour

Why take a university or biking tour when you could take a chocolate tour instead? I kid, I kid. Do both. For dessert lovers out there, consider this sweetly themed tour. You’ll go on a chocolate tour of Cambridge, eat sweets along the way, and learn about Harvard Square. 

The tour is 1.5 hours and starts with a history of Harvard Square and Harvard University. Along the way, you’ll enjoy locally made ice cream, chocolate tea, and you’ll get to explore a traditional candy shop. 

The tour includes a visit to a specialty chocolate shop, a local ice cream sample, chocolate tea, a visit to a candy shop, a chocolate baked good, and more. You’ll walk about 1 mile total with stops along the way. You can book the tour here.

Visit the Harvard Book Store

If you’re a bookstore fan in the least, you should visit the Harvard Book Store . This is one of my favorite independent bookstores on the planet! Yes, independent. It’s not actually part of the university, though they do sell a good amount of Harvard merchandise here.

It’s a very cozy place, with gentle lighting and hidden nooks. There’s a cafe on site. The nonfiction sections are more extensive than you might expect, and it’s easy to get lost in the stacks for hours. It’s also a nice spot to pick up gifts.

Settle into one of the comfy chairs. Or do what I did in 2001 and read Of Mice and Men in its entirety so you are one book closer to finishing your summer reading.

Best Cambridge Restaurants

Boston has an excellent dining scene — but the other side of the river has quite a bit to offer, too. Here are a few of my favorites:

Oleana features Eastern Mediterranean cuisine and is an especially good choice for vegetarians and vegans. Most of the dishes are served mezze-style, lots of small dishes making a meal, from hummus and kebobs to saganaki and bean plaka. The wonderful garden patio outside is an idyllic setting on a nice day!

Harvest is a legend: one of Cambridge’s best fine dining restaurants turning out consistently excellent food since 1975. The menu is seasonal and also changes for brunch, lunch, and dinner each day, but they always have nice selections at the raw bar and for the cheese course. If you’re looking to splurge, this is the place.

Orinoco is a Venezuelan restaurant where you can have a fun, delicious meal and get a lot for your money. It’s inspired by “taguaritas” — family-run eateries in Venezuela. Be sure to try the Venezuelan-style arepas (far superior to Colombian arepas, in my opinion); their empanadas and hearts of palm salads are also good.

Dali is technically in Somerville but it’s right on the Cambridge line, so I count it! The restaurant serves traditional Spanish tapas served in new and inventive ways, plus sangria and sherry. This lively restaurant feels celebratory and exciting, so it’s a nice place to dress up and have a special meal.

Pour one out for Cuchi Cuchi and the Border Cafe, two Cambridge legends that didn’t survive 2020. I miss you guys.

Where to Stay in Cambridge

Cambridge has so many neighborhoods — it can be a bit overwhelming! To make it easier, I’m concentrating on one neighborhood: Harvard Square. You might have noticed that quite a lot of this post is centered around Harvard Square.

Harvard Square is my favorite neighborhood for where to stay in Cambridge because it’s central, it’s fun, it’s got a lot of interesting stuff within walking distance, and it’s well-located for public transportation.

Even if Harvard itself isn’t one of your priorities, Harvard Square makes a great base for travelers in Cambridge.

Best luxury accommodation in Harvard Square: The Charles Hotel is where presidents and international leaders stay. This is the NICE place.

Best mid-range accommodation in Harvard Square: Hotel Veritas is central with extremely stylish rooms — the petite queens are cheaper but quite nice.

Best budget accommodation in Harvard Square: Porter Square Hotel is one red line stop away in Porter, but great value for money.

See all Cambridge accommodation here.

READ MORE: Where to Stay in Boston

How Much Time to Spend in Cambridge

While most travelers come to Cambridge for a day trip from Boston, or even a half day trip, I think Cambridge is much better served if you spend a few days here.

Three days gives you enough time to get the lay of the land, see the most popular sites and museums, and do a little venturing outside the city.

And if you want to spend your entire trip to Boston based in Cambridge, even if you’re going to be there a week or longer, that’s totally fine! Boston is a pretty compact city. You can get from end to end much easier than you think.

How to Get to Cambridge

It’s very easy getting around Cambridge . The MBTA, Boston’s transportation system (called the T for short), has plenty of subway and stops throughout Cambridge. The red line in particular runs clear down the center of Cambridge all the way to Boston. There are a few green line stops, too.

But don’t overlook the buses, too! The buses often take more logical routes, and they go where the T doesn’t go. I’m a fan of the 1 bus, which runs up Massachusetts Ave. and is the best way to get to Cambridge from Back Bay or the South End in Boston.

To get to Cambridge from Logan Airport in Boston, it should take you about 15-20 minutes in a taxi or Uber.

Keep in mind that getting from Logan Airport to Cambridge on the T can be a bit of a pain — the airport is on the blue line, much of Cambridge is on the red line, and the red and blue lines do not converge. You’d have to take an extra stop on the green or orange lines to get from the blue line to the red line.

Best Time to Visit Cambridge

The best time to visit Cambridge might as well be the best time to visit Boston! If you’re looking for beautiful scenery and comfortable temperatures, the fall months are the absolute best time to visit Cambridge. Peak color is around the first week of October, but you can enjoy fall foliage from late September through late October.

Summer is lovely but can get very hot. The Boston area has notoriously high humidity. Keep that in mind as you schedule your trip. As for winter, I don’t recommend traveling to Cambridge in the winter unless you’re used to severe winters. It can be a shock to the system for people from Florida and Texas!

Beyond that, if you’re looking for a genuine student-centric atmosphere, aim for between September and May. While plenty of students stay in Cambridge over the summer, it’s nowhere on the level of the school year.

There are some Cambridge-centric exceptions, though. If you’re planning a trip to Cambridge, you may want to avoid move-in weekend and graduation weekend for both Harvard and MIT. These are when accommodation will be at its most expensive, the best hotels will be booked solid, and you’ll struggle to get a dining reservation.

Read More: Best Time to Visit Boston

Travel Insurance for Cambridge

A lot of people think travel insurance is an unnecessary expense — I couldn’t disagree more.  Travel insurance is vital. It’s saved me hundreds of dollars and for a few of my friends who seriously injured themselves abroad, they’ve saved hundreds of thousands of dollars.

This is especially important in the United States, where healthcare is expensive and even just going to an out-of-network hospital can cost you thousands of dollars. If you’re traveling from outside the US, don’t even think of showing up without travel insurance.

Travel insurance can also compensate you if you get robbed, if you get trapped due to weather (very common in Boston in the winter!), or if a family member dies and you need to get home immediately.

I use and recommend  World Nomads Travel Insurance . Take a look at their policies before you buy to make sure they’re right for you.

Is Cambridge Worth It?

Of course Cambridge is worth it! I love this city! Cambridge shows you a very different side to Boston, a cultural and intellectual side, and I bet you will enjoy what you find here.

Go enjoy every minute of your trip to Cambridge. Then come back and tell me all about it!

Best of Boston:

• What NOT to Do in Boston
• Where to Stay in Boston: Best Neighborhoods & Hotels
• 40+ Fun Things to Do in Boston at Night
• Best Time to Visit Boston
• 12+ Best Day Trips From Boston
• 21 Best Museums in Boston

Cape Cod & the Islands:

• Which of the Towns of Cape Cod is Best for You?
• 24 Fab Things to Do in Cape Cod
• 22 Fabulous Things to Do in Provincetown, MA
• Which Of The 6 Martha’s Vineyard Towns Is Best For You?
• A Guide to Oak Bluffs, MA — Home of the Gingerbread Houses
• A Guide to Edgartown, MA — Prettiest Martha’s Vineyard Town
• A Guide to Vineyard Haven, MA — Authentic Town on Martha’s Vineyard

Western Massachusetts:

• 33 Best Things to Do in the Berkshires
• Best Towns in the Berkshires, Massachusetts
• 24 Cool Things to Do in Lenox, MA
• 12 Fun Things to Do in Stockbridge, MA

North Shore:

• 27 Fun Things to Do in Rockport, Mass.
• 25 Spooky, Haunted Things to Do in Salem, Mass.

Have you been to Cambridge? What tips do you have? Share away!

The 15 Best Things to do in Cambridge, Massachusetts

Cambridge is so much more than Boston ’s neighbor or the home of the historic Harvard University. Like Boston, it is indeed a college town, being home to other prestigious schools, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). But there’s a great deal to explore beyond the campuses.

From Harvard’s many museums to music venues that have hosted legendary acts, Cambridge is bursting with culture. In one day, you can tour the oldest college in the US, explore a house that once was home to both one of the greatest writers in American history and our nation’s first president, eat the best ice cream in the US, and see a show at a historic theater that kickstarted American folk music.

Wondering what to do in Cambridge during your visit? We’ve compiled a list of the best things to do in Cambridge to help you plan a trip filled with all things history, science, and art! Choose a few of the Cambridge activities from this list, and you’re bound to have an amazing time during your stay along the Charles River.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

The 15 Best Things to do in Cambridge, MA

1. study the world at the museum of science.

Sitting atop the banks of the Charles River is one of the coolest Cambridge attractions, the Museum of Science . This massive museum offers tons of hands-on, interactive exhibits to teach you about the wonders of the world.

The Museum of Science features permanent and temporary exhibits, so you’ll never get the same experience twice. From studying the growth of artificial intelligence to exploring the Arctic with a virtual drone to stepping back to the time of the dinosaurs, all sorts of sides of science are covered in this museum.

In addition to the exhibits, you can also step inside the five-story dome screen of the Mugar Omni Theater to see incredible IMAX movies, journey into space in the Charles Hayden Planetarium, watch films come to life in the 4D Theater, or check out live demonstrations featuring real scientists and live animals.

2. See a Classic Movie at the Brattle Theatre

There’s just something special about seeing a movie at the Brattle , which is what makes it one of the most unique things to do in Cambridge. It began as a live performance space, dating back to 1889, before being revamped into an art house cinema in the mid-1950s, though some live performances would continue on here over the years.

Today, this one-room theater continues as an art house cinema. Though you can see first-run films and classics alike, their main specialty is a repertory programming format, meaning that you can see movies from the same director, actors, genre, or subject over the course of a programming block. 

You’ll likely see a lot of movies here that you have never heard of before or at least can’t see in theaters anywhere else. So, if you’re a movie buff who loves being introduced to all kinds of films, you’ll find a home here at the Brattle. Grab a seat in the first row of the balcony for the best seat in the house. 

3. Tour Harvard University

Dating back to 1636, Harvard University was the first college founded in the American colonies. You’ll find that Harvard is filled with many of the top things to do in Cambridge when you visit here, and one of the best ways to do some Cambridge sightseeing is by taking a guided tour .

Harvard offers free public tours throughout the year, with a current student as your guide to give you insight into the Harvard of the past and present. Stroll across the iconic Harvard Yard (which, no, you can’t park your car in), get a look at the many libraries, and see the historic spire of the Memorial Church. 

Along the way, you’ll see the bronze sculpture of John Harvard, who was not actually Harvard’s founder but, instead, its first major benefactor, having donated half his estate and a collection of more than 400 books to the school. 

4. Watch the Head of the Charles Regatta

Checking out the Head of the Charles Regatta is one of the coolest things to do in Cambridge. What’s so special about this annual event? This competition is the world’s largest three-day rowing event, where more than 11,000 athletes from schools and clubs all over the world come together to face off in 55 different race events.

This weekend-long regatta, which takes place every October, got its start in 1965 and has only grown. Though many colleges compete, it’s not just a race for students. You’ll also find events for rowers aged under 17 all the way up to over 80. From club races to singles to pairs, there are so many events for all different types of rowers. 

Grab yourself a prime spot to cheer on your favorite competitors and get swept up in the fun. As the regatta takes place over the third weekend in October, you’re also visiting Cambridge at a perfect time to enjoy the fall foliage, which is particularly striking against the Charles River.

5. Explore Mount Auburn Cemetery

You might think spending some of your trip in a cemetery is a bit strange, but Mount Auburn isn’t just some cemetery. These beautiful grounds offer one of the best sights in Cambridge. And it’s a truly historic sight. This cemetery was the first rural cemetery in the US and is today a National Historic Landmark.

With tranquil water features, a diverse array of flowers and trees to ensure that something is in bloom with every season, and stunning monuments, it’s much more than what you’d imagine a cemetery to be. It’s a garden, an arboretum, and a place to connect with nature. There are over 15,000 plants at Mount Auburn, making it as much a botanical garden as it is a cemetery.

Please keep in mind that you’re walking through hallowed ground when you explore Mount Auburn. There may be funerals going on or people visiting their loved ones, so please be respectful and quiet.

If you’re visiting with a group, you may want to take advantage of the cemetery’s group tour offerings. While self-guided tours are always free, you can book a private tour for an added fee. These tours typically last 90 minutes and are led by a cemetery staff member or a volunteer docent. They can cover a wide range of topics, from history to architecture, depending on your group’s interests.

6. Go Thrifting in The Garment District

Love finding something old and making it new again? Then, a visit to The Garment District is one of the must-do things to do in Cambridge. This Cambridge tradition dates back to 1986, when it started as an offshoot of a textile company. 

Every Saturday morning, the company would put out a few piles of clothing for the public to explore and buy by the pound. It became known as By the Pound , and The Garment District opened a few years later to complement the growing business. The building itself dates back to 1893 and today houses The Garment District, By the Pound, and, a more recent addition, Boston Costume . 

The Garment District strives to be the ethical answer to fast fashion. Instead of their clothes finding their way to landfills, all clothing that comes to The Garment District is either steamed and tagged to be put out for sale or is selected to be for sale at By the Pound.

You truly never know what you’ll find at The Garment District. With over 12,000 square feet of retail space and more than 40,000 items, from clothing to shoes to accessories, you may just find that statement piece you didn’t know you were looking for! 

7. Tour the Longfellow House

There’s so much history at the Longfellow House , which is what makes it a perfect fit for your Cambridge bucket list. This National Historic Site was the home of beloved poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, one of the most prolific writers of the 19th century. He spent almost 50 years in this Georgian mansion, starting in 1837.

But Longfellow’s history at the house isn’t its only claim to fame. From July 1775 to April 1776, it served as our future first president, General George Washington’s headquarters during the Siege of Boston.

Throughout the year, you can enjoy the two acres of grounds, including a vibrant garden, free of charge. The east lawn is the home of the Longfellow Summer Arts Festival , featuring concerts, poetry readings, and other events all summer long on Sunday afternoons.

The house itself is open during community events and for guided tours with National Park Rangers from May through the end of October. You can take the regular guided tour or journey deeper on Deep Dives into diverse topics regarding the site’s history and collections. The house also features an exhibit gallery, which is frequently changing and includes items from the house’s museum collection.

8. Spend a Day at the MIT Museum

You might expect that a museum tied to MIT would be all about science. But you’d only be partially right. The MIT Museum, one of the best things to do in Cambridge, is about so much more. It takes a look at our world through the lenses of science, history, and art. 

The museum houses a collection of more than one million items, ranging from historic devices dating back to the school’s founding in 1861 to today’s cutting-edge technology. Exhibits are constantly changing, so you’ll never have the same experience twice. Learn about the breakthroughs in genetic technology, the marriage of music and science, how our seas are changing, and much more.

The museum also hosts daily activities and special events. Take a Gallery Tour with a museum educator, go on a Collection Exploration into a specific museum collection, make scientific discoveries in the Learning Labs, or become an engineer in the Maker Hub. 

Special events range from talks with celebrated scientists to musical compositions in honor of the vibrations of amino acids. If you’re traveling with just adults, be sure to check out the monthly After Dark Series, where you’ll enjoy entertainment and fun built just for an over-21 crowd.

9. Get a Scoop at Toscanini’s Ice Cream

With two locations in Cambridge, it’s easy to find your way to Toscanini’s . This family-owned ice cream shop has frequently topped lists of where to get the best ice cream in and around Boston. The New York Times even ranked them as the world’s best ice cream, which is why getting a scoop (or more!) here is one of the most unique things to do in Cambridge.

Back in 1981, a group of friends and families came together to serve up ice cream in an 800-square-foot shop on Main Street, where they scooped for free, the love of their shop keeping them going. In time, the shop grew and added staff members they were able to compensate thanks to the support of the Cambridge community.

All ice cream is homemade in the store. Although the original location closed in 2018, it reopened in 2022 after adding a second location around the same time the first closed. The business now operates both on Main Street and First Street.

While you can find some classic favorites on the menu, like French Vanilla and Cookie Dough, the shop is more well-known for its gourmet concoctions, like its Burnt Caramel, Banana Bourbon, and Kulfi, a cardamon ice cream with pistachios and almonds. Flavor options change often and depend on the location.

10. See a Show at Club Passim

Cambridge is filled with music venues, many of which have historic roots, but perhaps none more so than Club Passim . Seeing a show at this iconic venue is one of the most fun things to do in Cambridge.

Not familiar with the name Club Passim? If you’re a folk music fan, you may have heard of its former name, Club 47, having taken its name from its previous location at 47 Mount Auburn Street. But since 1963, it’s been a fixture on Palmer Street.

Before being known as Club Passim, Club 47 was where folk artists got their start. Joan Baez played Club 47 in 1958 while she was a Boston University student, and she continued to perform there throughout the ‘60s. 

Bob Dylan also performed there in the early ‘60s, where he was said to have played for free just to say that he played Club 47. Other performers who have graced the stage include Joni Mitchell, Bonnie Raitt, and Pete Seeger.

Later in the 1960s, the club fell on hard times and closed in 1968, only to reopen a year later as Passim, later Club Passim. Passim itself is now a nonprofit that runs a music school and cultural exchange program. In addition to still seeing live performers at Club Passim, you can also sign up for a workshop at the music school.

11. Marvel at the Harvard Art Museums

Harvard doesn’t just have one art museum. It has three. And visiting the Harvard Art Museums is one of the best Cambridge activities. 

The Fogg Museum, which opened in 1895, is the oldest of the three. Once you enter through the enchanting Italian Renaissance-inspired courtyard, you’ll discover a collection of galleries that will walk you through the history of Western art, beginning in the Middle Ages and ending in the present day. It’s also home to the Wertheim Collection, one of the US’s best collections of Impressionist and post-Impressionist art, and the Boston area’s best collection of Picasso pieces.

The Busch-Reisinger Museum was founded in 1903 as the Germanic Museum, and though its name has changed, it continues to be focused on art from German-speaking countries. Here, you’ll find unique works of Austrian Secession art, German expressionism, and works related to the Bauhaus, a form of Germanic art from the early 20th century.

Opening in 1985, the Arthur M. Sackler Museum is dedicated to Asian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean art. It also houses the History of Art and Architecture Department at Harvard and the Media Slide Library.

The museums hold many events, including Spotlight Tours with current students, Gallery Talks with curators, and workshops for all different forms of art.

12. Visit the Harvard Museum of Natural History

The Harvard Museum of Natural History , one of the top things to do in Cambridge, was started back in 1998 as the public face of the school’s three research museums: the Harvard University Herbaria, the Mineralogical & Geological Museum, and the Museum of Comparative Zoology. As a result, the Harvard Museum of Natural History focuses on a wide array of sciences, allowing you to venture into worlds you’ve never discovered before.

Today, the museum is the most-visited attraction at Harvard. It presents the collections of the three museums, as well as cutting-edge research from scientists at Harvard. Throughout the museum, you can unearth these collections through their permanent galleries and temporary exhibits. 

See Harvard’s famous Glass Flowers, learn about surprising new discoveries in our evolution, discover the misunderstood world of sharks, and much more. The exhibits showcase the museum’s historical artifacts alongside hands-on activities and multi-media presentations. The museum also offers classes and workshops for kids, adults, and families.

13. Admire the Exhibits at the Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology

Another museum associated with Harvard University, the Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology is one of the best sights in Cambridge, thanks to its immense collection. The museum is home to anthropological materials from across six continents, including over 1.2 million cultural items and 500,000 photographs.

The Peabody views itself as an ethical steward, meaning that the museum attempts to provide access to and care for the communities to whom the museum’s collection holds cultural value. In this way, they strive to offer a learning experience that is diverse, inclusive, and respectful.

The exhibits are often changing, allowing you to dive deep into unique cultures every time you visit. Discover the Indigenous tribes of the Americas, learn about the world of colonial Harvard and the role the Indian College played in its early years, and see how the world has eaten across time and continents. 

You can always take a self-guided tour of the museum. Or you can take a tour with a Harvard student between October and April.

14. Stroll through the Arnold Arboretum

As with many Harvard institutions, the Arnold Arboretum , one of the best things to see in Cambridge, is historic. It’s the oldest arboretum in North America, having been established in 1872. Though it also functions as a botanical research center, it’s also a free public park, and you’re going to want to add it to your Cambridge bucket list!

Though Cambridge is Harvard’s home, you’ll actually find this massive 281-acre preserve in the Jamaica Plain and Roslindale neighborhoods of neighboring Boston, but it’s more than worth the trip. The Arnold Arboretum considers itself a museum of trees. It’s a place to learn about plant life and to feel connected to the natural world.

The arboretum houses one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of temperate woody plants. Here, you’ll find a focus on the plants of eastern North America, as well as eastern Asia. There are over 15,000 unique plants housed here. While you’re free to explore on your own, you can also take a guided tour or join one of the arboretum’s many events, including meditation sessions, family hikes, and in-depth talks about unique species of plants.

15. See a Performance at the American Repertory Theater

The American Repertory Theater , aka A.R.T., is a not-for-profit theater at Harvard and one of the best Cambridge attractions. At this theater, the goal is to truly immerse you in everything you’re seeing on stage. Each work performed at this theater is meant to transform the boundaries of live performances and often showcases those who have too often been left behind in the world of theater.

A.R.T. has been a fixture at Harvard since 1980. Since its founding, the theater has won numerous awards, including Tony Awards, Pulitzer Prizes, and more than 100 Elliot Norton and IRNE Awards. 

Although A.R.T. is a professional theater that puts on shows that have gone on to tour the US and play in places like London’s famous West End, the theater also has showcases of student and local community members’ work, as well as workshops and conversations with local artists. 

There you have it! The 15 best things to do in Cambridge, MA. What’s your favorite thing to do in Cambridge? Let us know in the comments!

Planning a trip to Massachusetts? Check out our favorite books and travel guides!

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About the Author:

Jacqueline is a writer and editor pursuing the freelance life to explore the world. Born and raised in New Jersey, she spent her college years in Boston before settling down with her partner and puppy in Monterey, California. When she’s not writing, you can often find her planning her next trip. Road trips are her favorite, whether it’s driving across the country or simply exploring a new city in her own backyard. She loves uncovering the history of every new place she goes. Jacqueline has a restless passion for learning and makes it a goal to pick up a new skill every year. She’s picked up embroidery, crocheting, knitting, and cross-stitching, but she’s hoping to master more languages to help her in her travels. She’s also a published author, with short stories and poetry appearing in several anthologies.

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Best Things To Do and See In Cambridge Massachusetts In One Day

Planning a trip to the beautiful Boston area? If so, you should carve out some time for a visit to its next door neighbor Cambridge. Here’s my guide to all the best things to do and see in Cambridge in one perfect day.

Founded in 1630, Cambridge has long been a lively intellectual center in the US. But Cambridge isn’t just all cloistered academia and beautiful university campus.

You’ll find world class museums, stunning architecture, indie bookshops, and dozens of al fresco patios for eating and drinking.

Of course, Cambridge is home to the renowned Harvard University (where you’ll be wrapped in red brick) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (“MIT”) (where you can admire eclectic modern architecture).

And it’s not just the universities that dazzle. In Cambridge, visitors can enjoy a outstanding museums, a vibrant performing arts scene, and fabulous restaurants.

I recently spent a day in Cambridge, and have been many times before.

Best Things To Do in Cambridge In One Day

You can start your one day in Cambridge at either Harvard or MIT. As I was coming from Beacon Hill, I walked over Longfellow Bridge and headed to MIT first.

But it’s very convenient to take the subway (Red Line) to Harvard Square. That’s what I’d recommend doing first to start your day in Cambridge. You can get around Cambridge on a guided walking tour or a guided bike tour .

Here are all the best things to do and see with one day in Cambridge:

1. Harvard Square

Start your 1 day in Cambridge with breakfast at Tatte Bakery, Cafe Luna, Curio Coffee, or Clover. I can say from ample experience that the almond croissants at Tatte are divine.

Harvard Square is the iconic center of Cambridge. It’s a triangular plaza located at the intersection of Battle Street, John F. Kennedy Street, and Massachusetts Avenue.

You’ll find all manner of humanity — students, tourists, political activists, buskers, chess players, and other street creatures.

Wander around and experience the mix of life and small businesses. Stroll into used book stores, coffee shops, and chocolate shops. Watch artists, vagabonds, locals, and college students mingle. There are some cool little shops in the mini-mall called the The Garage.

There are plenty of eclectic boutiques in Harvard Square too. If you want to grab some Ivy league merchandise, head into the Harvard Coop. If you’re interested in unique clothing, try Boutique Fabulous, Susanna, or Mint Julep.

Harvard Square becomes very lively at night. Students gather to watch street performers. You can catch an independent movie at Brattle Theatre, take in a show at the American Repertory Theater, or enjoy a stand up show at Comedy Studio.

Address : Brattle Street Cambridge

2. Harvard Yard

No one day in Cambridge is complete without a stroll through Harvard’s campus. It’s one of the best things to do in Cambridge.

As Harvard Square is the center of Cambridge, Harvard Yard is the center of Harvard College. Founded in 1636, Harvard is the oldest university in America.

Click here for a virtual tour of Harvard. Click here to book a guided tour of Harvard.

You first step into the revered and shady Harvard Yard, the nucleus of the campus. It’s hard not to be awed. I’ve read the some people are underwhelmed. But I had the opposite reaction and just loved it.

Start at the Johnston Gate on Massachusetts Avenue. You’ll be greeted by a statue of John Harvard, Harvard’s founder, carved by Daniel Chester French (of Lincoln Memorial fame) in 1884.

The statue doesn’t resemble the great man himself, as all likenesses of him were destroyed in a fire. The left foot is shiny, having been rubbed for good luck many a time.

In 1638, after Harvard’s death, he bequeathed half his estate and all of his library to Harvard. In return, the institution was renamed after him. That started a long-lasting trend of buildings being renamed after donors.

Ranged around the John Harvard statue are tree lined footpaths, trim lawns, scholarly libraries, and elegant Georgian and Federal architecture. Ahhhh …

Massachusetts Hall is a Georgian gem, and the oldest surviving building at Harvard. But the building pales in comparison to the massive Gothic style Matthews Hall.

Built in 1872, Matthews Hall is situated in the heart of Harvard Yard. It serves as a freshman dorm.

Behind the John Harvard statue is the graceful University Hall, dating from 1815. This granite building was designed by Charles Bulfinch, Boston’s first professional architect. It was the first building to veer away from Harvard’s trademark red bricks.

The New Yard is dominated by the colonnaded facade of Harvard’s flagship Widener Library. The library is an imposing building, whose entrance is graced with 12 Roman pillars and stands atop a 27 step granite staircase.

One of 73 campus libraries, it’s named after Harvard graduate and Titanic victim Harry Elkins Widener.

It houses 3.5 million books along 60 miles of shelves. There’s a replica of Widener’s home study in the center of the library, which contains a rare Gutenberg Bible .

Address : 2 Kirkland Street

3. Memorial Hall | Sanders Theater

Immediately north of Harvard Yard is another gorgeous brick building in the High Victorian Gothic style — Memorial Hall. Completed in 1878, it’s a National Historic Landmark.

The hall honors sacrifices made by Harvard men during the American Civil War. It stands as a symbol of Boston’s commitment to the abolitionist movement.

Inside, you’ll find the Sanders Theater . Completed in 1875, the theater was inspired by Christopher Wren’s Sheldonian Theater in Oxford England.

It seats well over 1,000 spectators. The venue was originally used for Harvard commencements. Now, it’s used for concerts, music shows, and serves as Harvard’s largest live lecture hall. You’ll find busts of famous past speakers, statues, and gorgeous stained glass, including a statue of colonial patriot James Otis.

Memorial Hall also houses Annenberg Hall, the first-year dining hall that can seat more than 1,000 students at a time. Tourists can’t go inside. But it’s said to bear a striking resemblance to the Great Hall in Hogwarts Castle.

Address : 45 Quincy Street

4. Harvard Art Museums

The Harvard Art Museums are a must visit attraction in Cambridge, even if you have only one day. They are a magnificent conglomerate of three separate museums — the Fogg Museum, the Biusch-Reisinger Museum, and the Arthur M. Sackler Museum.

After renovations by Renzo Piano from 2008-14, the museums were recently combined under a single glorious glass roof and renamed the Harvard Art Museums.

The Harvard Museums contain a range of collections from antiquity to the present day. The 250,000 exhibits are spread out over 7 levels. There’s also a theater and cafe.

The Fogg Museum houses a very good collection of Western art and Italian Renaissance paintings, including works by Botticelli and Ghirlandaio.

My favorite pieces are tucked away in Room 2520 — 15 bozetto ( terracotta models) by Gian Lorenzo Bernini , the greatest sculptor of the Baroque period. Bernini made thousands of the preparatory bozetto for his works.

But it was the practice of artists to throw them out when they finished a project. Hence, bozetto are quite rare.

You’ll also find paintings by a roster of French Impressionist luminaries in the Maurice Wertheim Collection — Van Gogh, Picasso, Gauguin, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Manet.

Founded in 1901, the Busch-Reisinger Museum is dedicated to the art of the German speaking countries of Central and Northern Europe. The works cover the periods of the Austrian Secession, German Expressionism, and the Bauhaus design school.

The Bauhaus works resulted from a partnership with Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius, a former chair of Harvard’s Department of Architecture. On level 1, check out the vintage Club Chair.

The Arthur M. Sackler Museum is the newest of the trio, opening in 1985. It’s dedicated to Asian, Indian, Islamic, and Byzantine art. Highlights include beautiful Greek vases, carved jade from India, and a limestone Buddha.

READ : Guide To the Best Museums in New England

Address : 32 Quincy Street

5. Harvard Museum of Natural History

The Harvard Museum of Natural History is every bit as thrilling as its counterparts in London and New York City. It’s a popular attraction in Cambridge too, welcoming over a quarter million visitors annually. Though it’s surrounded by historic buildings, the museum only opened in 1998.

The museum highlights three far older Harvard research collections: the Museum of Comparative Zoology, the Herbaria and Botanical Museum, and the Mineralogical and Geological Museum. You can find dinosaur skeletons, a massive whale skeleton, and the world’s largest turtle shell.

But the most fascinating part of the natural history museum are drawn from the Botanical Museum. The world famous Ware Collection of Blaschka Glass Models of Plants is simply beautiful.

It consists of highly realistic glass flowers, created between 1887-1936. The Blaschkas also created some glass sea creatures.

Just behind the Museum of Natural History is a bit of a hidden gem in Cambridge, the Harvard Divinity School. HDS has an absolutely pristine campus that rivals Harvard Yard. Have a wander around the beautiful historic buildings and pop into the Andover Chapel.

Address : 26 Oxford Street

6. Longfellow House

Longfellow House is located on Brattle Street, the historic road connecting old Cambridge and Watertown. It’s famous as the one time home of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. He was the poet wrote stirring tales that thrilled 19th century America, including the Midnight Ride of Paul Revere .

In the Revolutionary War period, Brattle Street was nicknamed “Tory Row.” It was here that wealthy Loyalists built their residential mansions. The famous Longfellow House is open to the public in the summer months and its lovely garden is open year round.

Built in 1759, the Longfellow mansion was originally commsioned by John Vassall. He abandoned the mansion and fled to England when anti-Tory sentiment rose after the outbreak of the Revolutionary War.

The mansion was then requisitioned by General George Washington. He used it as his headquarters during the Siege of Boston in 1775-76.

After the war, the mansion was bought by Andrew Craigie. It was later purchased for Henry Wadsworth Longfellow as a wedding gift.

Longfellow lived there for 35 years, hosting literary salon for the “Fireside Poets.” The mansion is preserved for posterity in the style of the Fireside Poets and is now a National Historic Landmark.

Address : 105 Brattle Street

7. Cambridge Common

Cambridge Common is an inviting triangle of greenery just west of Harvard Yard. Originally known as “Cow Commons,” it’s been a local refuge since 1630. Harvard University commencement ceremonies were once held there.

Today, people come to relax and inspect some of the monuments. There’s a steeple-like memorial built in 1870 to commemorate Cambridge troops lost in the civil war. A statue of Abraham Lincoln was added in 1870.

There’s a sculpture of three emaciated figures recalling the Irish Potato Famine and a statue of John Bridge. He was a puritan who settled in Cambridge 1632 and founded the first church school.

Don’t forget to inspect the Washington Elm. It’s a beloved tree surrounded by railings. According to legend, it was under this tree that General George Washington first took command of the American Army on July 3, 1775.

This tale is apocryphal, though, because the tree is too young to have been growing then. Historians also now claim that Washington was commissioned in Harvard Yard.

Across Garden Street is a gate leading into Radcliffe Yard. It’s a lovely garden area that was at the heart of Radcliffe College when it was founded in 1879. Now, of course, it’s been merged with Harvard.

Address : Waterhouse Street & Massachusetts Avenue

8. Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology

The Peabody Museum has one of the world’s most outstanding anthropological collections. Its a subset of Harvard’s Museum of Natural History.

Spread out over four floors, the museum’s collection includes artifacts from Native American, Central American, and South American culture. The highlight is the Hall of the North American Indian. On display are textiles, art, and models of dwellings.

Address : 11 Divinity Avenue

9. Central Square

Central Square is “downtown” Cambridge. It’s the historic seat of government and the midway point between Harvard and MIT.

Central Square is an artsy ethnic melting pot of people and restaurants. This is a good place to stop for a late lunch or a break while walking between Harvard and MIT.

If you fancy an ice cream, Toscanini’s is a hotspot that the New York Times once called “the best ice cream in the world.” There are hundreds of flavors that rotate throughout the year, but their signature flavors are always available. My favorite is salty carmel.

Address : Massachusetts Avenue

10. MIT Campus & Modern Architecture

10 minutes down the road from Central Square, you arrive at MIT. Though Harvard grabs all the attention and accolades, I enjoyed touring the MIT campus in East Cambridge. Click here to book a guided tour.

MIT was founded in 1861 in response to increasing industrialization in the United States. It’s a groundbreaking center for theoretical and practical research in physical sciences and engineering. Once dissed as “the factory,” MIT is one of the finest universities in the world.

In contrast to the comparatively straight laced red brick architecture of Harvard, MIT is a fantasyland of quirky modern architecture and public sculpture. Start at the Neo-Classical Rogers Building at 77 Massachusetts Avenue. This is the entrance to the “Infinite Corridor.”

The corridor is the “spine” of MIT, a seemingly endless pedestrian hallway traversing the entire campus from east to west. It connects to each of the major buildings of MIT.

Then, cross to the other side of Massachusetts Avenue for a peak at the circular MIT Chapel.

Designed by Finnish architect Eero Saarinen, it consists of a moated red brick cylinder, topped with a sculptured belfry. The interior is windowless, illuminated by a roof oculus and floor level slits reflecting light upwards.

Don’t forget to check out the high rise Green Center on McDermott Court. This is one of several MIT buildings designed by I.M. Pei of Louvre fame.

Breaking from MIT’s mainly horizontal aesthetic, Pei designed a 21 story tower. The sculpture Big Sail guards the front.

Inside, you’ll find one of Boston’s best works of art, hidden deep in MIT. It’s a 5500 square foot mosaic floor mural, Bars of Color Within Squares (shown above).

Designed by Sol LeWitt in 2006, the work provides an electrifying pop of interior color. The squares line up to cover the floor of a corridor that runs around three sides of the ground level.

The architect Frank Gehry also left a definitive foot print at MIT. Gehry was a pioneer of the controversial post-modern style known as Deconstructivism, which first appeared in the 1980s.

The style is characterized by an intentional lack of symmetry or harmony, wherein a building seems in the process of fragmentation. Gehry buildings are loved and loathed in equal measure.

The Stata Center on Vassar Street is classic Gehry. The legendary building consists of orange brick blocks set between silver elements. The silver elements explode outward, colliding with each other.

Even the windows appear to bulge. Fittingly, the Stata Center is home to daring research conducted by MIT’s Computer, Information, and Intelligence Sciences departments.

Address : 77 Massachusetts Avenue

11. MIT Museum

If you have a love of science and technology, you should visit the MIT Museum . It’s just a few blocks from the center of campus on Massachusetts Avenue.

Founded in 1971, the MIT Museum exhibits collections relating to the history of MIT, maritime history, holography, photography, robotics, and much more.

The 5,000-square foot Mark Epstein Innovation Gallery is located on the ground floor of the museum. It showcases the most recent research and developments in technology at MIT. It even has exhibits relating to MIT’s infamous student pranks.

In addition to its permanent collection, the museum often presents temporary exhibits of art and technology displays. The museum has many outreach programs for children and for adults, and it sponsors the annual Cambridge Science Festival. The MIT Museums is moving to Kendall Square in 2022.

Address : 265 Massachusetts Avenue

12. Restaurants & Cocktails

Now that you’ve done all these amazing cultural things in Cambridge, where should you end your day with a spectacular dinner?

In Cambridge, you’re spoiled for choice, from fresh and arty to elegant. The best options include Puritan , Harvest , Alden & Harlow , Oleana , and Giulia . If you want something more casual try, Michaelhouse or The Rainbow Cafe.

If you want a pre or post dinner drink, head to Noir. It’s attached to the Charles Hotel , which is also the best place to stay in Cambridge.

Tips For Spending One Day In Cambridge

Here are some tips for spending a day in Cambridge.

1. How To Get Around Cambridge

Cambridge is fast and compact and thus very walkable. The best things to do in Cambridge are all clustered in the town center.

You can always hop in a taxi or use Uber. I don’t recommend using a car to get around Cambridge. The traffic is usually quite heavy and the roads can seem confusing.

You can also take public transportation. The red line of the “T” (Boston’s metro) has 5 stops in Cambridge.

2. Where To Stay In Cambridge

The classic place to stay in Cambridge is Charles Hotel . It’s set in the heart of Harvard Square, but has a bit of a a sticker shock price tag. In return for handing over the cash, You’ll have luxurious rooms and views of the Charles River.

I’m a fan of the Kimpton chain and the Kimpton Marlow Hotel doesn’t disappoint. It’s a good hotel for families and the rooms are playfully decorated.

Le Meridien is good for business travelers and tourists alike. The rooms are modern and fully updated.

3. When To Visit Cambridge

Not in winter! Egads. It’s brutally cold and windy in Boston in winter. At the opposite extreme, it’s hot and humid in the winter.

So, I recommend visiting in shoulder season, spring or fall. Either season, there will be blooms aplenty and some sunshine. If you love cherry blossoms, plan April.

But the weather is still a tad unpredictable. If it happens to rain, you can duck inside a museum or indoor attraction.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my to the top attractions to see in Cambridge in one day. If you love New England or are planning an East Coast road trip, you may enjoy these other articles:

• 3 Days in Boston Itinerary
• 7-10 Day Itinerary for Vermont
• 10 Day Itinerary for New Hampshire
• 25 Most Beautiful Towns in New England
• 10 Day Itinerary for Coastal Maine
• Fall Foliage Road Trip in New England
• 3 Day Itinerary for Boston
• Walking the Freedom Trail in Boston
• What To Do In the Berkshires
• Places To Visit In Massachusetts

If you’d like to spend one day in Cambridge Massachusetts, pin it for later.

1 thought on “Best Things To Do and See In Cambridge Massachusetts In One Day”

Thanks for this fantastic article. I have been planning to go on a trip to Cambridge but was totally perplexed about where to stay, where to eat, and even where to visit. But your post helped me a lot to overcome my doubt. Thanks for mentioning the hotel names, it will save a lot of my time and effort.

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Last Updated on March 11, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

Home » Travel Guides » United States » Massachusetts (MA) » 15 Best Things to Do in Cambridge (MA)

15 Best Things to Do in Cambridge (MA)

For those who make the trip to Cambridge in Massachusetts , expect to be dazzled by this university town which is most famous for being the location of world renowned Harvard University. The city has a student feel to it which means that you will find vibrant nightlife, eclectic restaurants, as well as a wealth of other events such as standup comedy night and live music performances.

In addition to this youthful atmosphere, Cambridge is well known for its wealth of museums, many of which are affiliated and located within Harvard University, and are known for paving the way in restoration and research projects. If you get out and about in Cambridge, you will also find leafy spots such as parks and reservoirs, and you can even take to the water here and go on a boat tour that will let you see the city in a whole new light.

Lets explore the best things to do in Cambridge :

1. Harvard Art Museums

Part of Harvard University, the Harvard Art Museums are made up of three distinct museums, the first of which opened in 1896. As such, the Fogg Museum is not only the oldest of the three museums, but is also famous for its eclectic exhibits that includes Western artwork such as paintings, print work, photographs, and even sculptures that date from as early as the Middle Ages to the present day. The second museum, the Busch-Reisinger Museum, first opened its doors in 1903 and is a great place to come if you are interested in German artwork. Finally, rounding off the trio is the Arthur M. Sackler Museum that dates from 1985 and has Asian art such as Korean, Japanese, and Chinese pieces.

2. The American Repertory Theater

The American Repertory Theater, also known as A.R.T for short, is a theater company from the Cambridge area who are located at Harvard University. The group was first established back in 1980 and this is the place to come if you want to see new American dramas as well as other genres like musicals. The theater is said to be one of the most important in the United States and has won a number of accolades over the years including illustrious Tony Awards and even a Pulitzer Prize.

3. Harvard Museum of Natural History

First opened in 1998, the Harvard Museum of Natural History has over 12,000 different natural specimens and is known for being one of the most visited museums in Cambridge. Here you will find dinosaurs, meteorites, gems, and even fossils. There is also a Kronosaurus which is a marine animal that would have dated from the time of the dinosaurs and measures 42 feet. You can also find the Blaschka ‘Glass Flowers’ here, a world famous collection of glass plants. For younger visitors, many of the exhibits are interactive and encourage hands-on learning.

4. Fresh Pond Reservation

A park and local reservoir in Cambridge, the Fresh Pond Reservation is home to a 155 acre lake as well as 162 acres of land. There are trails around the lake that span over 2 miles and you can run, hike, or cycle in the area. If you fancy a game, then there is also a golf course located here, where you can enjoy the 9 hole green as well as taking in some of the flora and fauna of Cambridge at the same time.

5. Longfellow House

The former home of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, a famous American poet, the Longfellow House is also known as Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site. Built in 1759, the house acted as the headquarters of George Washington during the Revolutionary War in 1775 until 1776. The house and adjacent gardens can be visited daily and there are also guided tours for those who want to know more about this historically significant home. Depending on when you visit, there are also special events hosted at the house that include reenactments of historical scenes, musical concerts, and poetry readings.

6. Charles Riverboat Company

Started in 1990, the Charles Riverboat Company is the best place to take to the waters of the Charles River and check out the Cambridge area from a different vantage point. On a tour here you can expect to be taken around the Charles River Basin as well as Boston Harbor and you can also learn all about the history of the Cambridge area at the same time. Tours are all presented by friendly and knowledgeable locals who have lived in the area for years and can give you a range of insider tips and tricks to get the most out of your stay.

7. Harvard Square

Known as the historic center of Cambridge, Harvard Square is a plaza located next to Harvard Yard, also the center of Harvard University. The square is a popular hangout for university students and as such you will find laid back coffee shops, bookstores, and shops here, as well as some of the best restaurants in Cambridge. Much of the area is pedestrian so that you can stroll around at your leisure, and there are street performers and musicians here daily. In the evening this makes the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors in Cambridge and you will find live music and other events spilling out into the square.

8. City Wine Tours

For those who want to learn about wine in the Cambridge region, look no further than City Wine Tours. The tours here will take you to different areas of the city where you can discover delicious wines as well as eat some local food. Tours last for approximately two hours and will visit a range of restaurants and wine shops and as this is a walking tour you can also take in the local sights on foot as you go.

9. MIT Museum

If you want to learn all about MIT, or the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, then head to the MIT Museum. The museum first opened in 1971 and has a large collection of technology related items such as robotics and recent research and technology developments made by the institute. The museum will also take you back through the history of MIT and you can see exhibits related to holography and maritime history, as well as period photographs and other antique memorabilia.

10. Peabody Museum of Archeology and Ethnology

Situated right on the campus of Harvard University, the Peabody Museum of Archeology and Ethnology is famous for being one of the largest museums dedicated to anthropology in the world. It is also one of the oldest, having been established in 1866, and to that end it has an amazing 1.5 million objects on display. The items are mostly dedicated to the study of archeology and ethnography in the Americas and you can expect to see maps, photographs, and other important artifacts that will take you back over 10,000 years.

11. Central Square

Central Square is known for being part of the Central Square Historic District of Cambridge and is also listed as part of the U.S National Register of Historic Places. Here you will find not only period architecture but also vibrant nightlife in the form of live music venues, theaters, and bars. During the day time there are pretty churches to visit as well as a wealth of ethnic restaurants that represent the diversity of Cambridge.

12. Cafe ArtScience

Next to Le Laboratoire Cambridge, an innovation center in Cambridge, you will find Cafe ArtScience, a restaurant that specializes in bringing food and science concepts together. With that in mind, items on the menu include inhalable coffee and ham emulsion and there is a machine here that turns liquid into vapor. Certainly if you are looking for a very different dining experience then this is one place not to miss when you are in town.

13. Sanders Theatre

The Sanders Theater is famous in Cambridge for being a historical location that is part of the High Victorian Gothic Memorial Hall. The theater was completed in 1875 and has a capacity of over 1,000 spectators at one time. Events held here include concerts, live music performances, and lectures, so make sure you check what’s on when you are in town. If you do come for a visit, make sure to look out for some of the signature architectural features here that include busts of famous past speakers as well as statues and pretty stained glass windows.

14. Flour Bakery and Cafe

Located on Massachusetts Avenue, the Flour Bakery and Cafe is a famous fixture in Cambridge. This bakery and coffee shop is known for its delicious homemade bakes and you can expect to find iconic items here such as Flour sticky buns, brioches, and baguettes. As well as baked goods there are also signature chocolate truffles and if you want to come here for lunch you will also find sandwiches and soups. The bakery and coffee shop is so popular that you will probably find that you have to queue no matter what time of day you arrive, although many residents will tell you that it is well with the wait.

15. The Comedy Studio

If you are in the mood for a little comedy in Cambridge then head on over to The Comedy Studio. Here you will find some of the best standup in the region which includes a mix of performers from regular fixtures on the comedy scene to newcomers who are just polishing their act. As well as watching a show you can also have dinner and drinks here and if you are feeling brave you can try out the signature cocktail of the club known as the ‘Scorpion Bowl’.

15 Best Things to Do in Cambridge (MA):

• Harvard Art Museums
• The American Repertory Theater
• Harvard Museum of Natural History
• Fresh Pond Reservation
• Longfellow House
• Charles Riverboat Company
• Harvard Square
• City Wine Tours
• Peabody Museum of Archeology and Ethnology
• Central Square
• Cafe ArtScience
• Sanders Theatre
• Flour Bakery and Cafe
• The Comedy Studio

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How To Spend A Perfect Day Exploring Cambridge, Massachusetts

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• Destinations
• Massachusetts
• United States

Youthful and vibrant, fun and funky, historic and cultured — Cambridge, Massachusetts, is the perfect spot to spend a sunny day. Home to Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge is a college town; alive with everything world-class universities need to thrive.

Hip and trendy restaurants, homes of American heroes and thought leaders, classic architecture mixed with uber-modern buildings, and a thriving, neighborhood community all come together to make Cambridge a wonderful place to live and explore. Visiting everything in a day can be a daunting challenge, but with all the options available, you will have plenty to choose from to plan an itinerary for a fun-filled and educational adventure.

Things To Do In Cambridge

Across the Charles River, Cambridge faces the Boston skyline. As a major suburb of Boston, Cambridge has access to all the great things Boston has to offer but also has plenty of activities to keep visitors on the Cambridge side.

Harvard University

Harvard University is a world leader in education. Whether you attend as a student or visit as a guest, the university is a showcase of educational opportunities, fine art, and intellectual exploration. For a formal introduction and official tour, start at the Harvard University Visitor Center . University students are happy to guide you around their campus and regale you with stories and information about their beloved alma mater. Student-led tours will take you through the old brownstones and new, inspiring architecture. Visit Radcliffe’s garden, home to many University student weddings, intriguing museums waiting for you to explore, and interesting statuaries that dot the campus. Harvard is a mecca for intellectuals and art lovers alike.

Harvard Museum Of Natural History

Supported by three research museums, the Museum of Comparative Zoology, the Harvard University Herbaria, and the Mineralogical and Geological Museum, the Harvard Museum of Natural History presents a collection of interesting and unusual exhibits. One such exhibit is the Birds of the World Gallery, which explores the tremendous diversity of these winged creatures. As you stroll the exhibit, the vibrant colors captivate your attention and inspire respect for these fascinating birds.

The Museum offers a selection of adult, children’s, and family-oriented programs and classes throughout the year.

Peabody Museum Of Archaeology And Ethnology

While visiting Harvard University, make time to add the Peabody Museum to your must-see list. One of the oldest archaeological and ethnological museums in the world, the exhibits are uniquely fascinating. The Hall of the North American Indian features totem poles, ceremonial masks, and tribal artwork. In exhibits like Resetting the Table: Food and Our Changing Tastes , visitors can contemplate food choices and habits in the U.S. and how these choices shape our lives.

The Peabody offers student-led tours for groups of college-age and older visitors included in your museum admission. If you are visiting with younger children, an advanced reservation is required.

f11photo / Shutterstock

Harvard Square

Exploring trendy stores, dining in outdoor cafes, and resting on a bench while people watching are time-honored traditions in Harvard Square . While Harvard Square still retains some of its ’70s hippie vibe, it is now boho chic as opposed to psychedelic flower child.

Cambridge Historical Tours offers private, expertly curated tours like the Tour of Old Cambridge . The neighborhood’s history, art, and architecture are explored throughout the walking tour punctuated with stories of Longfellow, Helen Keller, and T.S. Eliot. The customizable tour is the best way to explore all the history embedded in the fiber of Cambridge, particularly when you only have a day or two for your visit.

Charles River

The Charles River, or simply “The Charles” to Bostonians, separates Boston and Cambridge. The busy path along the Charles offers an enjoyable waterside stroll or a perfect spot for a picnic lunch.

The Charles Riverboat Company has several cruise options that explore the Charles. Their Charles River Sightseeing Tour gives visitors the opportunity to sit back and enjoy the sights between Boston and Cambridge’s river banks. Enjoy the small sailboats dancing across the water as your captain navigates the way.

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Massachusetts Institute Of Technology

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) campus is not only a world-class institute of technical learning, it is a showcase for art and architecture. By accessing the interactive Public Art Map , you find your way to the Stratton Student Center designed by architect Eduardo Catalano, The New Media Lab by Fumihiko Maki, and the Green and Wiesner Buildings designed by I.M Pei. Stroll through campus and experience a wealth of art installations including Figure decoupee by Pablo Picasso, the Sean Collier Memorial by J. Meejin Yoon, and many other thought-provoking pieces.

Mount Auburn Cemetery

Located in Watertown and Cambridge, Mount Auburn Cemetery is the first garden cemetery in the U.S. and is a designated National Historic Landmark. Stroll through the beautifully landscaped park along winding paths that weave around the stone markers across the 175-acre park. The horticultural collection of over 5,500 trees, shrubs, and plants gracefully interacts with tombstones of local citizens and famous Bostonians. Mount Auburn Cemetary’s distinguished residents include Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Julia Ward Howe, Dorothea Dix, and Charles Sumner.

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Longfellow House

The stately mansion on Brattle Street, Longfellow House , was the former home of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Now a National Parks Museum, the Longfellow house welcomed many famous visitors including Charles Dickens and Nathaniel Hawthorne. George Washington used the home as his headquarters for the Continental Army during the Boston battle arena.

Tour Longfellow’s family home and step back in time as you explore the extensive collection of art and period furniture. Take a stroll through the beautiful gardens, which are particularly lovely in late spring.

Cambridge Restaurants

There is no shortage of restaurants in Cambridge. From small cafes and bakeries to upscale dining, the food scene is jam-packed with amazing restaurants featuring top-notch cuisine. Below is a selection of eateries that embody the flavor of restaurants in the Cambridge area.

Tatte Bakery And Cafe

Harvard Square is a thriving neighborhood with its own Tatte Bakery and Cafe . With Locations across Boston, Tatte began as a stall in the Boston farmers market and quickly attracted a loyal following. Known for their scrumptious sweet treats, they also offer delectable savory dishes. Stop in for a monkey bread croissant, a crispy palmier, or a beautiful buttermilk biscuit to enjoy with a piping hot cup of coffee. Join the cafe crowd — come for breakfast and stay for dinner.

Cambridge Brewing Company

Located in the vibrant Kendall Square neighborhood, Cambridge Brewing Company has a selection of handcrafted on-tap beers along with bottled and canned options. Tiny Geometries is a toasted red lager that is worth a try for a “reds” connoisseur. If you’re looking for a beer to knock your socks off, give the 2020 Bannatyne’s Scotch Ale a spin. Excellent pub grub is offered to accompany your favorite brew.

Middle Eastern cuisine never tasted so good. When you take a classic dish and morph it into a dining adventure, you have truly captured something unique and memorable. Oleana serves up a masterful menu of reinvented dishes enticing you to try every meze on the menu. Sample the Kohlrabi Pancake with Haloumi, Vermont Quail Kebab, Topik, and so many other tempting delights.

Abe And Louie’s

Across the Charles on Boylston Street awaits an exceptional dining experience. Abe and Louie’s is a fine dining restaurant with an extensive and expertly prepared menu. Start with the escargot, beef carpaccio, or any of the gorgeously plated appetizers. Continue on with a 22-ounce bone-in aged prime ribeye, a meat lover’s dream dinner, or the shrimp and scallop risotto. Dining at Abe and Louie’s is the perfect way to celebrate your time in the city. The large selection of fine wines completes the feasting experience.

Save time for a quick shop at The Coop (pronounced like a house for chickens), for all your Harvard and MIT gear. Their flagship store, purchased in 1906, is located in Harvard Square and is the gold standard of bookstores.

Cambridge is not just a suburb of Boston. It is home to thousands of university students and a thriving residential community that appreciates and contributes to the art, history, green space, and bustling vibe of the city. Take a day or two and explore Cambridge, you will have a great urban adventure and you will probably learn a little something in the process.

While in the Boston area, also consider

• 11 Important Tips For Experiencing Boston’s Freedom Trail
• Boston-Area Breweries: 9 Must-Visit Taprooms
• Boston’s Historical Gems: 8 Fantastic Spots To Check Out
• 8 Fascinating Walks Along Boston’s Women’s Heritage Trail

Sandi loves writing about culture, cuisine, adult beverages, cruising, golf, skiing, road trips, hiking, New England, and photography. Traveling solo, with hubby Chris, or the entire Barrett clan there is always a story waiting to be told.

• Last Updated On
• May 28, 2023

25 Best Things to Do in Cambridge, MA

Cambridge, home to the world-renowned Harvard University, is a lovely city with top-tier destinations.

With its youthful vibe, you’ll discover lively nightlife, restaurants, theaters, and live music shows in this town.

At the same time, you’ll get to explore expansive museums affiliated with the world’s most prestigious universities.

To me, this city is a playground for diversity.

So, whether you’re interested in history, architecture, art, or nature, this city doesn’t disappoint.

Pack your bags and prepare to make unforgettable memories with this list of the best things to do in Cambridge, MA.

1. Harvard Art Museums

32 Quincy St Cambridge, MA 02138 (617) 495-9400

Established in 1896, Harvard Arts Museums has a collection of three superb museums full of historical and contemporary art.

Why You Should Go

If you’re looking for indoor stuff to do when it’s raining or cold, this 3 set of museums has your back.

Housed in a stunning glass roof, the Harvard Art Museums are made up of the Busch-Reisinger, Fogg, and Arthur M. Sackler museums.

Be wowed by the 250,000 exhibits displaying paintings, sculptures, and other kinds of art from America, Germany, and Asia.

These stunning exhibits from ancient times to the present will take 4 hours to explore.

If you feel famished along the way, stop by Jenny’s Cafe with delicious food and beverages on the museum’s first floor.

2. Harvard Museum of Natural History

26 Oxford St Cambridge, MA 02138 (617) 495-3045

Opened in 1998, the Harvard Museum of Natural History is home to nearly 12,000 specimens of the natural world.

Bring your family and explore the fun things to do in Cambridge with kids here at this museum.

One of the most remarkable attractions is the Kronosaurus, a prehistoric reptile 42 feet in length placed inside a protective glass.

Another highlight is life-like glass flowers and aquatic animals at Ware Collection of Blaschka Glass Plant Models.

Who knew visiting a museum could be as exciting as this place?

The Harvard Divinity School is a little-known jewel a few blocks from the building.

Explore the building’s stunning old structures, beautiful stained glass windows, and decorated wood carvings.

Related: Best Restaurants in Cambridge

3. Longfellow House

105 Brattle St Cambridge, MA 02138 (617) 876-4491

The Longfellow House, located at 105 Brattle Street, was the home of acclaimed American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

For anybody interested in American history, literature, or architecture, Longfellow House is an exciting location to visit.

Aside from being home to Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, it served as George Washington’s headquarters during the Revolutionary War.

Walk down a memory lane as you explore Federal-style architectures carefully restored to their original appearance.

Participate in the house’s unique events, which include reenactments of historical scenes, poetry readings, and musical performances.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Encore Boston Harbor

Also See: Falmouth: Things to Do What to Do in Cape Cod

4. Harvard Square

Two Brattle Square Mezzanine Cambridge, MA 02138 (617) 491-3434

Harvard Square is Cambridge’s commercial and historical hub, situated at the center of Battle Street, John F. Kennedy Street, and Massachusetts Avenue.

This pedestrian-friendly neighborhood has a lot of cool attractions in Cambridge.

Harvard Square is a must-see thanks to its fantastic live music scene and diverse crowd of locals and tourists worldwide.

Visit bookstores, coffee shops, and candy stores, or watch locals, travelers, and Harvard students mingle.

There is always a bustling ambiance, no matter what time of day or night it is.

Driving and parking in Harvard Square can be a pain in the neck, so traveling through MRT is your best bet.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Boston Hotel Commonwealth

5. MIT Museum

Gambrill Center, 314 Main St Cambridge, MA 02142 (617) 253-5927

The MIT Museum, founded in 1971, is located a few blocks from the renowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

The MIT Museum is a terrific place to go if you’re interested in what the creative brains at MIT are up to.

Museum exhibits include cutting-edge displays of holography, photography, and robotics.

Aside from that, it frequently hosts temporary art and technology exhibits, giving you a mix of everything.

To pique your children’s interest in science, introduce them to Troody, a robot shaped after a two-legged dinosaur from the Cretaceous period.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: InterContinental Boston, an IHG Hotel

6. Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology

11 Divinity Ave Cambridge, MA 02138 (617) 496-1027

Founded in 1866, the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology is one of the oldest museums specializing in anthropological artifacts.

The Peabody Museum is one of the unique things to see in Cambridge, with its exceptional exhibits.

The museum’s collection spans four levels and features artifacts from South American, Central American, and Native American cultures.

Some coolest things to see are totem poles, gigantic Maya sculptures, and even unique ones dating back 10,000 years ago.

The museum is directly accessible to the Harvard Museum of Natural History, allowing for an easy transition between the two sites.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Liberty, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Boston

Related: Places to Visit in Massachusetts

7. The Hahvahd Tour

1400 Massachusetts Ave Cambridge, MA 02138 (855) 455-8747

The Hahvahd Tour is a guided walking tour of Harvard University focusing on the campus’s history and architecture.

This event is the perfect example of a tour going to the next level.

The tour is led by Harvard and MIT students dedicated to providing a fun and informative insider experience.

The trip takes you to some of the campus’s most prominent structures, including Massachusetts Hall, Memorial Hall, and Widener Library.

Each guide adds a unique perspective to the trip, so don’t be shy to quiz them related to history and culture.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Whitney Hotel Boston

Also See: Fun Things to Do in Boston, MA Activities in Hyannis

8. American Repertory Theater

Loeb Drama Center, 64 Brattle St Cambridge, MA 02138 (617) 547-8300

The American Repertory Theater, located in the Loeb Drama Center, is a prominent theater company affiliated with Harvard University.

Visiting this small but lively theater is one of my favorite things to do in Cambridge at night.

They have their spin on inventive productions and thought-provoking plays, which garnered multiple awards, including a Pulitzer Prize.

Arrive at the theater at least 30 minutes before the show starts to help you get settled in before the curtain rises.

To check the lists of current and upcoming productions, visit the theater’s website for complete information regarding the events.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Eliot Hotel

9. Toscanini’s

159 First St Cambridge, MA 02139 (617) 491-5877

Toscanini’s is an ice cream shop and café opened in 1981 by Gus Rancatore.

You know when an ice cream spot is good when the New York Times once called it “the best ice cream in the world.”

Toscanini’s has a wide range of seasonal flavors, from classics like chocolate to more unusual ones like coffee Oreo and Mexican chocolate.

Aside from the sweet treats, they also serve freshly-brewed coffees and baked goodies.

Don’t get a brain-freeze with their B3 flavor, the combination of chocolate gooeyness in one scoop.

This ice cream is flavored with brown sugar and brown butter, then mixed with brownie chunks.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Langham, Boston

10. Cambridge Common

Waterhouse St & Massachusetts Ave Cambridge, MA 02138 (617) 349-4639

The Cambridge Common, a 16-acre park, is a National Historic Landmark outside Harvard Square.

Cambridge Common is a well-kept park with significant history nestled quietly in the middle of the Harvard campus and monuments.

It is one of the free things to do in Cambridge, where you can simply relax on a bench and take in the scenery.

Large grassy areas provide room for kids to play around, and there are also bike routes and a sports field.

Stop by Washington Elm, a colossal elk tree and one of the prominent landmarks worth exploring.

It is surrounded by protective railings and is said to be where George Washington took charge of the American Army in 1775.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street, Boston

Related: Things to Do in Massachusetts

11. Charles Riverboat Company

100 Cambridgeside Pl # 320 Cambridge, MA 02141 (617) 621-3001

Since 1990, Charles Riverboat Company has been offering scenic cruises through Boston Harbor and Charles River.

If you’re looking for romantic things to do in Cambridge for couples, this is the one you shouldn’t miss out.

This 70-minute boat ride will give you breathtaking views of the Cambridge region from a different perspective.

The Charles River Tour is one of the famous tours, giving you full views of Harvard University, the Charles River Esplanade, and more.

Taking on a sunset cruise is highly recommended, where the Boston skyline glows in the distance while the sun sinks below the horizon.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Fairmont Copley Plaza

12. Orinoco

56 John F. Kennedy St Cambridge, MA 02138 (617) 354-6900

Orinoco is a Venezuelan restaurant around Harvard Square best known for its arepas.

Orinoco is one of the best places to go today and sample delicious Latin American food.

It is inspired by taguaritas, which are rustic, family-run restaurants along the streets of Venezuela.

Their Pernil Arepas is a must-try for an authentic Venezuelan taste.

They are made from cornmeal and cooked on a griddle, then stuffed with meaty pulled pork, cheese, and tomatoes.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Newbury Boston

13. Sanders Theatre

45 Quincy St Cambridge, MA 02138 (617) 496-2222

Sanders Theater is a historical attraction built by Sir Christopher Wren in the High Victorian Gothic Memorial Hall.

Watching a performance or musical orchestra at the Sanders Theatre is one of the must-try activities in Cambridge.

There are concerts, live music performances, and lectures with a capacity of over 1,000 audiences.

Winston Churchill and Mikhail Gorbachev were among the renowned speakers who once held conferences at this venue.

To say this building is impressive would be an understatement.

The beautiful stained glass windows and intricate wood designs are one of the best architectural features worth taking a picture of.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Arcadian Hotel Brookline

14. Life Alive

765 Massachusetts Ave Cambridge, MA 0213 (617) 354-5433

Life Alive is a health-focused cafe chain on Massachusetts Avenue, serving fresh and organic meals.

Life Alive is where people feel welcomed into an environment that supports their health goals.

It allows you to explore many types of veggies in delectable ways.

Moreover, they source their ingredients from local organic farms to produce organic and mouth-watering dishes.

Try their Green Goddess, which consists of broccoli, tofu, and kale, with a slight tartness from the lemon.

If you want a light, healthy meal that will curb your cravings and fill you up, this is the one.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Boston Harbor Hotel

Related: Things to Do in Massachusetts with Kids

15. Central Square

581 Massachusetts Ave Cambridge, MA 02139

Central Square, which borders MIT, exudes vibrant energy with music venues and multi-ethnic eateries on Massachusetts Avenue.

Registered in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, this is a melting pot of sights to see this weekend.

As you walk through Central Square, learn about the region’s history and the essence of self-expression through graffiti and murals.

What’s more, magnificent churches and different kinds of restaurants show how diverse the area is.

There are exotic restaurants lurking on every corner to replenish your hunger, like the Asmara Restaurant.

It serves delectable and classic Ethiopian cuisine in a vibrant, cozy environment.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Le Meridien Boston Cambridge

16. Alden and Harlow

40 Brattle St Cambridge, MA 02138 (617) 864-2100

Owned by Chef Michael Scelfo, Alden and Harlow is a subterranean restaurant offering American cuisine, breakfast, and brunch meals.

Start your day with a satisfying meal at Alden and Harlow.

You can never go wrong with selecting any food on their extensive menu.

Experience a comfortable dining experience with the family under the warm lights and live music.

Do yourself a favor and get the Crispy Pork Belly.

It’s a blend of savory and sweet flavors in one dish, from pork, chestnut mostarda, Anson mills grits, and apple honey.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hyatt Regency Boston/Cambridge

17. Tasty Burger

40 John F. Kennedy St Cambridge, MA 02138 (617) 714-1590

Established in 2010, Tasty Burger is a fast-food restaurant serving delightful burgers.

What makes them unique from other restaurants is how they take your orders.

You’ll just have to use a tablet to save time, with your burger being prepared quickly too.

Plus, with their convenient location around Harvard Square, you can easily spot them and watch people from the inside enjoy their dishes.

If you’re craving some juicy and savory comfort meals, this dining spot delivers.

Grab a bite of The Big Tasty burger.

It’s an all-beef patty stacked with cheese, fresh lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onions for an explosion of tasty flavors.

Afterward, wash it all down with a creamy vanilla milkshake.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Boston Park Plaza

18. City Wine Tours

67 Mt Auburn St Cambridge, MA 02138 (844) 879-8799

Located at Mt. Auburn Street, City Wine Tours is a wine tour agency in different locations in the city.

If you’re still trying to figure out what to do in Cambridge, visit City Wine Tours and join an informative tour.

The tours will take you to several restaurants and wine stores around Cambridge, guided by an expert.

Experience the rich flavors of premium wines and toast with your partner for a fun and enjoyable day.

You’ll be visiting many restaurants and trying out their food and wines, so be sure to have an empty stomach as the tour starts.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Veritas

19. The Smoke Shop BBQ

25 Hampshire St Cambridge, MA 02139 (617) 577-7427

The Smoke Shop BBQ has been serving Southern-style Barbecue since 2016.

If you’re craving some delicious steak and Barbecue, The Smoke Shop BBQ is your go-to place.

Indulge in a fine selection of Southern-inspired BBQs that are slow-roasted until tender.

Dine with family and friends at their family-friendly pub, where you will have a great time while drinking booze.

Your dining experience won’t be complete without trying the House-Smoked Turkey and Stuffing.

It is a combination of mouth-watering flavors from smoked turkey, dijonnaise sauce, cranberry mayo, and cornbread stuffing.

While you’re at it, get yourself a refreshing Autumn Spice Old Fashioned cocktail for your drink.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Royal Sonesta Boston

20. Puritan & Company

1166 Cambridge St Cambridge, MA 02139 (617) 615-6195

Opened in 2012, Puritan & Company is a restaurant offering classic American dishes emphasizing New England cuisine.

Their Chef’s Tasting menu is one of the must-try dishes here, especially if you love surprises.

It’s a five-course meal with exciting meals you won’t know until it’s served.

Indulge in a variety of steaks, fresh seafood, pasta dishes, and delectable desserts.

I recommend you try out the delightful Seared Cod.

A perfectly seared cod with a crispy exterior served with curried squash, romanesco, and beets.

Don’t forget to try out their fine wines from different countries for your drink.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Row Hotel at Assembly Row, Autograph Collection by Marriott

21. Grafton Street Pub & Grill

59 John F. Kennedy St Cambridge, MA 02138 (617) 714-5954

Established in 1996, Grafton Street Pub and Grill is a bar and restaurant serving American fare and drinks.

Grafton Street Pub and Grill is one of the best downtown spots to visit for its delicious food and decadent cocktails.

Choose from an extensive menu of your favorite dishes, including steaks, seafood, and chicken.

Feel a casual and lively atmosphere as you dine in a wooden pub interior design with a massive bar in the middle.

If you’re craving something savory, try out the Grilled Strip Loin, served with smoked onion rings, salad, and steak sauce.

It’s a perfectly seared steak seasoned with mixed herbs and spices.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: citizenM Boston North Station

22. Bambara

25 Edwin H Land Blvd Cambridge, MA 02141 (617) 868-4444

Located at Edwin H. Land Boulevard, Bambara is a restaurant offering famous American cuisine.

Give yourself a treat in a delicious dining experience with the finest American cuisine, including salads, seafood, and chicken.

Experience a relaxing dining experience in a modern setting, with fancy chandeliers and comfortable seating.

Get their rich and creamy New England Style Clam Chowder filled with bacon, potato, and chives.

If that’s not enough, try out the Dry-Aged Burger.

It’s a burst of delightful flavors from the beef patty, pickles, aioli, cheddar cheese, and fries.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Seaport Hotel® Boston

23. Harvard University

Massachusetts Hall Cambridge, MA 02138 (617) 495-1000

Founded in 1636, Harvard University is a prestigious Ivy League institution and one of the oldest and most respected universities.

The university is one of the nice places to visit in Cambridge, with various architectural styles, including Georgian, Gothic, and modern buildings.

It also features numerous green spaces and gardens, providing a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.

If you’re a film enthusiast, check out the Harvard Film Archive, featuring classic and contemporary films from around the world.

Or, witness performances from Harvard’s performing arts groups, including the Harvard Glee Club and Harvard Shakespeare Society.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Revere Hotel Boston Common

24. Mount Auburn Cemetery

580 Mt Auburn St Cambridge, MA 02138 (617) 547-7105

Established in 1831, Mount Auburn Cemetery is the first garden cemetery with an English landscape design.

If you’re searching for cheap activities to do near you, take a stroll around this historic cemetery.

The cemetery’s beautiful landscape features rolling hills, serene ponds, and various species of trees and plants.

Stop by the Washington Tower and take a picture of the panoramic views of the cemetery and the surrounding area.

Moreover, tour the cemetery, exploring numerous beautiful paths and trails that traverse its breathtaking landscape.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Charles Hotel in Harvard Square

25. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

77 Massachusetts Ave Cambridge, MA 02139 (617) 253-1000

Established in 1861, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a world-renowned research university.

Be fascinated with its campus, as you feel like you’re inside another world while you’re there.

MIT’s campus is spread over 168 acres, with a mix of fascinating modern and historic buildings.

Roaming around this world-class campus is one of the best things to do in Cambridge, MA.

Visit one of its most iconic and majestic buildings, the Great Dome.

It symbolizes MIT’s tradition of excellence and serves as a gathering place for students, faculty, and visitors.

If you want to relax or have a picnic, check out MIT Green.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Godfrey Hotel Boston

Map of Things to Do in Cambridge

25 Best Things to Do in Cambridge, MA for 2024

• Harvard Art Museums
• Harvard Museum of Natural History
• Longfellow House
• Harvard Square
• Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology
• The Hahvahd Tour
• American Repertory Theater
• Toscanini’s
• Cambridge Common
• Charles Riverboat Company
• Sanders Theatre
• Central Square
• Alden and Harlow
• Tasty Burger
• City Wine Tours
• The Smoke Shop BBQ
• Puritan & Company
• Grafton Street Pub & Grill
• Harvard University
• Mount Auburn Cemetery
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

• Weekend Getaways
• Romantic Trips
• Last Minute

Top 25 Things to Do in Cambridge, Massachusetts

Last Updated By VacationIdea Staff on March 15, 2024

Explore the Harvard Art Museums on Your Day Trip

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Harvard Museum of Natural History

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Longfellow House - Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site

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Experience the Vibe of Harvard Square

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Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology

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The Hahvahd Tour is Lead by Harvard Students

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American Repertory Theater

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Toscanini's

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Cambridge Common Offers 16 Acres of Relaxation Space

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Tasty Burger, Cambridge, MA

Tasty Burger Cambridge MA , 40 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA 02138, Phone: 617-425-4444, View Map

The Smoke Shop BBQ

The Smoke Shop BBQ , 1 Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, Phone: Phone: 617-577-7427, View Map

Puritan & Company

1166 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139, Phone: 617-615-6195 , View Map

Grafton Street Pub & Grill, Cambridge, MA

Grafton Street Pub & Grill Cambridge MA , 59 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA 02138, Phone: 617-497-0400 , View Map

Bambara , 25 Edwin H Land Blvd, Cambridge, MA, Phone: 617-868-4444 , View Map

Flour Bakery and Cafe, Cambridge, MA

Flour Bakery and Cafe Cambridge MA , 190 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA, Phone: 617-225-2525 , View Map

Fresh Pond Reservation

At one time when the lake was privately owned, the ice harvested from the lake was sold and shipped to cities in North America as well as to tropical areas around the globe. Later, when the city took ownership, the lake was used as a source for public drinking water.

• 1. Explore the Harvard Art Museums on Your Day Trip
• 2. Harvard Museum of Natural History
• 3. Longfellow House - Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site
• 4. Experience the Vibe of Harvard Square
• 5. MIT Museum
• 6. Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology
• 7. The Hahvahd Tour is Lead by Harvard Students
• 8. American Repertory Theater
• 9. Toscanini's
• 10. Cambridge Common Offers 16 Acres of Relaxation Space
• 11. Get a Unique Perspective of Boston with the Charles Riverboat Company
• 12. Orinoco, Cambridge, Massachusetts
• 13. Sanders Theatre, Cambridge, MA
• 14. Life Alive, Cambridge, Massachusetts
• 15. Central Square, Cambridge, MA
• 16. Alden and Harlow
• 17. Tasty Burger, Cambridge, MA
• 18. The Smoke Shop BBQ
• 19. Puritan & Company
• 20. Grafton Street Pub & Grill, Cambridge, MA
• 21. Bambara
• 22. Flour Bakery and Cafe, Cambridge, MA
• 23. Fresh Pond Reservation

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The Best Things to See and Do in Cambridge, MA

Cambridge, Massachusetts, is New England’s haven of culture and education. It is home to Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, two of the world’s leading higher education institutions. Because of this status, the city is full of amazing places to explore and visit. Between public parks, architecture, museums, art installations, and more, there’s always something to do in Cambridge.

1. harvard art museums.

Harvard University is home to several museums , and none are more impressive than its system of art museums. Comprising three art institutions, it also has an additional four research centers. Overall, the museums contain over 250,000 pieces in various media from all around the world. In 2008, the separate buildings went under renovations, and now they are connected under one facility. In the museum, visitors can see pieces by Vincent Van Gogh, Edgar Degas , John Singer Sargent, and several other prominent artists.

2. The Brattle Theatre

Cambridge is home to several independent movie theaters that screen a wide variety of films from all eras. While The Brattle doesn’t show the latest releases, it is a popular place for local film buffs because of its screenings of film classics. Special series include the annual Bugs Bunny Film Festival, Studio Ghibli marathons, as well as seasonally themed series, especially around holidays like Halloween and Christmas.

3. Mount Auburn Cemetery

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5. Memorial Drive

From the end of April to November, Memorial Drive closes down on Sundays to become a long pedestrian street that hugs the banks of the Charles River. The street, lined with scenic riverside parks, becomes a haven for locals of all ages. Whether out for a run, walking the dog, or letting the kids run around and play, the good weather and sense of community provide a relaxing setting. There are often various events going on, including cultural festivals, live music, and more.

6. Cambridge Common

This park is just north of Harvard Square, a beautiful green space in one of Cambridge’s most historic areas. On his famous “midnight ride” that preempted the Revolutionary War, Paul Revere passed by the common, and a memorial plaque commemorates this important historic event. The park is full of historical sculptures and sitting areas. For children, the Alexander W. Kemp Playground on the park’s north side provides plenty of fun. It is interactive and imaginative, designed with the belief that playgrounds are a place for kids to explore and grow.

7. Out of Town News

This famous newsstand sits in the heart of Harvard Square, selling newspapers and magazines from all around the world. Out of Town News has remained a local staple since its opening in 1955. Its walls, both inside and out, are stacked with publications from floor to ceiling. The little kiosk represents the diverse intersection of cultures that come to the area to study and research. Despite pressure in recent years from local real estate developers for the kiosk to move out of the area, the newsstand has nonetheless held its ground.

8. Graffiti Alley

Art Gallery

This covered alleyway just off Central Square is a local favorite for photo opportunities. One of its walls is lined with graffiti and public art, often commissioned from nationally renowned artists. The canopy above has a stained-glass style that adds colorful shades to the natural sunlight. The other wall features a black-and-white mural that shows some local people and places that help make Central Square such a vibrant part of the city.

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Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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Visitor Center

You never forget your first visit to Cambridge. The essence of the city is no better summed up than in the words of the beloved, late Cantabrigian Julia Child: "Find something you're passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it."

This is a place where no one blinks if you're having the time of your life while changing the world. Where else can you rub tweedy elbows with status-quo-challenging scholars, drop into a hypnotic African drumming dance class, or scoot into a bar for the best bacon-topped burger of your life? (Seriously, you'll dine well here in the land of cult-worthy restaurants.) No matter which neighborhood you find yourself in, Cambridge's scene teems with eclectic energy. When you have nearly four centuries' worth of compounded history and the gorgeous Charles River to wake up to, everyday, each moment in the city is worthy of joy—curious, infectious, slightly mischievous joy.

We're just around the bend from Boston, in close walking or subway-ing distance. See what thousands of Cantabrigians call home sweet home. After all, Cambridge is a place where all are welcome to pledge geekdom to anything (and everything). Bauhaus architecture, antique bikes, craft cocktails, sriracha pickles, glass-blowing, international law, post-rock cover bands—knock yourself out, whatever it is.

Here, there's plenty of great minds, but more importantly, good times. Our forefathers would be most proud, don't you think?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the “squares” everyone talks about in cambridge.

In the European tradition, the “Squares” of Cambridge are charming neighborhoods rich in fine dining, eclectic shopping, theaters, museums and historical sites.  Each square is a vibrant, colorful destination with a personality all its own, offering a unique selection of everything from restaurants, shopping and music to technology and innovation.

WHERE IS HARVARD SQUARE?

If you can see Harvard University, the Harvard Coop, and the Harvard “T” station, you’re standing in it! World famous for its extensive collection of cool boutiques, sidewalk cafes, snappy jazz and palpable energy, Harvard Square is festive until the wee hours any night of the week.

WHERE IS THE PUBLIC RESTROOM IN HARVARD SQUARE?

There is a public toilet located in MacArthur Park near Church Street. The facility is a stand-alone gray kiosk located on the sidewalk. 

WHAT ABOUT THE OTHER SQUARES?

To learn more about the unique neighborhood personalities around each corner of Cambridge, check out the brief descriptions of the other neighborhoods in our Visit section under Neighborhoods.

WHAT IS THERE TO DO IN CAMBRIDGE?

It’s not only wrong to try to contain Cambridge to just a list of “things to do”—it’s impossible! The real allure lies in discovering the city’s character—artsy, diverse and undeniably intellectual. Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find it in Cambridge.

IS IT HARD TO PARK?

There are many public parking lots and garages in and around Cambridge There are also one- and two-hour metered street parking spaces throughout the city, but all non-metered parking spots on Cambridge city streets are for resident parking only and require a permit.

HOW CAN I GET THERE WITHOUT A CAR?

The best way to see Cambridge is to utilize the public transit system. The Red Line subway serves as the quick (5 minutes!) and easy link between Boston and Cambridge with stops in Kendall Square, Central Square, Harvard Square, Porter Square and more.

IS CAMBRIDGE A SAFE PLACE TO VISIT?

Considered one of the safest cities in the country, Cambridge’s culture is founded on the ideals of inclusiveness and diversity. It is a welcoming, vibrant, active community teeming with students, visitors and residents of every ethnicity, age group and gender preference—all in just over six square miles.

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20 Things To Do In Cambridge (MA)

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Home to both Harvard and MIT universities, Cambridge, Massachusetts, is a compact college town tucked right up next to bustling Boston. It’s separated from the larger city only by the Charles River, so you can easily hop between the two. Although it’s so close to such a major city, Cambridge has retained its distinct identity. Its streets are bursting with history and culture and a unique community atmosphere that serves the student populations of both prestigious universities.

There are many things to do in Cambridge and places to visit day or night. You can spend your days exploring historic buildings and taking advantage of the wealth of world-class museums. Later, there’s a lively nightlife scene with plenty of trendy bars, restaurants, and breweries to indulge in. Our best things to do in Cambridge will cover all the ways to spend time without going into busy downtown Boston. If you love browsing museums and perusing art galleries, you’re definitely in luck.

1- Meet Up In Harvard Square

2- browse the harvard art museums, 3- get up close to history at the museum of ancient near east, 4- poke around the scientific instruments at putnam gallery, 5- walk through time at the harvard museum of natural history, 6- discover something interesting at the peabody museum, 7- take a tour around harvard yard, 8- haunt the old burial ground, 9- spot the civil war monument, 10- look around the mit museum, 11- admire the great dome, 12- get the facts at the museum of science, 13- unwind in riverbend park, 14- take a break in john f kennedy memorial park, 15- cross the longfellow bridge, 16- explore fresh pond reservation, 17- wander through alewife brook reservation, 18- enjoy the peace of mount auburn cemetery, 19- appreciate the millers river potato monument, 20- have a drink at lamplighter brewing co, cambridge, massachusetts.

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology Public Tour – explore with an enthusiastic student.
• Boston: Harvard University Guided Walking Tour with Student – explore Harvard with a student.

20 Things To Do In Cambridge

Harvard Square is one of the city’s oldest parts, with roots dating back to Cambridge’s founding in 1630.

It’s a quaint spot at the heart of town, packed with cafes, restaurants, and shops.

Close to many of Harvard’s museums and historic buildings, it’s a perfect meeting spot to explore the college district from.

There’s plenty to keep you entertained while waiting for your friends to arrive.

It’s also the starting point of several tour groups if you’d rather have a guide show you around.

Harvard Square is in Brattle St, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States.

Fogg Art Museum is the oldest of Harvard’s many museums at the east of the main Harvard campus.

It is accompanied by two other art museums, the Busch-Reisinger and Arthur M. Sackler Museums, and, between them, they display art from across the world.

Fogg Museum has a collection of paintings and sculptures from America and the western world.

Opened as the Germanic Museum, Busch-Reisinger focuses primarily on central Europe. Finally, the Arthur M. Sackler museum is centred around Asian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean works.

Fogg Museum is at 32 Quincy St, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States.

If you are interested in the histories of countries like Egypt, Syria, and ancient Mesopotamia, you must pay a visit to the Harvard Museum of the Ancient Near East.

It was previously known as the Semitic Museum due to its focus on Semitic-speaking countries, such as Israel and Babylon.

The museum contains exhibitions of artefacts and relics from across some of history’s most vibrant civilisations.

From stunningly well-preserved mummies in their elaborate sarcophagi to ancient carvings, there are tons to marvel over.

Pop into Harvard Museum of the Ancient Near East at 6 Divinity Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States.

If you are interested in the tools used to make all the impressive scientific discoveries celebrated at most science museums, the Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments is not to be missed.

It’s also a great way to see how scientific methods have developed over the years.

One of the largest collections of these instruments on Earth, the collection is a comprehensive array of intricate equipment from across a range of scientific disciplines.

The various instruments displayed have been used in scientific research and development over the past few centuries.

Browse the collection at 1 Oxford St, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States.

The Harvard Museum of Natural History is an extensive collection of natural artefacts ranging from impressive geological items to arrays of preserved and mounted insects.

One of their most revered and treasured exhibits is the collection of over 4,300 intricate glass flowers.

Within the Museum of Natural History is the Museum of Comparative Zoology.

Home to an archive of millions of fossils, skeletons, and taxidermied specimens, the Museum of Comparative Zoology is a fascinating look at the evolution of various species across the breadth of our planet’s history.

Stroll along to 26 Oxford St, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States.

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Attached to the Museum of Natural History is the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology.

This museum is perfect for those particularly interested in human history and development throughout the ages.

The museum covers various ancient civilisations, with artefacts from numerous cultures across the world.

The archive contains over a million items, with thousands on display and thousands more available to view in their photo library.

Head to 11 Divinity Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States.

Founded in 1636, Harvard is the oldest university in the United States.

Its campus is a treasure trove of historical buildings and locations.

Harvard Yard is right at the heart of the oldest section of the historic campus and there are tons of fascinating things to explore.

Visitors can take tours around the yard, guided by current students at Harvard University.

The tours offer unique insights into the histories of the various buildings and statues around the yard, as well as the experiences of current college students.

Harvard Yard is at 2 Kirkland St, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States.

Just across from Harvard Yard, the historic 17th-century cemetery known only as the Old Burial Ground is the final resting place of many of Cambridge’s original residents and some of Harvard’s distinguished professors and presidents.

Dating back to 1635, the cemetery is a significant aspect of the town’s history, bearing the names of various people who have helped it develop into the vibrant city it is today.

It’s fairly compact, so you can easily wander around the little graveyard in between hopping around the more prominent sights.

The Old Burial Ground is at the corner of Massachusetts Ave and Garden Street, Cambridge, MA 02140, United States.

Settled at the heart of Cambridge Common, the Civil War Monument is a towering stone monument surrounding a bronze statue of President Abraham Lincoln.

Around the base of the monument, you can find plaques inscribed with the names of Massachusetts men who fought in the war.

The rest of Cambridge Common contains several other memorials and notable sights, including the Washington Elm and the Prince Hall Memorial.

The common is a lovely green space perfect for taking a break in between dashing around Cambridge’s historic locations.

The Civil War Monument is at Cambridge Terrace, Cambridge, MA 02140, United States.

Cambridge is also home to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, another world-class university.

Down by the river opposite downtown Boston, the college’s main museum is a showcase of the institute’s scientific advances.

The cutting-edge museum displays a brilliant array of installations, from cybernetic dinosaurs and holograms to deconstructed computers.

Other exhibits demonstrate how various technologies have developed, from initial concepts to modern advancement.

The displays are constantly changing and developing, in keeping with the continued progression of technology, so there’s always something new worth visiting for.

The MIT Museum is in the Gambrill Center, 314 Main St, Cambridge, MA 02142, United States.

The Great Dome is arguably the most iconic structure of MIT’s architecture.

Sitting atop Building 10 of the neoclassical Maclaurin Buildings surrounding Killian Court, it is precisely the kind of grand statement piece you would expect to see at one of the most prestigious universities in the world.

Spot the dome at Memorial Dr, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States.

This varied museum is a fantastic opportunity to get the whole family excited about science and tech.

Along with its typical exhibits on topics like dinosaurs and space, the museum is also home to a zoo with over 100 animal residents, a planetarium, and New England’s sole, domed iMax theatre.

Multiple live shows daily, regularly changing exhibitions, and a packed calendar of events ensures that the Museum of Science always has something for everyone.

The Museum of Science is at 1 Museum Of Science Driveway, Boston, MA 02114, United States.

Settled along a curve in the Charles River, Riverbend Park is a lovely spot to spend a quiet afternoon recuperating from running around the city.

The park has lovely views of the pretty John W. Weeks Footbridge and the Anderson Memorial Bridge, as well as the stunning Weld Boathouse.

Just 200 metres from Harvard Yard and central Cambridge, Riverbend Park is super convenient to get to.

It’s perfect when you just need a quick break from the urban crush.

Riverbend Park is at 344 Broadway, 2nd Floor, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States.

Just the other side of the Anderson Memorial Bridge, John F. Kennedy Memorial Park is another attractive option when you need rest and relaxation.

Aside from its leafy pathways and riverside seating areas, the park is home to a monument to the Boston-born president.

Located among the trees at the park’s northern end, the memorial consists of a low fountain etched with notable quotes from John F. Kennedy.

Find the park along the Dr Paul Dudley White Bike Path, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States.

One of several bridges connecting Cambridge to downtown Boston, Longfellow Bridge is particularly notable for the series of stone towers dotted along its length.

These iconic towers have won it the affectionate local nickname of Salt and Pepper Bridge.

Both motor and pedestrian traffic can cross the bridge.

If you choose to walk across the bridge, you will be treated to a lovely view across the river and of the Boston skyline.

Escape from the city without actually leaving by visiting Fresh Pond Reservation.

Dominated by a vast lake, the reservation is a thriving ecosystem rich with wildlife from deer to waterfowl.

Fields and forests surround the lake, providing a natural tranquillity to get lost in.

When you need a break in the fresh air, spend an afternoon wandering the various walking trails and looking out for the local critters.

Head in at 250 Fresh Pond Pkwy, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States.

Covering 120 acres, Alewife Brook Reservation is another haven for wildlife at the heart of the city.

The woodlands along the river’s edge are protected habitats for various animal species.

Trails run along the edge of the reserve, providing a scenic place to take a relaxing walk and maybe spot some interesting furry or feathered friends.

Start off at Alewife Brook Pkwy, Cambridge, MA 02140, United States.

Just a short walk from the historic Old Burying Ground, this sprawling modern cemetery demonstrates how far Cambridge has progressed.

The cemetery is the final home of various notable residents, whose tombs and headstones you can search for amongst the winding trails.

Various other monuments and sights are scattered around the cemetery along with the graves.

One of the most notable is Washington Tower.

Perched on a hill at the south of the cemetery, visitors can climb the tower to be rewarded with a fantastic view across the city.

Go up to 580 Mt Auburn St, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States.

You can find a curious little monument on the other side of the train tracks and the Northern Expressway.

The Millers River Potato Monument consists of a statue depicting four burlap sacks piled on top of one another, with the top sack spilling its load of potatoes.

The monument was created to memorialise the massive potato sheds which once stood at the site, receiving and distributing the city’s supply of the staple vegetable till the shed burnt down in the 60s.

A bronze plaque on the ground in front of the statue provides more context for its existence.

Look for it along Millers River Littoral Way, Boston, MA 02114, United States.

Being a bustling student town, Cambridge’s hospitality and nightlife scene is particularly lively.

A visit to the Lamplighter Brewing Co. is a great way to sample both the town’s distinctive, laid-back party atmosphere and some excellent local products.

Opened in 2015, they already have an impressive menu of unique offerings, from chamomile honey wheat beer and cherry sour ale to your more typical IPAs.

You can enjoy your drinks in a bright and airy taproom right next door to the brewery where they’re created or grab a selection to take away.

Beer isn’t all they serve, either.

They also have an in-house coffee shop with a range of seasonal beverages and snacks.

Head over to 284 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States.

More about New England

• 20 Best Beaches In Massachusetts
• 20 Massachusetts Landmarks
• 18 Massachusetts National Parks
• 20 Massachusetts Cities
• 20 Things To In Salem
• 20 Things To Do In Cambridge MA
• 20 Landmarks In Rhode Island
• 5 Rhode Island National Parks
• 20 Rhode Island Beaches
• 20 State Parks in Rhode Island
• 20 Rhode Island Cities
• 20 Landmarks In New Hampshire
• 20 New Hampshire National Parks
• 20 Things To Do In Manchester NH
• 20 Things To Do In Nashua NH
• 20 Things To Do In Concord NH
• 20 Landmarks In Maine
• 20 Things To Do In Maine In Winter
• 20 Beaches In Maine
• 5 National Parks In Maine
• 20 Maine Cities
• 20 State Parks in Maine
• 20 Things To Do In Augusta
• 20 Things To Do In Bangor
• 20 Things To Do In Ogunquit
• 20 Landmarks In Vermont
• 4 National Parks In Vermont
• 20 State Parks in Vermont
• 15 Things Vermont is Famous For
• 20 Things To Do In Brattleboro Vt
• 5 Connecticut National Parks
• 20 Connecticut State Parks
• 20 Things To Do In Hartford
• 20 Landmarks in Connecticut
• 20 Things To Do In Portsmouth
• 15 Things Connecticut is Famous For

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Round Church Street

Round Church Street is located just outside the City Centre and is one of the first residential neighbourhoods in Cambridge to be found next to the universities. While staying there, you will be within walking distance from all the main central sights, which makes it an area of choice if you are visiting Cambridge for the first time.

• Visit Saint John College, its chapel and the Bridge of Sighs
• Go for a picnic in Jesus Green Park

There are just too many cute narrow, cottage lined streets in this magical borough. Before scrolling any further down the page, check out where to stay in Cambridge and be sure to grab the best accommodation on one of these lovely lanes before someone else beats you to it.

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#1 – King’s College and King’s College Chapel – A great place to see in Cambridge if you love architecture

• The views from the lawn of this Cambridge must-see are simply stunning.
• If you’re visiting Cambridge during the school term, make sure you take the chance to see the King’s College Choir at Evensong.

Why it’s so awesome: These buildings were founded in 1441 by Henry VI and the grounds are simply stunning. They were once home to famous alumni including Rupert Brooke, Lord Keynes, and Horace Walpole and have become one of the most popular attractions in Cambridge for tourists.

What to do there: This is a still working college, so you might have to share the grounds with students depending on when you visit. The views are simply stunning, with lawns that reach all the way down to the river and provide a scenic and relaxing area to study. Also worth checking out is King’s College Chapel, with spectacular stained glass windows, a 16th-century organ screen, and an altarpiece by Ruben, known as the Adoration of the Magi.

#2 – Fitzwilliam Museum – A great place to visit in Cambridge if you are alone/traveling solo

• Cambridge has been a center of learning and culture for hundreds of years, and this long history is reflected in the Fitzwilliam Museum.
• The building itself is a masterpiece, and what’s inside measures up.

Why it’s so awesome: This museum contains some of the most stunning antiquities, pottery collections, and manuscripts you’ll ever see. It’s a varied mix that includes exhibits from Greek, Roman, and Egyptian times. The art gallery is also amazing, with works by masters like Rembrandt, Van Dyck, Turner, and Rubens.

What to do there: Take a couple of hours out of your schedule when you travel to Cambridge to experience some of its art culture. Check out your favorite artists and perhaps find some new ones as you wander the beautiful halls of this historic and architecturally significant building.

#3 – Cambridge University Botanic Gardens – A beautiful and scenic place to check out in Cambridge

• This garden stretches across 40 acres and includes more than 8,000 species of plants.
• The gardens were first established in 1831, and the variety of plants they contain have made them a Cambridge must-see.

Why it’s so awesome: Established in 1831, this garden contains plants from across the world. It’s a lovely and peaceful place in the middle of the city, great for plant enthusiasts as well as anyone who needs a break from the city. Maybe you’ll get lucky and find a victorian style Airbnb close by so you can visit this lush green haven more than once.

What to do there: If you visit on a Sunday, there’s a free guided tour you can take through the gardens. Otherwise, you can wander along the many trails or explore the glasshouses. And when you’re done with the gardens, make sure you visit the Garden Café for a snack and browse the Botanic Garden Shop.

#4 – Anglesey Abbey

• A National Trust property that’s become one of the most important landmarks in Cambridge.
• The home contains spectacular tapestries and an amazing art collection.
• 114 acres of parkland surround the house, so make sure you head out to explore them afterwards.

Why it’s so awesome: Anglesey Abbey was refurbished in 1926 and is now one of the best places to visit in Cambridge to see fine art and furnishings. The tapestries in this collection include pieces by Soho, Gobelin, and Anglesey and the art collection includes Constable’s The Opening of Waterloo Bridge. The building’s grounds are also incredible and include lots of attractions to entertain the kids.

What to do there: Check out the artwork and the tapestries before heading out to explore the grounds. If you have the family with you, take them to the Wildlife Discovery Center, where they can watch birds and bugs in their natural habitats. And afterwards, visit the historic water mill, the Lode Mill.

#5 – Queen’s College – One of Cambridge’s coolest historical sites!

• A historical building that contains other important landmarks in Cambridge.
• The building was founded in 1448 and is an incredibly complete example of a medieval building.

Why it’s so awesome: Queen’s College was originally built under the patronage of Margaret of Anjou, wife of Henry VI. However, it was refounded in 1465 by Elizabeth Woodville, wife of Henry IV. The building is remarkably complete, more than any other medieval building found in Cambridge’s colleges. It also contains several other buildings and features that are worth seeing for yourself and make this one of the best points of interest in Cambridge. Maybe you’ll get lucky and find a medieval-style Airbnb close by too.

What to do there: From the moment you walk beneath the magnificent gateway leading to the First Court, you’ll feel as if you’re back in medieval times. Make sure you explore the building before heading down to the Mathematical Bridge, which extends over the Cam to the College Gardens. The bridge was reconstructed in 1902 and is made without using a single nail. You should also spend some time exploring the Cloister Court, The Pump Court which includes the Erasmus Tower, and the Victorian Chapel.

#6 – Cambridge Junction

• An independent arts venue where you’ll see the best music, theater, movies and more.
• This is one of the best UK music venues outside of London, so make sure that you check out what’s on while you’re in the city.

Why it’s so awesome: If you love the arts, then you need to check out this venue when you travel to Cambridge. The Cambridge Junction hosts the best independent art exhibits and shows in the city, including movies, music, comedy, theater, and spoken word.

What to do there: Check out what’s on at this venue while you’re in the city and show up to anything that sounds interesting. Pay particular attention to the music shows, because they will probably be among the best that the UK has to offer.

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#7 – Scott Polar Research Institute Museum – One of the most incredible free places to go to in Cambridge

• Learn more about famous explorers at this niche museum.
• If you’re fascinated by the idea of seeing foreign lands, then learn about the men who did it first.

Why it’s so awesome: There’s something intriguing about the first explorers and that’s exactly what this museum explores. The Polar Museum traces the history of Cambridge University’s world-class polar research teams. So, you’ll be able to picture what it was like to explore uncharted, icy territory from the comfort of a warm room.

What to do there: This museum is free, so it’s a great way to fill a slow afternoon and learn something at the same time. Explore the exhibits and learn about history’s most amazing explorations. You’re sure to walk away from this Cambridge must do with a deeper appreciation for the bravery of those early explorers.

#8 – Heffers book shop – One of the most underrated places to see in Cambridge

• A palace of a bookstore for book geeks and anyone looking for that rare tome.
• You can also buy other items at this shop like maps and unusual souvenirs.

Why it’s so awesome: It might sound strange to say that you need to visit a bookshop when you’re visiting Cambridge, but this isn’t like other bookshops. Plus, you’re in Cambridge, which means that you should indulge your inner book nerd and browse the shelves.

What to do there: This is a bookstore that seemingly has no end, so you’ll need a while to explore. Look for forgotten stories by your favorite author or that hard to find tome that you’ve been looking for forever. Or, if you’re like most bookworms, just enjoy being in an environment that includes so many possibilities for something great to read!

#9 – Lammas Land – Awesome place to visit in Cambridge with kids!

• A popular park and play area for kids in the southwest of the city.
• There are lots of activities for kids of every age in this park.
• Parents will enjoy the green space and the chance to get away from the city as well.

Why it’s so awesome: When you’re visiting Cambridge, you might want to take the chance to enjoy some green space and let the kids run around. And this is the perfect place to do it. Lammas land contains a paddling pool, tennis courts, and a play area. It’s also close to the river so you can go punting once the kids are done with their playtime.

What to do there: Grab a packed lunch and take the kids to the park for the afternoon. There are a range of amenities for kids of all ages including springies for the younger children and climbers and a space net for the older crowd. There’s also a shallow paddling pool for hot days. And when you’re done with your picnic, head over to the river to go punting, which is a Cambridge must do.

#10 – Great St. Mary’s Church

• The tower at this church is one of the most famous places to visit in Cambridge for romantic proposals!
• The views from the tower are spectacular as well, a good way to see an overview of Cambridge.

Why it’s so awesome: St. Mary’s is both a parish and a university church and was built in the 15th century. The exterior is beautiful and imposing, but it’s the interior that really shines, with stunning galleries that were added in 1739. There’s also a smaller church attached known as Little St. Mary’s, with incredible stained-glass windows.

What to do there: Explore the interior of the church before heading up the 123 stairs to the tower. You’ll want to bring your camera with you to take advantage of the amazing views from up there. Afterwards, head down to Little St. Mary’s to check out the stained-glass windows.

#11 – Midsummer House – One of the most romantic places to visit in Cambridge!

• A Michelin starred restaurant surrounded by the banks of the River Cam.
• You’ll need to make a booking to get into this restaurant, as it’s one of the best places to eat in Cambridge.

Why it’s so awesome: Acclaimed chef and owner Daniel Clifford first opened this restaurant in 1998 and it’s considered to be one of the best in Cambridge. It’s also incredibly romantic, with its views over the River Cam on Midsummer Common. The menu is based on seasonal produce and dishes that bring out the natural flavor of the food, which is why it must be a part of your Cambridge itinerary.

What to do there: Make a booking to ensure that you get a table and have a romantic night out with a loved one. Dress up and prepare yourself for a gourmet menu in lovely surroundings.

#12 – The Orchard Tea Garden – Cool place to see in Cambridge with friends!

• This is an atmospheric and historically significant tea garden located in the small village of Grantchester.
• You can walk from Cambridge to Grantchester along the River Cam.

Why it’s so awesome: The walk from Cambridge to Grantchester is a Cambridge must do on its own. When the weather is good, the path along the River Cam is a great way to get some exercise and work off what you’re about to eat. The Orchard Tea room is incredibly famous in the city and has for a long time. Over the years, famous celebrities such as Alan Turing, Rupert Brooke, Stephen Fry, Virginia Woolfe, George Bernard Shaw, Stephen Hawking, and Sir David Attenborough have all eaten there.

What to do there: Take the walk along the river to Grantchester as long as the weather is good. The tea garden is a particularly good place to eat in spring when you can sit amongst the blossoms of the fruit trees. You can even take a punt there and cross off another item on your Cambridge itinerary at the same time. Once you’re in Grantchester, spend the day exploring the tiny, historic town before you head back to Cambridge.

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#13 – Cambridge General Market

• Located in the heart of the city in Market Square, this is the heart of activity during the day.
• The market is open from Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm.

What to do there: If you’re looking to buy some souvenirs or fresh produce, this is the best place to do it. The quality of the goods at this Market are amazing and includes meat and fish, books, clothing, sweets, crafts, and refreshments.

What to do there: Show up during the day to enjoy the atmosphere and grab some bargains! This historical market includes great food as well as clothing, a tailor, and flowers, so just show up and see what catches your eye.

#14 – Grafton – A great place in Cambridge if you love to shop!

• A large selection of stores in the middle price category.
• This is one of the hotspots in Cambridge if you’re looking for souvenirs that won’t break the bank.

Why it’s so awesome: Grafton is one of the oldest shopping centers in town and it was recently renovated. You can get everything at this complex, from souvenirs to electrical goods and clothes. There are also some shops with clothing and toys for children as well as a large food court where you can get a snack after you’ve had enough browsing.

What to do there: If you’re looking for something specific when you travel to Cambridge, chances are that you’ll find it at this shopping complex. The prices are good and won’t break the bank and you can head to the food court when you get hungry.

#15 – FoodPark – A must-see for foodies!

• Home to Cambridge’s popular food truck scene and one of the best places to eat in Cambridge.
• No matter what type of food you like, you’ll find something to tantalize your tastebuds at this park.
• This isn’t technically a place, as the food trucks move around constantly.

Why it’s so awesome: Food trucks are a great way to eat because they provide easy, cheap food and access to a range of cuisines. FoodPark prides itself on gathering the best trucks in the business and getting them to night markets or to regular parks where you can enjoy the dishes they offer.

What to do there: Whether you like burgers, ice cream, vegetarian food, pizza, or anything else, you’ll find a food truck that sells it. The trucks move around the city, but they can be found at night markets and train stations. So, find out where they’re located on the day you’re in the city and show up for a cheap, delicious meal.

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Find out what people want to know about the best places to visit in Cambridge

What places are free to visit in Cambridge?

There are free guided tours of Cambridge University Botanic Gardens every Sunday, or you could visit the Scott Polar Research Institute Museum.

What can you do on a day out in Cambridge?

Cambridge is a old historical town. If you only have a day here, you should check out King’s College and King’s College Chapel, Great St. Mary’s Church and Queen’s College.

What different activities can tourists do in Cambridge?

Lammas land and Heffers book shop are just two different activities you can do in Cambridge.

Is Cambridge worth visiting?

Cambridge is one of the most historical and important cities in the UK. If you have the time to visit, it is definitely worth it.

England is a modern, forward looking country, which is why people often forget that it has a long and sometimes tangled history. But this history is one of the most interesting things to explore when you’re traveling in Cambridge. With this list as your guide, you’ll be able to visit all the top attractions while you’re in the city, and perhaps find a few hidden attractions on your own!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Sophie Steinebach

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10 Things To Do in Cambridge MA

In this series, we share our top ten things to do in Cambridge, MA and other cities where we operate our Food Tours and Chocolate Tours. Yes, we think you should try one of our tours of Harvard Square or Kendall Square or Central Square, which is an incredible way to explore this intellectual haven. If you’re here longer, check out these other ideas which are activities that Sam and I love doing together and with guests.

Visit the Harvard Art Museums

A short walk from Harvard Square, there’s many Harvard museums which are top quality, even an entire exhibit dedicated to gemstones and cacao in the Harvard Museum of Natural History. There are also glass flowers at this museum. Or if fine art is more your style, check out the Arthur M Sackler museum which has an impressive atrium or the Peabody Museum of Archaeology which we really “dig.” Afterwards take our Harvard Square Chocolate Tour .

Play chess in Harvard Square, Cambridge MA

Although the famous Au Bon Pain is no longer there on Holyoke Street, you can still play chess in front of the new Student Center which is open to the public and contains a variety of small businesses for guests to enjoy. And afterwards you can go to Leavitt and Peirce which is over 100 years old and sells tobacco, razors, and other specialty goods.

Visit the MIT Museum

We love a good hologram! Learn all about the latest science innovation as well as what a “smoot” is at this really fun and zany place! We love our Kendall Square Food Innovation Tour, and MIT Museum is a great place to start.

Check out our award winning food and chocolate tours!

Catch a movie at Brattle Theater

Since 1953, the Brattle is the “unofficial film school” of the area and hosts everything from indie film festivals to silent movies.

Longfellow’s Cambridge for brunch or coffee/tea/beer

Do you ever enter a place and immediately feel good? That’s how we feel about Longfellow’s Cambridge. It’s fresh, it’s cool, it’s welcoming, it’s just good people. And it’s a short walk from Central Square in nearby Inman Square which has an eclectic mix of delicious eats.

Visit the Museum of Science including Segway Tour and Mugar Omni Theater

Okay so technically the MOS is in Boston bordering Cambridge, but it’s super close to Kendall Square and you can take a stroll down by the Charles River right afterwards.

Kayak down Charles River or watch the rowers from the most beautiful tree-lined street Memorial Drive

Our favorite street in Cambridge (and in the entire world really) is the tree-lined street of Memorial Drive! You can grab a chai at nearby Darwin’s and enjoy the river from a bench or grassland. On Sundays it’s often closed from traffic.

Catch live music or a show at the A.R.T., Club Passim, Toad, Lizard Lounge, Middle East, or The Sinclair

There’s music galore in Cambridge, and a great show happening nightly. Explore these favorite venues of ours and let us know what you see or hear.

Tour Longfellow House

Brattle Street in Harvard Square in general is a very cool street to roam around looking at the architecture, but we are partial to the tour of this national historic site which was once Washington’s headquarters. You can try our Harvard Square Chocolate Tour to acquaint yourself with the neighborhood and cobblestone streets, and don’t forget to take a photo of yourself with Harvard Square butterfly wings.

Wander through Central Square and view the public art murals

Having lived in Central Square, we truly appreciate the diversity and excitement of this area. Our Central Square Food and Mural Arts Tour showcases the diverse art murals of this fun area and highlights the most delicious eats. Join us!

Now that we’ve listed ten fun activities to do in Cambridge, we feel like we could list a million more. So consider this part one in a series of fun things to do in Cambridge. And join us soon on a Cambridge Tour including our Kendall Square Food Tour , Central Square Food and Mural Arts Tour , Harvard Square Food Tour or Harvard Square Chocolate Tour !

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• The Best Buffets in Boston and Cambridge
• The Best Restaurants in Central Square, Cambridge
• Neighborhood: Cambridge
• Category: Things To Do

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10 Most Affordable Cambridge, MA Suburbs to Live In

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Whether you want to call it by its nickname, “City of Squares,” or just by its name, Cambridge, MA , is one of the many great destinations to move to in New England. There are countless things to do in the city, whether you visit the Harvard University campus and take a walk through Harvard Yard, stroll down Newbury Street, or tour the MIT Museum.

And if you’re considering living in Cambridge , there are four key points to keep in mind. The housing market is very competitive, the median home sale price is $1,116,152, the average sale price per square foot is $863, and the average rent price for a two-bedroom apartment in Cambridge is $4,087.

Don’t worry if those numbers don’t fit in your budget – we’ve got options to help you find a home or apartment that does. We’ve gathered a list of the 10 best affordable suburbs of Cambridge, MA. And they’re all less than 25 minutes away from the city. That way, you can live nearby without paying the price of living in Cambridge.

#1: Chelsea

Median home price: $520,000  Average sale price per square foot: $379  Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $3,232  Driving distance from Cambridge: 20 minutes Chelsea, MA homes for sale Chelsea, MA apartments for rent

With a median home sale price of $520,000, Chelsea takes the number one spot on our list of affordable suburbs of Cambridge, MA. About a 20-minute drive from downtown Cambridge, Chelsea is home to roughly 4,100 people. Living in Chelsea, you can stroll through the Chelsea Historic District and check out the local art scene, sample the cuisine at one of Chelsea’s many restaurants, and shop at the Chelsea Farmers Market.

Your future home is just a tap away

Median home price: $650,000  Average sale price per square foot: $350  Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $3,352  Driving distance from Cambridge: 25 minutes Malden, MA homes for sale Malden, MA apartments for rent

Our second suburb is Malden, which is home to about 66,300 people. Just about 25 minutes from Cambridge, you can stroll through Harvard Yard in just a quick drive. Living in Malden , you’ll want to visit the historic Malden Mills, explore the Beaver Brook Reservation, or rent a book from the Malden Public Library. 

“Waitt’s Mountain, the most underrated park in Malden, offers breathtaking views of the Boston skyline and is recently renovated. The Little Blog of Magic says, “This hidden gem is a favorite of locals, featuring an adventure playground, basketball court, and paved loop walkway. I love taking a short trip to Waitt’s Mountain to catch the stunning sunset after a long day – a truly meditative experience.”

#3: Medford

Median home price: $688,158  Average sale price per square foot: $510  Driving distance from Cambridge: 20 minutes Medford, MA homes for sale Medford, MA apartments for rent

Drive just 20 minutes outside Cambridge, and you’ll reach Medford, another great suburb. From parks and outdoor recreation to shopping and dining, there are lots of things that make Medford a great place to live. Make sure to visit one of the many historic landmarks like The Brooks Estate or Wrights Tower, hike along Cross Fells Trailhead, or watch a show at the Condon Shell if you move to the third most affordable suburb. 

#4: Waltham

Median home price: $720,000  Average sale price per square foot: $376  Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $3,660  Driving distance from Cambridge: 25 minutes Waltham, MA homes for sale Waltham, MA apartments for rent

Only slightly more expensive than Medford is the suburb of Waltham. About 65,200 people live in this Cambridge suburb, where you can visit the Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovation, walk down Moody Street to find some shopping and dining, and tour the Historic Waltham Watch Company.

Median home price: $760,000  Average sale price per square foot: $598  Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $4,787  Driving distance from Cambridge: 15 minutes Boston, MA homes for sale Boston, MA apartments for rent

15 minutes away from downtown Cambridge is none other than Boston. With 675,600 residents, moving to this city can keep you close enough to Cambridge without paying the premium for a home there. In Boston, you can watch a Red Sox game at Fenway Park, walk the Freedom Trail, and visit one of the many museums like the USS Constitution Museum, the Boston Tea Party Museum, or the Museum of Fine Arts.

“One of my favorite affordable activities in Cambridge is strolling through Harvard Square, people-watching and enjoying the history,” shares Sharon Watkins Photography . “A picnic at Alexander W. Kemp Playground is perfect for the kids, followed by a visit to Raven Used Books to score great finds without spending too much.”

#6: Watertown

Median home price: $800,000  Average sale price per square foot: $469  Driving distance from Cambridge: 20 minutes Watertown, MA homes for sale Watertown, MA apartments for rent

Sixth on the list is another well-known Cambridge suburb is Watertown, where the median home sale price is about $300K less than in Cambridge. Watertown has about 35,300 residents and is a great suburb to consider moving to. Make sure to visit the museums, explore the historic sites, see the views of the Charles River, and check out shops and restaurants in Watertown Square.

#7: Brookline

Median home price: $854,000  Average sale price per square foot: $757  Driving distance from Cambridge: 20 minutes Brookline, MA homes for sale Brookline, MA apartments for rent

Seventh on our list of affordable suburbs of Cambridge, MA, is Brookline, which is about a 20-minute drive into the city center. With a population of roughly 63,200, you’ll be living in a smaller area, but there’s no shortage of things to do in Brookline. If you find yourself moving to this suburb, visit one of the many museums, spend the afternoon playing golf or having a picnic at one of the many parks, and check out some of the great local restaurants.

#8: Arlington

Median home price: $908,500  Average sale price per square foot: $449  Driving distance from Cambridge: 20 minutes Arlington, MA homes for sale Arlington, MA apartments for rent

Living in Cambridge, you likely know of Arlington, the eighth suburb on our list. About 46,300 people reside in Arlington, so you’ll have a fraction of Cambridge’s population while remaining only 20 minutes from the city. Be sure to stroll down Main Street and explore the shops and restaurants, visit the Cyrus Dallin Art Museum, or take a historic trolley tour of Arlington.

#9: Somerville

Median home price: $957,500  Average sale price per square foot: $595  Driving distance from Cambridge: 5 minutes Somerville, MA homes for sale Somerville, MA apartments for rent

Without traffic, you’ll be in downtown Cambridge in about 5 minutes, making Somerville a great place to rent or buy a home in. Close to 81,000 people live in this suburb, but you’ll be surrounded by areas to explore in your free time. Attractions in Somerville include visiting the historic Somerville Theatre, walking down Somerville’s charming main street, lined with shops and restaurants, or checking out the Somerville Public Library, one of the oldest public libraries in the country.

Thinking about moving to the area?

#10: belmont.

Median home price: $1,000,000  Average sale price per square foot: $503  Driving distance from Cambridge: 15 minutes Belmont, MA homes for sale Belmont, MA apartments for rent

Last but not least on our list of affordable suburbs of Cambridge, MA, is Belmont. Without traffic, you’ll find yourself in Cambridge in roughly 15 minutes. This suburb has a population of 27,300, and you can visit the Belmont Historical Society, the Belmont Public Library, the Belmont Farmer’s Market, or walk or run the miles of trails at Beaver Brook Reservation. There’s always something to check out while living in Belmont.

Methodology:  Affordability is based on whether a suburb’s median home sale price or average sale price per square foot is less than Cambridge and under a 25-minute drive from downtown Cambridge. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during November 2022. Average rental data from Rent.com November 2022. Population data sourced from United States Census Bureau .

Learn more about Cambridge

14 Popular Cambridge Neighborhoods: Where to Live in Cambridge in 2023

17 Must-Try Cambridge Restaurants: Where the Cambridge Locals Eat

9 Fun-Filled Things to Do in Cambridge, MA for New Residents

7 Popular Parks in Cambridge, MA That Locals Love

Serving homebuyers and sellers in the Boston area, Stacie Gallucci is a top real estate agent at Redfin with the latest market insights and local expertise. With years of experience as a real estate agent in the greater Boston area, Stacie Gallucci possesses a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the local market.

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Watch CBS News

Where are the best places to live in Massachusetts? Here's what a new ranking says

By Neal Riley

March 27, 2024 / 10:36 AM EDT / CBS Boston

BROOKLINE - Where is the best place to live in Massachusetts? A new report from rankings and reviews website Niche identifies what it says are some of the top communities and neighborhoods in the state.

Coming in first for Massachusetts is Brookline , which also landed at No. 11 on Niche's nationwide list of the best places to live. The town gets an A+ when it comes to public schools, health, outdoor activities and the commute. The weakest grades are for housing and cost of living . According to Zillow, the average home value in Brookline is just over $1.1 million.

After Brookline, neighborhoods in Cambridge dominate the Top 10. The Cambridgeport area near MIT, home to about 10,000 people, was ranked second. Like Brookline, it has great schools and nightlife, but affordability is a big concern.

"It's an excellent place to raise a family- great for all ages, but the prices have risen to the point that younger people find it hard to buy here," says one Niche reviewer who has lived in the area for three decades. 

The entirety of Cambridge was ranked third on Niche's list of "best cities to live in America." Last year it was first in the ranking. 

Newton , Lexington and Belmont are among the Boston suburbs appearing near the top of the list. Further outside the city, communities appearing in the Top 25 include Shrewsbury , Wayland , Sharon , Williamstown , Westboro and Hopkinton . 

Niche says it uses government data as well as community reviews to come up with its ranking. Click here to see the full list of the best places to live in Massachusetts.

• Brookline News

Neal J. Riley is a digital producer for CBS Boston. He has been with WBZ-TV since 2014. His work has appeared in The Boston Globe and The San Francisco Chronicle. Neal is a graduate of Boston University.

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See when and where Maine will get the best solar eclipse views

Here’s where clear skies are predicted during the solar eclipse on April 8

• Updated: Apr. 02, 2024, 11:02 a.m. |
• Published: Apr. 02, 2024, 10:57 a.m.

• Dave Eisenstadter | [email protected]

A total eclipse of the sun is less than a week away, and National Weather Service reports are getting a clearer picture of where some of the best viewing spots may be to avoid cloudy skies.

The path of the shadow of the moon, known as the path of totality , is the only place where you can see the sun completely eclipsed by the moon. While it doesn’t pass directly over Massachusetts, the path does run from Texas up through Maine, passing over Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse, New York, and Burlington and Montpelier, Vermont.

• Read more: Total solar eclipse: Here’s how to get to the ‘totality zone’ from Mass.

The path of totality of the April 8, 2024, solar eclipse is seen as it crosses North America, passing over Mexico, the United States and Canada. A total solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the sun — the sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk. NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio

Historically speaking, the Northeast has been a dark and cloudy place in early April , and early weather predictions for the eclipse had the region as among the least likely to have clear skies .

But things are actually looking pretty sunny in New England.

More solar eclipse

• Where to expect clear skies during the total solar eclipse on April 8
• April 8 total solar eclipse: Are your eclipse glasses safe to wear?
• The solar eclipse will be inspiring, but there are also serious consequences
• Where can you buy eclipse glasses before total solar eclipse on April 8?
• Cell phone warning: Will your cell phone work during the solar eclipse?

The weather outlook for Burlington, Vermont, which the path of totality is set to pass over, is “mostly sunny, with a high near 54.” Sky cover during the event in Burlington is expected to be between 19% and 24%, according to the Weather Service .

The Vermont state capital of Montpelier has even clearer news: “sunny, with a high near 53.” Sky cover during the eclipse is expected to be between 15% and 16%.

Dixville Notch, New Hampshire, which casts some of the first ballots on Election Night during the New Hampshire Primary, is also predicted to be a good place to see the eclipse, with only 18% cloud cover expected.

The April 8 solar eclipse will pass over northern Vermont and New Hampshire as well as parts of New York and Maine. (National Weather Service graphic) National Weather Service graphic

Further west, in New York, the news isn’t quite so sunny. Buffalo, New York, is only predicted to be partly sunny. Cloud cover during the time of the eclipse may be about 64%, the National Weather Service predicts.

Below is a list of Northeast communities in the path of totality and their expected cloud cover during the event on Monday, April 8.

Expected cloud cover during the eclipse

• Buffalo (3:18-3:22 p.m.) - 63%-64% cloud cover
• Rochester (3:20-3:24 p.m.) - 55%-59% cloud cover
• Syracuse (3:23-3:25 p.m.) - 45%-47% cloud cover
• Watertown (3:22-3:26 p.m.) - 34%-36% cloud cover
• Lake Placid (3:25-3:28 p.m.) - 25%-29% cloud cover
• Plattsburgh (3:26-3:29 p.m.) - 18%-21% cloud cover
• St. Albans (3:26-3:30 p.m.) - 18%-19% cloud cover
• Bolton (3:26-3:30 p.m.) - 18%-21% cloud cover
• Burlington (3:26-3:29 p.m.) - 19%-24% cloud cover
• Montpelier (3:27-3:29 p.m.) - 15%-16% cloud cover
• Middlebury (3:27-3:28 p.m.) - 17%-22% cloud cover
• Warren (3:27-3:28 p.m.) - 12%-15% cloud cover
• Johnson (3:27-3:30 p.m.) - 15%-17% cloud cover
• St. Johnsbury (3:28-3:30 p.m.) - 15%-18% cloud cover

New Hampshire:

• Errol (3:28-3:31 p.m.) - 13%-15% cloud cover
• Dixville Notch - (3:28-3:31 p.m.) - 18% cloud cover
• Colebrook - (3:28-3:31 p.m.) - 16% cloud cover
• Pittsburg (3:28-3:31 p.m.) - 16%-18% cloud cover
• Stratton (3:29-3:32 p.m.) - 25%-27% cloud cover
• Bingham - (3:30-3:32 p.m.) - 22%-24% cloud cover
• Greenville - (3:30-3:33 p.m.) - 20% cloud cover
• Rockwood - (3:29-3:33 p.m.) - 19% cloud cover
• Lincoln - (3:32-3:34 p.m.) - 19%-20% cloud cover

For further up-to-date weather reports for specific communities in the path of the eclipse, visit the National Weather Service here .

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Maps of the April 2024 Total Solar Eclipse

By Jonathan Corum

On April 8, the moon will slip between the Earth and the sun, casting a shadow across a swath of North America: a total solar eclipse.

By cosmic coincidence, the moon and the sun appear roughly the same size in the sky. When the moon blocks the glare of the sun, the sun’s outer atmosphere, or corona, will be briefly visible.

Below are several maps of the eclipse’s path as well as images of what you might experience during the event.

Where Can I See the Total Eclipse?

The eclipse will begin at sunrise over the Pacific Ocean, then cut through Mexico and cross the United States from Texas to Maine. Most of North America will see a partial eclipse, but viewers within the deepest shadow — a band sliding from Mazatlán, Mexico, to the Newfoundland coast near Gander, Canada — will experience a total solar eclipse.

Percentage of

the sun obscured

during the eclipse

Indianapolis

Little Rock

San Antonio

Viewers inside the path of the total eclipse may notice a drop in temperature , a lull or shift in the wind , the appearance of bright planets in the sky, and the quieting of birds and other wildlife.

Many cities lie inside the path of the total eclipse, as shown below, the width of which varies from 108 miles to 122 miles.

5:13 p.m. NDT

20% partial eclipse

NEWFOUNDLAND

SASKATCHEWAN

Fredericton

4:33 p.m. ADT

3:26 p.m. EDT

3:20 p.m. EDT

Minneapolis

3:18 p.m. EDT

3:13 p.m. EDT

San Francisco

90% partial eclipse

3:05 p.m. EDT

Los Angeles

1:51 p.m. CDT

1:40 p.m. CDT

1:33 p.m. CDT

12:16 p.m. CST

12:12 p.m. CST

11:07 a.m. MST

Mexico City

EL SALVADOR

12:23 p.m. CST

1:36 p.m. CDT

3:09 p.m. EDT

3:27 p.m. EDT

Explore our interactive cloud outlook for eclipse viewing times and average cloud data at your location.

What Will I See?

A composite image of the 2017 solar eclipse over Madras, Ore.

Aubrey Gemignani/NASA

If the sky is clear, viewers in the path of the total eclipse should see a “diamond ring” effect a few seconds before and after the total eclipse, as the edge of the sun slips in and out of view.

The “diamond ring” effect during the 2017 solar eclipse.

Rami Daud/NASA, Alcyon Technical Services

The sun’s outer atmosphere, or corona, is normally hidden by the sun’s glare. These tendrils and sheets of gas, heated to a million degrees Fahrenheit or more, are in constant motion and shaped by the sun’s swirling magnetic field.

The sun’s corona during the 2017 solar eclipse.

The sun is relatively active this year and is nearing the expected peak of its 11-year solar cycle . Researchers at Predictive Science are using data about the sun’s magnetic field to predict and model a dramatic corona for the April eclipse.

A prediction of how the sun’s corona might appear during the April 8 total eclipse.

Predictive Science

What Colors Should I Wear?

As the sky darkens, light-sensitive cells in human eyes become more sensitive to blue and green hues than to reds and oranges. This shift in color perception is known as the Purkinje effect , after a 19th-century Czech scientist, and is typically seen at twilight.

Watching the 2017 total eclipse at Southern Illinois University.

Andrea Morales for The New York Times

To take advantage of the Purkinje effect, wear green clothes or a contrasting combination of greens and reds. Blue-green colors (shorter wavelengths) will appear brighter, while red colors (longer wavelengths) will appear to recede into the darkness.

What If I Miss It?

The next two total solar eclipses in the United States won’t occur until 2044 and 2045 . But eclipse chasers might catch one in 2026 in Greenland, Iceland and Spain; 2027 along the coast of Northern Africa; 2028 in Australia and New Zealand; or 2030 across Southern Africa and Australia.

A Total Solar Eclipse Is Coming. Here’s What You Need to Know.

These are answers to common questions about the April 8 eclipse, and we’re offering you a place to pose more of them.

By Katrina Miller

What’s the Cloud Forecast for Eclipse Day? See if the Weather Is on Your Side.

April 8 could be your best opportunity to see a total solar eclipse for decades. But if clouds fill the sky, you may miss the spectacle.

By Josh Katz, K.K. Rebecca Lai and William B. Davis

• Share full article

Our Coverage of the Total Solar Eclipse

Hearing the Eclipse:  A device called LightSound is being distributed to help the blind and visually impaired experience what they can’t see .

Maine Brac es Itself :  Businesses and planning committees are eager for visitors, but some in remote Aroostook County are not sure how they feel  about lying smack in the path of totality.

A Dark Day for Buffalo:  When the sky above Buffalo briefly goes dark  on the afternoon of April 8, the city will transcend its dreary place in the public consciousness — measured as it so often is by snowstorms — if only for about three minutes. The city can’t wait.

Under the Moon’s Shadow:  The late Jay Pasachoff, who spent a lifetime chasing eclipses , inspired generations of students to become astronomers by dragging them to the ends of the Earth for a few precarious moments of ecstasy.

A Rare Return:  It is rare for a total solar eclipse to hit the same place twice — once every 366 years on average. People in certain areas will encounter April 8’s eclipse  about seven years after they were near the middle of the path of the “Great American Eclipse.”

A Small City’s Big Plans:  Let the big cities have their eclipse mega-events. In Plattsburgh, N.Y., success looks different  for everyone stopping to look up.

 No Power Outages:  When the sky darkens during the eclipse, electricity production in some parts of the country will drop so sharply that it could theoretically leave tens of millions of homes in the dark. In practice, hardly anyone will notice  a sudden loss of energy.

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Train strikes in April and May 2024: Full list of dates and lines affected

Overtime bans, an action short of a strike, also mean some services may not be running or may be reduced as drivers refuse to work their rest days.

Friday 5 April 2024 14:46, UK

Drivers at 16 rail companies have started a fresh wave of strikes, plus overtime bans, causing disruption to the rail network.

The strikes are part of a long-running dispute over pay and will take place across April and May.

Tube strikes planned for April and May have been called off.

In an "entirely separate dispute", ASLEF members will also strike and refuse to do overtime at LNER on specific dates in April "because of the company's failure to adhere to the agreed bargaining machinery", the union said.

LNER's alleged failure to adhere to bargaining machinery refers to it using managers to drive trains on strike days.

People are advised to check before they travel.

Here's what's happening when:

Rail strike dates

Friday 5 April

Strikes will affect Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway, West Midlands Trains, and CrossCountry.

Saturday 6 April

Strikes will affect Chiltern, GWR, LNER, Northern, and TransPennine Trains.

Monday 8 April

Strikes will affect Greater Anglia, c2c, GTR Great Northern Thameslink, Southeastern, Southern/Gatwick Express, South Western Railway main line and depot drivers, and SWR Island Line.

Overtime ban dates

Thursday 4 April

Tuesday 9 April

People are advised to check before they travel, as some areas may have no service.

LNER action dates

Members will strike on Saturday 20 April and refuse to work non-contractual overtime from Friday 19 to Sunday 21 April .

Why are the strikes happening?

ASLEF says the LNER strikes are because of "the company's persistent failure to comply with existing agreements".

Nigel Roebuck, an ASLEF organiser in the northeast, said the operator had been trying to get "every driver manager and driver instructor to work on strike days".

A spokesperson said: "LNER has used managers - paid £500 a shift - to drive trains on strike days and, after the expiry of the last non-contractual overtime agreement, on most days of the week now.

"There is no agreement in place for management to drive services on mainline infrastructure.

"It results in branch line services - such as Lincoln, Skipton, and Harrogate - being cancelled because of a lack of route knowledge and means virtually no driver training is being done."

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Mick Whelan, ASLEF general secretary, said of the rail strikes : "Last month, when we announced renewed mandates for industrial action, because under the Tories' draconian anti-union laws we have to ballot our members every six months, we called on the train companies, and the government, to come to the table for meaningful talks to negotiate a new pay deal for train drivers who have not had an increase in salary since 2019.

"Our members voted overwhelmingly - yet again - for strike action."

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A Rail Delivery Group spokesperson said: "Nobody wins when industrial action impacts people's lives and livelihoods, and we will work hard to minimise any disruption to our passengers.

"We want to resolve this dispute, but the ASLEF leadership need to recognise that hard-pressed taxpayers are continuing to contribute an extra £54m a week just to keep services running post-COVID.

"We continue to seek an agreement with the ASLEF leadership and remain open to talks to find a solution to this dispute."

When the strikes on the London Underground were announced, Finn Brennan, ASLEF's full-time organiser on the network, said in a statement: "ASLEF Tube train drivers will strike in April and May in a long-running dispute over London Underground's failure to give assurances that changes to our members' terms and conditions will not be imposed without agreement and that all existing agreements will be honoured.

"Despite a previous commitment to withdraw plans for massive changes to drivers' working conditions, London Underground management has established a full-time team of managers preparing to impose their plans.

Sadiq Khan said they had been called off after "talking and engaging with transport staff and trade unions rather than working against them".

Related Topics

• London Underground
• Rail strikes