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Things To Do in Cambridge, Massachusetts

 

 

Harvard University

Harvard University

One of the oldest universities in the U.S., Harvard’s campus is full of historic architecture, green spaces, museums, and student energy. Walking the yards and exploring the libraries offers a deep sense of history and discovery.

Phone: (617) 495-1000

Official Site

 

MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

MIT campus

MIT is world-renowned for science, engineering, and innovation. The campus itself—especially spots like the Stata Center—and nearby Kendall Square encapsulate modern research and tech culture.

Phone: (617) 253-1000

Official Site

 

MIT Museum

MIT Museum

The MIT Museum celebrates science, art, and invention. With exhibits on robotics, artificial intelligence, holography, and historic technology, it’s engaging for all ages.

Phone: (617) 253-5927

Official Site

 

Harvard Museum of Natural History

Harvard Museum of Natural History

Featuring an extensive fossil collection, animal dioramas, and Harvard’s famous “Glass Flowers,” this museum offers both scientific insights and beautiful displays. Great for families and curious minds.

Phone: (617) 495-3045

Official Site

 

Harvard Art Museums

Harvard Art Museums

Combining several museum collections (Fogg, Busch-Reisinger, and Arthur M. Sackler), the Harvard Art Museums showcase global art from ancient to modern times. The renovated spaces give room to explore in depth.

Phone: (617) 495-9400

Official Site

 

Harvard Square

Harvard Square

A vibrant area full of shops, cafes, bookstores, and street performance. The energy of students, tourists, and locals mingling makes Harvard Square a core experience in Cambridge.

More Info

 

Cambridge Common

Cambridge Common

A public park adjacent to Harvard University with lawns, monuments, and paths. It’s a peaceful place to relax, read, or reflect, yet it’s full of history as well.

City of Cambridge site

 

Cambridge Public Library – Main Branch

Cambridge Public Library

The central library branch offers more than books — community events, study spaces, exhibits, and a beautiful reading room. A calm retreat in the city.

Phone: (617) 498-2300

Official Site

 

Mapparium & Cooper-Frost-Austin House (Historic Homes in Cambridge)

Cooper-Frost-Austin House

Historic homes like Cooper-Frost-Austin and others show Cambridge’s colonial and early American architecture. Excellent for history lovers exploring old New England.

Tourism Info

 

John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site

JFK National Historic Site

Although the main site is in Brookline, there are related memorials and events in Cambridge celebrating JFK’s connections and legacy. Museums and walking tours often touch on these.

Official Site

 

Flagstaff Park

Flagstaff Park

A restored park next to Harvard Square with wide paths, seating, and a striking memorial flagstaff. A nice spot to rest and watch city life.

Official Site

 

Irish Famine Memorial

Irish Famine Memorial

This memorial in Cambridge Common commemorates the Great Famine of Ireland (1845-1850). The bronze and granite sculpture conveys both sorrow and hope.

Tourism Info

 

Charles River Esplanade & River Walks

Charles River Esplanade view

Walking, jogging, kayaking, or simply enjoying views of the river and Boston skyline, this riverside area just across from Cambridge is a favorite for outdoors lovers.

City Parks Info

 

Mount Auburn Cemetery

Mount Auburn Cemetery

A beautiful and historic garden cemetery with winding roads, impressive monuments, and mature trees. It also offers views of Cambridge and Boston from certain vantage points.

Phone: (617) 547-7105

Official Site

 

Cambridge Discovery Park

Cambridge Discovery Park

Also known as “CDP,” this area includes green space, walking paths, and modern buildings. It’s a pleasant mix of corporate campus, landscaped trails, and urban design.

Official Site

 

Charles River Boat Company

Charles River Boat

Offers boat tours and rentals on the Charles River, letting you see the Boston skyline and Cambridge from the water. A fun way to mix relaxation with views.

Official Site

 

Paddle Boston (Canoe & Kayak Cambridge)

Kayaks on Charles River

Rent a kayak or canoe and paddle along the Charles River. It gives a fresh perspective of the city and nature in the heart of Cambridge.

Tourism Info

 

American Repertory Theater

American Repertory Theater

A leading venue for contemporary theater, the A.R.T produces bold plays and performances in a historic space. Great for evenings out.

Phone: (617) 576-5151

Official Site

 

Lesley University & Art Galleries

Lesley University

Lesley University has both academic and fine arts programs, with galleries often open to the public. Walking through the university’s neighborhoods reveals murals, creative shops, and intimate performance spaces.

Official Site

 

Porter Square Books

Porter Square Books

An independent bookstore known for its warm vibe, reading events, and community atmosphere. A great stop for book lovers.

Phone: (617) 547-3113

Official Site

 

Cambridge Visitor Information Center

Cambridge Visitor Information Center

The Visitor Center is a hub for maps, guides, and recommendations—great for planning your Cambridge exploration. Friendly staff can help you find hidden gems.

Phone: (617) 349-4380

Official Site

 

Longfellow House–Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site

Longfellow House Cambridge

This Georgian mansion was once the home of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and George Washington’s headquarters during the Siege of Boston. Guided tours share both literary and Revolutionary history.

Phone: (617) 876-4491

Official Site

 

CambridgeSide Galleria

CambridgeSide Mall

A popular urban mall on the Charles River offering shopping, dining, and seasonal events. Its waterfront location adds to the experience.

Phone: (617) 621-8666

Official Site

 

Harvard Square Theater District

Harvard Square Theater

From indie cinemas to performance venues, Harvard Square offers rich entertainment. Though some venues have closed, new arts spaces continue to thrive.

Harvard Square Info

 

Charles Hotel & Regattabar

Charles Hotel

Beyond lodging, the Charles Hotel is home to Regattabar, a renowned jazz club hosting world-class performances. A cultural gem in Harvard Square.

Official Site

 

Fresh Pond Reservation

Fresh Pond Reservation

This 155-acre reservoir park features a 2.25-mile walking loop, playgrounds, and golf course. A favorite jogging and biking destination for locals.

Official Site

 

Danehy Park

Danehy Park

At 50 acres, Danehy Park is Cambridge’s largest green space, offering athletic fields, playgrounds, and a hilltop view of the Boston skyline.

Official Site

 

Kendall Square

Kendall Square

Dubbed “the most innovative square mile on Earth,” Kendall Square is home to tech companies, startups, restaurants, and vibrant public spaces.

Official Site

 

Central Square

Central Square

Known for its multicultural vibe, Central Square offers live music venues, street art, and global dining. It’s Cambridge’s nightlife hub.

Official Site

 

Inman Square

Inman Square

A quirky neighborhood filled with independent shops, coffeehouses, and ethnic eateries. Known for its creative energy and neighborhood feel.

City Info

 

Cambridge Multicultural Arts Center

Multicultural Arts Center

Housed in a restored courthouse, this center presents art exhibits, music, and cultural events that celebrate Cambridge’s diversity.

Official Site

 

Brattle Theatre

Brattle Theatre

An independent cinema near Harvard Square showing classic, indie, and foreign films. It has a devoted audience and historic charm.

Phone: (617) 876-6837

Official Site

 

MIT Chapel

MIT Chapel

Designed by architect Eero Saarinen, this non-denominational chapel is an architectural gem with tranquil interiors and dramatic light play.

Official Site

 

Harvard Stadium (nearby in Allston)

Harvard Stadium

Built in 1903, Harvard Stadium is one of the oldest concrete stadiums in the U.S. It hosts football games and community events, just across the river from Cambridge.

Official Site

 

Harvard Book Store

Harvard Book Store

A beloved independent bookstore since 1932, known for author talks, new and used books, and a strong literary culture in Cambridge.

Phone: (617) 661-1515

Official Site

 

Toscanini’s Ice Cream

Toscanini’s Ice Cream

Often rated among the best ice cream shops in the U.S., Toscanini’s offers inventive flavors and a cult following. A sweet Cambridge tradition.

Official Site

 

Broad Canal Walkway

Broad Canal

This short but scenic walkway near Kendall Square connects to kayak rentals and restaurants. A relaxing spot to enjoy the waterfront.

City Info

 

Science Center Observatory (Harvard)

Harvard Science Center

Free stargazing events are hosted by Harvard’s Science Center Observatory, where telescopes open the night sky to the public.

Official Site

 

Cambridge Arts River Festival

Cambridge River Festival

An annual festival along the Charles River with art, music, food, and performances. It showcases Cambridge’s creative and multicultural spirit.

Official Site

 

Broadway Bicycle School

Broadway Bicycle School

A community-based bike shop that also offers classes on bicycle repair and maintenance. A Cambridge institution for cycling enthusiasts.

Official Site