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Cambridge, Massa-fun-chusetts: The Best and Most Entertaining Places to Visit and Things to Do!

Welcome to Cambridge, Massachusetts. This historic city is home to two of the better known universities in the world, Harvard and MIT, alongside a deep run of cultural attractions, outdoor adventures, and strong cooking. History buff, someone who eats well, or outdoor enthusiast, Cambridge has a version of each.

One of the better known attractions in Cambridge is Harvard University, a historic hub of learning and innovation. Take a walk through Harvard Yard, visit the Harvard Art Museums, or catch a game at Harvard Stadium. And do not forget to snap a photo with the John Harvard statue, one of the more photographed landmarks in the city.

If museums are more your thing, you will find plenty to work through in Cambridge. From the MIT Museum to the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, there are exhibits and collections to suit every interest. And if you are interested in historic landmarks, do not miss Longfellow House – Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site or the Mount Auburn Cemetery, where many well-known Americans are buried.

Key Takeaways

• Cambridge, Massachusetts is a historic city with two world-renowned universities, Harvard and MIT.
• Visitors can explore cultural attractions like museums and historic landmarks, as well as outdoor adventures and culinary delights.
• Must-see attractions include Harvard University, the MIT Museum, and Longfellow House – Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site.

Harvard University: A Historic Hub

Welcome to Harvard University, the oldest institute of higher learning in America. Founded in 1636, Harvard holds a deep history that is as interesting as it is funny. Here are a few places on campus that give you a look into the storied past of this university.

Harvard Yard

The age of the place is what stays with you once you leave it. Harvard was founded in 1636 and is the oldest institute of higher learning in America. Harvard Yard still holds buildings that date all the way back to the 1700s. Widener Library keeps over 3.5 million volumes, rare manuscripts and first editions among them. And Mount Auburn Cemetery runs over 5,000 trees across its grounds.

Harvard Yard is the heart of the campus and is home to some of the oldest buildings at Harvard. Take a walk through the Yard and take the history of this university. You will feel like you have stepped back in time as you walk past buildings that date back to the 1700s.

John Harvard Statue

No visit to Harvard is complete without taking a selfie with the John Harvard statue. Legend has it that rubbing his foot brings good luck, but be warned, because thousands of tourists have rubbed it before you, so it might be a little slippery.

Widener Library

The Widener Library is one of the largest libraries in the world and is one to see for book lovers. With over 3.5 million volumes, rare manuscripts and first editions among them, you will find something that holds your interest.

University Hall

University Hall is one of the oldest buildings on campus and is a clear example of colonial architecture. It is also home to the Office of the President, so if the day goes your way, you might catch sight of the big cheese.

So there you have it, a quick tour of some of the more historic spots on campus. History buff or just after a good day out, Harvard is worth the visit.

Museums Galore

Anyone who takes to museums will get on with Cambridge. With this many options to choose from, you will have a hard time deciding where to start. Here are a few of the museums to take in the area.

Harvard Museum of Natural History

The Harvard Museum of Natural History will hold you where you stand. With over 12,000 specimens, this museum runs a deep collection of natural wonders. From dinosaur skeletons to meteorites, gems, and fossils, this place covers a lot of ground. And you get to see a life-sized replica of a blue whale.

MIT Museum

Anyone interested in science and technology should take the MIT Museum. This museum works at showing the latest innovations in robotics, holography, and other cutting-edge fields. You can even take a tour of the MIT campus and see the latest inventions in action.

Harvard Art Museums

Art lovers should head for the Harvard Art Museums. With three different museums to choose from (the Fogg, the Busch-Reisinger, and the Arthur M. Sackler), you can see everything from ancient sculptures to modern paintings. You also get to see works by some of the better known artists in history, Monet, Van Gogh, and Picasso among them.

Natural history, science, or art, Cambridge has a version of each. So grab friends and family, and get ready for a day of museum-hopping.

Historic Landmarks

Cambridge, Massachusetts is a city deep in history, and there are plenty of historic landmarks to work through. Here are a few of the sites to take:

Longfellow House

You cannot visit Cambridge without stopping by the Longfellow House, the former home of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. This National Historic Landmark is a clear example of Georgian architecture and is filled with original furnishings and artifacts. You will feel like you have stepped back in time as you work through the rooms where Longfellow wrote some of his better known works.

Mount Auburn Cemetery

While it may seem odd to visit a cemetery on vacation, Mount Auburn Cemetery is not your average burial ground. This National Historic Landmark is a park-like setting with over 5,000 trees and a spread of wildlife. Take a walk through the winding paths and take the ornate gravestones and mausoleums. You might even spot some well-known names, like the granddaughter of George Washington and poet James Russell Lowell.

Cambridge Common

Cambridge Common is a public park that has played a serious part in American history. It was the site of the first recorded baseball game in 1858 and was also used as a training ground during the Revolutionary War. Today it is a busy spot for picnics, frisbee games, and people-watching. You can also visit the historic plaque that marks the spot where George Washington took command of the Continental Army in 1775.

History buff or just after a good way to spend an afternoon, these historic landmarks will hold you. So grab the camera and start working through them.

Exploring Cambridge Squares

Cambridge is known for its squares, each with its own character and feel. Here are the squares you can work through in Cambridge.

Harvard Square

Harvard Square is the better known square in Cambridge, and the reason is clear. It is home to Harvard University, one of the leading universities in the world. But Harvard Square is not only for students and academics. It is also a hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment. You can find everything from bookstores and boutiques to coffee shops and restaurants. And if the day goes your way, you might catch a street performer or live music performance.

Central Square

Central Square is known for its nightlife and its varied food scene. It is strong ground for a night out. You can find everything from dive bars to upscale restaurants. And music lovers will take to the live music venues in Central Square.

Kendall Square

Kendall Square is known for its innovation and technology. It is home to some of the leading tech companies in the world, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon among them. But Kendall Square is not only for techies. It is also strong ground for unusual shopping or dining. You can find everything from artisanal food markets to high-end boutiques.

Inman Square

Inman Square is a quieter find in Cambridge. It is a calmer square than the others, but it still holds plenty of character. Inman Square is known for its small businesses and its community feel. You can find everything from vintage shops and record stores to small cafes and pubs.

Whichever square you choose to work through, the day in Cambridge will hold up. So grab a coffee, wander around, and take everything Cambridge runs.

Sightseeing and Tours

In Cambridge, Massachusetts you are in for a good one. There is plenty to see and do here, and you do not want to miss any of it. One of the stronger ways to work through the area is sightseeing and tours. Here are two options that you should take:

Charles Riverboat Company

Want to see the Boston skyline from a different angle? Take a tour with the Charles Riverboat Company. You get to see the well-known landmarks and attractions of the city from the comfort of a boat. The tour guides know their ground and hold your attention, so you pick things up while having a good time. And you get some strong photo opportunities.

Walking Tours

If you prefer to work through on foot, there are plenty of walking tours available. You can choose from historical tours, food tours, and everything in between. One of the stronger things about walking tours is that you get to see the city up close. You will be able to talk with locals and get a feel for the culture. And you get some exercise while you are at it.

Whichever type of tour you choose, the day will hold up. Just make sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera. You never know what you might see.

Start at Harvard Yard and let the rest of the day follow from there. The John Harvard statue and the Widener Library sit within the same short walk. Harvard Square picks up the shopping, the bookstores and the coffee straight afterwards. The Harvard Art Museums run three collections under a single roof nearby. And Cambridge Common is the green space to finish on before dinner.

MIT: Tech and Innovation

Anyone who takes to tech and innovation has to visit the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). This institution is known for its groundbreaking research and cutting-edge technology. Here are the things you can do at MIT:

MIT Buildings

MIT is home to some of the more serious buildings in the world of architecture. From the Great Dome to the futuristic Stata Center, the spread of styles and designs will hold you. Here are the buildings to see at MIT:

• Great Dome: This neoclassical dome is the symbol of MIT and houses the Barker Engineering Library.
• Stata Center: Designed by Frank Gehry, this building is a masterpiece of modern architecture and houses the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory.
• Building 54: This building is home to the Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences and features a stunning glass atrium.

MIT Sculpture

MIT is more than buildings and technology, because it is also a hub for art and creativity. The campus is dotted with sculptures and installations that will catch your eye. Here are the sculptures to see at MIT:

• Alchemist: This sculpture by Jaume Plensa is a towering figure made of stainless steel letters and is located outside the Stata Center.
• The Big Sail: This sculpture by Kenneth Snelson is a massive steel structure that resembles a sail and is located in the courtyard of Building 54.
• ADS: This sculpture by Michael Heizer is a large granite block with a hole in the center and is located on the lawn in front of Building 7.

Architecture, art, or technology, MIT has a version of each. So put on your thinking cap and head over to this institution.

Outdoor Adventures

Cambridge, Massachusetts is strong ground for outdoor enthusiasts. A slow stroll or something with more pace, there is a version of each. Here are two outdoor days you do not want to miss.

Fresh Pond Reservation

In the heart of Cambridge, Fresh Pond Reservation is a 162-acre park that runs a broad spread of outdoor activities. Take a walk around the pond and take the scenic views, or go for a jog on one of the many trails. And if you are feeling bold, you can rent a kayak or paddleboard and work the pond from the water.

But there is more. Fresh Pond Reservation also runs a golf course, a playground, and a dog park. So golf enthusiast, parent with kids, or dog lover, Fresh Pond Reservation has a version of each. And it is free to enter, so you do not have to worry about breaking the bank.

Head of The Charles Regatta

Anyone who takes to rowing or just likes watching sport should not miss the Head of The Charles Regatta. This annual event runs on the Charles River and pulls in thousands of rowers and spectators from all over the world.

The regatta runs over 11,000 athletes competing in more than 60 events, so there is plenty of action to watch. And with vendors selling food and drinks, you will not go hungry or thirsty.

But the strongest part? The regatta is free to attend. So grab your friends, pack a picnic, and head to the Charles River for a full day.

In conclusion, a quiet walk around the pond or a full day at the regatta, Cambridge, Massachusetts has a version of each. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start working through it.

Culinary Delights

When it comes to food, Cambridge covers a lot of ground. Meat lover or vegan, you will find plenty of options to satisfy your taste buds. Here are two of our top picks:

The Smoke Shop BBQ

Anyone who takes to meat cannot miss the Smoke Shop BBQ. This place suits a serious appetite, with everything from brisket to ribs to pulled pork. The portions are huge, so bring your appetite. And if you are feeling bold, try the burnt ends, because they hold up against anything. The room is casual and lively, with friendly staff and a strong selection of beers.

Vegan Cafes

If you are vegan, you might think that Cambridge is not the place for you. Think again. There are plenty of vegan cafes in the area, serving plant-based meals that will get your taste buds going. Some of our favorites include Veggie Galaxy, which serves classic diner food with a vegan twist, and Life Alive, which runs a spread of bowls, salads, and smoothies that are as healthy as they are good.

Whatever your dietary preferences, Cambridge runs plenty of strong cooking. So go ahead and order the extra course, because you are on vacation after all.

Performing Arts

Anyone who takes to the performing arts has plenty in Cambridge. From theater productions to live music, there is always something on in this working city.

American Repertory Theater

The American Repertory Theater, also known as A.R.T., is one of the busier theaters in Cambridge. In Harvard Square, this theater is known for its inventive productions and its performers. A classic play or a modern musical, you will find something to take to at A.R.T.

One of the stronger things about A.R.T. is its commitment to experimental theater. That means you might see a show unlike anything you have seen before. From immersive productions that take place all around you to plays with unconventional staging, A.R.T. keeps pushing at what theater can do.

For a night that stays with you, take one of the productions at A.R.T. You never know what you might see.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you recommend any hidden gems in Cambridge?

Oh, absolutely. Cambridge is full of quieter finds waiting to be turned up. For a day out of the ordinary, take the Glass Flowers exhibit at the Harvard Museum of Natural History. These delicate glass flowers were made by artisans over 100 years ago and are a real sight to see.

Why is Cambridge, Massachusetts famous?

Cambridge is known for many things, but its clearest claim to fame is the universities based here. Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) are both in Cambridge, which makes it a hub of intellectual activity.

Is it worth visiting Cambridge, or should I just stay home?

Are you kidding? Of course it is worth visiting Cambridge. With this many things to see and do, you would be mad to stay home. History, science, or just a good time, Cambridge has a version of each.

What are some fun outdoor activities in Cambridge?

If you want to get outside and take the fresh air, Cambridge runs plenty of options. Take a walk along the Charles River and take the scenery, or rent a bike and work the city on two wheels. You can also take the Harvard Arboretum, which runs miles of trails and gardens to work through.

What’s the nicest part of Cambridge to explore?

That is a hard one, but we would say that Harvard Square is the finest part of Cambridge to work through. It is the heart of the city and home to some of the stronger restaurants, shops, and attractions. And the energy of the area is contagious.

Frequently asked questions about Cambridge, Massachusetts

Which Cambridge museum is worth a whole morning of your time?

The Harvard Museum of Natural History. It holds over 12,000 specimens, running from dinosaur skeletons to meteorites, gems and fossils, plus a life-sized replica of a blue whale hanging above your head. The Glass Flowers exhibit in there was made by artisans over 100 years ago. The MIT Museum covers the robotics and the holography instead of that. The Harvard Art Museums run three separate collections under one roof.

Which Cambridge park suits an easy afternoon spent outside?

Fresh Pond Reservation, comfortably. It is a 162-acre park in the heart of the city with walking trails, a jogging route, and kayak and paddleboard rental if you want to get out on the water. It also runs a golf course, a playground and a dog park of its own. Entry to the whole thing costs you nothing at all. Cambridge Common is the smaller green space in town instead.

Which Cambridge river event is worth planning the trip around?

The Head of The Charles Regatta, without question. It runs annually on the Charles River and pulls in thousands of rowers and spectators from around the world, with over 11,000 athletes across more than 60 separate events. Vendors sell food and drink all along the bank. The whole regatta is free to attend. Pack a picnic and get down to the river early for a spot.

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