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City in the United States
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Cambridge is a city in Massachusetts, across the Charles River from Boston. It is renowned as the home of Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), both widely considered to be among the best universities in the world. The city's population was 118,000 in 2020; the fourth largest in the state.
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Twenty historic plaques across the city honor notable African Americans who were abolitionists, authors, educators, and office holders in Cambridge from 1840 to 1940.
Longfellow National Historic Site
Washington made his headquarters here during the siege of Boston from July 1775 through April 1776. From 1837 until 1882, it was the home of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow while he taught at Harvard. The site's collections deal mainly with Longfellow, but there are some Washington letters as well.
Yes, it's a cemetery. It just happens to be the first landscaped cemetery and in fact the first large-scale designed landscape in the U.S. The tower provides visitors with a breathtaking panoramic view of the cities of Boston and Cambridge, as well as the surrounding countryside to the north. The fact that it's the final resting place of some of the area's most influential figures (Sumner, Gardner, Eddy, and Longfellow) cements its status as a National Historic Landmark.
On July 3, 1775, George Washington officially took command of the Continental Army at ceremonies taking place beneath this Elm tree, which stood at the edge of the training grounds used by the troops. While this tale may be a myth, clearly the tree has remained a symbol of patriotism in Cambridge for generations. The tree finally succumbed to old age and disease in 1923, and today a small bronze plaque marks this historical spot.
The center and oldest part of the Harvard campus. An enclosed grassy yard including picturesque buildings dating as far back as 1720. While somewhat architecturally uninspiring, the freshman undergraduate dorms are located in Harvard Yard, which means that a long list of famous intellectual and political figures have lived here. Near the center is a statue of John Harvard, for whom the university is named. Tour guides will tell you that students rub the statue's left foot for good luck before exams, and the foot is indeed rubbed shiny. But in reality, most of the rubbing is probably done by tourists rather than students. It is also school tradition of some secret societies at Harvard to pee on the boot of the foot, but this may also be a lie.
Home of the Harvard Lampoon, a student humor publication. The west end of the building, fittingly, resembles a cartoonish face wearing a spiked helmet. The building was finished in 1909.
A monumental dome with an oculus at its center, similar to the Pantheon in Rome. Located in MIT Building 10 (most MIT buildings are referred to by numbers rather than names, as befits the university's technical orientation).
Likely the most striking building on MIT's campus, built in 2004 in a very modern architectural form. Contains a small branch of the MIT Museum (see below).
The bridge connecting Cambridge to Boston across the Charles river. Located at the edge of MIT, not Harvard University. It's well known in the nerdy folklore of MIT: the distance across the bridge is marked in "smoots" (1 smoot = ) after Oliver Smoot, an MIT student who allowed himself to be laid end-to-end to measure the distance across the bridge, as part of a fraternity prank.
Built in 1681 and owned by the same family for over 250 years. The oldest residence standing in Cambridge. It is open for tours seasonally.
This collection of museums includes three once separate entities. The Fogg Museum, known for western art from the Middle Ages to the present, with particular strengths in Italian early Renaissance, British pre-Raphaelite, and 19th-century French art. The Busch-Reisinger Museum, which is devoted to promoting the informed enjoyment and critical understanding of the arts of Central and Northern Europe, with a special emphasis on the German-speaking countries. Finally, the Arthur M. Sackler Museum holds a superb collection of ancient, Islamic, Asian, and later Indian art.
Drawing from the University's vast natural history collections, the HMNH displays the famous Blaschka 'Glass Flowers' collection, dinosaurs (the world's only mounted long Kronosaurus), minerals, meteorites, gemstones (a amethyst geode), and hundreds of 'stuffed' animals and birds. Fun for the whole family. It's an 8-minute walk across the historic Harvard Yard from Harvard Square (Red Line MBTA). Lectures & educational programs for all ages.
Has a huge collection of holography, rotating exhibits, and showcases some of the best "hacks" performed by students. Hacks at MIT are practical physical jokes taking place around the institute. For example: installing a somewhat functioning police car (complete with instructions for how to remove it) atop the great dome. This museum is great for kids and many exhibits are hands-on, including moving sculptures and a shadow room.
One of the oldest museums in the world devoted to anthropology, it houses one of the most comprehensive records of human cultural history in the Western Hemisphere.
The Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments
Representing a broad range of scientific studies, this museum holds over 20,000 unique instruments dating from 1400 to present day.
formerly Semitic Museum
See a collection of over 40,000 artifacts from the Near East across multiple ancient civilizations.
The Brattle shows the best in classic, cutting-edge, foreign, and art-house films. The Brattle Theatre has been operated by the non-profit Brattle Film Foundation since 2001.
The best way to do this is to rent a boat and paddle upstream to Allston from Kendall Square. Vice-versa is great too, the river has no current to fight against. It'll take less than 2 hours and is amazing.
CambridgeSide
Sightseeing, sunset, and architectural tours on the Charles River and Boston Harbor.
Hong Kong
All shows begin at 8PM
Public course.
One Kendall Square
This great theater has all the newest Hollywood blockbusters, plus all the arty flicks you never knew you wanted to see. Big garage next door, so parking here isn't as big an issue.
A performance space, art gallery and community space for anything from yoga, to jazz jam nights, to lectures and workshops.
Shred your face off in this concrete paradise designed for you to bust out your sweetest ollies and kick-flips. Graffiti is encouraged on the "free walls", and there's an Artist-in-Residence program in the summer. Established in 2016.
They have 2 games: The Heist (you get to steal a diamond) and The UBoat (WWII submarine themed).
Try out an energetic social folk dance native to the region, whose ease of learning makes it a welcoming option for travelers. Live traditional fiddle music.
A Cambridge staple since the early days of the American folk music revival. Small, old-school feel with live music 7 nights a week, focusing heavily on American roots music. The Cantab hosts a folk music open mic on Monday nights and jams other nights, as well as small- to medium-sized acts every night. A must for those interested in the Boston folk music scene.
This legendary Cambridge institution consists of an art gallery, 4 live music venues, 4 full bars, and no less than 3 dining areas (including the upscale Zuzu, below). Sample a large variety of Lebanese dishes served in a vibrant, artsy setting. The "Corner" dining area (enter at 480) features live music every night, often free, with belly dancing on Su and W. Extensive vegetarian menu.
The Phoenix Landing really depends on what time you get there. It could be a subdued local pub trivia night, a fan packed sports bar, or even a full on dance party.
Another sorta Marxist bar down from People's with excellent live music.
Affiliated with Great Scott in Allston.
This is also a middle-eastern tapas joint, which serves pretty good food at reasonable prices.
Well-known longtime spot for Sicilian pizza. Also known for steak and cheese subs. Has colorful mural of Pinocchio and other fables on walls of dining area. Located on a small street between Harvard Yard and JFK Park, just off JFK Street.
Located in a tiny "castle", this inexpensive Middle-Eastern restaurant serves up delicious shawarma, kebab, and their namesake falafel.
Gourmet Italian food, at fast food prices. The owner, Altin, used to work in high-end Italian restaurants, but decided to strike it on his own. By appearances it ain't much (formica booths, no table service), but the food is spectacular. Fresh homemade pasta daily. The major drawback is they have no liquor license, and since the Cambridge constabulary eats there nightly, won't let you bring your own.
Veggie Galaxy cuisine focuses on a fresh and modern take on the classic American diner, serving breakfast all day, additional options during lunch and dinner, and offering bold and bright versions of traditional diner fare. Veggie Galaxy is a from-scratch vegetarian diner where everything can be made vegan if it isn't originally, and most things can be made gluten-free.
A Harvard Square landmark, Bartley's serves practically any kind of hamburger you can imagine, most named after individuals. A favorite - The Ted Kennedy - "a plump, liberal amount of burger with cheddar cheese, mushrooms, cole slaw and french fries." Don't miss the raspberry lime ricky here! Owners/Menu leans right to the dismay of many customers.
A fulfilling experience in several ways. Those finishing a bowl of ramen here (including the broth) should receive a "perfect!" and a hearty cheer from the crowd. Noodle finishers get a "good job!", while those whose eyes were bigger than their stomachs will get an "almost!". Don't feel bad, there's always next time. You'll also be invited to tell your dreams to fellow patrons; just anything that's on your mind, like if you want to visit France or give up sugar and so on.
A great place if you need both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. They are very vegetarian friendly, but also have good burgers and beer, and some more yuppie-ish options.
Home-style ice cream.
An extremely popular ice cream shop in the Boston area, rated as "best ice cream in the world" by the New York Times and also has been highly rated by Gourmet magazine. Popular flavors include burnt caramel, salted saffron, and B3 (brown sugar, brown butter, brownie). New location at also available at 159 First Street in Cambridge (T:Lechmere).
Serves Brazilian food cooked in clay pots. Don't miss the fried plantains, the shrimp bobó, and the muqueca itself.
Oleana's inspired and exquisite offerings span the Mediterranean from Spain to Turkey and Armenia to North Africa, yet everything comes together superbly. Mezze will run you anywhere from $3-14, while omnivorous entrees are $26-28. Or come just for dessert to sample their exceptional baked Alaska with coconut ice cream & passion fruit caramel, $15.
Regional contemporary American cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients. A wonderful outside dining terrace and one of the best Sunday brunches (prix fixe, $33) in Greater Boston.
Season to Taste
Roxy's Central
Beer, grilled cheese, and arcade games, what more could you ask for? Oh yeah, there's pinball too.
In business since 1951, Charlie's is considered one of the last remaining businesses from the Harvard Square of old, before the big box chains moved in. It may be a dive, but it's an eco-friendly one; and boasts a great jukebox and three season patio to boot.
Serving basic American bar food, this dark and crowded Harvard tavern would be unremarkable, if it weren't for their incredible happy hour special, the quirky staff, and its proximity to the Harvard campus. From 5-7:30PM everything on the menu is half price with a beverage purchase of $3 or more. Skip the burgers... if you can get a table. Non-happy hour entrees $5-12.
A wide selection of interesting independent draught (pints in the $5-8 range) and bottled beers, wine and upscale bar food (entrees in the $10-20 range).
Popular with MIT grads, professors, and local tech company programmer types. Order off a slightly skewed periodic table of elements.
Get ready to wait in line! Once you cross the threshold, sample some of these sought after craft beers that are the talk of the town. Brewers will often use Brettanomyces in their brews which produces a "funkier" flavor. They don't go overboard with it, but still, it's not everyone's cup of tea.
Coffee shop and arthouse combined. You'll probably visit the one in Central square, however.
A delicious sandwich, coffee, and desserts shop constantly rated in Boston magazine in the "Boston's Best" rankings that also has its own nationally-available cookbook. Another location at the end of Albany Street, one in Harvard, and several more in Boston.
Fantastic local bakery and coffee shop. One other location north of the square near Porter.
Victorian House with 20-some guest rooms, private bathrooms, high speed wi-fi and parking, breakfast, front desk 24/7.
35-room B&B inn offers both Victorian and contemporary style rooms, for daily or weekly stay. Parking included on first come, first serve basis.
Friendly staff ensure that your stay at the guesthouses here are comfortable and amiable. Breakfast, afternoon snacks, and off street parking included in the rates, as well as 24 reception and high speed internet access.
The Marriott Cambridge Hotel is located across the Charles River from downtown Boston and is ideally positioned in Kendall Square near popular Boston area attractions.
Historic Greek revival style hotel with 20 furnished rooms, most with refrigerators and microwaves.
New in 2017 with a cool restaurant/bar on the ground floor.
An old firehouse turned into a cozy hotel.
Le Méridien Cambridge-MIT is on the campus of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Guest rooms include a collection of standard and suite accommodations with city or garden terrace views.
Stay in the ziggurat overlooking the Charles!
Started in Providence, this is the second location of this niche shop for punk and metal records. Browse music, flyers for upcoming shows, and all the assorted paraphernalia.
From American Eagle to TJ Maxx, a thorough mall experience. Come for the fluorescent lighting, stay for the recycled air. 120 stores with low, low prices on all consumer electronics and also tube socks. The mall runs a free shuttle here from Kendall station. See website for coupons.
Actually a garage once upon a time, today the Garage is a mini-mall in the heart of Harvard Square. A bit run down, it's got all the things a young person could want. Music at Newbury Comics, a few rotating clothing stores, body piercing, tattoos, jewelry shops, and last but not least: pizza. There is also a public restroom in the basement, but consider it for emergency use only.
Home to $2/pound clothes where you can sift through piles of randomness. The other parts of the store include a vintage/mid-end designer consignment store and women's shoes in man's sizes.
An amazing array of cigars, chess, and game sets. A small selection of "old fashioned" razors and jewelry is also available. In business since 1883, it's no exaggeration to say this shop is a fixture of Harvard Square.
Decent selection of vintage clothing for men and women. Accessories selection is very good.
Local used vinyl and CD shop that has been around for almost 30 years and is a landmark in Harvard Square. A great selection of music, movies, and more.
Independent shop, nice and cozy, has a wide selection, and has interesting staff recommendations glued to the book stalls. Used and remaindered books are located downstairs.
Official bookstore for Harvard which boasts a huge selection (four stories) of academic and general books. Run by Barnes and Noble.
Some books here are somewhat academic in nature; however, many are written to appeal to a wider audience, and there is a dedicated children's section. Don't skip it! You can find some really fantastic literature here relating to technology, the future, and how humans will adapt to it all. The MIT Coop is also at Kendall station.
Independent book store located in Lesley’s University Hall.
A one-room bookshop focused entirely on poetry. It regularly hosts poetry readings, check website for schedule and signup.
By train
Amtrak train service is available from nearby Boston from many east coast cities as well as other cities in New England, including Portland Maine and Providence Rhode Island.
By car
Interstate 90 to Exit 18, or Interstate 93 to Exit 27, "Storrow Drive" to Monsignor O'Brien Highway (Rt. 28) to Cambridge.
By bus
The MBTA has local regional bus service. For intercity buses, see Boston.
By taxi
A taxi trip of a mile or less costs $5, excluding tip. Most of the major tourist areas will be a $10–25 fare. A trip to Logan Airport can cost up to $55, including tip, tolls and any waiting time.
By bicycle
Cambridge is perhaps the most bicycle-friendly city in the Greater Boston area and probably has the most people who use bikes to commute and just to get around.
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