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Cambridge (Massachusetts)
Wikivoyage guide · 35 sections
▸Introduction324 chars
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.
▸Understand306 chars
Tourists, new residents and students may see Cambridge as part of Boston, but in fact, it is a separate city with many neighborhoods (called “squares”).
It is closely connected with nearby Somerville – you may hear the phrase "Camberville" used by locals – although each has its own distinct personality.
▸History1,823 chars
The first European settlers were English Puritans in 1630. Cambridge developed as an agricultural town and was not really convenient to travel to Boston until bridges were built over the Charles River in 1793 and 1809. The latter of these opened up East Cambridge for industrial development led by furniture and glass factories. A major influx of penniless Irish immigrants fleeing the potato blight in 1845 increased the Irish population to 22 percent in the next ten years. Toward the end of that century they were followed by immigrants from Italy, Poland, Portugal, and Germany. French Canadians and Russian Jews also came at this time. A small African American population had been growing from colonial times, attracted by the integrated schools. Harvard University, the oldest university in the United States, and one of the most prestigious universities in the world, was founded during the colonial era in 1636.
The result today is a highly diverse population augmented and further diversified by brilliant men and women drawn to Cambridge over the years by Harvard, Radcliffe and MIT, and later by the local high technology companies. "Cantabrigians" (from the city's Latin name, Cantabrigia) are regarded as progressive and tolerant. Decline of the industrial base in the early 1900s led Cambridge to become an intellectual center. Universities are the major employers, but cutting edge companies in information technology and biotechnology such as Akamai Technologies, Google, Genzyme, Biogen Idec, and Novartis are located adjacent to the MIT campus in the Kendall Square area.
Cambridge now advertises itself as "a city where counter-culture still lives, classic culture thrives, and multicultural is a way of life." "Boston's Left Bank: A little funkier, a little spunkier and definitely spicier than Boston."
▸Visitor information324 chars
1 Cambridge Office for Tourism, 4 Brattle St (T: Harvard), ☏ +1 617 441-2884. M-F 9AM-5PM, Sa Su 9AM-1PM. This non-profit Visitor Information Booth is just outside the main Harvard Square T-stop. Volunteer staff are available to distribute maps and brochures, and to answer questions you might have. Free. (updated Jun 2017)
▸By plane1,039 chars
Logan International Airport (BOS IATA), Boston. This is the closest option and is served by the MBTA public transportation. The Silver Line 1, a special bus route come every ten minutes during the day, and every 15 minutes early morning and late evening. Free of charge, it takes you directly to South Station (20 minutes travel time), where there is a free connection to the Red Line, which goes to Cambridge (trips towards the airport require paying the $2.40 fare). Free shuttles also provide service to the Blue Line Airport station; one may take the Blue Line in from the airport to the Green Line (transfer at Government Center), which serves Lechmere station in East Cambridge. A taxi to Cambridge will cost you about $28–35, including tolls and tip, and take about 15–20 minutes, depending on traffic.
or (about one hour away):
Manchester - Boston Regional Airport (MHT IATA), in Manchester, New Hampshire.
T. F. Green Airport (PVD IATA), Warwick, Rhode Island.
[Worcester Regional Airport (ORH IATA), in Worcester, Massachusetts.
▸By train805 chars
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. The Amtrak stations in Boston are connected to the MBTA subway system (see below), which has direct links to Cambridge via the Red Line and Green Line.
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority - MBTA or "the T":
Subway:
The Red Line stops consist of Kendall/MIT, Central Square, Harvard Square, Porter Square, and Alewife.
The Green Line in Cambridge consists of Lechmere station, near Lechmere Square in East Cambridge.
Commuter rail:
The Fitchburg line has a stop at Porter Square. This line serves the northwestern suburbs and ends in Boston's North Station, where you can connect to other northbound commuter rail lines.
▸By car408 chars
Interstate 90 to Exit 18, or Interstate 93 to Exit 27, "Storrow Drive" to Monsignor O'Brien Highway (Rt. 28) to Cambridge.
Route 2 comes into Cambridge from Interstate 95 to the northwest.
Cambridge has a great many one-way streets and most streets and roads are not on a grid system. Drivers unfamiliar with the area are well advised to have a GPS device as one wrong turn can easily result in getting lost.
▸By bus73 chars
The MBTA has local regional bus service. For intercity buses, see Boston.
▸By public transportation3,030 chars
Public transportation is provided by the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority ("MBTA"), which serves the entire Boston Metro area (including Cambridge.) The local subway system is called the "T" and can take you to most points of interest. The T's Red Line has Cambridge stations in Kendall Square, Central Square, Harvard Square, and Porter Square. The Green Line has one station in Cambridge: Lechmere.
Directions are often marked "inbound" and "outbound", with reference to downtown Boston, where all four lines converge at four stops: State (Blue and Orange), Park Street (Red and Green), Government Center (Blue and Green), and Downtown Crossing (Orange and Red).
The MBTA does not operate 24-hour service. Service begins for the day after 5:30AM and ends before 12:15AM on weekdays. Weekend schedules are slightly different and do not open until 6:30AM on Sundays. Transport still runs for a short time after this — stated times are "first train leaves the station" or "last train leaves the station" — and thus, to complete the route, will actually be in service for as much as an hour longer or an hour before, but it is imperative to find out when last service is scheduled to the stations you need, and allot time for early or late arrivals.
MBTA employees can offer information on scheduling, but are not always available at all stations. Paper schedules for all MBTA bus and subway routes are available in the Harvard Station. Communication between stations is complex and while significant changes will be announced, often T employees themselves are not informed of delays or minor changes. Bus stations that are not also subway stations are unstaffed.
Subway fare is $2.40 and includes transfers between all four subway lines (Red, Green, Orange and Blue) and bus fare varies between $1.70 (local bus) and $4.25 (express bus; none in Cambridge) and also includes transfers. The most seemless way to pay is to tap with a credit or debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay while boarding a vehicle. If a tapable card is not available, stored value tickets (called CharlieTickets) and cards (called CharlieCards) are available at fare machines in all MBTA stations within Cambridge, where they can be loaded by cash or credit/debit card. The CharlieCard can also be obtained 7-11 convenience stores or Star supermarkets.
Unlike bus and subway fares, the commuter rail at Porter does not accept CharlieCards or contactless payments while boarding. Buy a ticket at the machine in Porter station, online with the mTicket App, or onboard for an additional fee.
▸By taxi1,263 chars
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. Flat rates are set for trips to Logan Airport from each hotel in Cambridge, which include all but luggage handling and gratuity.
Taxis are abundant in Harvard Square and Central Square, with many being queued up waiting for fares. The places that they will queue are designated as cab stands by street signs. Taxis are less abundant in Porter Square and rare near Alewife and Lechmere.
It is possible to signal a taxi from the sidewalk by waving an arm or a hand — a taxi cruising for fares is watching the crowds for this — and have it stop for you; however, taxi drivers from towns and cities other than Cambridge are heavily penalised if they accept passengers flagging them down on the street. This rule is not always rigorously followed, but taxi drivers from Boston, Brookline, Somerville and other towns will be wary of street pick-ups.
Taxis are regulated by the Cambridge License Commission, which sets fares and handles complaints.
The two primary taxi companies in Cambridge are:
Brattle Taxi, ☏ +1 617 492-1100.
Checker Cab, ☏ +1 617 497-1500.
▸By bicycle1,319 chars
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. While there are few bike routes, most major streets have bike lanes, and many minor streets do too. Car drivers tend to be aware of bike riders and generally respect bike riders' right of way. All of these features make Cambridge the safest place to ride a bike in Greater Boston.
Lock your bike when you park it! Bike thieves are skilled and quick. Be sure to lock your front wheel in addition to your frame, and your back wheel too if it is a quick-release.
2 Broadway Bicycle School, 351 Broadway, ☏ +1 617 868-3392. You can get your bike fixed, fix it yourself, or be taught how to repair it.
3 Cambridge Bicycle, 259 Massachusetts Ave, ☏ +1 617 876-6555.
Bluebikes (formerly Hubway), toll-free: +1-855-948-2929. A bike sharing service that offers use of 1,300 bikes from 140 kiosks around Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, and beyond. Visitors can purchase a single 30-minute trip ($3.00) or a 24-hour ($11.99) pass which allows unlimited 2 hour rides. Exceeding the time incurs an additional charge of $0.33/minute. Electric bicycles are also available for an additional fee. A credit or debit card is necessary to use the system. (updated Jun 2026)
▸See4,278 chars
African American Heritage Trail, ☏ +1 617 349-4683. 24 hours daily. Twenty historic plaques across the city honor notable African Americans who were abolitionists, authors, educators, and office holders in Cambridge from 1840 to 1940. Free. (updated Jun 2017)
1 Cambridge Arts Council Gallery, 344 Broadway (T: Central), ☏ +1 617 349-4380. M 8:30AM-8PM, Tu-Th 8:30AM-5PM, F 8:30AM-noon. Free. (updated Jun 2017)
2 Longfellow House–Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site (Longfellow National Historic Site), 105 Brattle St, ☏ +1 617 876-4491. 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.
3 Mount Auburn Cemetery, 580 Mount Auburn St., ☏ +1 617 547-7105. 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. Free. (updated Jun 2017)
4 Washington Elm (Cambridge Common at Mason St). 24 hours daily. 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. Free. (updated Dec 2016)
5 List Visual Arts Center, 20 Ames St (Building E15, Atrium level), ☏ +1 617 253-4680, listinfo@mit.edu. Free. (updated Dec 2019)
6 Harvard Yard. 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. (updated Feb 2026)
▸Museums2,946 chars
13 Harvard Art Museums, 32 Quincy St (T: Harvard), ☏ +1 617 495-9400. 10AM-5PM daily. 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. $15, seniors $13, students $10, under 18 free. (updated Jun 2017)
14 Harvard Museum of Natural History, 26 Oxford St (T: Harvard), ☏ +1 617 495-3045. 9AM-5PM daily. Drawing from the University's vast natural history collections, the HMNH displays the famous Blaschka 'Glass Flowers' collection, dinosaurs (the world's only mounted 42 ft (13 m) long Kronosaurus), minerals, meteorites, gemstones (a 1,642 lb (745 kg) 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. $12, student/senior $10, under 18 $8. (updated Jun 2017)
15 MIT Museum, 265 Massachusetts Ave (T: Central), ☏ +1 617 253-5927. Sep-Jun: 10AM-5PM daily; Jul-Aug: 10AM-6PM daily. 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. Adults $10, youth/students/seniors $5, children under 5 free. Free admission last Sunday of the month Sep-Jun. (updated Jun 2017)
16 Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, 11 Divinity Ave (T: Harvard), ☏ +1 617 496-1027. 9AM-5PM daily. 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. $12, students/seniors $10, under 18 $8. (updated Jun 2017)
17 Putnam Gallery (The Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments), 1 Oxford St (T: Harvard), ☏ +1 617 495-2779. Su-F 11AM-4PM. Representing a broad range of scientific studies, this museum holds over 20,000 unique instruments dating from 1400 to present day. Free. (updated Jun 2017)
▸Do2,573 chars
1 The Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, ☏ +1 617 876-6837. 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.
2 Charles River Canoe & Kayak, 15 Broad Canal Way (T: Kendall), ☏ +1 617 965-5110. 8AM-10PM. 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. $15-20 per hour, $40-60 per day. (updated Jun 2017)
3 Charles Riverboat Company (CambridgeSide), 100 Cambridgeside Pl (T: Lechmere), ☏ +1 617 621-3001. May-Oct 10AM-7PM daily. Sightseeing, sunset, and architectural tours on the Charles River and Boston Harbor. $10-28. (updated Jun 2017)
4 The Comedy Studio (Hong Kong), 1238 Massachusetts Ave (T: Harvard), ☏ +1 617 661-6507. Th-Su 8PM. All shows begin at 8PM $10-15. (updated Jun 2017)
5 Fresh Pond Golf Course, 691 Huron Ave, ☏ +1 617 349-6282. Apr-Dec sunrise-sunset. Public course. Nine holes: $24-27, cart $20, private lesson $50. (updated Jun 2017)
6 Landmark Kendall Square (One Kendall Square), 355 Binney St (T: Kendall), ☏ +1 617 621-1202. 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. (updated Jun 2017)
7 The Lilypad, 1353 Cambridge St (Inman Square). Afternoons and evenings. A performance space, art gallery and community space for anything from yoga, to jazz jam nights, to lectures and workshops. Usually no cover. (updated Jun 2017)
8 Lynch Family Skatepark (T: Community College), ☏ +1 617 300-8172. Dawn-10PM. 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. Free. (updated Feb 2026)
9 Red Fox Escapes, 614 Massachusetts Ave (1 min walk from Red Line: Central Station), ☏ +1 617 417-8748, info@redfoxescapes.com. They have 2 games: The Heist (you get to steal a diamond) and The UBoat (WWII submarine themed). $34 per person. (updated Jul 2020)
10 BIDA contra dance, Masonic Temple, 1950 Massachusetts Ave, bida@bidadance.org. Sundays 7PM-10:30PM. 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. $5-$15 (sliding scale). (updated Jun 2023)
▸Music1,980 chars
11 The Cantab Lounge, 738 Massachusetts Ave (T: Central), ☏ +1 617 354-2685, info@thecantablounge.com. M-W 8AM-1AM, Th-Sa 8AM-2AM, Su noon-1AM. 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. (updated Feb 2026)
12 The Middle East, 472/480 Massachusetts Av. (T: Central), ☏ +1 617 864-3278. Su-W 11AM-midnight, Th-Sa 11AM-1AM. 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. $4-12.
13 The Phoenix Landing, 512 Massachusetts Ave (T: Central), ☏ +1 617 576-6260. M-W 11AM-1AM, Th-Sa 11AM-2AM, Su 10AM-1AM. 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. (updated Jun 2017)
14 Plough and Stars, 912 Massachusetts Ave (T: Central), ☏ +1 617 576-0032. M 11:30AM-midnight, Tu W 11:30AM-1AM, Th F 11:30Am-2PM, Sa 11-2AM, Su 11Am-midnight. Another sorta Marxist bar down from People's with excellent live music. (updated Feb 2026)
15 The Sinclair, 52 Church St (T: Harvard), ☏ +1 617 547-5200. M-W 5PM-1AM, Th F 5PM-2AM, Sa 11AM-2AM, Su 11AM-1AM. Affiliated with Great Scott in Allston. (updated Jun 2017)
16 Zuzu, 474 Massachusetts Ave (T: Central), ☏ +1 617 864-3278. Su-Th 5PM-1AM, F Sa 5PM-2AM. This is also a middle-eastern tapas joint, which serves pretty good food at reasonable prices. (updated Jun 2017)
▸Events257 chars
Cambridge Carnival: Mid-September (T: Kendall). Noon-7PM. Free. (date needs fixing)
Oktoberfest: Mid-October, Harvard Square (T: Harvard). Free. (date needs fixing)
Head of the Charles Regatta: October, The Charles River (T: Harvard). 8AM-5PM. Free.
▸Learn2,262 chars
Many visitors to Cambridge are there to see its two major universities, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University, either as tourists or as prospective students. Both universities have extensive information for visiting prospects. As this typically varies with type of student (graduate, undergraduate) and program of study (for graduate students), prospectives are best advised to visit the school websites that interest them.
4 Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Building 10, room 100), 77 Massachusetts Ave (T: Kendall), ☏ +1 617 253-4795. Information sessions and tours M-F 10AM & 2:30PM. The MIT Office of Admissions requests that prospective students make tour reservations beforehand. At 10AM and 2:30PM information sessions take place, and after the presentation a student-led campus tour will get underway. Free. (updated Jun 2017)
5 Harvard Events and Information Center (Smith Campus Center), 30 Dunster St (T: Harvard), ☏ +1 617 495-1573, fax: +1 617 495-0905. M-Sa 9AM-5PM. Student-led free tours of campus originate from here. It also has interactive computer displays, a print library, a video room, and you can pick up flyers for all of the free lectures, films, and classes at University museums, such as the Harvard Museum of Natural History, and the Harvard Art Museum. Free. (updated Jun 2017)
Harvard Yard, located right by the Harvard stop on the Red Line subway, is the center of Harvard College (the university's undergraduate arm) and a favorite of tourists, who can often be seen taking pictures of each other at the statue of John Harvard, located in front of Massachusetts Hall.
In the shadows of these two giants are other fine schools.
6 Lesley University, 29 Everett St, ☏ +1 617 868-9600.
7 Hult International Business School, 1 Education St, ☏ +1 617 746-1990.
8 Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, 2020 Massachusetts Ave, ☏ +1 617-354-2020. Besides professional culinary and pastry programs, it offers 1-6 day classes for the general public. (updated Oct 2021)
9 Longy School of Music of Bard College, 27 Garden St, ☏ +1 617-876-0956, info@longy.edu. The school hosts about 200 concerts a year, free but $10-20 donation requested. See website for schedule and to get tickets. (updated Dec 2021)
▸Buy2,332 chars
1 Armageddon Shop, 12 Eliot St (T: Harvard), ☏ +1 617 492-1235. M-Sa noon-8PM, Su noon-6PM. 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. (updated Jun 2017)
2 CambridgeSide, 100 Cambridgeside Pl (T: Lechmere), ☏ +1 617 621-8666. M-Sa 10AM-9PM, Su noon-7PM. 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. (updated Feb 2020)
3 The Garage, 36 JFK St (T: Harvard). M-Sa 10AM-10PM, Su 11AM-8PM. 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. (updated Jun 2017)
4 The Garment District, 200 Broadway (T: Kendall), ☏ +1 617 876-5230. Su-F 11AM-8PM, Sa 9AM-8PM. 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. (updated Jun 2017)
5 Leavitt & Peirce, 1316 Massachusetts Ave (T: Harvard), ☏ +1 617 547-0576, info@leavitt-peirce.com. M-Sa 10AM-6PM, Su noon-6PM. 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. (updated Feb 2026)
6 Oona's, 1210 Massachusetts Ave (T: Harvard), ☏ +1 617 491-2654. 11AM-6PM daily. Decent selection of vintage clothing for men and women. Accessories selection is very good. (updated Jun 2017)
7 Planet Records, 144 Mt Auburn St (T: Harvard), ☏ +1 617 492-0693, planet@planet-records.com. M-Th 11AM-8PM, F Sa 10AM-9PM, Su noon-7PM. 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. (updated Jun 2017)
▸Bookstores1,328 chars
8 Harvard Book Store, 1256 Massachusetts Ave, ☏ +1 800-542-READ (7323). 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.
9 The Harvard Coop, 1400 Massachusetts Ave (T: Harvard), ☏ +1 617 499-2000. Official bookstore for Harvard which boasts a huge selection (four stories) of academic and general books. Run by Barnes and Noble. (updated Jun 2017)
10 MIT Press Bookstore, 314 Main St (T: Central), ☏ +1 617 253-5249. M-F 10AM-6PM. 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. (updated Apr 2023)
11 Porter Square Books, 1815 Mass Ave (T: Porter), ☏ +1 617 491-2220. M-F 7AM-9PM, Sa Su 8AM-7PM. Independent book store located in Lesley’s University Hall. (updated Jun 2017)
12 Grolier Poetry Book Shop, 6 Plympton St, ☏ +1 617-547-4648. W-F and 1st Sa of each month: 11AM-7PM. A one-room bookshop focused entirely on poetry. It regularly hosts poetry readings, check website for schedule and signup. (updated Dec 2021)
▸Eat610 chars
With a dizzying array of options, and slightly less stringent liquor laws, Cambridge is every bit as much a dining destination as Boston. Sometimes more so. Many restaurants cluster around Harvard and Central Squares, and finding standbys like Anna's Taqueria and Clover Food Lab is a piece of cake. If you're willing to stray a bit beyond the subway stops (and you should be), you'll quickly discover many less-travelled neighborhood gems. Consider this simply a brief overview of current trends and old standbys. By all means follow your instincts, just don't make any rash decisions due to an empty stomach!
▸Budget3,178 chars
1 Pinocchio's Pizza, 74 Winthrop St (T: Harvard), ☏ +1 617 876-4897. M-Sa 11AM-1AM, Su 1PM-midnight. 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. Slices are a few bucks, subs from $6. (updated Jun 2017)
2 Aleppo Palace, 25 Central Square (T: Central), ☏ +1 617 945-7449. M-Sa 11AM-11PM, Su 11AM-7PM. Located in a tiny "castle", this inexpensive Middle-Eastern restaurant serves up delicious shawarma, kebab, and their namesake falafel. Sandwiches $5-9, platters $7-10. (updated Jun 2017)
3 Basta Pasta, 319 Western Ave (T: Central), ☏ +1 617 576-6672. M-Sa 11AM-10PM, Su 3PM-10PM. 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. $8-12. (updated Jun 2017)
4 Veggie Galaxy, 450 Massachusetts Ave (T: Central), ☏ +1 617 497-1513. Su-Th 9AM-10PM, F Sa 9AM-11PM. 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. $8-14. (updated Jun 2017)
5 Mr. Bartley's Burger Cottage, 1246 Massachusetts Ave (T: Harvard), ☏ +1 617 354-6559. Tu-Sa 11AM-9PM. 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. $16-25. (updated Feb 2026)
6 Yume Wo Katare, 1923 Massachusetts Ave (T: Porter), ☏ +1 617 714-4008. Tu-Sa noon-2PM, 5-10PM. 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. $12-14. Cash only, tax included. (updated Jun 2017)
▸Ice cream850 chars
8 Christina's Homemade Ice Cream, 1255 Cambridge St (Inman Square), ☏ +1 617 492-7021. Su-Th 11:30AM-10:30PM, F Sa 11:30AM-11PM. (updated Jun 2017)
9 Honeycomb Creamery, 1702 Massachusetts Ave (T: Porter), ☏ +1 617 714-3983. M-W 10AM-10PM, Th-Su 10AM-11PM. (updated Jun 2017)
10 Lizzy's Homemade Ice Cream, 29 Church St (T: Harvard), ☏ +1 617 354-2911. Noon-10PM daily. Home-style ice cream. (updated Jun 2017)
11 Toscanini's, 899 Main St (T: Central), ☏ +1 857-777-7899. Noon–10PM. 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). (updated Jul 2026)
▸Mid-range1,729 chars
12 Alive & Kicking Lobsters, 269 Putnam Ave (T: Central), ☏ +1 617 876-0451. M-Sa 11AM-6PM, Su 11AM-4PM. Lobster roll $17. (updated Jun 2017)
13 Cafe Sushi, 1105 Massachusetts Ave (T: Harvard), ☏ +1 617 492-0434. M-Sa noon-2:30PM, 5:30PM-10PM; Su 5:30PM-10PM. Starters $6-9, mains $16-20. (updated Jun 2017)
14 Waypoint, 1030 Massachusetts Ave (T: Harvard), ☏ +1 617 864-2300. M-Sa 5:30PM-1AM; Su 10AM-2:30PM, 5PM-1AM. $16-24+. (updated Jun 2017)
15 Muqueca, 1008 Cambridge St (Inman Square), ☏ +1 617 354-3296. Tu-Sa 11AM-10:30PM, Su noon-9:30PM. Serves Brazilian food cooked in clay pots. Don't miss the fried plantains, the shrimp bobó, and the muqueca itself. Starters $8-12, mains $14-28. (updated Jun 2017)
16 Giulia, 1682 Massachusetts Ave (T: Porter), ☏ +1 617 441-2800. M-Th 5:30PM-10PM, F Sa 5:30PM-11PM. Starters $12-18, mains $18-29+. (updated Jun 2017)
17 Oleana, 134 Hampshire St (Inman Square), ☏ +1 617 661-0505. Su-Th 5:30-10PM, F Sa 5:30-11PM. 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. (updated Jun 2017)
18 Sofra Bakery & Cafe, 1 Belmont St (T: 71 or 73 bus from Harvard station), ☏ +1 617-661-3161, info@sofrabakery.com. 8AM-5PM. (updated Jun 2026)
19 Dumpling House, 950 Massachusetts Ave (T: Central), ☏ +1 617 661-8066. 11AM-9:30PM. (updated Jun 2026)
20 The Helmand, 143 First St (T: Lechmere), ☏ +1 617 492-4646. Sunday to Thursday 5PM–10PM; Friday & Saturday 5PM–11PM. (updated Jun 2026)
▸Splurge1,183 chars
21 Les Sablons, 2 Bennett St (T: Harvard), ☏ +1 617 268-6800. Su-Th 5-10PM, F Sa 5-11PM. Starters $14-20, mains $30-40. (updated Jun 2017)
22 Harvest, 44 Brattle St (T: Harvard), ☏ +1 617 868-2255. M-Th noon-2:30PM, 5:30PM-10PM; F Sa noon-2:30PM, 5:30-11PM; Su 11:30-2:30, 5:30-10PM. 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. Lunch $20-30, dinner $40-60. (updated Jun 2017)
23 Pagu, 310 Massachusetts Ave (T: Central), ☏ +1 617 945-9290. M-Sa 11:30AM-11PM. Bites $7-14, Four course menu $60, cocktails $10-12. (updated Jun 2017)
24 The Table (Season to Taste), 2447 Massachusetts Ave (T: Davis), ☏ +1 617 871-9468. Tu-Sa 5:30PM-10PM. Three courses and dessert for $70. (updated Jun 2017)
25 Puritan & Company, 1166 Cambridge St (T: Central), ☏ +1 617 615-6195. M-Th 5:30PM-11PM; F Sa 5:30PM-midnight; Su 10:30AM-2PM, 5:30-10PM. Six course seasonal $75, à la carte $12-36. (updated Jun 2017)
26 Craigie on Main, 853 Main St (T: Central), ☏ +1 617 497-5511. Tu-Su 5:30PM-midnight. Five-course prix fixe $85. (updated Jun 2017)
▸Drink1,611 chars
1 A4cade (Roxy's Central), 292 Massachusetts Ave (T: Central), ☏ +1 617 714-3960. M-F 5AM-1AM, Sa noon-1AM, Su noon-midnight. Beer, grilled cheese, and arcade games, what more could you ask for? Oh yeah, there's pinball too. (updated Jun 2017)
2 Charlie's Kitchen, 10 Eliot St (T: Harvard), ☏ +1 617 492-9646. Su-W 11AM-1AM, Th-Sa 11AM-2AM. 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. (updated Jun 2017)
3 Grendel's Den, 89 Winthrop St (T: Harvard), ☏ +1 617 491-1160. M-Sa noon-1AM, Su 4PM-1AM. 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. (updated Jun 2017)
4 Lord Hobo, 92 Hampshire St (T: Kendall), ☏ +1 617 250-8454. M-F 4PM-1AM, Sa Su 11AM-2AM. 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). (updated Jun 2017)
5 Miracle of Science, 321 Massachusetts Ave (T: Central), ☏ +1 617 868-2866. 11AM-1AM daily. Popular with MIT grads, professors, and local tech company programmer types. Order off a slightly skewed periodic table of elements. (updated Jun 2017)
▸Breweries419 chars
6 Lamplighter Brewing, 284 Broadway (T: Central), ☏ +1 617 945-0450. Tu-Sa 11AM-midnight, Su 11AM-10PM. 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. (updated Jun 2017)
▸Coffee803 chars
7 1369 Coffeehouse, 1369 Cambridge St (Inman Square), ☏ +1 617 576-1369. M-F 7AM-10PM, Sa Su 8AM-10PM. Coffee shop and arthouse combined. You'll probably visit the one in Central square, however. (updated Jun 2017)
8 Flour Bakery, 190 Massachusetts Ave (T: Central), ☏ +1 617 225-2525. M-F 6:30AM-8PM, Sa 8AM-6PM, Su 8AM-5PM. 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. (updated Jun 2017)
9 Petsi Pies, 31 Putnam Ave (T: Harvard), ☏ +1 617 499-0801. M-F 7AM-6PM, Sa Su 8AM-6PM. Fantastic local bakery and coffee shop. One other location north of the square near Porter. (updated Jun 2017)
▸Sleep262 chars
One budget option is to peruse craigslist.org Boston for temporary listings for people who are gone for a week or a month and trying to rent out their apartment. In the summer, you might find a bedroom for $200–300/week, which will be a lot cheaper than a hotel.
▸Budget947 chars
1 A Friendly Inn at Harvard Square, 1673 Cambridge St (T: Harvard), ☏ +1 617 547-7851, fax: +1 617 547-0202. Victorian House with 20-some guest rooms, private bathrooms, high speed wi-fi and parking, breakfast, front desk 24/7. From $100, $90 in winter. (updated Jun 2017)
2 A Cambridge House Inn, 2218 Massachusetts Ave (T: Davis), ☏ +1 617 491-6300, fax: +1 617 868-2848. 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. From $130. (updated Aug 2023)
3 Irving House at Harvard, 24 Irving St (T: Harvard), ☏ +1 617 547-4600, fax: +1 617 576-2814, stay@irvinghouse.com. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. 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. From $65. (updated Feb 2021)
▸Mid-range994 chars
4 Courtyard Boston Cambridge, 777 Memorial Dr (T: Central), ☏ +1 617 492-7777. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. From $200. (updated Jun 2017)
5 Boston Marriott Cambridge, 50 Broadway (T: Kendall), ☏ +1 617 494-6600. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: noon. 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. From $230. (updated Feb 2026)
6 Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Cambridge, 120 Broadway (T: Kendall), ☏ +1 617 349-0700. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: noon. From $250. (updated Jun 2017)
7 Mary Prentiss Inn, 6 Prentiss St (T: Porter), ☏ +1 617 661-2929. Historic Greek revival style hotel with 20 furnished rooms, most with refrigerators and microwaves. From $260. (updated Feb 2026)
8 Freepoint Hotel - Tapestry Collection by Hilton, 220 Alewife Brook Pkwy (T: Alewife), ☏ +1 617 491-8000. New in 2017 with a cool restaurant/bar on the ground floor. From $280. (updated Feb 2026)
▸Splurge888 chars
9 Kendall Hotel, 350 Main St (T: Kendall), ☏ +1 617 577-1300, toll-free: +1-866 566-1300. An old firehouse turned into a cozy hotel. From $300. (updated Jun 2025)
10 Royal Sonesta Boston, 40 Edwin Land Blvd (T: Lechmere), ☏ +1 617 806-4200. From $300. (updated Jun 2017)
11 Le Méridien Cambridge-MIT, 20 Sydney St (T: Central), ☏ +1 617 577-0200. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. 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. From $320. (updated Jun 2017)
12 The Charles Hotel, 1 Bennett St (T: Harvard), ☏ +1 617 864-1200. From $360. (updated Jun 2017)
13 Hyatt Regency Cambridge, 575 Memorial Dr (T: Central), ☏ +1 617 492-1234. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: noon. Stay in the ziggurat overlooking the Charles! From $420. (updated Jun 2017)
▸Stay safe899 chars
Cambridge is generally very safe, though it is a city and the standard precautions should be observed. The neighborhood of East Cambridge, which is near the Charlestown border and on the Charles River, usually has the city's highest crime rate (of course, this observation is relative to the Cambridge's low crime rate overall).
Emergency services can be contacted by dialing 9-1-1.
As a rule, most crime in Cambridge that might affect a traveller is property crime. Parked vehicles with electronic equipment visible — laptops, mobile phones, GPS units, iPods, and the like — are the most likely to be targeted.
Pepper spray is considered a weapon in Massachusetts, and is sold only by licensed dealers to persons who have obtained a firearms identification card. Massachusetts does not honor firearms licenses from other states.
For more information, visit the Cambridge Police Department online.
▸Connect1,255 chars
10 Main Branch (Cambridge Public Library), 449 Broadway (T: Harvard), ☏ +1 617 349-4040. M-Th 9AM-9PM, F Sa 9AM-5PM, Su 1-5PM. Renovated in 2009, the library melds the original 1880s Romanesque revival structure with a striking glass building atop a spacious lawn. Free wifi throughout. Parking available underground. Free. (updated Jan 2020)
11 Boudreau Branch (Cambridge Public Library), 245 Concord Ave (T: Porter), ☏ +1 617 349-4017. M W F 10AM-6PM, Tu 10AM-8PM. Free. (updated Jun 2017)
12 Central Square Branch (Cambridge Public Library), 45 Pearl St (T: Central), ☏ +1 617 349-4010. M W F 10AM-6PM, Tu Th 10AM-9PM, Sa 10AM-2PM. Free. (updated Jun 2017)
13 Collins Branch (Cambridge Public Library), 64 Aberdeen Ave (T: Harvard), ☏ +1 617 349-4021. M Tu F 10AM-6PM, Th 1PM-8PM. Free. (updated Jun 2017)
14 O'Connell Branch (Cambridge Public Library), 48 Sixth St (T: Lechmere), ☏ +1 617 349-4019. M-W 10AM-8PM, Th F 10AM-6PM. Free. (updated Jun 2017)
15 O'Neill Branch (Cambridge Public Library), 70 Rindge Ave (T: Porter), ☏ +1 617 349-4023. M W 10AM-8PM, Th F 10AM-6PM. Free. (updated Jun 2017)
16 Valente Branch (Cambridge Public Library), 826 Cambridge St (T: Lechmere), ☏ +1 617 349-4015. Closed for renovations. Free. (updated Apr 2019)
▸Houses of worship1,065 chars
17 First Parish Cambridge Unitarian Universalist, 3 Church St (Harvard Square), ☏ +1 617 876-7772. (updated Jan 2020)
18 Temple Beth Shalom of Cambridge (The Tremont Street Shul), 8 Tremont St. Friday night partnership services, Saturday morning mechitza and egalitarian services, hosts Minyan Tehillah (partnership) every other Saturday morning.
19 Islamic Society of Boston, 204 Prospect St.
20 Pentecostal Tabernacle, 77 Columbia St.
21 St John The Evangelist Roman Catholic, 2254 Massachusetts Ave, ☏ +1 617-547-4880. (updated Dec 2020)
22 Reservoir Church, 15 Notre Dame Ave.
23 St Paul AME Church, 85 Bishop Allen Dr.
24 Cambridge Community Fellowship Church, 234 Franklin St.
25 The Society of St. John The Evangelist: A Monastic Community of the Episcopal Church, 980 Memorial Dr.
26 Friends Meeting at Cambridge, 5 Longfellow Park.
27 Cambridge Zen Center, 199 Auburn St, ☏ +1 617-576-3229. (updated Feb 2026)
28 Faith Lutheran Church, 311 Broadway.
29 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon) Church, 2 Longfellow Park.
▸Go next885 chars
Head just across the town line and get a taste of one of the many squares of Somerville.
Head over to South Boston and decide if you prefer the ambiance of the contemporary Seaport district, or Fort Point's charming bricks.
Stroll past stately Victorian architecture along scenic Newbury Street, Boston's preeminent shopping and dining destination.
On weekends find treasures you didn't know you were looking for at SoWa Open Market, the biggest open air marketplace around.
Enjoying the museums? Don't miss the Museum of Fine Arts and the Isabella Stewart Gardner, both found in Fenway.
If there weren't enough music options here for you, try your luck with scene in Allston Rock City.
Explore more of Massachusetts' revolutionary history in nearby Lexington and Concord.
Seek out early American history on itineraries such as From Plymouth to Hampton Roads or American Industry Tour.
Facts
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Source
WBP almanac
External sources
Media
From Wikipedia199 words
WBP editorial3
Beyond Harvard: neighbourhoods that shape daily life
While the university campus dominates the skyline, Cambridge’s character is defined by its residential blocks. In areas like Inman Square, you’ll find a quiet blend of late‑Victorian row houses and a food scene that rivals any downtown district, from Ethiopian coffee houses to artisanal bakeries. A short walk west brings you to the historic Porter Square, where commuter rails intersect with a bustling market of independent record stores and vintage clothing shops. These neighbourhoods offer a glimpse of the city’s multicultural roots, where long‑time families coexist with tech start‑ups, creating a rhythm that feels distinctly local and less scripted than the campus tours.
Cycling the Charles: a commuter’s perspective
Cambridge’s bike infrastructure is more than a tourist novelty; it’s the backbone of daily mobility for many residents. The dedicated paths along the Charles River provide a scenic, traffic‑free conduit between Kendall Square’s biotech hub and the historic heart of the city. Riders often time their journey to avoid the midday surge of cyclists heading to the nearby Kendall Square tech corridor, opting instead for the early‑morning calm when the river’s mist adds a quiet ambiance. Portable bike‑repair stations and pop‑up repair cafes are scattered throughout, reflecting the city’s practical approach to sustaining a bike‑first culture.