Stroll through Harvard Square in Cambridge

#14 in Best Things To Do in Boston

All Things To Do

stroll-through-harvard-square-in-cambridge

Key Info

Cambridge

Price & Hours

Free
-

Details

Museums, Free, Neighborhood/Area, Sightseeing
Time to Spend: Half Day to Full Day

Exploring Cambridge

Cambridge, located about 3 miles northwest of Boston's city center, is famously known for housing Harvard University and MIT. However, there's more to see in Cambridge beyond these prestigious institutions. The city boasts an impressive array of cultural institutions offering collections and exhibitions that range from fine art to technological innovations.

Museums

Harvard Art Museums

The Harvard Art Museums, which include the Fogg Museum, Busch-Reisinger Museum, and Arthur M. Sackler Museum, showcase an extensive collection encompassing various periods, styles, and mediums. Visitors can find modern photography, 13th-century sculptures, and paintings by legends such as Georgia O’Keeffe, Picasso, and Jackson Pollock.

Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology

For history enthusiasts, the Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology offers exhibits that explore ancient Latin American cultures, the evolution of American eating habits and tableware, and the lives of Native Americans.

Harvard Museum of Natural History

If science intrigues you, the Harvard Museum of Natural History is a must-visit. It features dinosaur fossils, rare minerals, and animal specimens from regions as varied as New England and Asia.

Harvard Square

Once you’ve explored the educational institutions, immerse yourself in the vibrant Harvard Square, widely considered to be Cambridge's city center. Here, you'll find an assortment of shops, dining options, bars, and independent bookstores, including the country's longest-running poetry bookstore.

Charles River

A short distance from Harvard Square lies the Charles River, especially picturesque during the spring and summer months. If you visit during these seasons, consider packing a picnic or renting a bike or kayak to explore the scenic river.

Getting There

Cambridge makes for an ideal day trip and is easily accessible via Boston's subway system. You can take the Red Line, which stops at Harvard Square, or the Green Line if your destination is East Cambridge.

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