What to Do in Cambridge, Massachusetts

Cambridge, Massachusetts is located just across the Charles River from Boston. This charming town is made up of historic brick buildings, eclectic shopping, cozy cafes, Irish pubs, and world famous Universities (Harvard University, MIT). Growing up in Boston I always loved visiting Harvard Square for shopping and sitting down at a cafe while people watching. Cambridge is a must visit if you are in Boston. It is also a great area to stay in on your Boston trip because of the fun things to do and close proximity to the cities best attractions. Read on to discover What to Do in Cambridge, Massachusetts - From a Local.

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Where To Stay In Cambridge, MA

best hotels in cambridge, ma — *Hotel 1868*

Luxury Hotels In Cambridge, MA

The Charles Hotel - Located in the heart of Harvard Square is the lovely Charles Hotel. This elegant hotel offers guests with 4 restaurants, a spa, a fitness center, a bar, family sized rooms, and more. The Charles is a great place to stay for couples or families.

Kimpton Marlowe Hotel - Situated just across from Boston on the Charles River is the charming Kimpton Marlowe Hotel. At the Kimpton you will find a restaurant, a gym, a bar, and breakfast served daily.

Middle Range Hotels In Cambridge, MA

Hotel 1868 - Located a few minutes walks away from Harvard Square is the adorable Hotel 1868. This boutique hotel offers guests with cute clean rooms and a gym. There is a Cafe Nero next door to Hotel 1868, so if you are a fellow coffee addict you will love this. When I stayed here and it was raining the staff gave us umbrellas and were very helpful overall. (photo above)

Le Méridien - Le Méridien is located in the center or Cambridge (just a mile from Harvard). At Le Méridien you will find a gym, a restaurant, family sized rooms, a bar, a breakfast served daily.

Budget Hotels In Cambridge, MA

A Cambridge House Inn - If you are looking for a unique experience in Cambridge, checkout the Cambridge House Hotel. At this tiny hotel you will stay in a historical house in the heart of Cambridge.

Porter Square Hotel - Located in Porter Square (near Tufts University) is the lovely Porter Square Hotel. At this charming hotel you will find cozy rooms, a bar, a restaurant, and more.

Visit Harvard University

One of the main reasons anyone visits Cambridge is to visit Harvard University. I mean it is pretty iconic. You can either just explore Harvard Yard on your own or book a tour, which are hard to get into (if you book with the school). If you book a tour with Viator you can easily get in one.

I have never done one of these tours, I have just walked through the campus to get somewhere, but if you are interested in learning more about Harvard be sure to checkout this tour.

Book Here - Tour of Harvard University

Explore Harvard Square

Harvard Square is a cute little area full of shop, cafes, and restaurants located just outside of Harvard University.

While in Harvard Square be sure to visit Union Square Donuts, The Harvard Bookstore, and Cardullo's Gourmet Shoppe.

Visit L.A. Burdick Chocolate House

L.A. Burdick is a hidden gem in Cambridge. This hole in the wall chocolate house is the perfect place to go on a snowy night in Boston to grab a hot chocolate. Be sure to get one of the chocolate mouses and try the hot cocoa - it's seriously the best I have ever had!

Visit The Museums

It comes at no surprise that Cambridge is full of top notch museums. With wicked smart professors and students from the nearby universities there are a few interesting museums, if you are into that sort of thing.

If you are hoping to go to science museums visit the MIT Museum and The Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments at the Putnam Gallery. If you want to checkout things that are easier to understand visit the Harvard Art Museum and Harvard Museum Of Natural History.

Have Brunch At Tatte

Tatte is the perfect place to enjoy everything lunch, breakfast, and brunch. This amazing cafe is a staple in Boston and they have a location right by Harvard with tons of seating. Be sure to try the Tatte Latte and there classic breakfast sandwich!

Explore Kendall Square

Located by the Charles River and near MIT, Kendall Square is home to unique shopping and a plethora of tech companies. While Kendall Square isn't as charming with old architecture like in Harvard Square, it does offers stunning views of the Charles River and green spaces.

While In Kendall Square be sure to grab food at Mamaleh's Delicatessen and visit the Kendall Square Rooftop Garden.

Where To Dine In Cambridge

Coffee & Breakfast In Cambridge

Tatte - Made fresh daily, plenty of seating, all things breakfast, brunch, and lunch right next to Harvard University.
Broadsheet Coffee Roasters - Corner cafe situated in the heart of Cambridge, casual grab and go type place with plenty of seating.
Curio Coffee - Laid back cafe located on Cambridge Street. Coffee, Belgium waffles, tea, plenty of seating.

Best Restaurants In Cambridge

Oak Bistro - Relaxed farm to table bistro located in Mid-Cambridge
Giulia - Quaint Italian joint within walking distance of Harvard Square.
Russell House Tavern - Situated in Harvard Square, serves both casual bar food and carefully curated plates.

When To Visit Cambridge

The overall best time to visit Boston & Cambridge is during the summer and fall due to the nice weather and long days. Winters can be pretty brutal in New England, and staying inside while exploring new places is not ideal. Late spring is ok, but don't go before late April/May.

Best Tours To Take In Cambridge

Tour of Harvard University - Student lead tour one of the most prestigious universities in the world.
Illustrious Schools: Group Tour of MIT And Harvard
Public MIT Campus Guided Walking Tour
Harvard Square Chocolate Tour - Tour of the historic Harvard Square with some stops for sweets!
Harvard Square Cambridge Food & Walking Tour - Try the best food Harvard Square has to offer on this walking & food tour.

How To Get To Cambridge, MA

Obviously the closest airport to Cambridge is Boston Logan Airport. Getting to Cambridge from Logan is easy - you can uber, take the T, or a bus. You don't need to rent a car as Boston & Cambridge are both quite small and there are plenty of public transit options.

Book your Flight To Boston Here