Things to do & places to visit in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States

Home to two of America's most prestigious universities, Cambridge exudes a certain intellectual quirkiness. A mix of historical haunts, student hang-outs, alternative art and culture venues, vintage clothing shops, bookstores and ethnic restaurants, the city is, well, really cool. Although it is located just across the Charles River from Boston, Cambridge has a distinct vibe that is noticeable immediately. Start at Harvard Square, a hub of activity and mishmash of trendy stores, outdoor cafes and colorful local characters. Pick up a walking tour map at the visitors information booth in the center of the Square. The route will take you past many important landmarks including the Mount Auburn Cemetery, Tory Row and the Longfellow National Historic Site. Harvard University offers student-led tours through the illustrious buildings and monuments of its sprawling campus. Art and architecture buffs should meander around the M.I.T campus, which includes outdoor sculptures by masters such as Picasso and 20th-century buildings designed by modern greats like Eero Saarinen and I. M. Pei. Along the way, browse through bookstores, stop to watch street performers and grab a coffee at an outdoor café to take in all this captivating city has to offer.

Cambridge city in Massachusetts, United States. Timezone: America/New_York, current date and time: Sunday, April 28, 2024, 15:45.

Top things to do (24)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Mount Auburn Cemetery (621 reviews)
- A quintessential hidden gem
Sunday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Cemeteries

Mount Auburn Cemetery was founded in 1831 as America's first landscaped cemetery. A National Historic Landmark, its renowned landscape inspired the creation of the nation's public parks. Mount Auburn was designated an Important Bird Area by the Massachusetts Audubon Society, reinforcing its status as a significant wildlife sanctuary. Still an active burial place, Mount Auburn Cemetery provides comfort and solace to countless families. The Friends of Mount Auburn Cemetery was established in 1986 to assist in the conservation of the Cemetery's natural beauty and to promote the appreciation of its cultural, historic, and natural resources. Over 100 public programs are offered annually by the Friends to educate, enrich, and inspire the community. The Friends seeks financial support for education and interpretive programs and materials for the public, specific cultural projects, and operational support for horticultural rejuvenation and the preservation of the historic monuments, structures, and archival artifacts and records. See more..
5.0 Red Fox Escapes (374 reviews)
- Perfect for everyone
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

Do you love immersive adventures and solving puzzles? Come and inhabit a new character for an hour, and let us transport you on an adventure you'll remember for a lifetime while you're visiting Cambridge, MA. We're located between Harvard University and MIT, right next to Central subway station, surrounded by great bars and restaurants. See more..
5.0 The Fogg Art Museum (28 reviews)
- Fogg Continues to Impress
Speciality Museums

We spent 4 hours at the Fogg Art Museum on the Harvard Campus and were very impressed with the galleries and holdings. Reservations are necessary; we made ours standing at the museum check-in desk. The Fogg holdings also included those from the Sackler and Busch-Reisinger, so it was not necessary to walk to other nearby buildings. Only disappointment was that the cafe was not open, so plan your refreshments in advance. Overall, our experience was very enjoyable. See more..
4.5 Harvard University (3.164 reviews)
- Love it
Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Universities & Schools

Founded in 1636, Harvard is America's oldest institute of higher learning and one of the country's most prestigious universities. Among the illustrious alumni are civil rights leader W.E.B. Du Bois, philosopher Henry David Thoreau, writer Gertrude Stein, composer Leonard Bernstein, cellist Yo Yo Ma and seven U.S. presidents. See more..
4.5 Harvard Museum of Natural History (1.202 reviews)
- What an unexpectedly amazing place!
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Natural History Museums

Please see our visit page for our "Know, Show, Go" Covid-19 policies: https://hmsc.harvard.edu/visit. At the Harvard Museum of Natural History, just steps away from the historic Harvard Yard, you can witness the amazing artistry of the celebrated Blaschka glass flowers & sea creature collections, roar with the Siberian tiger, buzz with honeybees, find your birthstone gem, and go back in time in Romer Hall, home of the famous 42-foot Kronosaurus. The Harvard Museum of Natural History is the most-visited attraction at Harvard—for its incomparable collections based on the research of scientists across the University, and its ongoing exhibitions like Climate Change, The Rockefeller Beetles, Birds of the World, Marine Life, and more. The Harvard Museum of Natural History’s mission is to enhance public understanding and appreciation of the natural world and the human place in it, sparking curiosity and a spirit of discovery in people of all ages. See more..
4.5 Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) (1.058 reviews)
- Beautiful walk & visitor friendly campus
Educational sites

One of the world's leading educational institutions, with an emphasis on math and sciences, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is located on the banks of the Charles River. The M.I.T. campus includes many modern buildings designed by famous architects and is worth exploring. See more..
4.5 Charles River (801 reviews)
- Super
Bodies of Water • Scenic Drives

A nature reservation covering 950 acres along both sides of the Charles River offers bicycle and jogging paths, 12 tennis courts, six swimming pools and the popular Hatch Memorial Shell with live concerts. See more..
4.5 Harvard Art Museums (490 reviews)
- Amazing Museum
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums

The Harvard Art Museums, among the world’s leading art institutions, comprise three museums (the Fogg, Busch-Reisinger, and Arthur M. Sackler Museums) all under one roof. Masterpieces among our more than a quarter million works include works by Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, Georgia O’Keefe, and Jackson Pollock; contemporary works by internationally recognized artists such as Kara Walker, Ai Weiwei, and Kerry James Marshall; and an array of remarkable objects from ancient cultures in the Mediterranean, Near East, and Far East. Our special exhibitions give us the chance to showcase an even wider range of works spanning diverse media, genres, and eras. See more..
4.5 Charles River Bike Path (223 reviews)
- Best run in Boston
Biking Trails

This area along the banks of the Charles where the river broadens into the basin is one of the nicest spots in town for a walk, run, or ride when the weather is pleasant. The flowering trees along the water definitely make it worth a visit in early May. See more..
4.5 Longfellow House Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site (172 reviews)
- Longfellow and Washington's Site Tour with Free Admission
Sunday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites

Longfellow House - Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site preserves the home of Henry W. Longfellow, one of the world's foremost 19th century poets. The house also served as headquarters for General George Washington during the Siege of Boston, July 1775 - April 1776. In addition to its rich history, the site offers unique opportunities to explore 19th century literature and arts. The site is now closed for the season. We will reopen in May 2019! See the website for more information on programs and scheduling group tours. See more..
4.5 Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology (166 reviews)
- Hidden Gem
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums

From towering Native American totem poles and large Maya sculptures to precious artifacts of the ancient world, the Peabody Museum is among the oldest archaeological and ethnographic museums in the world with one of the finest collections of human cultural history found anywhere. The Peabody Museum was founded in 1866 and is one of the oldest museums in the world devoted to anthropology, the study of ancient and contemporary peoples and cultures. The museum building adjoins the Harvard Museum of Natural History complex on the north side of the main Harvard campus. With 1.2 million objects, the Museum has one of the largest archaeological and ethnological collections in the world, including extensive archives of documents and historic photographs. The collections are heavily used by researchers, descendant communities, Harvard faculty and courses given by universities throughout the region. The museum also has an Education department that serves primary and secondary school students. See more..
4.5 A.R.T. - American Repertory Theater (88 reviews)
- A Boston Area Treasure
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM Theaters

The A.R.T. at Harvard University is a leading force in the American theater, producing groundbreaking work in Cambridge and beyond. The A.R.T. was founded in 1980 by Robert Brustein, who served as Artistic Director until 2002, when he was succeeded by Robert Woodruff. Diane Paulus began her tenure as Artistic Director in 2008. Under her leadership, the A.R.T. seeks to expand the boundaries of theater by programming events that immerse audiences in transformative theatrical experiences. Throughout its history, the A.R.T. has been honored with many distinguished awards, including consecutive Tony Awards for Best Revival of a Musical for Pippin (2013) and The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess (2012), both of which Paulus directed; a Pulitzer Prize; a Jujamcyn Prize for outstanding contribution to the development of creative talent; the Tony Award for Best Regional Theater; and numerous Elliot Norton and I.R.N.E. Awards. The A.R.T. collaborates with artists around the world to develop and create work in new ways. It is currently engaged in a number of multi-year projects, including the Civil War Project, an initiative that will culminate in the staging of new work in the 2014/15 season. Under Paulus's leadership, the A.R.T.'s club theater, OBERON, has become an incubator for local and emerging artists and has attracted national attention for its innovative programming and business models. As the professional theater on the campus of Harvard University, the A.R.T. catalyzes discourse, interdisciplinary collaboration, and creative exchange among a wide range of academic departments, institutions, students, and faculty members, acting as a conduit between its community of artists and the university. A.R.T. artists also teach undergraduate courses in directing, dramatic literature, acting, voice, design, and dramaturgy. The A.R.T. Institute for Advanced Theater Training, which is run in partnership with the Moscow Art Theater School, offers graduate-level training in acting, dr... See more..
4.5 Cambridge Public Library (78 reviews)
- Excellent
Spent 1-2 hours Libraries

Lovely building and employees with a huge selection of books either in-house or at other satellite locations. See more..
4.5 Stata Center (75 reviews)
- Funky and amazing architecture
Architectural Buildings

MIT Stata Center is one of the signature buildings in MIT. It’s an amazing and interesting architecture covered with lots of irregularly shaped mirrors. People love to play with their reflections and take funny photos. The mirrors were assembled in weird angles and curved into different shapes so you can have your imagination to make funky poses. See more..
4.5 Fresh Pond Reservation (71 reviews)
- A Lovely Place to Walk, Especially if you are a Dog lover
Biking Trails • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Jogging Paths & Tracks

I love walking around Fresh Pond- Even in the winter months with the trees bare and the ground frozen. It feels like you are miles away from the city. People walk their dogs here all the time- good thing I like dogs. Many let their dogs run free. I've only an an issue once where a dog was pretty aggressive- the owner finally got a clue and put him on leash. Definitely worth the walk. See more..
4.5 Memorial Drive (69 reviews)
- Pleasant Sunday morning drive.
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Scenic Drives

Busy, scenic street that winds along the Cambridge side of the Charles River. See more..
4.5 Sanders Theatre (63 reviews)
- Some of the best acoustics anywhere
Theaters

This is a wonderful intimate theater at Harvard. The structure is almost entirely wooden, and has a warm resonant sound that is instantly compelling. The theater is small, and every seat is great. No blocked view anywhere. There are many events taking place throughout the year. Chamber music is some of the best anywhere. Choral music is spectacular. Plan your trip around an event. You will rarely hear better. See more..
4.5 The Alchemist (54 reviews)
- Yes it is cool
Monuments & Statues

An interesting sculpture in an interesting surrounding. Liked it, wondered around it. There is something about this work of art... See more..
4.5 Cambridge Antique Market (31 reviews)
- Something for Everyone!
Antique Shops

SO MUCH STUFF! If you love antiquing and searching through tons and tons of vintage and antiques this is the place for you! See more..
4.5 North Point Park (16 reviews)
- Hidden gem
Parks

This park is a hidden gem! You can walk from Cambridge to the North End stopping to let the kids play along the way. It's highly recommended. See more..
4.5 Brattle Square (13 reviews)
- The back part of Harvard Square
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Street performers and students populate this lively Cambridge square. See more..
4.5 Museum of Comparative Zoology (11 reviews)
- A Great Place to Visit
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Science Museums

The Museum of Comparative Zoology (MCZ) at Harvard University is a center for research and education focused on the comparative relationships of animal life.The MCZ's public exhibits can be viewed at the Harvard Museum of Natural History (HMNH). See more..
4.5 Harvard University Herbaria (10 reviews)
- Glass flowers, amazing, now at Harvard Museum of Natural History
Speciality Museums • Natural History Museums

Originally called the "Museum of Vegetable Products" when it was founded in 1858, today this museum focuses on the study of useful plants and economic botany. See more..
4.0 Harvard Square (1.413 reviews)
- The heart of Cambridge
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

Welcome to Harvard Square Each year, over 8 million men, women and children visit Harvard Square. Visitors come for a variety of reasons; this is a place of history, of books, of ideas, and of learning. It is a place of bookstores and coffee houses, of fine dining and eclectic shopping. It is a place of folk music and old theaters, of Cuban ballet and world-class music, of street-performers and award-winning pizza, of public discourse, and public art. Whatever brings you here, we welcome you and hope you enjoy your stay. See more..
4.0 MIT Museum (670 reviews)
- Polaroid exhibit is outstanding
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Galleries • Speciality Museums • Science Museums

In October 2022 the completely re-imagined MIT Museum opened in Kendall Square Cambridge in its new location. With the aim to "turn MIT inside out" it invites visitors to take part in on-going research and demonstrate how science and innovation will shape the future of society. New exhibitions, new programming, new Store and more, we welcome all to join in discovery and join the conversation. See more..
4.0 John Harvard Statue (319 reviews)
- Who Was John Harvard?
Monuments & Statues

The John Harvard statue is most certainly the most photographed at the University. You will even see crowds waiting for their chance to stand in front of the statue. It is easy to find located just inside the gates to the Harvard Yard. The campus is beautiful so you may want to expand your walking tour to see some of the other sites including a very impressive library where you may be able to determine who John Harvard actual was or was not. See more..
4.0 CambridgeSide (171 reviews)
- Great Shopping
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Shopping Malls

CambridgeSide is an urban shopping center nestled alongside the scenic Charles River. Home more than 120 stores and restaurants, shoppers will be able to spend the day exploring some of their favorite brands, such as Banana Republic, Forever 21, Best Buy, Macy’s, H&M, T.J. Maxx, Old Navy, American Eagle, A|X Armani Exchange, J.Crew and many more. Enjoy casual dining at The Cheesecake Factory, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro and World of Beer, or grab a quick bite at the Food Court and get right back to shopping. Charles Riverboat departs CambridgeSide daily (when in season) and CambridgeSide is steps from Boston, Museum of Science and Boston Duck Tours. Named #1 Boston’s Best Malls & Shopping Centers, USA Today 10 Best. See more..
4.0 Cambridge Common (82 reviews)
- Small Park - Beautiful
Sunday: 10:30 AM - 1:00 AM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Parks

Whether you want to relax, people-watch or learn about Boston's rich heritage, visit this central meeting ground in the heart of historic Cambridge. See more..
4.0 Kendall Square (69 reviews)
- Next to MIT & Great Area to Stay
Neighborhoods

Nice place to stay, especially at the Marriott. Nice places to eat & close to a lot of good activities. MIT is next door & therefore a lot of academic types and their families frequent this area. Recommend. See more..
4.0 Porter Square (58 reviews)
- Unique little shops along Mass Ave
Neighborhoods

One of our favorite places to visit in Boston are the little shops just east of Porter Square along Mass Ave. There is a place to buy elegant hand made wrapping paper. A place for stocking stuffers. Across the street is a wonderful place to buy Christmas Tree decorations, crafts from around the world. We also love the store filled with clothing from Ireland. On your way back to Porter Square be sure to get some Japanese noodles in the Sears building and go down into the subway to see the bronzed gloves (Artwork) between the escalators. See more..