Things to do in Cambridge, Massachusetts (MA): The Best Points of Interest & Landmarks

August 14, 2021 Hana Mouser

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.
Restaurants in Cambridge

1. Carpenter Center for the Visual Arts

24 Quincy St Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138-3804 +1 617-496-5387 http://carpenter.center/building/architecture
Excellent
75%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 4 reviews

Carpenter Center for the Visual Arts

Reviewed By vincentdE9094KZ - Dún Laoghaire, Ireland

This is really a place where Architects can blow their whistles. The building was designed to accommodate Visual Arts activities, and thus the building is very flexible in the way that the spaces can be used. When i visited, there was a major exhibition which related to the written word and art. The exhibition was in two locations both accessible from the central ramp. unfortunately the ramp is really too steep for general use or to use as a short cut as intended. it in the 1960s. having seen many of Le Corbusiers buildings -this one was better built than most possibly due to the input of Josep Luis Sert and due to the available budget.

2. Memorial Drive

Cambridge, MA
Excellent
59%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 68 reviews

Memorial Drive

Busy, scenic street that winds along the Cambridge side of the Charles River.

3. Brattle Square

Cambridge, MA
Excellent
77%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 13 reviews

Brattle Square

Street performers and students populate this lively Cambridge square.

4. Out Of Town News

0 Harvard Sq, Cambridge, MA 02138-3844 +1 617-354-1441 http://www.harvardsquare.com/out-town-news
Excellent
42%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
24%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 50 reviews

Out Of Town News

This kiosk in the heart of Harvard Square is a National Historic Landmark that carries an impressive array of newspapers and magazines from around the world.

Reviewed By Neuron18 - Newton, United States

Despite the internet, there is still something nice about publications on paper. This is where to find a huge collection of newspapers and magazines. Also, an appropriately famous meeting place in the heart of Harvard Square. Any where else can you give someone an address of 0 (zero) Harvard Square?

5. Harvard Square

18 Brattle St Ste 352, Cambridge, MA 02138-3755 +1 617-491-3434 [email protected] http://www.harvardsquare.com/
Excellent
42%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 1,394 reviews

Harvard Square

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.

Reviewed By Ambr64 - Saint Louis, United States

Lots of shops, book stores and restaurants to choose from while you are there. It’s a trendy place to walk around. There are also several bars to sample as well.

6. Cambridge Common

Garden Street & Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02138 +1 617-349-6238 http://www.cambridgema.gov/CDD/Projects/Parks/commonkemp
Excellent
32%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
21%
Poor
4%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 82 reviews

Cambridge Common

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.

7. Broad Canal

Broad Canal Walk, Cambridge, MA 02142
Excellent
0%
Good
100%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 1 reviews

Broad Canal

8. Memorial Hall

45 Quincy St Between Cambridge and Kirkland Streets, Cambridge, MA 02138-3003 +1 617-496-4595 http://sites.fas.harvard.edu/~memhall/index.html
Excellent
15%
Good
85%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 13 reviews

Memorial Hall

Reviewed By Leonhkny - Hong Kong, China

The Memorial Hall is the most beautiful building in the Harvard campus. In memory of those who fought in the civil war, the grand structure north of Harvard Yard definitely worth visiting.

9. King Bhumibol Adulyadej Birthplace Monument

Eliot St, Cambridge, MA 02138 +1 781-351-1885 [email protected] http://thailink.com/ktbf/
King Bhumibol Adulyadej Birthplace Monument

King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) Birthplace Monument was installed in 2003 as a gift to commemorate His Majesty King's birthplace on His Majesty's 76th birthday. This contribution by KTBF to the City of Cambridge is in the spirit of Thai-American cultural exchange. Visitors from the United States and Thailand express love and respect to His Majesty the King at this historical landmark that gives a sense of connection to Thailand. His Majesty is the only monarch born in the USA, at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge. Since the passing of His Majesty on October 13, 2016, the H.M. Birthplace Monument has become a central place for people who love the king to come to honor and pay respect to His Majesty. Trail of Thai Royalty in Massachusetts and New Hampshire honor Thailand’s longest-reigning, most beloved monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, and his royal family. The trail is 11 historic places in Massachusetts and 2 historic places in New Hampshire where the king's family stayed.

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