Location: Cambridge
Top Things to do in Cambridge
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Top 10 Free Things to do in Cambridge, Massachusetts (MA)
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. Schlesinger Library
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Collection of materials focused on the history of women in the United States. The library is also home to an extensive culinary collection and the Radcliffe Archives.
2. Mount Auburn Cemetery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 613 reviews
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.
Reviewed By mariannakharis - Cambridge, United States
EVERYONE should visit Mt. Auburn Cemetery. It's free, beautiful, and interesting - ideal for friends on a walk (that was us!), families exploring, couples spending time together, or anyone visiting the area for the first time. Definitely take some time to go for a long walk and explore winding paths, because this cemetery is much bigger than it looks from the outside. If you drive in, there are clear places to park at the beginning of the cemetery, or you can park the car on the side of the road where fewer cars go by. There's a small area up by the tower that has an incredible view of Boston. We brought food from Sofra cafe (check it out!) and had a picnic right there. Perfection.
3. Harvard University
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,134 reviews
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.
Reviewed By vincentdE9094KZ - Dún Laoghaire, Ireland
The Harvard campus is a beautiful and historic place to experience calm, mature trees, and beautiful red brick buildings. If the Memorial hall is open it is worth going in.
4. Harvard Cooperative Society
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 155 reviews
"The Coop" is the Harvard college store, known for its expansive collection of books, posters and University insignia merchandise.
5. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,043 reviews
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.
Reviewed By 912masanorim - Oak Ridge, United States
Conversations and visit to an old experimental facility and hearing its future activities were very interesting; visit to the Student Center were good; visit to the Alumuni Office was a little disappointed
6. Longfellow House Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 166 reviews
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.
Reviewed By scampi745 - Petersburg, United States
Really enjoyed time here. Visitors center staff friendly and welcoming. Took house tour (Anthony) and walking tour (Anna) about neighborhood times leading to revolution. Both very informative. House has many beautiful original objects. I enjoyed seeing a portrait of young Longfellow. Ranger stressed this was a home for family. Washington headquarters for about 9 months. Only quibble was brochure reference to 'staff'. If Martha brought staff with her, they would have been slaves. Nice gardens too.
7. Memorial Drive
8. Brattle Square
9. Charles River
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 795 reviews
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.
Reviewed By McHopper - Tallahassee, United States
We go every year to see the Head of the Charles River Regatta, a "world event" that attracts thousands from all over the globe to compete and watch this adrenaline pumping exciting event. The Charles River is filled with the long skinny boats of one, pairs, fours and eights with coxswains wailing at the rowers to give it their all toward the finish line. The banks and bridges of the Charles River stream with crowds of college students and families who enjoy several days of boat watching and races and shouting encouragement to their favorites. Booth after booth offer everything from seafood, hotdogs and hamburgers, wraps, and more to free samples of new products like fizzy maple drinks and healthy veggie snacks. Being outside and gathering at the Charles River, sitting in the trimmed grasses to view the shimmering river and the races or walking down the tree-lined paths with the sun shining down through sprinkles of yellow leaves is the epitome of feeling happy.
