Looking for a list of the best things to do in Cambridge, MA? Our local experts have been working diligently on creating lists of the best things to do, from outdoor activities to nightclubs in Cambridge, MA. Below is a list of the topics we have investigated and listed in comprehensive ‘things to do” lists.

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Things To in Cambridge, MA Team

Cambridge City in Massachusetts is an excellent place to visit. It has a population of about 120,000 and boasts of notable learning institutions, food joints, museums, and beautiful natural scenery to explore. Here is a breakdown of things to do and places to visit in Cambridge, MA.

Activities

There is so much you can do while in Cambridge. You can take a tour of various places in the city either on foot or by biking. If you are an outdoorsy person, a couple of hiking trails are ready for your exploration. Hiking is an excellent activity to undertake as a couple or a family. Some of these trails also work perfectly for biking, so you are free to take a pick.

You could also take a city wine tour for couples if you are great fans of wine. With a knowledgeable guide, you get to visit a couple of restaurants and pubs and sample some of their wine selections as you learn more about wine.

Whether you are on your own or with family, a chocolate tour is an activity worth exploring. Once you book the tour, you can look forward to an informative tour around Harvard Square as you enjoy locally made chocolate tea, chocolate baked goods, candy, and ice cream. The tour lasts about one and a half hours.

If you love cooking and are interested in learning how to make something new, consider taking part in a dumpling-making party! Book the class and enjoy two and a half hours of story-time incorporated with learning.

With kids in tow, ensure you take a tour of the Museum of Science. You get to explore science in a fun and exciting way that will leave your kids with beautiful memories.

Places to Visit

Cambridge is a hub of historical sites that will prove to be worth your while. Here are a few that you ought to make a point of visiting:

1. Longfellow House

You will find this beautiful place on Brattle Street. It was built in 1759 and is named after Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, the 19^th Century poet who resided there. At the moment, Longfellow House displays 19^th-century arts and literature in addition to décor, furniture, and artwork. You can take a tour there at no cost at all.

2. Auburn Cemetery

Mt. Auburn Cemetery Via mountaurburn.org

This was America’s first garden cemetery, set up in 1831. It is especially great to visit in the fall- the fall foliage is breathtaking, to say the least. On top of that, you will see a variety of birds as you experience the garden’s tranquility.

3. Harvard University

Photo by Pascal Bernardon on Unsplash

You have most certainly heard of the famous Harvard University at some point. So why not visit the place while you’re in Cambridge? Harvard was built in 1636 and is the oldest university in the USA. It occupies a very substantial area of Cambridge, and you are more likely to have the best experience if you take a guided tour instead of walking around on your own.

4. MIT

Still, on prestigious learning institutions, be sure to stop by MIT in East Cambridge. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology was established in 1861 and is one of the most notable institutions in science and technology. The institution is so creatively designed that you can be sure there will be no dull moment on your tour.

5. Museums

As you explore Cambridge, make a point of visiting at least one or two of the many museums in the city. If you have a lot of time, see all of them! Some museums include the MIT Museum, The Harvard Art Museums, and the Harvard Museum of National History. You can also tour the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, which, having been established in 1866, is one of the oldest museums in anthropology.

6. Toscanini’s Ice Cream

If you have a sweet tooth, Toscanini’s is a place you definitely should pop into, for a good reason- The New York Times once gave this place the “world’s best ice cream” award. Toscanini’s was founded in 1981 and has a wide range of delicious ice cream flavors made right there at the store.

The Best Hiking Trails

For the best hiking experience, you can consider the Charles River Reservation, whose trail is 28.2 miles long. Shorter tracks include the Mt. Auburn loop and the Fresh Pond Reservation Loop, 1.42 miles and 2.5 miles long.

The Best Places to Eat

Photo by Abhishek K. Singh on Unsplash

You won’t need to worry about where or what to eat while in Cambridge in terms of food. There are countless restaurants with varying cuisines to suit your palate.

Life Alive has an excellent ambiance full of color and comfort for vegans and vegetarians. You can look forward to delicious vegan and vegetarian foods made of fresh, organic, nutrient-filled ingredients.

Consider sampling the large, tasty, juicy burgers from Tasty Burger on Harvard Square if you need a fast-food joint.

For some fine dining, dress up and try the excellent menu at Harvest. If you want to sample a foreign menu, go to Giulia for the excellent Italian cuisine. You can also get a wide range of Middle Eastern Cuisine at Oleana. On top of the delicious meals, Oleana has a stunning patio.

The Best Bars

Should you need to wind down with a drink, there are a couple of bars worth checking out. Brick and Mortar comes very highly recommended, so you should pop in. If you want to enjoy a drink in a cozy environment with live music in the background, Toad in Porter Square is where you need to be. Shay’s Pub and Wine Bar is the place for a large variety of beer and an excellent wine collection in Harvard Square. Alden and Harlow on Harvard Square boast of the best cocktails and is therefore worth your time.

If you want a place to eat and drink, you will get a large a versatile wine selection and good food at Oleana.

Shows and Events

If you love live music and plays, you will not fail to find a place to experience that in Cambridge. Check out The Middle East, Club Passim, Regatta Bar, and The Lizard Lounge for music. You can watch a play at Sanders Theater or the American Repertory Theater (ART) located at Harvard University.

The Best Hotels

Whether you are on a tight budget or are ready to splurge, there are excellent hotels to spend your nights in Cambridge. The Charles Hotel in Harvard Square is well known for excellent services at a substantial price on the high end. If you are on a budget, Hotel Veritas and Porter Square Hotel are places you can spend comfortable nights without breaking the bank. You can also check out Kendall Hotel or Kimpton Marlow.

The Bottom Line

No matter what your interests are, Cambridge, Massachusetts, is a city that will give you an excellent experience on every front.