Things To Do
in Cambridge
Cambridge, located in Massachusetts, is known for being a vibrant city with a rich cultural and intellectual heritage. Home to prestigious universities like Harvard and MIT, the city is a hub for innovation and academic excellence. The diverse population contributes to a lively arts and food scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and restaurants to explore.
Cambridge's historic architecture and picturesque neighborhoods make it a charming and attractive place to visit or live.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $300
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $100
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a stroll through Harvard Yard, soaking in the historic atmosphere. Visit the Harvard Museum of Natural History to see fascinating exhibits.
Have lunch at a local café, then explore the Harvard Art Museums, which offer a diverse collection of artworks. Don't miss the opportunity to walk along the Charles River.
Dine at a restaurant in Harvard Square and enjoy some local cuisine. Finish your day with a theater performance or a live music show.
Visit the MIT Museum to learn about the innovative research coming from the institute. Take a guided tour of the campus to see iconic buildings.
Grab lunch at one of the eateries in Kendall Square and experience the local food scene. Afterward, explore the beautiful Channel Park and its art installations.
Enjoy dinner at a restaurant near the MIT campus. Consider attending a lecture or event hosted by MIT to end your day with some intellectual engagement.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich educational resources with renowned institutions such as Harvard University and MIT
- Vibrant cultural scene with numerous museums, theaters, and music venues
- Diverse community with a variety of restaurants and cuisines
- Strong public transportation options, making it easy to travel to Boston and other areas
- Emphasis on sustainability and green spaces with numerous parks
- High cost of living and expensive housing market
- Traffic congestion, especially during peak hours
- Harsh winters with cold temperatures and snow
- Limited parking spaces in busy areas
- Pressure of academic environment which can lead to stress among residents
Best Activities in Cambridge
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore miles of scenic trails and enjoy the natural beauty of the Middlesex Fells Reservation.
Paddle along the historic Charles River and take in the picturesque views of Cambridge from the water.
Enjoy a leisurely bike ride along the Minuteman Bikeway, a popular multi-use path that spans from Cambridge to Bedford.
Tours
Uncover the best of Cambridge with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Cambridge
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers a picturesque view of historic architecture and lively street scenes, perfect for photos.
Provides stunning views of the city skyline and the serene beauty of the carefully landscaped grounds, ideal for photography.
Boasts scenic views of the river, bridges, and Boston skyline, offering excellent photo opportunities, especially during sunset.
Food in Cambridge
Cambridge Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A creamy soup made with clams, potatoes, onions, and bacon. It's a quintessential New England dish and can be savored at Legal Sea Foods in Kendall Square.
Must-Try!
A classic New England sandwich featuring succulent lobster meat coated in mayo or butter, served in a toasted bun. The Alive & Kicking Lobsters is renowned for its delectable lobster rolls.
Slow-cooked navy beans with molasses and salt pork, creating a savory and sweet flavor. The famous dish can be enjoyed at Dali Restaurant & Tapas Bar.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Cambridge better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A vibrant market offering fresh local produce, artisanal goods, and ready-to-eat treats. Visitors can relish diverse street food options from various vendors.
A beloved food truck serving inventive vegetarian and vegan fare, including chickpea fritter sandwiches and rosemary fries, which can be found at different locations around Cambridge.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Cambridge, it's important to respect others' personal space and avoid standing too close or invading their privacy.
Using polite language and showing general courtesy is highly valued in Cambridge, including saying 'please' and 'thank you' in interactions.
Cambridge prides itself on diversity, so it's important to be respectful of different backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs when interacting with others.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Cambridge with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Cambridge
Ensure a smooth experience
In Cambridge, tipping is customary in the service industry, including restaurants, bars, and for other services such as taxi rides and hotel stays. The general practice is to tip around 15-20% of the total bill for good service.
In Cambridge, payment for goods and services is primarily done using cash, credit/debit cards, or mobile payment options. Most businesses and establishments accept major credit cards, and contactless payment methods are increasingly popular.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Cambridge.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Cambridge, United States. Pleasant weather, blooming flowers, and outdoor events.
Warm weather, vibrant street festivals, and outdoor activities near the Charles River.
Beautiful foliage, crisp air, and harvest festivals in the surrounding countryside.
Cold weather, holiday lights, and indoor cultural events like concerts and theater performances.
Cambridge at Night
Hiking in Cambridge
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular walking and hiking area featuring a large pond, trails, and scenic views, located just a few miles from Cambridge.
This park offers a scenic trail for walking and hiking along the Alewife Brook with connections to other parks and recreational areas.
A historic cemetery with beautiful landscapes and walking trails, it's a peaceful place for hiking and enjoying nature.
Located a short drive from Cambridge, this area offers numerous trails along the Mystic River with opportunities for hiking and enjoying wildlife.
This urban park stretches along the Charles River, featuring walking and biking paths with beautiful river views, ideal for leisurely hikes.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Cambridge through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Cambridge by plane.
Located in Boston, Massachusetts, approximately 60 miles from Cambridge, this is one of the busiest international airports in the U.S.
Located in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, about 100 miles from Cambridge, it serves as a major airport for the region.
Located in Warwick, Rhode Island, approximately 70 miles from Cambridge, this airport provides various domestic and international flights.
Located in Manchester, New Hampshire, about 50 miles from Cambridge, it offers domestic flights and limited international access.
Located in Newark, New Jersey, about 200 miles from Cambridge, it is one of the major airports serving the New York City area.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly non-Hispanic White population.
Includes various Asian ethnic groups, contributing significantly to the diversity.
Individuals of Hispanic or Latino origin, of varying national backgrounds.
Includes African American population with historical and cultural significance.
Individuals identifying as having mixed racial backgrounds.
Small population of Native American individuals.
Minority group representing Pacific Island nations.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular team sport played on a field, with an objective to score goals by getting a ball into the opposing net.
A widely played indoor sport wherein two teams compete to score points by shooting a ball through the opponent's hoop.
A significant sport in Cambridge, particularly due to the Charles River, where teams of rowers race in shell boats.
A team sport played with a flying disc, combining elements of soccer, basketball, and football.
A fast-paced team sport that is played with a small ball and a long-handled stick called a crosse.
A popular individual sport in Cambridge, with various running clubs and events including marathons and local races.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Cambridge.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Cambridge boasts numerous eateries catering to vegetarians and vegans, such as Veggie Galaxy, a beloved spot with an all-vegetarian menu, including many vegan choices.
Visitors can find gluten-free options at eateries like Forage, offering a seasonal, locally sourced menu with various gluten-free selections.