Cambridge, MA

1. Explore the Harvard Art Museums on Your Day Trip

Located on Quincy Street, the Harvard Art Museums are a part of Harvard University and consist of three museums. Opened in 1896, the Fogg Museum is the oldest of the three museums, and it is known for its collection of Western paintings, prints, photographs, and sculptures dating from the Middle Ages to the present.

The Busch-Reisinger Museum opened in 1903 and is the only museum in the U.S. exclusively devoted to artwork from the German-speaking countries of Europe. The Arthur M. Sackler Museum is the newest museum; it opened in 1985 and contains pieces of art from Asian counties like China, Japan, and Korea.

Harvard Art Museums, 32 Quincy Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts, Phone: 617-495-9400, View Map

2. Harvard Museum of Natural History

Founded in 1998, the Harvard Museum of Natural History features a collection of 12,000 specimens and is the university's most visited museum and one of the top Cambridge attractions. The permanent galleries exhibit dinosaurs, fossils, gemstones, meteorites, and the world famous Blaschka ‘Glass Flowers’. Admire the 42-foot Kronosaurus, a marine reptile from the time of the dinosaurs which is the world's only mounted specimen.

The museum welcomes 240,000 visitors per year. There are several outreach programs, including hands-on experiences for children and lectures and other events for adults. Admission includes the adjacent Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology.

Harvard Museum of Natural History, 26 Oxford Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts, Phone: 617-495-3045, View Map

3. Longfellow House - Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site

Located on Brattle Street, Longfellow House - Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site was the home of the famous American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and is one of the best things to do in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The house was built in 1759 and served as the headquarters for General George Washington during the Revolutionary War between 1775 and 1776.

At first, Longfellow lived in the house as a tenant, but later, in 1843, his father-in-law bought it for Longfellow and his wife. Longfellow lived in the house until his death in 1882. The house and garden are open every day, and tours are offered seasonally. The site also hosts special events such as historic reenactments, music concerts, and poetry readings.

Longfellow House - Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site, 105 Brattle Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts, Phone: 617-876-4491, View Map

4. Experience the Vibe of Harvard Square

Harvard Square is the central business district and historic center of Cambridge. It is a triangular plaza located at the intersection of Battle Street, John F. Kennedy Street, and Massachusetts Avenue. Sometimes called the Square by locals, Harvard Square is adjacent to Harvard Yard, the center of Harvard University.

The Square functions as the commercial center of the city as well as for students of the university. The square is a vibrant area full of bookstores, coffee shops, hotels, restaurants, boutique shops, and theaters. Because it is a high pedestrian area, Harvard Square is known for its lively street performers.

18 Brattle Street #352, Cambridge, Massachusetts, Phone: 617-491-3434, View Map

5. MIT Museum

Founded in 1971, the MIT Museum is known for its collections related to the history of MIT, maritime history, holography, photography, robotics, and much more. The 5,000-square foot Mark Epstein Innovation Gallery is located on the ground floor of the museum and showcases the most recent research and developments in technology at MIT.

In addition to its permanent collection, the museum often presents temporary exhibits of art and technology displays. The museum has many outreach programs for children and for adults, and it sponsors the annual Cambridge Science Festival.

MIT Museum,265 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts, Phone: 617-253-5927R, View Map

6. Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology

Located on Divinity Avenue on the campus of Harvard University, the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology is one of the world’s oldest and largest museums devoted to anthropology. Founded in 1866, it is associated with Harvard University and is home to more than 1.5 million objects.

The anthropology objects display and celebrate the archaeology and the ethnography of the Americas and include totem poles, monumental Maya sculptures, and special exhibits. Nearly one quarter of its collection features artifacts from North America that span a period of 10,000 years.

Although its focus is on the Americas, the museum’s collection also includes objects from Africa, Asia, Europe, and Oceania.

Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, 11 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts, Phone: 617-496-1027, View Map

7. The Hahvahd Tour is Lead by Harvard Students

The Hahvahd (the way they pronounce “Harvard” in Cambridge) Tour is a 70-minute walking tour of Harvard University, one of the most prestigious universities in the world and alma mater of some of the great world authorities in a variety of fields.

a class="ref1" href="https://trademarktours.com/" target="_blank">The tour< is lead by Harvard students, who scripted the tours as unique theatrical performances featuring several themes: Insider Information, Harvard History, and Famous Harvardians.

The tour will take you to see major Harvard landmarks such as John Harvard Statue, Johnston Gate, Widener Library, Memorial Hall, Harvard Lampoon, Memorial Church, and the Winthrop Park.

8. American Repertory Theater

The American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) is a professional theater company located in the Loeb Drama Center on Brattle Street at Harvard University. It was founded in 1980 and is known for presenting new American dramas and musicals as well as reviving neglected but poignant plays from the past.

It is one of the most important theaters in the U.S. and has won many awards, including three Tony Awards, a Pulitzer Prize, and more. If you are looking for romantic date ideas in Cambridge, this is a great place to visit. American Repertory Theater is also the home of the Institute for Advance Theater Training and the Harvard-Radcliffe Drama Club. The theater has presented works by famous playwrights such as Chekhov, Fo, Fuentes, Mamet, and many others.

64 Brattle St, Cambridge, Massachusetts, Phone: 617-547-8300, View Map

9. Toscanini's

Toscanini's is a spacious, modern shop in Cambridge's Central Square, just around the corner from the MIT campus. There are hundreds of flavors that rotate throughout the year, but their signature flavors are always available.

At any time, there are 32 possible flavors and newbies are encouraged to ask for samples. Be brave and ask for their famous B3 flavor, which is a mix of brown sugar, brown butter and chunks of fudge brownie, or the bourbon-gingersnap ice cream. If you are more of a traditionalist but perfectionist nevertheless, go for strawberry and Belgian chocolate. It will take you straight to heaven.

Toscanini's, 159 First St., Cambridge, MA 02142 , Phone: 617-491-5877, View Map

10. Cambridge Common Offers 16 Acres of Relaxation Space

Located just outside the famous Harvard Square and bordering several parts of the prestigious Harvard University campus, the Cambridge Common covers more than 16 acres of outdoor recreational green space. The common is extremely popular with both local residents and tourists and provides a wonderful place to just sit on a bench and watch the world go by.

In addition, there are walking and cycling paths, a playing field and a large children’s playground as well as large lawn areas where children can run and play. Although there is no designated picnic area, many visitors come to the park to enjoy a picnic lunch under the shady trees.

Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138, 617-349-4639, View Map