Best things to do in Cambridge

A center of knowledge and education with a history stretching back to the 17th century, Harvard University is one of the world’s most famous and respected academic institutions. Private tours are available, offering visitors a chance to explore the grounds, and get acquainted with the university’s history and campus life. You can opt for a free, student-led tour, where your guide will provide information about the university and share personal experiences. If you prefer to wander on your own, take a self-guided tour with the help of a downloadable application for your mobile device.

Visit the Harvard’s Glass Flowers, find your birthstone gem in the mineral gallery, see large tigers, and view dinosaurs in the palaeontology gallery, including the first triceratops skull ever discovered. The Great Mammal Hall features a giraffe, zebra, sloths, lemurs, and six whales hanging from the ceiling.

Permanent exhibits include The Rockefeller Beetles, Sea Creatures in Glass Evolution, Climate Change, and Marine Life. Just an eight-minute walk from the Harvard Square T Station through Harvard Yard, the museum is the university’s most-visited museum. Visit hmnh.harvard.edu for more information.

Read the new Harvard Museums of Science & Culture “Know, Show, Go,” policies and make an advance reservation here: https://hmsc.harvard.edu/visit

Harvard Square is a central meeting and shopping district for Harvard students, and its accessible via the MBTA Red Line. Famous musicians, such as Tracy Chapman and Amanda Palmer, have played here. Many visitors come for the coffee shops and street performers. In fact, a bronze statue of a puppet by Igor Fokin pays tribute to the many street performers. Head to the tourist booth to get information and admire the free Lumen Eclipse exhibit, which showcases local, national, and international artists. Watch skateboarders show off their skills at the Pit.

Experience the history and tranquil atmosphere of Mount Auburn Cemetery, a place where nature and tradition meet. The landscaped cemetery dates back to the early 19th century and was inspired by the famous Parisian Père Lachaise Cemetery. One of the highlights of the cemetery's architecture is the 19th-century Washington Tower, which provides excellent views of the surrounding area. Explore the historical monuments, take a stroll down the peaceful pathways, and observe the rich wildlife, from plants to resident wild animals. The grounds are easily accessible for wheelchair users and visitors with strollers. The cemetery is open year-round and there's no admission fee.

Stretching for 129 km (80 mi) through Massachusetts, Charles River reaches the sea in the city of Boston and is one of the area's key landmarks. The winding waterway, once at the forefront of the United States's industrialization, today provides many opportunities for recreation, such as rowing, sailing, and biking. Try hopping on the 37 km (23 mi) long bike path in Boston, which will take you past famous institutions, such as Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The river's esplanade offers views of the surrounding urban region in addition to marshes alive with waterfowl. You can rent a sailboat from one of the stands along the way.

Bookworms really shouldn't miss Harvard Book Store, established in the 1930s. Long the center of intellectual activity in the area, the store isn't affiliated with the renowned university but remains a favorite of both students and professors. You'll find plenty of newly printed fiction here, as well as bargain and used books.

Tour one of the world's leading educational institutions, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). On campus, you'll have a chance to visit buildings created by famed architects Eero Saarinen and William Welles Bosworth. Located on the banks of the Charles River, the campus includes many modern buildings such as the Stata Center, designed by Frank Gehry. Visit the List Visual Arts Center, the university libraries and archives, and the museum and associated galleries, featuring exhibits designed by students and professionals. At the Infinite Corridor in the Media Lab, you can attend one of the many lectures and events open to the public.