Cambridge Travelers Recommend

From New England classics to cutting-edge gastronomy, Boston tempts food-loving travelers with an astonishing array of treats. These dishes are the perfect place to start exploring Boston cuisine, whether you’re sampling cannoli in the North End or looking for the city’s creamiest clam chowder.

Boston Cream Pie: Don’t let the name fool you—Boston cream pie is actually a cake. For this treat, which was invented at Boston’s historic Omni Parker House hotel, soft white cake is layered with vanilla custard then topped by chocolate glaze. It’s a favorite at pastry shops across town. 

Clam Chowder: Nothing wards off Boston’s cold winter weather like a hot bowl of clam chowder made with ocean-fresh seafood. The creamy variety is the classic Boston version, but you can also find chowder “Manhattan style,” with clams swimming in a rich tomato broth.

Cannoli: Crunch into the fried pastry shell of a cannolo to enjoy a creamy filling of ricotta cheese with candied citrus peel, dark chocolate, and other sweet additions. This is an essential North End treat, and locals can debate endlessly about the very best place to eat cannoli here; judge for yourself by tasting a few different versions.

Super Beef: Leave it to Boston to give the already-delicious roast beef sandwich a spunky nickname and local twist. Find this sandwich—a generous pile of pink roast beef stuffed into a soft onion Kaiser roll with mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, and white cheese—at shops around the city.

Pizza: Line up for a slice in one of the North End’s many pizza joints—it’s a Boston tradition. Unlike doughy, Chicago-style pizza, North End pizza is usually a thin-crust pie. Go for a classic Margarita or opt for souped-up modern takes topped with everything from bacon to kale.

Baked Beans: Sweet and slow-cooked, Boston baked beans gave the city its nickname of Beantown. You can find versions of this old-fashioned recipe at homestyle restaurants and nostalgic pubs; some even serve it paired with a round slice of brown bread that’s been baked in an oversized can.

Cambridge is one of Massachusetts’ top weekend getaways, with a mix of historic sites, modern architecture, and a lively ebb and flow of students attending colleges like Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Here are some ideas for a 3-day itinerary.

Day 1: Experiment with Weird Science

Thanks to MIT, Cambridge is home to some of the country’s best science and industry. Spend the morning touring the campus and wandering around historic Kendall Square. After grabbing lunch, make your way to the MIT Museum, where epic displays of current academic research—and galleries highlighting the merger of art, design, and technology—provide hours of indoor entertainment. To see a less serious side of Cambridge, join a combo tour of Harvard and MIT led by current students who offer an amusing look at daily life at the prestigious schools. If you’d rather just be on the water, embark on a sightseeing cruise along the Charles River.

Day 2: Look Back at History

Time to explore Cambridge’s deep-rooted past. Start at the Longfellow House, former residence of poet Henry W. Longfellow and headquarters for General George Washington during the Siege of Boston. Afterward, head to the Harvard Museum of Natural History and the Peabody Museum for a peek into the past on a more global scale—life-size dioramas, massive dinosaur fossils, and hands-on exhibits prove learning can still be fun. Alternatively, venture beyond Cambridge to other historic locations, such as Lexington Battle Green, the common where the opening shots of the Revolutionary War were fired; Concord’s Battle Road Trail, part of Paul Revere’s famous ride; and Old North Bridge, a notable site in the Battle of Concord.

Day 3: Get Outside

Cambridge is filled with squares that perfectly capture the vibe of this picturesque New England town. On your last day, browse the shops, sample local fare, and do some major people watching. Kick off the morning with a picnic breakfast and a pickup game of softball or soccer in Cambridge Common, where George Washington gathered his troops during the Revolutionary War. Then, stroll over to Harvard Square, where young academics unwind and street performers turn the busy intersection into their stage. Finish your stay with a run, walk, or bike ride along the Charles River Esplanade, a green path along the Boston side of the river.

From the shores of the Charles River to the wide-open green spaces of Cambridge Common, Boston’s sister city is a lovely place to spend a day. Tour a top college campus, dig deep into American history, or barhop with the locals—Cambridge offers the best of a big city and small town all in one. Here’s how to make the most of your day.

Morning: Campus Crawl

Thankfully, you don’t have to be a straight-A student to wander around the Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) campuses. Both prestigious schools boast plenty of attractions for curious travelers. At Harvard, join a free hour-long, student-led tour, and stroll through historic Harvard Yard to see the iconic John Harvard statue. Afterward, hang out at a bookstore or café in Harvard Square, near the center of Cambridge. Architecture buffs will want to get a look at buildings such as MIT’s Stata Center, designed by Frank Gehry.

Afternoon: History Lesson

Start by exploring the Harvard Museum of Natural History (some tours of the Harvard campus include admission), which showcases university research as well as the popular Glass Flowers exhibition, a collection of more than 4,000 models representing more than 830 plant species. Next, head to the Longfellow House, former home of poet Henry W. Longfellow, and headquarters for General George Washington during the Siege of Boston. Alternatively, walk over to Cambridge Common to see the Civil War monument with its image of Abraham Lincoln and the names of Massachusetts soldiers.

Night: Showtime

Following a late afternoon/ early evening sightseeing cruise on the Charles River, swing by Harvard Square to grab dinner and drinks at one (or more) of the many bars, restaurants, and cafés that fill the area bordering Harvard University. You might also catch a performance at the award-winning American Repertory Theater, or a show at the Comedy Studio. If you’re looking for more nightlife options, cross the river into Boston and take advantage of the metropolis’s plethora of bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Two days in Cambridge are enough time to browse the city’s extensive collection of historic sites and educational institutions at a leisurely, thoughtful pace. Depending on the time of year, you might also hang out in a park or two—or cross the Charles River and check out Boston. Here are some ideas.

Day 1: On Campus

**Morning:**Start your day at Harvard on one of the prestigious university’s cheeky tours, which are led by current students who provide insight into Cambridge life with a theatrical flair. Afterward, grab a coffee and bite to eat at one of Harvard Square’s many cafés and restaurants.

**Afternoon:**After lunch, head to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to wander around the campus and marvel at the school’s interesting architecture, including the Frank Gehry–designed Stata Center and the avant-garde Simmons Hall. While you’re there, keep your eyes peeled for “hacks,” creative student pranks that pop up around campus. Guided tours combining both Harvard and MIT are an option.

**Night:**Embark on a sunset sightseeing cruise along the Charles River, taking in views of Boston and Cambridge from the water. You’ll see attractions such as Beacon Hill, Esplanade Park, and the Museum of Science, to name just a few. Alternatively, return to Harvard Square for dinner.

Day 2: New England Excursions

**Morning and afternoon:**Thanks to Cambridge’s convenient location, it’s easy to visit nearby historic cities on a guided day trip. See the Lexington Battle Green, where the opening shots of the Revolutionary War were fired, and Concord’s Battle Road Trail, which was part of Paul Revere’s famous ride. If you prefer to stay closer to Cambridge, head outside on a biking tour of the area, or go for a run (or walk) along the Charles River Esplanade. Foodies might want to explore the Kendall Square neighborhood, trying out innovative eateries on a culinary-themed tour.

**Night:**Join a pub crawl and discover some of Boston’s many craft breweries, as well as taverns that have been serving beer since the 1800s. Some tours even offer a “dry run” option for those who are interested in the history but not the brews.

Cambridge is rich with American history, so travelers hoping to get in touch with the past won’t have to look far. Here are some of the top touchstones to the nation’s roots in this quaint New England town.

Harvard Yard

Stop by the famous Harvard Yard for an up-close look at one of the nation’s oldest (and most esteemed) institutes of higher education. After touring the school, check out the iconic John Harvard statute, which is said to look like the founder of the university. 

Cambridge Common

This may be a top picnic destination thanks to wide-open green spaces and grassy recreational fields, but travelers can find a bit of history amid this lush landscape as well. Three abandoned cannons from Fort Independence that date all the way back to 1776 are on display in Cambridge Common. 

Harvard Museum of Natural History

Take a trip back in time while exploring life-size dioramas and ancient artifacts dating back to the founding of America—and even before. Explore the history of this nation, starting with historic times and venture forward into the future thanks to impressive and engaging displays. 

Longfellow House (Washington’s Headquarters)

Literary lovers will find the former home of famed poet Henry W. Longfellow and one-time headquarters to General George Washington a must-see stop on a visit to Cambridge. Travelers can wander the decorated and restores halls while they learn more about this dynamic family and their role in American history.