Find the Best Things to Do in Cambridge
By Jessica Polizzotti
Boston Local Expert
About Cambridge
Photo courtesy of cisc1970/flickr
Cross the Charles River and you'll find yourself in another city; one that locals tend to think of as the eccentric part Boston. It's own city, Cambridge is an exciting and unique multicultural setting; swimming in ivy league institutions; making it an eclectic melting pot of interesting people. With both Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), this city, made up of 5 distinct squares (Central, Harvard, Inman, Kendall and Porter), and is home to people from all walks of life. Central Square is the seat of city government, with a sprinkling of great places to eat while Harvard Square, centered next to the country's oldest university, is known for dining, shopping, book stores, nightlife, and street performers. Inman Square is lined with interesting places to eat, including Cristina's, one of the best ice cream shops in the state. Kendall Square is where MIT and the State’s booming high tech and biotechnology industries call home, but busting in on the action in this Cambridge neighborhood is a plethora of eateries run by chefs who made their name in Boston and have hopped the River to get in on the action in Cambridge. In the north, Porter Square boasts the region's largest concentration of Japanese eateries and shops. So if it’s diversity you want, just hop on the “T” and find out how much this modern 17th century community has to offer.
See & Do
Home to both Harvard and MIT Cambridge is the place to go to check out an ivy even if you will never attend a class at either. A stroll through Harvard's campus is a great way to spend the day. Tours are offered, but a self guided jaunt is always an option. With lush courtyards throughout, theres always a great place to stop, enjoy a picnic, and take in the grandeur of the architecture as you watch the "wicked smaht" meander to class.
Eat
With the liberal roots of this college town, it no surprise that Cambridge is loaded with great eateries. From tiny, cheap take out shops to high end hot spots, Cambridge's dining scene is always HOT! New places seem to be opening daily, making it difficult to keep up the place to be. However, because Cambridge has culinary roots that run deep, it is difficult to make a bad choice. A personal favorite for years has been The East Coast Grill. This Inman Square mainstay has been around since 1985, and has kept regulars returning ever since. A focus on grilling and using bold flavors permeates the mix of seafood (including a pretty darn good raw bar), BBQ, and other southern fare. Serving dinner, brunch (with an amazing Bloody Mary Bar) and now lunch on Saturday, there is always a good time to stop into East Coast Grill for a bite.
Party
Cambridge is the place around Boston to find the best live music. Whether you are searching for up and coming talent, blues, jazz or hard core rock and roll you'll be sure to find what you seek in Cambridge. One of Cambridge's most famous venues is the Middle East. Both a restaurant and music venue, the Middle East is one place where you can spend the entire night. There is live music every night and as it is broken up into several sections allow for multiple entertainment options, including belly dancing during dinner.
Stay
Cambridge is a destination, making it a city filled with hotels for travelers on any budget to spend the night. These include guest houses, big name spots, and well known chains. But one of the most charming hotels is the Charles Hotel in Harvard Square. Complete with two excellent high end eateries, a super cool bar, courtyard with a mini Legal Sea food set-up, a farm to table spa, and even an outdoor ice rink during the winter months, you'll have no need to venture any further. However, I'm sure you'll want to because the sites just steps outside your door are well worth leaving your little slice of heaven for while to explore.
Shop
Cambridge's diversity does not stop with the people who live here, it extends into every aspect of life, including the stores that line the streets. From fashion to food you can find almost anything you desire, and things you never dreamed of in the shops of Cambridge. One fabulous find is a children's store with a focus on books, and a certain monkey named George. The World's Only Curious George Store, in the heart of Harvard Square has a collection of children's books for infants- teens, attire and toys that can't be found just anywhere, but most of all shopping here is an experience.