Why Go to Cambridge, MA
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Cambridge is home to two of the most famous universities in the world, Harvard and MIT, so it's no surprise it has a brainy reputation. But this city just across the Charles River from Boston is also packed with excellent museums, a thriving music and arts scene, independent shops, great restaurants and cozy cafes and bars. It's easy to reach from Boston, yet it has a personality all its own.
Picture a perfect day: browsing the bookshops of Harvard Square alongside students in the morning, touring Harvard Yard and the university's museums, then exploring the bold, modern architecture of the MIT campus in the afternoon. In the evening, choose from cuisines from just about every corner of the globe, then catch live music at one of the local clubs. You'll barely scratch the surface of this historic, youthful city.
Cambridge is perfect as part of a Boston trip, for a campus visit or for a weekend on its own. I'll find you a great place to stay and plan your days on both sides of the river.
BEST FOR
University visitors, history enthusiasts, readers and culture seekers
BEST MONTHS
April–June and September–October
EXPLORE
Harvard Square has bookstores and academic landmarks; Central Square offers dining and music; Kendall Square is a technology hub; the riverfront has paths.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Cambridge, MA
North America › Northeast › USA › Massachusetts
Historic campuses, bookstores and Charles River walks
Historical & Heritage
University
Tech
River
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Spend a day around Harvard Square and another around MIT and the Charles River rather than crisscrossing the city.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Allow time for side streets and check university visitor policies.
Harvard Square
Browse bookstores, cafés, historic buildings and active public spaces beside Harvard University.
Access to buildings is restricted; stay on visitor-permitted routes.
Harvard Yard
See the historic campus green and surrounding academic architecture.
Verify museum ticketing and current exhibitions.
Harvard Museum of Natural History
Explore natural-history exhibits including the famous Glass Flowers collection.
Check current exhibitions and special-program admission.
MIT Museum
Experience displays connecting technology, art and science in Kendall Square.
Use designated riverside paths and allow time for scenic stops.
Charles River Esplanade Views
Walk the Cambridge side of the river for views toward Boston and rowing activity.
An upscale hotel close to Harvard University, bookstores, dining and the Charles River.
The Charles Hotel
Harvard Square
City
A historic luxury hotel across the river in Boston, convenient for Cambridge and downtown sightseeing.
The Liberty, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Beacon Hill / nearby Boston
City
A boutique hotel by the CambridgeSide area, within reach of river walks and Boston attractions.
Kimpton Marlowe Hotel
East Cambridge
Boutique · City
A waterfront hotel overlooking the Charles River and Boston skyline.
Hyatt Regency Boston / Cambridge
Cambridgeport
City · Family
A modern hotel near Alewife, useful for exploring the wider Cambridge area.
AC Hotel Boston Cambridge
North Cambridge
Value · City
An intimate boutique hotel steps from Harvard Square.
Hotel Veritas
Harvard Square
Boutique
A riverfront hotel with views of the Boston skyline, good for families.
Royal Sonesta Boston
Cambridge riverfront
City · Family
A modern hotel near MIT and Kendall Square.
Le Méridien Boston Cambridge
Kendall Square / MIT
City
A friendly, good-value inn a short walk from Harvard Yard.
Irving House at Harvard
Harvard Square
Value · Boutique
Suites with kitchens near the Red Line.
Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Cambridge
Kendall Square
Family · Value
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Cambridge, MA
High 52°F · Low 37°F · Rain 3.8 in
Fall colors and cozy cafés make November lovely.
Spring through autumn favors walking and river outings; winter is colder with occasional snow and ice.
Best Times to Visit Cambridge, MA
WHEN TO GO
06
Regional Rail
Use Boston-area rail terminals for trips beyond Cambridge and check the departure station.
05
Parking
Street parking is limited near campuses; garages are usually simpler than relying on a car.
04
Buses and Bikes
MBTA buses and cycle routes cover additional neighborhoods; use marked bike lanes.
03
Walking Campuses
Harvard Square and MIT areas are walkable separately but require a longer walk or transit between them.
02
MBTA Subway
Red Line stations serve Harvard, Central and Kendall; inspect service alerts and accessibility.
01
Boston Airport
Boston Logan is the main gateway; connect by public transit or road transfer across the Charles River.
The MBTA Red Line connects Cambridge with Boston; buses, cycling and walking work well within central neighborhoods.
Getting Around Cambridge, MA