Welcome to Cambridge!
Below you will find recommendations for local restaurants and attractions.
Eat and Drink
Area Four is a wood-fired restaurant (featuring delicious pizza and more) attached to a cafe offering gourmet pastries and local roasted coffee. Located at 500 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139. https://www.areafour.com/
Pagu is a James Beard Foundation nominated Spanish Japanese tapas restaurant nearby MIT in Cambridge, MA. Located at 310 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139. http://www.gopagu.com.
Get a vegetarian bite at Clover Food Lab, started by Ayr Muir, an M.I.T. material scientist and Harvard M.B.A. grad. Try their chickpea fritter, french fries with rosemary, or iced coffee. Their Kendall Square location is at 5 Cambridge Center Cambridge, MA 02139.
Flour Bakery and Cafe has yummy sandwiches, salads, coffee, sweet treats and more. A short walk from MIT. Located at 190 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139. https://www.flourbakery.com/
If you’re looking for a fancy cocktail in a hidden upstairs bar, try Brick and Mortar in Central Square - a quick walk from MIT. Located at 567 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139. https://www.brickmortarltd.com/
Yvonne’s restaurant is the former site of Lock-Ober, the fourth oldest restaurant in Boston, before it closed in 2012. Outfitted with jacquard wallpaper, antique couches, and chandeliers, this small-plate speakeasy features eclectic drinks and expansive seating. 2 Winter Pl., Boston
https://www.yvonnesboston.com/about-us/
Events
Cambridge Science Festival - Carnival on Sunday, October 1, 12-4pm at the Kendall/MIT Open Space, 292 Massachusetts Ave Cambridge MA. A full-on family-friendly celebration of curiosity, Carnival is a fabulous adventure playground for inquisitive visitors of all ages. Free and open to all. https://cambridgesciencefestival.org/carnival
Music
A quick bus or shared-ride away in Boston is Wally’s Cafe Jazz Club - a cozy jazz and blues club with nightly performances by students and locals. Located at 427 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA 02118. https://wallyscafe.com/music-schedule/
Museums
Check out the MIT Museum, which hosts collections of technology-related artworks, artificial intelligence, architecture, robotics, maritime history, and the history of MIT. Located at 314 Main St, Cambridge, MA 02142. https://mitmuseum.mit.edu/
Harvard University has a number of great museums to visit, including the Harvard Museum of Natural History and the Harvard Art Museums. Located a quick subway ride away in Harvard Square, Cambridge.
The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is dedicated to the memory of our nation's thirty-fifth president and to all who seek a new and better world through the art of politics. Open daily, 10-5 https://www.jfklibrary.org/
Located close to MIT, the Museum of Science has interactive exhibits, a dome-shaped IMAX/3-D film theater & a planetarium https://www.mos.org/explore/exhibits
Outdoors
While visiting MIT, a walk, run, or roll along the Charles River is a must - with great views of the Boston skyline, fresh air, and more. https://www.mass.gov/locations/charles-river-reservation
Rent a kayak in Kendall Square and take in great views of the Boston skyline and the Esplanade, as well as other nearby landmarks. This nine-mile stretch of river has no current, allowing for easy round trips. Information at Paddle Boston.
Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park is an urban oasis just minutes from Boston’s city center. Hop aboard a park ferry and discover islands rich with outdoor recreation and sightseeing opportunities. https://www.bostonharborislands.org/ferryschedule2023/
Harvard University’s 281-acre arboretum featuring over 15,000 accessioned plants is open daily and free for all to explore via public transportation at 125 Arborway, Boston https://arboretum.harvard.edu/
With its brick, ivy, cobblestones, and historic style, Beacon Hill is one of Boston’s most iconic neighborhoods https://maps.app.goo.gl/CeujLVShAjePUyoj9
Shopping
Medicines, snacks, and personal supplies can be found nearby at CVS drug store, 238 Main Street, between the hours of 7am-10pm.
For visitors seeking a Sunday activity, The SoWa Open Market is one of Boston's largest open-air farmer and artist markets. Visit between 11-4 pm on 10/1. https://www.sowaboston.com/sowa-open-market/
Located 1.6 kilometers from MIT, CambridgeSide Galleria is accessible by a free shuttle service from Kendall Square T Stop on the Red Line. Shuttle service operates: Mon-Fri 6am-9pm and Sat + Sun 9am-9pm https://www.cambridgeside.com/
Assembly Row, a local mixed-use development, boasts over 40 national brands, outlets, and unique shops https://maps.app.goo.gl/L5k5xPb1ZF6Mv8NK8