Your guide to Cambridge

Home to famed universities Harvard and MIT, this charming city on the north bank of the Charles River is a hotspot for art, architecture and history. Cambridge at its best combines scholarly sightseeing with after-dark entertainment. By day, wander the leafy campuses, memorable museums and indie bookshops. At night, dive into an underground music scene that’s the envy of nearby Boston. Get inspired with our Cambridge travel guide.

Cambridge highlights

Harvard Square

You’ll wind up spending lots of time in Harvard Square on your visit to Cambridge. The city’s beating heart is a tangle of cosy bars, indie cinemas, prestigious theatres and all manner of eats. Don’t miss the incredible bookshops, which are institutions in their own right. Catch a poetry reading at the country’s oldest poetry shop, or hunt for second-hand treasures in the bargain basement at the Harvard Book Store.

Campus strolls

Bone up on Cambridge’s intellectual legacy by exploring its two iconic universities. Start at Harvard, whose red-brick buildings chart more than 300 years of history — Massachusetts Hall dates to 1720. Book a free walking tour online, or buy a map on campus and wander around at your own pace. At MIT, you’ll find quirky modern architecture such as the futuristic Stata Center, designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry.

Where to stay

Central Square is the coolest kid on the block in Cambridge. This colourful neighbourhood is home to live music bars, hip cafes and street art, plus a great range of lodging options. Think unpretentious inns, trusty chains and luxe hotels in historic brownstones. And with a melting pot of cuisines from Mexican to Middle Eastern and Spanish-Caribbean fusion, you’ll never go hungry here.

Cambridge: Know before you go

Language	English
Currency	United States dollar ($)
Time zone	UTC-5 (EST) and UTC-4 (EDT)
High season	July - August
Low season	January - February

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Things to do in Cambridge

Places to eat

You’ll find everything from classic diners to white-tablecloth restaurants serving Maine lobster by the pound. Thanks to Cambridge’s multicultural population, you can find almost every cuisine imaginable, whether you’re craving tapas, sushi or steaming bowls of Vietnamese noodles. For a local institution, head to Mr Bartley’s. This family-run joint has been grilling its famous burgers for decades, in a retro setting filled with floor-to-ceiling posters and memorabilia.

Take in the culture

Housed in a sleek, modern building on Kendall Square, the MIT Museum is the place to learn about the world-changing research that has come out of this institution. Check out interactive installations on everything from the moon landing to artificial intelligence. For fantastic (and free) galleries, head to the Harvard Art Museums and the Carpenter Center for the Visual Arts.

Nightlife

Bookish doesn’t mean boring, as Cambridge’s eclectic nightlife scene proves. Kick things off with people-watching from a patio bar in Harvard Square, or sip cocktails in one of Central Square’s trendy speakeasies. And you’re never far from live music. The Middle East, a local institution, has hosted some of the best musicians in the world. Expect alternative and indie bands, DJ sets and comedy shows.

FAQs about visiting Cambridge

What currency is used in Cambridge?

You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) for purchases while on your stay in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Pay with a debit or credit card when it's possible, but keep some cash with you for places where card payments aren't an option.

How expensive is a trip to Cambridge?

Your city break in Cambridge, Massachusetts can differ in price based on anything from your travel dates to where you stay. To find a great deal on Cambridge flights and hotels, try to have flexible departure dates and take advantage of early booking promotions.

What is the rainiest month in Cambridge?

The rainiest month is December, which gets an average rainfall of 12 cm. But don't let that take the shine off your Cambridge, Massachusetts trip — there's still loads to do indoors like shopping for unique finds, visiting museums, or checking out cosy cafes.

What is the hottest month in Cambridge?

With temperatures hitting highs of 30ºC (86ºF), July is the warmest month in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

What language is spoken in Cambridge?

During your city break in Cambridge, Massachusetts, you'll hear the locals speaking mostly in English.

What is the coldest month in Cambridge?

Organise your Cambridge, Massachusetts visit for January and you'll be there at the coolest time of the year. -9°C (16°F) is as cold as it gets.

When is the best time to visit Cambridge?

Cambridge, Massachusetts is most beautiful in autumn, when golden-brown foliage makes city strolls a delight. Summer brings warmer temperatures, but be prepared for steeper hotel prices and larger crowds. Winter offers cheaper flights and hotels to Cambridge — but wrap up, as temperatures can dip below freezing.

Is it safe to visit Cambridge?

Cambridge, Massachusetts is generally safe to visit, but it's always good to exercise some caution wherever you go. Be mindful of your surroundings, especially in busy tourist areas, and make sure your valuables are secure. Also use official transport options whenever you can during your time in Cambridge.

How many days do you need for a trip to Cambridge?

Plan to spend around two to three days in Cambridge, Massachusetts. That should give you enough time to check out the city’s main neighbourhoods, visit museums and art galleries and stroll around the two universities.

Is Cambridge, Massachusetts a good destination to visit?

If you’re looking for a trip that combines sightseeing, great food, museums and nightlife, a trip to Cambridge, Massachusetts is a great idea. To get the most out of your trip, plan ahead to ensure you can fit in all the activities you want to do.