Home of Harvard University and MIT, Cambridge is usually associated with studying, rather than city break destinations. But there’s a lot to see here if you know where to look, from used bookstores to stylish bars and live music. 

If you’re staying overnight, you will find an abundance of Cambridge hotels to suit all budgets. Getting around is also simple. Take the Red Line subway or hire a bike and travel through the town’s many cycle lanes. 

It’s worth planning ahead a little to get the most out of your break. Some of the independent stores and bars are easy to miss if you’re not in the know. 

Bookstores

As you might expect from a study town, Cambridge is full of used and independent bookstores. It’s a real haven for book lovers. It includes everything from large chains and university stores to smaller indie shops. Don’t miss Grolier Poetry Shop, the oldest continuous poetry book shop in the United States. It stocks over 15,000 volumes, including small press and university publications. The shop also hosts special events and poetry readings. 

Comic aficionados will love The Million Year Picnic, which provides comics, toys, and t-shirts. New titles are shipped weekly. 

Harvard Square

A trip to Cambridge wouldn’t be complete without visiting the historic Harvard Square, one the town’s oldest neighborhoods. You could spend hours here browsing the eclectic shops, drinking coffee in the sidewalk cafes and watching the street performers. Some of the streets around this area, such as Brattle Street and Winthrop Street, date back to the 1600s.

Inman Square

Inman Square is another area worthy of note. This diverse neighborhood has strong Brazilian and Portuguese influences, which can be found in the music and local eateries. Listen to live music or take a salsa class at Ryles Jazz Club. 

River Tour

Take in the city from a different perspective by renting a canoe or kayak. A guided tour will lead you along the Charles River for a leisurely morning’s rowing. Enjoy the views of the famous universities and bridges. 

MIT Museum

The MIT Museum is dedicated to exhibiting collections that engage the wider community with MIT’s science and technology. Exhibitions, collaborations, and installations are frequently changing, and the museum is home to over one million items. 

Eating

Cambridge has a lively social scene, and you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to eating. Choices include Life Alive, which serves local, organic, wholesome food with the mission of nurturing the body and soul. Catalyst offers style, comfort, and unpretentious food. Again, it is prepared from locally-grown, organic produce. If you’re looking to splurge, then Craigie on Main has won countless awards for food and service and serves French-inspired cuisine. And if you don’t like to plan, wander along the main thoroughfares to find something that catches your eye. Like the rest of the town, the food scene is diverse and varied with many local and international influences. 

The next time you’re planning a city break, consider a leisurely stay in Cambridge. Forget the larger cities, packed with shoppers. Cambridge is a historical and cultural town with lots to do and see.