Cambridge, MA

Travel Guide

Cambridge which includes street scenes and a city
Cambridge showing a sunset and a river or creek
Cambridge featuring a river or creek
Longfellow Bridge featuring a bay or harbor, a sunset and a city
Longfellow Bridge which includes a city, a bridge and a river or creek

Home to two of the most prestigious universities in the U.S., Cambridge has a distinguished feel, with fine dining, museums and riverside strolls among its charms. 

Tour the grounds of Harvard and admire the elegant buildings in which some of America’s finest minds have been nurtured. Visit museums and galleries within the grounds, before making your way to the contrasting Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where cutting-edge architecture houses students that are shaping the future. Cruises down the River Charles, numerous boutique stores and a culinary culture to rival some of the finest cities in the country will keep you busy for the rest of your stay.

Cambridge was founded in 1630 and is the fifth-largest city in Massachusetts. It’s known as the “City of Squares” because of the way town planners designed the town around an easily navigable network of plazas.

Take a tour of the Harvard grounds and learn about the many famous alumni who have studied here, including President Barack Obama and poet T.S. Eliot. Conduct some learning of your own and stop in at the Harvard Museum of Natural History where over 12,000 specimens are on display. Art fans should head to the Harvard Museum of Art, which is made up of three distinct sections focusing on Western, Germanic and Asian art.

Visit MIT for the architecture alone, with the stunning Stata Center and Simmons Hall among the highlights. Don’t miss the MIT museum, which focuses on exhibits that showcase scientific, artistic and technology innovations in the modern era.

Stroll beside the Charles River, which boasts hundred of acres of nature reserve on each of its banks. Take a visit to Mount Auburn Cemetery, the first landscaped cemetery in the United States. It’s also notable for being the burial place of the poet Henry Longfellow. Visit Longfellow House in the town to find out more about this literary great.

Cambridge is well served by public transport, with a good network of trains and public buses covering all the major sights. It’s also an easy city to cycle around in. Rent a bike during the warm summer months and discover the extensive network of cycle routes.

Where to stay in Cambridge

Boston featuring a park

MIT

4.5/5(181 area reviews)

While you're in MIT, take in top sights like MIT Museum and jump on the metro at Kendall-MIT Station to see more of the city.

MIT
Very calming sight .....

East Cambridge

4.5/5(456 area reviews)

The stunning river views and popular shops are a few things travelers love about East Cambridge. Check out Cambridgeside Galleria or Charles Hayden Planetarium while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Lechmere Station to get around town.

East Cambridge
Betta Splendens statue in Auburn Park, Cambridge

Cambridgeport

4/5(200 area reviews)

Predominantly residential with triple decker homes, Cambridgeport boasts Fort Washington Park, MIT buildings, and Magazine Beach. Central Square offers a bustling commercial district and easy transportation.

Cambridgeport
Cambridge which includes street scenes and a city

Mid-Cambridge

4.5/5(42 area reviews)

Bounded by Massachusetts Avenue and Prospect Street, Mid-Cambridge offers a convenient location in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Explore the area's diverse streets, including Hampshire Street and Kirkland Street, for a true local experience.

Mid-Cambridge
The Green Goddess is my go-to bowl at Life Alive in Cambridge. It has avocado, broccoli, kale, legumes, tofu and brown rice and is topped with a creamy ginger-flax-shouyu sauce. So good!

Central Square

When in Central Square, check out the abundant dining options and consider a stop by Central Square Theatre. If you want to see more of the area, you can catch the metro at Central Square Station.

Central Square
Default Image

Kendall Square

While you're in Kendall Square, take in top sights like Kendall Square and jump on the metro at Kendall-MIT Station to see more of the city.

Kendall Square
Hyatt Regency Boston/Cambridge

Hyatt Regency Boston/Cambridge

4 out of 5
575 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA
$164 nightly
The price is $190 total per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
$190 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Cambridge. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour health club, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,002 reviews)
"Great place to stay very clean and good location"

Reviewed on Jul 14, 2025

Hyatt Regency Boston/Cambridge
The Charles Hotel

The Charles Hotel

4 out of 5
One Bennett Street, Cambridge, MA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$330 nightly
The price is $383 total per night from Jul 31 to Aug 1
$383 total
Jul 31 - Aug 1
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Cambridge. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"Excellent"

Reviewed on Jul 15, 2025

The Charles Hotel
The Royal Sonesta Boston

The Royal Sonesta Boston

4 out of 5
40 Edwin H. Land Boulevard, Cambridge, MA
$201 nightly
The price is $233 total per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
$233 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Cambridge. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,370 reviews)
"It was above and beyond my expectation."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

The Royal Sonesta Boston
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
907 Main Hotel Central Square, Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy

907 Main Hotel Central Square, Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy

4 out of 5
907 Main Street, Cambridge, MA
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Cambridge. Enjoy concierge services, cable TV channels, and an in-room coffeemaker. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (502 reviews)
"Every thing was good. I just wish the AC worked better. I had the AC at 65 degrees for the whole time I was there but the temperature stayed mid 70’s the whole time. Didn’t seem strong enough to get below 70 degrees."

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

907 Main Hotel Central Square, Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy
Modern 3BR Escape in Cambridge – Pool, Gym & All the Perks!

Modern 3BR Escape in Cambridge – Pool, Gym & All the Perks!

Cambridge
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Cambridge. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Popular attractions Fenway Park ...
Modern 3BR Escape in Cambridge – Pool, Gym & All the Perks!
Great Apartment on River/ Harvard Square two blocks

Great Apartment on River/ Harvard Square two blocks

2 out of 5
Cambridge
Stay at this apartment in Cambridge. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Harvard Square and Fenway Park are located nearby.
8.6/10 Excellent! (13 reviews)
A Great Stay
"We we were in town for the Red Sox series and had a great stay at Mike’s place. We highly recommend this place for anyone staying in Boston/ Cambridge."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Great Apartment on River/ Harvard Square two blocks
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Cambridge

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
527
5 - Excellent 55%
4 - Good
365
4 - Good 38%
3 - Okay
55
3 - Okay 6%
2 - Disappointing
3
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I’ve always liked Cambridge.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

The hotel was near the T and Cambridgeside Galleria. Plenty to do and see in Cambridge

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Beautiful area with lots to do. Unfortunately the hotel is not close to public transportation esp during cold months.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Best getaway trip ever!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Cambridge is a fun, historic place with a fine university!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

I didn't come to explore Cambridge, really just there on business. But what I did see was nice.

Cities near Cambridge