shops in harvard square

Harvard Square Attractions

Discover the Best Things to Do in Harvard Square, Downtown Boston & Beyond

Nestled between Harvard University and the Charles River, Harvard Square Hotel has one of the most coveted addresses in Cambridge. Whether you want to explore the museums in downtown Boston, attend an event at Harvard University, walk the historic Freedom Trail or enjoy the shops and cafes in Harvard Square, the best things to see and do in Harvard Square are moments from our doorstep.

Not sure where to start? Our friendly staff is happy to recommend the best local things to do, or you can browse a list of the area’s top destinations below. Cambridge Visitor Information Center is another wonderful source of information for all Harvard Square has to offer.

paul revere statue in boston

Boston Commons

Dating back to 1634, Boston Common is the oldest park in the United States. Over the years it has served as a field for grazing livestock and a venue for public hangings.

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harvard university campus

Museum of Science

Located five miles from the hotel in Science Park, the Museum of Science is home to more than 700 interactive exhibits, over 100 live animals and the only domed IMAX screen in New England.

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quincy market at night with skyline in background

Faneuil Marketplace

Located a 15-minute drive from the hotel, Faneuil Hall Marketplace is a charming shopping and dining area next to the waterfront in Boston.

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harvard university campus

Harvard Faculty Club

Planning a special meal? The Harvard Faculty Club is a local favorite for elegant lunches, dinners and Sunday brunches.

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sign for newbury st

Newbury Street

Visit one of downtown Boston’s most famous shopping and dining strips. Newbury Street is home to salons, art galleries, bars and fabulous restaurants – all housed within eight blocks of quaint 19th century buildings.

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harvard fogg museum

Harvard Fogg Museum

Located a nine-minute walk from the hotel, the Fogg Museum is the oldest art museum on Harvard University’s campus.

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museum in boston

Museum of Fine Arts

The Museum of Fine Arts houses nearly 450,000 works of art and is one of the most comprehensive art museums on earth.

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harvard university campus

Harvard Square

Considered the historic center of Cambridge, Harvard Square is a vibrant neighborhood filled with boutique shops, cafes, restaurants, theaters and street performers. 

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brick that says the freedom trail boston

Freedom Trail

Located 15 minutes from Harvard Square, this 2.5-mile trail boasts 16 sites pertaining to the Revolutionary War.

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entrance to museum of natural history

Museum of Natural History

Situated a 12-minute walk from the hotel, Harvard’s Museum of Natural History boasts an impressive collection of fossils, minerals, gems and glass models of plants.

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Isabella Steward Gardner Museum

Isabella Steward Gardner Museum

Located a 12-minute drive from the hotel, the Isabella Gardner Museum houses an impressive art collection with culturally significant pieces from ancient Rome, Medieval Europe, Renaissance Italy, Asia, the Islamic world, France and America.

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harvard yard

Harvard Yard

Located a five-minute walk from the hotel, Harvard Yard is the central green space of Harvard University.
 

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shops around harvard square

Harvard Coop

Founded by Harvard students in 1882, the Harvard Coop is an impressive four-story bookstore that is a must-see in Cambridge.

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