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Katie Sagal

10+ Things to Do in Cambridge During Your Trip to Boston

Boston is a wonderful city to visit, and the downtown neighborhood is filled with museums, shops, restaurants, and tons of other attractions. But did you know that nearby Cambridge is an equally delightful neighborhood to explore? From museums and tours to cruises and more, there’s a ton to do in this trendy area. If you’re looking for things to do in Cambridge, MA during your trip to Boston, check out our list of the best local activities and attractions, including...

  • Harvard Walking Tour
  • MIT Museum
  • Charles River Cruise
  • Harvard Museum of Natural History
  • And more!

Save on Cambridge Attraction Admission

Admission to a number of these top Boston attractions and activities and more are included on the Go Boston pass. Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save up to 55% on combined admission vs. paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more.

Harvard Walking Tour

Image of Advertisement, Poster, Hat, Sandal, Shorts, Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Child, Girl, Male, Man, Skirt, Accessories, Bag, Handbag, People, Glasses, City, Always wanted to explore one of America’s most famous universities? Now’s your chance! Take a walking tour of the historic Harvard campus led by current students and see their beautiful architecture, scenic quads, and famous sites. It’s also a good chance to practice your Boston accent! Getting In: Harvard Walking Tour tickets are included on the Go Boston pass.

Harvard Museum of Natural History

Image of Indoors, Museum, Person, If you love the natural world, then a visit the Harvard Museum of Natural History is a great attraction option. It may be on the smaller side, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t chock full of gemstones, fossils, artifacts, and more. Roam their galleries to encounter more than 12,000 specimens from around the globe – including dinosaurs! Getting In: Harvard Museum of Natural History tickets are included on the Go Boston pass.

Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology

Image of Indoors, Museum, Baby, Person, Another great museum option in Cambridge for the culture buffs, the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology focuses on ancient world cultures. From Native American art to Mayan architecture to priceless artifacts, you’ll find a fascinating cross-section of ancient objects at this small but impressive institution. It's a hidden gem among things to do in Cambridge. Getting In: Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology tickets are included on the Go Boston pass.

Charles River Cruise

Image of Boat, Ferry, Vehicle, Water, Waterfront, City, Boating, Water Sports, Metropolis, Urban, Looking for some relaxation time? Perhaps a little sightseeing, but nothing too strenuous? Then a Charles River Cruise is the activity for you. Take a refreshing 60-minute tour of the river and see the attractions on both banks – Boston and Cambridge – for some unique sightseeing and photograph opportunities. Getting In: Charles River Cruise tickets are included on the Go Boston pass.

MIT Museum

Image of Gun, Machine Gun, Weapon, Adult, Male, Man, Person, Indoors, The MIT museum is one of the best kid-friendly attractions in town. Explore the world of technological innovation that is MIT, and marvel at the many engaging exhibits that explore the history of technological development around the globe and right here in Cambridge. Be sure to stop at the “Robots and Beyond” exhibit! Getting In: MIT Museum tickets are included on the Go Boston pass.

Harvard Art Museums

This is one for the culturally inclined. The newly renovated Harvard Art Museums (comprised of three different galleries) are a must visit for art lovers in Cambridge. With a wide variety of permanent collections and special exhibits, you’re sure to find something that inspires you in these amazing museums. Getting In: Admission to the Harvard Art Museums is separately ticketed and not included on the Go Boston pass. To purchase tickets and for more information, please visit the attraction webpage.

Longfellow House

History buffs and literature lovers alike flock to this historic home in Cambridge. Take a guided tour and learn all about the home of this renowned American poet, his life and works, and how the building briefly served as George Washington’s headquarters from 1775-6. Getting In: Admission to the Longfellow House is free.

List Visual Arts Center

The contemporary art museum housed at MIT, the List Visual Arts Center is at the forefront of artistic developments around the globe. Filled with vibrant special exhibits as well as inspiring permanent collections, it’s a must-visit for art lovers exploring the area and is one of my personal favorite things to do in Cambridge. Getting In: Admission to the List Visual Arts Center is free.

Things to Do Near CambridgeMuseum of Science (Beacon Hill/Science Park)

This is another popular kid-centric attraction, although adults will certainly find much to enjoy here as well. Filled with multiple floors of fascinating and informative exhibits, the Museum of Science is the perfect place to learn all about the natural world around you. Study everything from weather phenomenon to dinosaur fossils to the human body. Getting In: Museum of Science tickets are included with the Go Boston pass. Special exhibits are separately ticketed and are not included with the pass.

Otis House Museum (Beacon Hill/Science Park)

Image of Indoors, Reception, Reception Room, Waiting Room, Furniture, Living Room, Interior Design, Lamp, Fireplace, Chair, Chandelier, Dining Room, Dining Table, Table, Painting, Person, Explore this lavish eighteenth-century home and learn what life was like for the rich and famous of early America. Learn all about the Otis family and how they lived, as well as the changing history of the Beacon Hill neighborhood and newly developing Boston. Getting In: Otis House Museum tickets are included with the Go Boston pass.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center (Assembly Row, Somerville)

Image of Boy, Child, Male, Person, Toy, Adult, Man, Lego Set, Visit the place where every kid’s favorite toy is brought to life – LEGOLAND! This fantastic attraction for young kids is a must-visit. An indoor-only attraction, at the LEGOLAND Discovery Center you’ll find two interactive rides, a play/construction area, a 4-D Cinema, and more. Getting In: LEGOLAND Discovery Center Boston tickets are included with the Go Boston pass.

Remember to Save on Attraction Admission

There you have it - a few great recommendations for things to do in Cambridge during your trip to Boston. Don’t forget that many of these great attraction options and more are included on the Go Boston pass, where you can save up to 55% on combined admission vs. paying at the gate. We hope you consider adding a few of these fun options to your Boston vacation itinerary.

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