DK Travel : Boston : Cambridge & Somerville

Harvard may hold Cambridge’s undeniable claim to worldwide fame, but that is not to diminish the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, superb restaurants, unique shops, and colorful bars lying just beyond the school’s gates. Harvard Square, with its international newsstands, name-brand shopping, and numerous coffee houses, is a heady mix of urban bohemia and Main Street USA. And despite its 350-plus years, Cambridge is one of the most youthful cities in the country, welcoming tens of thousands of college students to Harvard, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and a handful of other schools every fall. To the northwest, the heavily residential city of Somerville is distinguished by its tightly knit European-style squares, where tourists seldom tread and local character abounds.

Local Stages

The performing arts form an integral part of the character of Cambridge and Somerville. The ornate Somerville Theater (see Somerville Theatre) draws nationally recognized musical acts, while the Loeb Drama Center (see Loeb Drama Center) stages The American Repertory Theatre’s daring, top-notch productions. And Harvard student-produced pieces grace the Hasty Pudding Theatre’s stage (12 Holyoke St, Cambridge, 617 495 5205).

Note: Cambridge is served by the “T” red line; Somerville is best accessed by bus Note: Combined entrance tickets for the Fogg, Busch-Reisinger, and Sackler museums are available Note: MIT is a scenic 20-minute walk from Downtown Boston across Longfellow Bridge

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1369 Coffee House

Set in the somewhat detached Inman Square, this branch of 1369 has poetry readings, mellow music, and courteous staff, which give it a neighborly atmosphere.
Abodeon

Abodeon stocks home furnishings of the decidedly retro variety. Items include 1940s rolling chaise longes, vintage cocktail services, and even the occasional Wurlitzer jukebox.
Atasca

The bold flavors of Portugal are yours for the tasting at the warmly appointed, cozy Atasca. Flavorful sautées and rustic grilled dishes are just some of its many charms.
Au Bon Pain

Every kind of Cambridge character can be found sipping coffee and munching croissants on the plaza at Holyoke Center. Top amusement? Challenging the chess masters to a speed game.
B-Side Lounge

Nestled deep in MIT (see Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)) territory, the B-Side serves up classic cocktails to a kitsch-loving, amiable young crowd. The kitchen’s glorious Southern cookin’ shouldn’t be overlooked either.
Blades Board & Skate

Everything for the blader, rider, and skater: Shorty’s decks, K2 snowboards, and Salomon and Rollerblade inline skates.
Brattle Theater

A Harvard Square institution, the Brattle screens cinema greats daily. Rainy afternoon? Take in a 2-for-1 Fellini double feature for a meager $7.
Café Pamplona

Pamplona’s strong coffee and light Spanish snacks keep the new-breed bohemians sated. The café opens and closes at the owner’s whim.
Cambridge Multicultural Arts Center

Housed in a beautiful 19th-century courthouse, the CMAC presents performance and visual art exhibitions which promote cross-cultural exchange. A unique feature is the encouragement of dialogue between audience and artist after performances and openings.
Cantab Lounge

Rhythm & Blues man “Little” Joe Cook has held court at this low-key, unassuming Central Square bar for years. Catch his energetic live show on Friday and Saturday nights (see Cantab Lounge)

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Restaurant price categories

For a three course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes, and extra charges.
- under $30
- $30–$45
- $45–$60
- $60–$75
- over $75