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Memorial Drive is a magnet for joggers and rollerbladers. On summer Sundays, the road closes to vehicular traffic and becomes the city’s best people-watching spot.

On and around this sunken brick platform, street musicians, protesters, punk rockers, and uncategorizables create a scene worthy of a Life magazine spread.

Sunday brunch at the Neighborhood brings throngs intent on securing seating beneath the outdoor grape arbors. Equally coveted are the house’s Portuguese breakfast bread platters.

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.

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.

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.

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

The subterranean epicenter of New England’s thriving folk music scene regularly welcomes nationally renowned artists. It boasts an inventive vegetarian kitchen, Veggie Planet.

Summer in Somerville is epitomized by one thing: baseball at the playground. On most weeknights, you can watch youngsters take their swings.

A popular Davis Square destination for its impeccably fresh baked goods, creative sandwiches, and view onto bustling Elm Street.