An afternoon in Harvard Square | Cambridge

Welcome to Harvard Square — the heart of Cambridge and one of the oldest parts of the city. Centered around Harvard University, which was founded in 1636 (100+ years before the Declaration of Independence was written!), this lively square has evolved from a colonial village green into a vibrant city hub, fill of some of the area's best bars, restaurants, and things to do in Boston. Here are our recommendations for spending an afternoon in Harvard Square, which is easily accessible by the Red Line: by Nicole Rosania <a href="https://www.dailyprovisions.co/location/harvard-square/">1) Brunch / lunch at Daily Provisions</a> Begin your visit with a coffee and bite to eat at one of Harvard's newest cafes — Daily Provisions. Originating in New York, Daily Provisions brings Cambridge a cozy spot for coffee, crullers, lunch, and a well-earned glass of wine. Whether you're wandering the brick-lined streets of Harvard Square or breaking from the books, it's the perfect place to pause, refuel, and feel at home. <a href="https://www.harvard.edu/visit/tours/">2) Take a student-led tour of campus</a> The free, student-led public walking tour through Harvard Yard provides a history of the University, general information, and a unique view on the students’ individual experience. It takes about an hour! 3) Shop around Harvard Square There are some charming boutiques, popular chains, and school spirit stores scattered around Harvard. If you love stationary, visit Bob Slate Stationer. The Harvard Shirt Shop is great for Harvard apparel and gifts. Leavitt &amp; Peirce is also fun for gifts and local goods. <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/lovestruck-books-a-romance-bookstore-and-cafe-harvard-square">4) Visit Lovestruck Books</a> Voted the best bookstore in Boston, Lovestruck Books is a must-visit. The female-owned, romance-themed bookstore features a café and wine bar operated by George Howell Coffee where guests can enjoy coffee and tea — as well as wine and nonalcoholic options in the evening, paired with sandwiches and pastries from local artisan purveyors. <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/source-gastro-pub-and-pizza-bar-harvard-square">5) Try the pizza at Source</a> SOURCE is a fresh, modern approach to the local gastropub and pizza bar. Discover an innovative dining destination that features rustic yet refined food, with an unmatched craft and local beverage program. Utilizing local and sustainable products and only the purest ingredients, SOURCE’s mission is to embrace the root of who we are and what we consume. <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/the-longfellow-bar">6) Grab a drink at The Longfellow Bar</a> Award-winning chef and restaurateur Michael Scelfo presents The Longfellow Bar at Alden &amp; Harlow, a neighborhood bar and restaurant located in the historic Café Algiers space directly above his flagship restaurant at 40 Brattle Street in Harvard Square.

Harvard Square

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S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

Recs 💬

Community recs 💬

S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

This weekend for you

S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Roundups ⭐️

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

This week in Boston 📆

This week 📆

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

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Just added to Joyraft

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

Trending 📈

S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

S19: interest based

Kid-friendly events in Boston

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.

Boston Bars and Restaurants: Events and Openings

Food & drink experiences in Boston

Food & drink experiences 

An afternoon in Harvard Square | Cambridge

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