Harvard Square is one of Boston's most captivating destinations, where centuries of academic excellence meet brilliant modern culture. This historic neighborhood offers you an exceptional blend of educational landmarks, cultural venues, diverse dining options, and unique shopping experiences. Positioned at the center of Cambridge, a neighboring city of Boston, Harvard Square serves as both the gateway to Harvard University and a thriving community hub that draws millions of visitors annually. Whether you're a history enthusiast, food lover, or simply seeking to experience the intellectual energy that permeates the area, Harvard Square deserves a prominent place on your Boston itinerary.
Explore Harvard University
The storied campus of Harvard University forms the heart of Harvard Square. Founded in 1636, Harvard stands as America's oldest institution of higher learning and continues to rank among the world's most prestigious universities. Visitors can wander through Harvard Yard, the historic center of campus, where centuries-old buildings and towering elm trees create a serene academic atmosphere.
For first-time visitors, the free student-led tours provide fascinating insights into Harvard's history and traditions. These tours depart from the Harvard Information Center in the Holyoke Center and offer an excellent orientation to the campus. Even without a formal tour, you can explore landmarks like the iconic John Harvard Statue (often called the "Statue of Three Lies"), Memorial Church, and Widener Library — one of the world's largest academic libraries.
Historical and Cultural Gems in Cambridge
Kettle's Yard
A short walk from Harvard Square leads to Kettle's Yard, a unique art space that began as the home of art collectors Jim and Helen Ede. Now operating as a public gallery, this intimate venue displays a carefully curated collection of modern art set within a domestic environment. The space maintains the casual, lived-in feeling that the Edes created, with artwork integrated seamlessly alongside furniture and natural objects.
Visitors appreciate the gallery's contemplative atmosphere and the opportunity to experience art in a setting far removed from traditional museum environments. Regular exhibitions of contemporary artists complement the permanent collection, making Kettle's Yard a refreshing cultural destination.
Harvard Yard
The historic heart of Harvard University, Harvard Yard encompasses 25 acres of tree-lined paths, elegant buildings, and open green spaces. This iconic area houses freshman dormitories, administrative buildings, and several of Harvard's libraries — including the Harry Elkins Widener Memorial Library, built in honor of a Harvard graduate who perished on the Titanic.
You can stroll through the Yard's various gates, including the iconic Johnston Gate, and soak in the atmosphere that has nurtured countless scholars, politicians, writers, and innovators. The Yard buzzes with activity during the academic year but offers a more tranquil experience during summer months, providing different perspectives depending on when you visit.
Nearby CityPASS® Attractions
Harvard Museum of Natural History
Just steps from Harvard Square, the Harvard Museum of Natural History houses remarkable collections that showcase the natural world's diversity. The museum's famous Glass Flowers exhibit features over 4,300 incredibly lifelike plant models crafted entirely from glass—a collection found nowhere else in the world. Other highlights include extensive mineral galleries, dinosaur fossils, and meticulously preserved animal specimens from around the globe.
The museum connects with the adjacent Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, providing visitors access to both collections with a single admission. Together, these museums offer hours of exploration for science enthusiasts and curious minds of all ages.
Museum of Science
A short subway ride from Harvard Square brings you to Boston's renowned Museum of Science, one of the city's premier educational attractions. This world-class institution features hundreds of interactive exhibits spanning topics from astronomy and technology to natural history and human biology.
The museum's highlights include:
- The Theater of Electricity, featuring dramatic demonstrations with the world's largest air-insulated Van de Graaff generator
- Immersive planetarium shows that transport audiences across the universe.
With engaging exhibits designed for visitors of all ages, the Museum of Science provides an educational experience that complements a day at Harvard Square perfectly.
Extend Your Visit: More CityPASS® Attractions in Boston
Franklin Park Zoo
Nature lovers visiting Harvard Square should consider making time for Franklin Park Zoo, located in Boston's historic Franklin Park. This 72-acre zoo houses more than 220 species of animals from around the world. Highlights include the Tropical Forest pavilion, where visitors can observe gorillas, pygmy hippopotamuses, and ring-tailed lemurs in naturalistic habitats, and the Outback Trail, which showcases Australian wildlife.
The zoo's engaging educational programs and commitment to conservation make it an excellent choice for families seeking to combine learning with outdoor recreation. A visit pairs well with time spent at Harvard Square's more academic attractions, providing a balanced Boston experience.
Boston Harbor City Cruises
After exploring Harvard Square, consider seeing Boston from a different perspective with Boston Harbor City Cruises. These narrated boat tours offer spectacular views of the city skyline while providing fascinating insights into Boston's maritime history and development.
Cruises pass historic sites, including the Bunker Hill Monument, the USS Constitution ("Old Ironsides"), and Boston Harbor Islands. The knowledgeable guides share stories about Boston's role in the American Revolution, its development as a major port city, and modern landmarks like the Institute of Contemporary Art. These cruises provide a refreshing break from urban exploration and showcase why Boston's connection to the sea remains fundamental to its identity.
Save on Boston's Top Attractions With CityPASS® Tickets!
Harvard Square represents just one fascinating aspect of Boston's diverse attractions. If you're looking to maximize fun while minimizing the hit to your wallet, consider purchasing Boston CityPASS® tickets for your trip. These tickets provide admission to Boston's premier attractions at significant savings compared to purchasing individual tickets.
With Boston CityPASS® tickets, you'll enjoy streamlined entry to must-see destinations like the Harvard Museum of Natural History, New England Aquarium, View Boston Observation Deck, and the Museum of Science. CityPASS® tickets save you money, allowing you more time to explore Harvard Square and other highlights.
For additional guidance on making the most of your Boston visit, check out our Boston travel tips and learn how to efficiently get around Boston without a car. With careful planning and CityPASS® tickets in hand, you'll create a wonderful Boston experience centered around the intellectual vitality of Harvard Square and extending to the city's world-class attractions.
Boston Lodging
To get the most out of your stay in Boston, we recommend finding lodging near Boston's top attractions. Use this map to find the right lodging for you: