Historical Cambridge MA Walking Tour (Self Guided), Boston

Once a quiet New England farming village-turned capital of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, today's Cambridge, Massachusetts is a university town that dazzles visitors as the home of renowned Harvard University – alma mater of many intellectuals, literary geniuses, celebrities, and wealthy and powerful. Many of America’s elite have spent some time at Harvard, and their contributions to Cambridge have left a lasting imprint.

The town itself is a mishmash of historical haunts, student hang-outs, alternative art and culture venues, vintage clothing shops, bookstores and ethnic restaurants – in a few words, really cool.

Start at the immense Memorial Hall rising just outside of the Harvard Yard. An impressive architectural wonder, its main attraction is the Sanders Theatre, mostly open during concerts and other events. The nearby Fogg Museum recently underwent an extensive renewal, resulting in a magnificently lighted and curated space. While there are other excellent museums in Boston, this one must not be missed.

Continue with Harvard Square, a hub of activity and mixture of trendy stores, outdoor cafes and colorful local characters. From there, the route will take you past many important historic buildings lining Brattle Street, and finally land you at the Mount Auburn Cemetery – a great place to escape the big city while still getting amazing views of its Downtown.

To explore these and other facets of Cambridge's past and present, follow our self-guided walking tour.