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Harvard Square
Brattle St, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States
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Ly
Review №1

Had a great experience with the doctor. My appointment started on time. The doctor was friendly, very professional, patient, and thorough. Front desk was also helpful. Entire office wore face masks.

An
Review №2

A fun place to shop, but it’s very crowded. And the B. F. Skinner Foundation building is under construction.

Da
Review №3

I have not been here but I researched a lot about Harvard square recently due to educational reasons and whilst I learnt that the square is great cause many Harvard students prefer relaxing,outing or calmly studying in a quiet cafe or lounge table and seats area where people are friendly and no one literally minds you listening to music or studying or chatting with family and friends. Also it is convenient for them to shop for daily essentials and clothes or baggage while being a college student who dorms in its premises. It is also a great tourist place if you are visiting Cambridge (Massachusetts,USA). As a future Harvard student,I believe this place will be great for quick takeout dinners,lounging and shopping.

Jo
Review №4

Pretty, lively, quaint. Its gotten cleaner over the years, which is also to say its lost some of its charm. Hip new millenial joints have replaced older, dingier establishments, which is sad to me but regarded as an improvement by others. Win some, lose some.

Ru
Review №5

Great souls have come and gone here

Ca
Review №6

Lots of history and culture, great places to eat, chess tables for those who wish to play and people from all walks if life are comfortable in the square. Everyone from the local homeless population to Harvard students has somewhere they can feel comfortable and its rare to see that. Live Harvard square.

Je
Review №7

Fantastic neighborhood for dinner or shopping. If the weather is nice, check out rooftop dining at Felipes or Deadalus. Shopping includes Newbury Comics, Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie. Plenty of cafes to grab coffee and take a stroll along the Charles River

Mi
Review №8

I love Harvard square! There are so many restaurants, novelties and pubs around... One of the best attractions in Boston!

M.
Review №9

Not what it used to be. Like most popular areas of Boston and surrounding cities, it’s just bland corporatism, devoid of any culture. It still holds a special place in my heart. I will keep going here as long as the the garage still exists

Am
Review №10

Nice area to walk around without loads of crowds. The campus and buildings are beautiful. Very safe area at night!Lots of great restaurants and things to do in walking distance.If you are looking for shopping there aren’t as many options as there used to be. The shops that are here are great though! I wish there were more boutiques but otherwise I enjoy the area!

Sa
Review №11

Nice and attractive place to visit if you are in Boston area. You can get red line to come here. Parking is a problem here but there are couple of lots where you can find parking. Don’t forget to visit Cambridge Common also. There are plenty of nice places to eat around and few guided tour as well if you like

dr
Review №12

Although you have to go visit if you are in Boston but don’t expect much. I had higher expectations however the square doesn’t offer much. Just the area around the Harvard station has a small square with some students and tourists wandering around . You can spend some time visiting the Harvard yard area. Nice old building and you can use google to guide you through your walk instead of any of the local guides . Only you can enjoy the walk with some photos of the old building in the Harvard yard. If you are tight in your time visiting Boston, you can skip and go somewhere else.

Ma
Review №13

A lot of little stores that have good things

C
Review №14

Great place to visit. Lots to see and lots of restaurants..some with outdoor seating.

Al
Review №15

Did the Harvard tour, is really amazing. The school is shown by one of the students and they provide with good insight and very good information about the school, their culture and history. Had a great experience and will definitely recommend it.

Kr
Review №16

Theres nothing extraordinary about this Square, but its the heartbeat of the university and it feels cool to be standing there at this world famous university.The main attraction here is the statue of John Harvard, the man who founded the university. Its also known as the statue of three lies. Ill leave that for you to find out why.If you intend to visit Harvard, you cannot miss this. Its a must-visit. At the very least, you can admire the architecture of the buildings around you.

al
Review №17

You feel so smart walking around the Harvard Campus! Its so prestiges & beautiful!

Ca
Review №18

I would normally give Harvard Square five stars! Times are different now, however, during the pandemic. Still, the square remains busy enough in terms of being out and about amongst mostly mask-complying people, though probably difficult for businesses.Covid-19 is a nuisance!Pre-Covid: Harvard Square is typically a pleasure to relax outside at night when the weather is warm and dry. Or to dine in the wide variety of eating establishments, many enticing. Also during the day to complete errands all in one location. Harvard Coop Bookstore, one or two hardware shops with interesting offerings, a small cinema, a popular independent bookstore on Mass Ave., CVS, yoga and barre studios, banks, and many shops selling clothes, jewelry, candy, stationery, chocolates and more.Covid Time - Disappointingly, a few younger people havent worn masks while in Harvard Square. From what Ive noticed, groups may be masked, with one person in the group not masked. Ugh!With covid, I find it uncomfortable to walk on the sidewalk past groups waiting outside the door to be seated in restaurants. Or even restaurant guests seated, not masked because theyre eating, at outdoor dining areas along the sidewalks. However, I believe outdoor seating isnt as common in Harvard Square. More typical in Cambridge along Mass Ave outside of HS. We need to support our restaurants as well as we to socialize and relax, so Im not sure what an effective solution would look like.If parking a vehicle, I recommend the University Parking Garage near the Charles Hotel. Street parking can be a challenge but gets easier a few blocks away.

Di
Review №19

Love this place, you got it all in one.

Mu
Review №20

Great spot to visit if you traveling to Boston, there are great spots to catch a bite and grab a coffee. If you walk walk north you can enter through the Johnston gate.This will take you to Harvard yard. A great photo opportunity awaits there. A statue of the founder John Harvard. You can walk around din the yard and visit the multiple building and also hesd over to widener library.

Om
Review №21

I had a walk there afternoon, nice atmosphere and suitable for having group dinner or even just taking a cup of coffee. I liked the historic architecture of the buildings. Nice place for a walk or touring on a bike which one can rent from couple of spots there.

Mi
Review №22

Beautiful campus. Take the HAHVARD tour...its a good history lesson on the campus. Tours take place every 30 minutes and are led by a current Harvard student.

Ge
Review №23

That was amazing, I very much enjoyed the political party

An
Review №24

Harvard Square has a lot of places to eat and snack, like Ben & Jerrys Ice-cream. It also has book stores and boutiques. Great place to people- watch from upstairs at Starbucks right by the subway station.

Mu
Review №25

Harvard square is a unique place where you can see people from around the world and enjoy street shows. It is located in the heart of Cambridge and has many restaurants, cafes, and ice cream shops to enjoy nearby. It is a good place for walking or biking. The T-Station is nearby, so you can use the bus or train at your convenience. There is an information and convenience store at the center. You can also get a tour of the area offered by Harvard students. A must to check out if in the area. Bonus trivia: the scene with Matt Damon where he was talking to his girlfriend in Good Will Hunting was filmed on a table here!

An
Review №26

Felipes tacos and burritos, the best. So good, and very friendly people. The best in Harvard Sq. Cambridge.

Ro
Review №27

CV 19 killed what was a bustling place, got off the T to catch an Uber. Nice but quiet.

Jo
Review №28

Harvard Square was a nice place to walk around. Had a few friends in Boston and we ate brunch on a Sunday and walked around a bit. I went back on Monday and walked around the campus a bit too. It was pretty cool to be in Harvard and walking around, seeing the college kids, all way smarter than me, and just so much history. If you’re in Boston make the time to go walk through Cambridge!

Va
Review №29

It feels just like we are in a history movie scenario. so many old/historic building... You almost wish be back to school all over again.

da
Review №30

Harvard Square is awesome. There are lots to do especially in the summer you will hear musicians outside. There is a man in front of the main train station that paints & sells his art. Lots of shops & a variety of restaurants here. Also, on 42 Brattle St. there is the Cambridge Center for Adult Education, which has a variety of classes including cooking, dance, music, business etc. Also, Central Square & Porter Square are within walking distance with tons of eateries. Harvard Square also has access to trains & buses to get you where you need to go! Must visit!

Ka
Review №31

Great vibe even in the middle of pandemic

De
Review №32

A must for anyone visiting Boston. Totally recommend this.

G
Review №33

If you are visiting Harvard University for the first time and are arriving by subway, this is a good starting point. Check out the Visitor Information booth, grab a drink or snacks, and then make your way to the university across the street, entering at Johnston Gate. There are bikes for rent for those who wish to explore the neighborhood.

Mu
Review №34

Centre of hustle and bustle. An atmosphere of academics and fast moving young people. Harvard journey starts here.

am
Review №35

It was interesting to drive around. Not much of a crowd due to covid.

Na
Review №36

I visited this place according to a recommendation to distinguish it from other places in Boston and this was really what I noticed.The place is quiet, simple and luxurious because of the prestigious Harvard University buildings

Ra
Review №37

A live spot in the city with great energy and nice stores.

Le
Review №38

Had a friend from the UK visiting and she wanted to learn more about Harvard. I would strongly recommend taking the student led Harvard tour, thats very informative, filled with history and fun facts and half price or free if you had also taken the Boston duck tour. Only reason took a star off was because of the few undesirable fragrances and people found around the red line subway T-station...

Ni
Review №39

Great people watching destination - you can see people from all walks of life and from all backgrounds congregate here. There are usually several performers around.

ni
Review №40

Beautiful and enjoyable during sunny days. Is perfect for Harvard and photography lovers.

ch
Review №41

My favorite ramen place in Greater Boston. Never disappoints.

Ch
Review №42

The best University in the world. The tour around the Harvard campus is worth the visit.

Fa
Review №43

Enjoy the tour arranged by the university. Book online through the university website. Your will take you all around the campus and main buildings. Wear comfortable shoes as most of the time you will be walking.

La
Review №44

Great historic buildings and not too many visitors during the summer vacation.

Ch
Review №45

I visited a friend during the Summer of 2017 and loved the buzz around Harvard Square. The public transit system is amazing but doesn’t deter people from walking, jogging or cycling. Crema Cafe (sadly closed its doors in Harvard Square) had the best pastries and beverages.

Br
Review №46

A must visit place to go when you are in Boston. There is a wonderful buzz about the place. Beautiful boutique shops and restaurants. Really friendly atmosphere.

Ed
Review №47

Beautiful place!! Very clean an gorgeous place to take pictures!!!

Sw
Review №48

Always always love this place. Do not miss this place when you visit Boston. Lots and lots of food options. Cafes are real good and lively. Grab a coffee and sit at the park and enjoy live music by street musicians. Weekends are specially fun at this place. Try the gift shops too.

Na
Review №49

Enjoyed the different foods to eat and all the stores.

Mi
Review №50

Pretty good burgers. But this guy came up and banged on the window.... Kept asking me if I liked Apples

Sa
Review №51

Charming and unique. Beautiful as usual.

Pe
Review №52

This is such a special place. Make sure you walk around the Harvard Yard, Science Center and Langdell Library whenever you are here. Please, be respectful and cautious when taking pictures once you are inside Harvard campus you are interacting with the intimacy of students here. This is where they live, go out, and work — so don’t take awkward pictures.

V
Review №53

Always fun, lively, busy,safe,so much to do for all

Ir
Review №54

Harvard is absolutely a must see location while visiting Boston. Theres a lot of history (take a local guide). The biggest academic library in the world is also located there.

Se
Review №55

Suuuch nice place for strolling and discovering. Really nice little shops and cafes and buildings. Love it. In summer it must be even more beautiful. Cant wait to go back.

Jo
Review №56

Celebration bidens elected

Ja
Review №57

Very cool place with a great vibe.

Va
Review №58

Great place to gather with family and friends.

El
Review №59

Great area and people

Tr
Review №60

Packed with people on nice days, but for good reason. Beautiful area to walk around. The old build strike is magnificent.

Be
Review №61

Harvard University is definitely worth your time. If you get to it, begin your Harvard tour here. Firstly, its a main thoroughfare with great historical buildings nearby. Next, many stores, gift shops, a bike stand (recommended) and a bus stop are on here. Finally, it provides access to the main Harvard square where most of the historic buildings are clustered. Tour guides available.

An
Review №62

Great shops, wonderful people, and if you walk around you will see the European influence in all the architecture. There is a lot of history in Boston and this is a must see.

An
Review №63

Just great to be there

Ye
Review №64

Love this place so much

Ro
Review №65

Took the Haavahd Tour with Annabelle today. Very informative tour and our guide was quite knowledgeable. Her Titanic puns were almost funny, but seriously made us laugh anyway.

ch
Review №66

Beautiful area, I would recommend everyone to visit

Ju
Review №67

Cool school, but they dont actually let you go into any of the cool buildings

Na
Review №68

The smell if history and intelligence roams in the air. A step back in history, culture and style.

Ed
Review №69

Its interesting its Harvard square beautiful

Ar
Review №70

Good tourist spot if you like harvard

Ka
Review №71

It was a nice walk in a prestigious university

Th
Review №72

Its beautiful and busy place, i met very very kindly bus driver there

Ti
Review №73

Food for every palate. Fun shops. Harvard Bookstore is right across the street from the Red Line T station. Definitely check out Ottos Pizza. Better to visit during warm weather months.

sr
Review №74

A great place to visit whenever you are in Boston.You can feel the energy of the area while checking out some beautiful architecture!

Da
Review №75

Great place to relax, eat lunch, take a nap

ya
Review №76

Fun, happening spot. Lots of places to eat, a Subway station, right next to Harvard University, a newsstand, (thats not open at night). Street parking with meter except Sunday and nights. Curious George toy store nearby, as well as a Starbucks, Milk, CVS and lots more!

Ke
Review №77

This place has lost a lot of its character over the years. As rents have increased, many iconic businesses have had to close their doors to be replaced by chains. Still lovely to stroll around Harvard yard and the Cambridge common, or walk by the river.

Ma
Review №78

Loved the whole aura of this town (city?). The young spirit, the smallness, and in turn cozyness. The architectural value of every building. The snow! The places to eat. I came as a vacation tu visit my brother, but loved the overall look and feeling of this place. Want to return for sure!!

Nu
Review №79

Nice little town walk around they have so many restaurants and harvard yard and Cambridge common yard to see and walk around and its full of amazing lighting and people.

Ch
Review №80

Definitely a nice way to spend the day here.

So
Review №81

Amaizing place! If you are in Boston, go visit Harvard and come see this place. You can buy there, tickets for guided tours and some Harvard memorabilia. While waking, youll find a great architecture!

Jo
Review №82

Theres a handful of resident homeless folk here but theyre a bit more posh.Cool selection of eateries and shops, including the Curious George store (the only one of its kind in the world, though I heard its moving elsewhere in Cambridge), David Changs Milk Bar, Lush handmade soaps and cosmetics, Newbury Comics, Clover vegetarian fast food (they also serve local beers, $4.44 a pop, not bad), Hempest (boasting threads, gear, stationary, etc made 100% from hemp), and more! Also lots of coffee shops, so its a great place to start your day. Peetes is my personal favorite.Oh yeah, and theres Harvard, but I think you need a membership or khakis or something to go there.

Al
Review №83

The classic spot in Cambridge that isnt quite Boston, but is still an important part of the Boston area and very historic. Lots of chill people and also theres a big university right there and several businesses. Other than that, I dont know. Its easy to get too because of the red line and quite a few bus lines

Pr
Review №84

The square has become a tourist spot. its has cafes and eateries and clothing stores. There are also book stores and stores that stock memorabilia. They also have some students bands play during summers.Nice place to spend some time.

Na
Review №85

Not as many open areas as I expected, basically a large nice university campus. Nice and peaceful walk on a Sunday morning

Yv
Review №86

Nice selection of shops

al
Review №87

Great spot for college students and tourists to browse shops and hole in the ball food joints. Also great for residents if you bring a little extra money as there are many delicious dine in restaurants.

NA
Review №88

Nice place just to walk around buildings. Sit,relax. Or shop in stores.

Ja
Review №89

Great place to relax, eat lunch

Ar
Review №90

Very Happening Place. We loved the place and atmosphere here. You will definitely feel like you want to study here once in life time. Great and historic place to visit. Good thing about this place is, it is not commercial place. you will see students all around. Study, Music, Food, Drinks, tours ...lot of happenings.

Ak
Review №91

What a wonderful place! It does not have gardens or anything landscaped but with the trees, lawns and well maintained buildings..its a beautiful place to sit and soak in the atmosphere. Take a photo by thr John Harvard statue.. who the your guide said only donated books to Harvard... But hey..just go and enjoy the ambience

Th
Review №92

Lots of history in visiting Americas first institute of higher education. Its smaller than other major university. After visiting this campus, you can see the blue print for the design for other top 25 university in the nation.

im
Review №93

A hustling and bustling place with lots of places for food.

Al
Review №94

Beautiful place, there are lot of restaurants. You can take a nice walk at night it is very safe also the public transportation is good there is the T station and the bus station that connects to different places.

Ch
Review №95

Chocolate festival was disappointing. The line wrapped all the way around the block despite getting there early. Once you got to the front of the line after about an hour standing in freezing January weather, they split you into two lines so each line was only able to go to half the vendors and you had no idea which vendors were on which side. The staff were rude. It really should be in a different location or laid out differently. It has gotten worse each year. In fact the line I ended up in, only about half of the vendors were even passing out things with chocolate in them. Vendors not providing chocolate items should not be participating in a chocolate festival.

Ka
Review №96

Oftentimes my favorite part of the Boston sightseeing trip. Walking around Harvard University is very fun and super pretty. I went in the Fall so it was a great time to go, leaves are everywhere. Lots of places to eat as well, and Subway is right under Harvard square for easy access.

Ol
Review №97

Vibrant location with lots happening. Very touristy spot!Definitely need to see this spot if youre in the area.

Sa
Review №98

Must visit place, best coffee shops, best book shops, best eateries, and shopping malls around this place. Street artists, and much more. I spent quality time at Creme Cafe and star bucks, bought books from Harvard Coop. Truly loved this place. Wouldn’t be wrong to call it the TS of Cambridge.

Em
Review №99

Went to one of my fave stores at garage mall thats been there since I was a kid. Finally made a new purchase after years and its all the more special knowing its from that shop~ also saw this beautiful wall painting( I know what it really is)

Ve
Review №100

Great community vibes

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.5 Rating
  • Address:Brattle St, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States
  • Site:http://www.harvardsquare.com/
  • Phone:+1 617-491-3434
Categories
  • Tourist attraction
Working hours
  • Monday:Open 24 hours
  • Tuesday:Open 24 hours
  • Wednesday:Open 24 hours
  • Thursday:Open 24 hours
  • Friday:Open 24 hours
  • Saturday:Open 24 hours
  • Sunday:Open 24 hours
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance:Yes
Amenities
  • Good for kids:Yes
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