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Full Itinerary
Extras
Morning
8:30 AM – Arriving in Cambridge
- Travel route 1: You can take the MBTA Orange line from Ruggles Station to Downtown Crossing. Change to the Red line toward Harvard, and walk 3 minutes to reach Harvard Square, Cambridge. Get detailed directions here!
- Estimated MBTA travel time: 30 - 35 minutes (including Walks)
- Travel route 2: If you’re driving, take the Soldiers Field Rd. to reach the Harvard Square parking. Get detailed directions here!
- Estimated driving time: 8 minutes
Parking is convenient and available in the Harvard Square
9:00 AM – Start at Harvard Yard
Why Visit?
As the historic heart of Harvard University, Harvard Yard is a lush, bustling green space surrounded by centuries-old buildings.
Highlights:
Snap a photo with the famous John Harvard statue, known as the “Statue of Three Lies” due to popular myths surrounding its inscriptions. Learn more about it here!
- Fun Fact: Harvard Yard dates back to 1636, making it the oldest part of campus, with buildings like Massachusetts Hall, which once housed the Continental Army during the American Revolution.
Mid-Morning
10:00 AM – Harvard Art Museums
Harvard Art Museums 32 Quincy Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
The Harvard Art Museum comprises three unique museums—Fogg, Busch-Reisinger, and Arthur M. Sackler—offering over 250,000 pieces spanning multiple cultures and centuries.
- Must-See Pieces: The Harvard Yard attractions include ancient Egyptian artifacts, Impressionist masterpieces, and 20th-century American art.
- Entry Fee: Free for MA residents ( On Sat, 10 AM to noon)
: $20 for adults
- Recommended route: Take a 12-minute walk from Harvard Yard via John F. Kennedy St. to reach the museum. Get directions here!
Photography Note: Non-flash photography is allowed in most areas, so bring a camera to capture your favorite pieces.
11:30 AM – Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology and the Harvard Museum of Natural History
The Harvard Museum of Natural History
26 Oxford St, Cambridge, MA 02138
What It Is?
The Harvard Museum of Natural History consists of two connected museums, providing a fascinating journey through global cultures and natural history.
Top Exhibits:
- The famous Glass Flowers collection—a marvel of botanical accuracy.
- Native American artifacts and Mesoamerican sculptures in the Peabody Museum.
Duration: 1-1.5 hours
Recommended route: Take an 8-minute walk from Harvard Art Museum via Oxford St. to reach the Harvard Museum of Natural History. Get directions here!
Afternoon
12:30 PM – Lunch at Russell House Tavern
14 JFK Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
What’s special?
A popular spot for students, locals, and tourists alike, Russell House Tavern offers a casual yet vibrant dining experience with a New England twist.
- Cost: Upto $15 - $25/person ( Extra for side dishes & drinks)
- Menu Recommendation: Try the lobster roll or the classic burger with truffle fries for a local flavor. Check the menu here!
- Recommended route: An 11-minute walk from Harvard Museum of Natural History to Russell Tavern via Oxford St. Get directions here!
1:30 PM – Walk Across the Charles River to MIT
Why Walk?
Enjoy a scenic stroll along Memorial Drive with views of the Charles River, taking in the Boston skyline.
- Insider Tip: Pause at the Harvard Bridge for photos—this spot is especially beautiful in autumn when the trees along the river turn bright shades of orange and red.
- Recommended route: A 17-minute walk via MT Auburn St. and Memorial Dr. from Russell Tavern. Get directions here!
Mid-Afternoon
2:00 PM – MIT’s Infinite Corridor and Campus Highlights
Known as the “Infinite Corridor,” this main hallway runs through the heart of MIT’s campus and is a hub of student life and creativity. This is your chance to get an MIT campus tour to learn and explore the following and more.
What to See?
- Stata Center: An architectural masterpiece by Frank Gehry, this building’s angular design stands in contrast to MIT’s traditional campus. Learn more about it here!
- MIT Chapel: A serene and uniquely designed chapel with stunning light effects, designed by Eero Saarinen. Learn more about it here!
Fun Fact: The Infinite Corridor is known for the “MIT Mystery Hunt,” an annual puzzle event that’s one of the oldest in the country.
3:00 PM – MIT Museum
MIT Museum 314 Main Street, Gambrill Center, Building E-28, Cambridge, MA 02142
MIT Museum is dedicated to the innovations of MIT. It covers everything from robotics to holography and artificial intelligence.
- Must-See Exhibits:
The interactive displays on AI, mechanical design, and holography are fascinating, as is the exhibit on MIT’s history and its many contributions to technology and science.
- Entry cost: $18 for adults
: $15 for seniors ages 65+
: $10 for 18 & under, Students (with college ID discounts)
: Free for children ages 5 & under
*Check for more details here!
- Open Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Recommended route: You can take a 13-minute walk from MIT chapel via Main St. or Take a bus to reach the Museum in 11 minutes. Get directions here!
Pro-tip: Use self-service lockers in the Museum as backpacks or suitcases are prohibited in the galleries.
Late Afternoon
4:30 PM – Relax and Stroll through Kendall Square
Why Visit?
Known as the most innovative square mile in the world, Kendall Square is filled with Cambridge cultural highlights like biotech companies, startups, and cafes.
- Local Highlights:
Grab a coffee at Tatte Bakery, a local favorite, or head to one of the public spaces with sculptures and seating to relax after a day of walking.
Recommended route: Take a 9-minute walk from the MIT Museum toward Main St and Third St. to reach Kendall Square. Get directions here!
Evening
5:30 PM – Dinner at Row 34 - Cambridge
Row 34 314 Main St, Cambridge, MA 02142
The Row 34 Cambridge restaurant, set in a cozy colonial house, offers seafood-forward dishes with an inviting, rustic ambiance.
- Cost: $31-$60/person
- Must-try: Try the clam chowder and warm buttered lobster roll for classic New England flavors.
- Recommended route: Take a 9-minute walk toward Main St. and Third St. from Kendall Square to reach the cafe. Get directions here!
Pro-Tip: Row 34 can get busy, so it’s wise to book a table in advance. Book your table here! You can also opt for take out or delivery to save time. Order online here!
6:15 PM – Back to Boston, Northeastern University
It’s time to get back to your campus after a full day of fun exploration, cafe-hopping, and a lot of walking so that you can start your week with a fresh mindset and complete rejuvenation.
Travel route 1: Walk 2 minutes via 314 Main St, Cambridge, MA 02142, and take the MBTA Red line To Park St.
- Transfer: Walk for 3 minutes towards Forest Hills from Park St. and take the Orange line MBTA from Downtown Crossing to Ruggles Station to reach your campus. Get directions here!
Travel route 2: Take a cab or Uber via Storrow Dr. to directly reach the Northeastern University campus. The estimated time is about 10 minutes.
Duration: 25 minutes via MBTA
Trip Summary
- 8:30 AM – Arriving in Cambridge
- 9:00 AM – Start at Harvard Yard
- 11:30 AM – Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology and the Harvard Museum of Natural History
- 12:30 PM – Lunch at Russell House Tavern
- 1:30 PM – Walk Across the Charles River to MIT
- 2:00 PM – MIT’s Infinite Corridor and Campus Highlights
- 3:00 PM – MIT Museum
- 4:30 PM – Relax and Stroll through Kendall Square
- 5:30 PM – Dinner at Row 34 - Cambridge
- 6:15 PM – Back to Boston, Northeastern University
Packing Checklist
- Plan for Walking: Both campuses are extensive, so wear comfortable shoes and dress for the season.
- Photography Restrictions: Be mindful of each museum’s photography policies, as some exhibits may restrict photos.
- Best Visiting Time: Fall is especially beautiful in Cambridge, with pleasant weather and colorful foliage along the Charles River.