5 Things to do in Harvard Square

Passionate about teaching after graduating from Harvard, I ultimately found myself drawn into the world of real estate in Cambridge and Somerville...

5. Walk around

The heart of Harvard Square is located where Brattle Street and JFK Street and Mass. Ave meet, and where the MBTA Red Line Harvard Square Station is found.

The best way to get to know Harvard Square is to walk around. You will discover many shops and services on JFK Street and Brattle Street and Mass Ave and Mount Auburn Street, as well as on the other streets intersecting with these main ones. Allow yourself to get lost and enjoy the square.

If you would like, you can join me for a walk down Brattle Street that begins in the heart of Harvard Square.

4. Get a coffee

Ample choice for getting a coffee in Harvard Square, including Flour Cafe + Bakery and Bluestone Lane and Blue Bottle. My favorite is Darwin's Ltd on Mount Auburn Street. Check you my video about Darwin's!

3. Browse at a Book Store

Once upon a time there were many more bookstores in Harvard Square. There are still a few, including the Harvard Coop and the Grolier Poetry Book Shop and Raven Used Books. My favorite is Harvard Book Store on Mass. Ave., located across the street from Harvard Yard.

2. Visit the Harvard Campus Center

The entrance to the Richard and Susan Smith Campus Center at Harvard is located on Mass. Ave at Dunster Street and extends all the way to Mt. Auburn Street. Outside are cafe tables, perfect for people watching. Inside are food venues and seating areas and indoor landscaped elements. The Campus Center is a vital center of campus life. And just across Mass Ave is Harvard Yard, home to most all of the freshman dormitories.

1. Have lunch or dinner

There is ample choice for dining out in Harvard Square. I am partial to Toscano on Brattle Street. This inviting Italian restaurant has a convivial atmosphere and a cheerful bar. On a warm night expect to find the windows open to the street.