Boston
Updated 2025-01
6 min read
Cambridge Guide for BU Students
Explore Cambridge - Harvard Square, MIT, bookstores, and the intellectual heart of Greater Boston.Quick AnswerSpring 2026Verified 2025-01
Cambridge is home to Harvard and MIT - BU's academic rivals but also great places to explore. It's got a different vibe than Boston: more bookish, more coffee shops, more intellectual energy.
Curated for BU Students•Last verified: 2025-01•Spring 2026
In This Guide
1
Cambridge: The Other Side
Cambridge is home to Harvard and MIT - BU's academic rivals but also great places to explore. It's got a different vibe than Boston: more bookish, more coffee shops, more intellectual energy.
3 mi
From BU
Red Line
Harvard/Central
2
World-Class Unis
$$
Moderate
2
Harvard Square
The heart of Cambridge student life:
- Harvard Yard: Walk through the historic campus (it's open to public)
- The Coop: Harvard's bookstore, great for gifts and Harvard merch
- Harvard Book Store: Independent bookstore with basement bargain section
- Brattle Theatre: Classic rep cinema, film festivals
- Mr. Bartley's: Famous burgers with punny names
- Felipe's Taqueria: Cheap Mexican, student favorite
3
Central & Kendall Square
Central Square: Grittier, more diverse, great live music venues
- Middle East: Legendary live music venue
- Life Alive: Healthy vegetarian food
- Cheapo Records: Vinyl and CDs
Kendall Square: MIT area, tech startups, modern restaurants
- MIT Museum: Free with BU ID
- MIT Campus: Walk the Infinite Corridor, see the dome
- Area Four: Great pizza and coffee
4
Getting to Cambridge
Pro Tip
Transportation Options
- Bus 1: Runs from Harvard through Central, MIT, then down Mass Ave past BU. Takes ~25 min.
- Green Line + Red Line: Take B line to Park St, transfer to Red Line to Harvard/Central. Takes ~30-35 min.
- Uber/Lyft: About $12-18, 15 min without traffic
- Bike: Great option via the Charles River path, ~20 min
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Harvard's libraries?
Unfortunately no - Harvard libraries require Harvard ID. But the Cambridge Public Library near Harvard Square is excellent and free.
Is there a BU-Harvard rivalry?
Sort of! It's more friendly than intense. BU students sometimes wear "UMASS" shirts in Harvard Yard as a joke (Harvard kids hate being confused with UMass).
What's the best time to visit Harvard Square?
Weekday afternoons are less crowded. Weekends can be packed with tourists. Evening is great for the restaurant and bar scene.
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