This Walkable Coastal City in Massachusetts Is a Must-Visit Gem

Home to the prestigious universities of Harvard and MIT, biotech companies, and vibrant neighborhoods, Cambridge is a mix of highly educated professionals, professors, and college students from around the globe, and its residents are considered among the most educated in the country. But beyond its educational accolades, Cambridge is both a cultural melting pot and a walkable city in Massachusetts. With its location across the Charles River from Boston (another walkable city), its compact size, and pedestrian-friendly amenities, you can skip the car and explore Cambridge entirely on foot.

Why This Massachusetts City Is So Easy to Explore on Foot

Home to the oldest college in the country, Harvard University, founded in 1636, Cambridge itself is an old city. Centuries before cars were even invented and well before the U.S. was a country, Cambridge was one of the first established communities among the 13 colonies, with a compact size and flat layout. Today, Cambridge is considered a "walker's paradise," featuring sidewalks on nearly every street, pathways along the Charles River, amenities close to public transportation, and a high Walk Score. It's also a "biker's paradise," with a network of bike paths and lanes if you prefer biking to walking.

The Best Things To See Within Walking Distance

There are so many things to do in Cambridge, Massachusetts, whether you're here for a day, a long weekend, or longer. One of my favorite things to do is to walk around Harvard Square, which is bustling with students, tourists, and locals, as well as shops, cafes, and restaurants. Take a stroll through the beautiful Harvard campus to see its historic brick buildings and the gardens at Arnold Arboretum, and spend time perusing the exhibits at the Harvard Art Museums and the Harvard Museum of Natural History. MIT has its own museum as well. Located at Kendall Square, the MIT Museum features exhibits on robotics, architecture, modern technology, the history of the university, and more.

While there are plenty of museums and sites throughout Cambridge, one of the most scenic cities in Massachusetts, among the top things to do here is dine at one or more of its many international restaurants.

Where To Eat, Shop, and Relax Along the Way

With its melting pot of cultures and a population comprised of people from over 70 nations, the food scene is just as diverse. International restaurants abound throughout Cambridge, especially in and around Central Square. Here, you will find everything from taqueria, ramen, and sushi to French, Greek, Indian, and Middle Eastern cuisine, among others. One of the most talked-about restaurants in Central Square is Little Donkey, a tapas restaurant with global influence by James Beard Award-winning Chef Ken Oringer. If you find yourself in Cambridge's Inman Square, you can dine on delectable Middle Eastern and Turkish dishes at Oleana, owned by another James Beard Award-winner, Chef Ana Sortun. This highly recommended restaurant is featured in the Michelin Guide.

While there is no shortage of excellent restaurants featuring a wide range of international cuisines, there is plenty of shopping in Cambridge as well. Head to Harvard Square, and you'll find locally-owned boutique shops, record stores, and book shops as well as nationally-recognized chains. To escape from the busy streets of Cambridge, pop into a cafe for a caffeine fix and a pastry, or head to one of the city's many green spaces, such as the 16-acre Cambridge Common or the historic Winthrop Park.

There's no doubt that Cambridge is among the best small cities to visit in Massachusetts. From its world-renowned institutions for higher education to its dining scene, parks, and pedestrian-friendly walkways, spending time in this walkable Bay State city is a must.

If you're traveling around the country and prefer to explore on foot, discover more of the most walkable cities in the U.S.