Walking along Memorial Drive to see Boston, Charles River, and Harvard Bridge
Boston Commons and Garden
North End district
I took the trolley tour but did not have time to walk around during a rainy day.
Harvard Square (had chance to look for books in foreign language bookstore and have a nice early dinner. Did not like the scene after dark in front of the COOP).
Not impressed with Newbury street (only if you want to shop expensive clothes, handbags,…)</p>
<p>Of course, for me, it’s all about the food. When you’re in Cambridge, don’t miss Mr. Bartle’s Burger Cottage. Simply fabulous burgers, sweet potato fries to die for, homemade pepper relish. The menu is half the fun.</p>
<p>I’d go with gadad. I think wandering around Harvard Square is fun – street performers are out in the evening – and walking to MIT through Central Square is nice if it isn’t too hot. I haven’t walked the Freedom Trail since I was a kid, but people say it is worthwhile. You might check out Coolidge Corner as well and walk on Newbury Street for the chi-chi-ish shopping flavor. If you like art, the MFA is a good standard museum. The ICA (Institute of Contemporary Art has a staggeringly nice building and typically conceptual art) and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is really quirky and fun. </p>
<p>I’d recommend walking along the Charles River and checking out Harvard Law School and Business Schools. To the cognoscenti, can anyone rent boats at Community Boating or is it only for people signed up in programs? If yes, and if you row, rowing on the Charles is a wonderful thing to do. </p>
<p>Cambridge has great ice cream places. More common elsewhere, but Toscanini’s is fun. I hear Herrell’s is returning, but I’m not sure when. </p>
<p>Restaurant recommendations depend upon price and type, but here are a few. I like Tamarind Bay (in both Coolidge Corner and Harvard Square but the Coolidge Corner restaurant is physically a lot nicer) for Indian food, Union Oyster House for “Boston” experience, East Coast Grill is fun, EVOO in Kendall Square is pretty good and somewhat expensive, Green Street Grill is often very good for the price (though it may have changed its name to Green Street). I’m quite fond of Oishii and Hammersley’s Bistro, though both are in $55+ per person range.</p>
<p>Yesterday, older D met up with a friend who is a member of a sailing club on the Charles River. They went sailing on the Charles River for several hours. D said that even if you are not a member or don’t know how to sail, there are usually members there happy to take people out for a sail on the Charles. I don’t know the name of the club or the exact location (I’m assuming between the BU and Longfellow Bridges), but it sounds like a lot of fun. D had a blast.</p>
<p>As for local places in the Allston Brighton area, try Sunset Bar and Grill (closer to BU) and Roggie’s (next to BC). Both will give you a good feel for that area.</p>
<p>I believe it is near Davis Square in Somerville (next to Cambridge). It is not within walking distance to either Harvard or MIT. I live near Boston and it is also a place I hope to visit soon, their cupcakes look really good.</p>
<p>First day here… with my dad and brother. Didn’t think we would be so exhausted. BC dissapointed me, but I LOVED BU! Anyway, we ate at some local burger joint and later are going to a Korean BBQ place just because my brother is obsessed. Our hotel is across from Fenway… such a tease that they are out of town! I think we are also going to Quincy Market or something like that tonight. My brain/body is fried so I’ll repost anything else later/tomorrow</p>
<p>Also, definitely do a Duck Tour.
[Boston</a> Duck Tours - The Official Website & Online Tickets](<a href=“http://www.bostonducktours.com/]Boston”>http://www.bostonducktours.com/)
Don’t worry about safety - the Duck in Boston that got something stuck under the brake pedal damaged a bunch of other cars, but the Duck itself is so big and sturdy that none of the passengers was injured. And the one in Philly was a different company.</p>
<p>The Freedom Trail is free, except for certain stops. Start at the visitor’s center kiosk at the Boston Common, and walk it at your own pace. Paul Revere’s house charges admission, I think it’s worth it.</p>
<p>Forgot one of my favorite restaurants, Helmand’s in East Cambridge. It is Afghan food. No inexpensive but the price is quite low for the quality level. I just took some visiting friends there last night and they were singing its praises.</p>