What are some fun things to do at Harvard Square for prospective students?
I'm planning to visit Harvard soon for a campus tour and I'll have a few hours free in Harvard Square. I'm a little nervous about making the most of my visit and don't want to just wander around feeling lost.
If you've been before, what are some cool spots or activities you recommend? I'm especially interested in good food places, bookstores, or anything unique to the area. Also, any advice on avoiding tourist traps would be super helpful.
Would appreciate any suggestions from people who have spent time there or have favorite memories!
If you've been before, what are some cool spots or activities you recommend? I'm especially interested in good food places, bookstores, or anything unique to the area. Also, any advice on avoiding tourist traps would be super helpful.
Would appreciate any suggestions from people who have spent time there or have favorite memories!
1 week ago
•
7 views
Luis Nario-Malberg
• 1 week ago
Advisor
It’s always exciting to explore Harvard Square, and you’ll find a perfect mix of classic Cambridge charm and student-friendly hangouts. For food, try Felipe’s Taqueria for quick and tasty Mexican (the rooftop seating is great if the weather’s nice), or grab a burger and fries at Mr. Bartley's Burger Cottage, a unique local spot with quirky burger names that’s been around for decades.
If you’re a fan of books, definitely stop by Harvard Book Store (not owned by the university, despite the name). Their downstairs used book section is fun to browse and full of surprises.
To experience something uniquely Harvard, check out the Harvard Yard and, if you have time, step into the Harvard Art Museums (they have a genuinely impressive collection featuring works by notable artists across many time periods). The Harvard Coop is a large bookstore worth exploring too, especially for campus merch and souvenirs.
To avoid the overly touristy stuff, you might skip the John Harvard statue selfie (though it’s hard to resist). Focus instead on people-watching from the benches in the Yard, checking out local buskers, or grabbing an ice cream from Lizzy’s or J.P. Licks nearby.
If you’re a fan of books, definitely stop by Harvard Book Store (not owned by the university, despite the name). Their downstairs used book section is fun to browse and full of surprises.
To experience something uniquely Harvard, check out the Harvard Yard and, if you have time, step into the Harvard Art Museums (they have a genuinely impressive collection featuring works by notable artists across many time periods). The Harvard Coop is a large bookstore worth exploring too, especially for campus merch and souvenirs.
To avoid the overly touristy stuff, you might skip the John Harvard statue selfie (though it’s hard to resist). Focus instead on people-watching from the benches in the Yard, checking out local buskers, or grabbing an ice cream from Lizzy’s or J.P. Licks nearby.
Luis Nario-Malberg
Mooresville, North Carolina
Harvard College, Class of 2018, A.B. in Philosophy
Experience
5 years