Cambridge has many choices for shopping and dining, whether they are large retail stores or small, local shops. Each of its six main squares has a different flair and personality, with something to fit everyone’s personal needs. If you’re looking for a good street map of Cambridge here’s one we really like:
Cambridge, Ma. Complete Street Map , Hedberg Maps (Rand McNally City Maps)
Central Square has the biggest mix of ethnic restaurants and exotic clubs, contrasting with several video game and pharmaceutical start-up companies. Most of the businesses are small and specialized.
The famous Harvard Square, named for the university, is an iconic tourist and student destination, offering local book and coffee shops for the intellectual or not. There are also many small cafes and restaurants in which to relax and enjoy the nearby scenery. However, Harvard Square is not just about the university. There are over 365 businesses in the area. For some terrific pictures of Harvard Square and commentary from famous author John Updike and other well-known Cantabridgians take a look at the book below:
Lechmere Square, named for the British Loyalist Richard Lechmere, is home to the nearby Cambridgeside Galleria mall, one of the few indoor malls in the greater Boston area. Although still accessible, the Square is currently undergoing renovations that will include a year-round farmer’s and public market.
Porter Square is a participant in “Arts on the Line,” a program to bring more art to MBTA stations. As a result, there are many structures and artwork in the area. Home to Lesley University, Porter Square is a center of Japanese culture, with many restaurants of that variety throughout. However, there are also many other restaurants and small retailers to satisfy shopper’s everyday needs.
Inman Square, unlike the other squares mentioned, is off the beaten path. A 15-minute walk from Central Square, it has several local shops and restaurants, many of which have Portuguese and Brazilian influences. The first Legal Sea Foods restaurant began here as a fish factory in 1950.
Kendall Square, also nicknamed “Technology Square,” is home to office spaces, laboratories, and several retail and restaurant spaces. Known for being green, residents in the Square have access to Zip Cars to reduce their carbon footprints. In the winter, Kendall Square is known for its large skating rink, and in the summer, its free concerts.
Therefore, whether you are looking for a nice dinner at a Thai restaurant, a classic retail shopping experience, or a visit to a local specialty store, you can look no further than Cambridge. Any desire, small or large, can be found through the resources in these shopping districts.
