Things to do in Boston and Cambridge
With Kimpton Marlowe Hotel as your home base, the possibilities are endless. Start your day strong with a refreshing run along our scenic stretch of the Charles River, or take advantage of our available bikes and kayaks to explore even further. Get to know captivating Cambridge, an innovation hub swirling with magnetic intellect thanks to nearby universities like Harvard and MIT. Across the river, Boston beckons with it’s own unique mix of architecture, sensational museums and galleries, enthusiastic sports culture, delicious restaurants and welcoming bars — yes, even the one where everybody knows your name. Whether you have hours or days to explore, discover the best things to do in Boston and Cambridge.
What historic sites are near the hotel?
Our hotel is walkable to many of the most popular attractions in Boston and Cambridge. Visit storied Harvard University , where you can walk in the footsteps of prestigious alumni as you soak up the atmosphere around bustling Harvard Square. Step aboard the USS Constitution and step back in time to explore Boston’s gripping maritime history. Make your way by land or by sea to Boston’s lively North End neighborhood, where a visit to the Paul Revere House is a must. From there, a path marked by red brick leads you along the Freedom Trail to even more historic sites, including Faneuil Hall and the Old State House.
What are the best museums in Boston?
Considered one of Boston’s best museums, the Museum of Science is moments from our hotel and home to over 700 permanent exhibits. Known for one of the most infamous art heists in history, aficionados adore the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum , which houses an impressive personal art collection within an enchanting, Venetian-inspired mansion. For more of the visual medium, the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) and the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) are also worth a lengthy peruse. Meanwhile, the New England Aquarium delights marine lovers along Boston Harbor.
Where can I find the best bars and restaurants nearby?
Boston and Cambridge offer countless culinary delights, many within an easy walk from our hotel. Some of our favorite areas to drink and dine include:
- Inman Square - Grab a pint at The Druid, an authentic Irish pub, or try hometown chef-owner Will Gilson’s all-American outpost, Puritan & Company.
- Kendall Square - Our favorite haunt in nearby Kendall Square is Meadhall, a stylish gastropub with an impressive selection of beers on tap.
- The North End - Stroll the winding side streets and let the aromas of freshly baked bread and simmering tomato sauce tempt you inside one of this neighborhood’s many inviting Italian eateries.
- Seaport - Challenge your dining companions to a friendly round of drinks and darts at Flight Club Boston.
What are the best areas for shopping?
Some of the top places to shop in Cambridge and Boston are closer than you think. Connected to Kimpton Marlowe Hotel, CambridgeSide is a bright, airy shopping galleria with a great mix of name brands including H&M, J. Crew, and Apple. Hunt for thrifted and vintage treasures at The Garment District or browse specialty boutiques like Forty Winks and Mint Julep near Harvard Square.
Across the river in Back Bay, Newbury Street is one of the most fashionable addresses in Boston. SoWa Open Market (seasonal) and Boston Public Market (year-round) each offer their own take on a local farmer’s market, with vintage finds, antiques, fresh produce, and gourmet goods.
Where can I go for a run in Cambridge?
23 miles of paved pathway starts right outside our door and loops around both sides of the Charles River. Welcoming both bikes and pedestrians, one of the most popular places to run or walk in Boston starts from our hotel, looping around the Charles River Esplanade and back. Need a running partner? Check out our Run with the GM Program here.
Where can I watch some Boston sports?
In terms of history, energy, and atmosphere, few sports venues compare to Fenway Park. The iconic ballpark is easily reached from Kimpton Marlowe Hotel, making it easy to catch a bit of Red Sox fever while you’re in town. At TD Garden , root for other home teams like the Celtics (basketball) and Bruins (ice hockey), or catch a live concert. Football fans can head down to Patriots Place (in Foxborough, Massachusetts, to see the New England Patriots in action.
What are the best tours and activities?
Tours with Charles Riverboat Company pick up just three minutes from our hotel, offering one of the best scenic boat tours of the Charles River. For something a little different, Boston Duck Tours are a unique sightseeing experience — their World War II era amphibious vehicles take guests around the city by land and by sea. A self-guided stroll along the brick-lined Freedom Trail remains one of the most popular ways to explore Boston and Cambridge. And if it’s a bit of nature you’re after, Boston Harbor Cruises take passengers to nearby Spectacle and Georges Islands, where hiking trails, historic monuments, and scenic skyline views await.
Can you suggest the best weekend itinerary in Boston?
Kick off the perfect weekend in Boston with a walk along the famous Freedom Trail, which follows 16 historic sites from Bunker Hill in Charlestown to Boston Common. The beautiful Boston Public Garden enchants in any season, but dazzles in winter when the Frog Pond opens for ice-skating. For evening entertainment, have a laugh at Improv Asylum or catch a live concert at the House of Blues. When the weather is right, set out the next morning on one of the popular whale watching cruises departing daily from Boston Harbor. Toast to a weekend well spent at Night Shift Brewery in neighboring Everett or the new Samuel Adams taproom in Faneuil Hall.
