What to see around Harvard/MIT in Cambridge?

Question

We are visiting Boston next week and want to see Harvard/MIT. I want to get the most out of about 2 hours there because it is a short trip.

What would one do to "see" Harvard or MIT?

Which subway stop should I get off ?

What can we see walking outside? Any points of interest?

Are there any museums or "inside" things one MUST see?

Is Harvard Square right by Harvard University and are there a lot of lunch options there?

I have 2 kids 3yrs and 6yrs so a combination of subway and short walks is preferable.

Answer 1

to add to the above:

Subway stops are on the Red line of the MBTA: Kendall/MIT for MIT and Harvard for Harvard.  

At Harvard don't forget to shine John Harvard's shoe!

Take a walk on Memorial Drive outside MIT...great views of lovely Boston!

Answer 2

If you only have 2 hours I wouldn't suggest going to both. At MIT, the Stata Center is really crazy looking and they do have a museum. The school is pretty spread out and not as accessible by the subway as you would think.

At Harvard, they have a museum of natural history and a few art museums. (I will tell you their library is not open to the public, so don't waste your time trying to go in). You can see Harvard Yard, and the main gate is right by Harvard Square, which is a big tourist hotspot. There are a bunch of stores, restaurants, street performers, cafes, pubs and 2 movie theaters.

I'm not really a carnivore, but they say Mr Bartley's is the place to get a burger. There's a great vegetarian place called Veggie Planet (at Club Passim, a folky music club at night, restaurant by day). In The Garage (a tiny mall, basically) there's a quick and easy pizza place with a million different options called Crazy Dough's. L.A. Burdick has wonderful chocolate, probably the best hot chocolate I've ever heard (although the kids might prefer the by-the-pound candy place). Without exagerating there are probably about 20 more restaurants and cafes nearby.

Answer 3

Alright, first, you have to choose Harvard over MIT. The best tour to take is my personal favorite, The Unofficial Tour of Harvard. It's given by the actual students of Harvard, and is most enjoyable. Around Harvard Square, my favorite restaurant, if you like italian, has to be Bertucci's. It has just about the best bread you'll ever have in your life. No joke! For your kids, I'd definitely stop by the Curious George Store which is right by Harvard and just happens to be the cutest store. Trust me, Harvard Square will not disappoint you, it's cute, has a lot of stores, and many food options. Good luck and have fun on your trip to Boston!