Harvard University and Harvard Square
Harvard University was founded in 1636, by charter of the state of Massachusetts. The campus today is a conglomerate of the old and the new, and generally bustling with students. Harvard Yard borders Harvard Square, a popular shopping area and home to some of the best restaurants in Cambridge. If you have time, a stroll along the Charles River is a pleasant way to spend an afternoon.

Harvard University Art Museums
( The Fogg , Busch-Reisinger, and Sackler Museums)
Specializing in the art of Europe and North America, the Fogg houses an outstanding collection of works dating from the Middle Ages to the present, including a collection of impressionist and post-impressionist works. The Busch-Reisinger Museum, which can be accessed from the Fogg, focuses on Germanic art, while the Sackler Museum features ancient and Asian art.

Harvard Museum of Cultural and Natural History
While the Harvard museums are enormous (the exhibits range from botany to archaeology and cover everything in between), they are probably most famous for the glass flower exhibit. The flowers are so delicate and lifelike they'll fool you into sniffing them, which was the point when the flowers were created for Harvard botany classes in the 18th century.

The Freedom Trail
(T - Park Street stop on the Red line) Operated by the national park service, the Freedom Trail is a 3 1/2-mile trail that highlights some of the Boston's major historic landmarks. Following the trail on your own is fairly simple: just take the T to the Park Street stop and follow the red line which is painted on the ground. Sites include the Old State House, Faneuil Hall, the Paul Revere House, and the Old North Church. While the trail is free, entrance into the sites is a few dollars. You may want to have lunch at Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, where there are many restaurant options.

USS Constitution and Museum
If you stick with the Freedom Trail long enough, you'll find the USS Constitution. Old Ironsides is the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world. You can tour the ship, or visit the extensive museum.

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
(T - Museum stop on the Green E line) Boston's most famous museum houses one of the world's finest collections of Asian art. The Museum also has a particularly strong collection of American, impressionist, and post-impressionist paintings. The Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum is around the corner, and also has an interesting collection.

New England Aquarium
(T - Aquarium stop on the Blue line) The New England Aquarium has some spectacular displays. Penguins are awesome!

Museum of Science
This museum features interactive exhibits and an Omni theatre, and is home to the world's largest Van de Graff generator. Lots of fun for kids of all ages.

Boston Common, Newbury Street, and Copley Square
Boston's 'Central Park' was literally established as public land for grazing cattle, and legally, you still can. More often, you'll find people frolicking in the frog pond, riding the Swan Boats, lounging, or playing any one of a number of sports. If you're interested in some upscale shopping, walk through the public garden to Newbury Street. Adjacent to Newbury Street on Boylston Street is Copley Square, home of the Boston Public Library.

North End
The oldest part of Boston, the North end is now home to Boston's Italian immigrant community, and to many amazing restaurants. The Old North Church and Paul Revere's house are both here, so stop into Mike's Pastry and get a snack (or two!) on your way.

It would be impossible to describe all of the wonderful restaurants in Boston. We've included a few of our favorites in Harvard Square.

John Harvard's Brew House
Doesn't really have much to do with Harvard, but they do have some darn good food. John Harvard's also features award-winning microbrews.

Mr. and Mrs. Bartley's Burger Cottage
Bartley's features enormous burgers, named for celebrities and politicians. Some favorites: the "slick Willie" a burger with BBQ sauce, and the Monica Lewinsky - a naked burger (no bun).

Click here for a complete list of restaurants in Harvard Square.