Kendall Square is a compact but mighty neighborhood in Cambridge, and we love it for many reasons! Ice skating in the winter, boating in the summer and spring, a cute little cinema- and don’t even get us started on Kendall Square restaurants! From dining to fitness and just exploring the natural scenery, these are our top must-see attractions and amusements in Kendall Square right now:
1. Check out the secret Kendall Square rooftop garden
There’s a secret garden oasis open to the public in Kendall Square offering stunning views of Boston! It’s become less of a secret as word spread about this gorgeous piece of greenery in the city, but still many people don’t know where to find it. Grab a lunch and zen-out in this serene hideaway!
The urban park offers community programming such as cooking classes and holiday celebrations and now boasts a pickleball court!
325 Main Street, Cambridge
2. Catch a film at Kendall Square Cinema
Half mainstream, half indie, you get the best of both worlds at Kendall Square’s sole theatre. Watch independent films that are hard to find in their premiere or grab a bucket of popcorn and oogle at a new release hit on the big screen!
355 Binney St, Cambridge
3. Take a Charles River kayak from Kendall Square with Paddle Boston
The winter ice skating area in Kendall Square transforms into a magical boating launch from the spring through fall. Part of Paddle Boston, guests can reserve a kayak, or test their balance on the Charles with a paddleboard!
15 Broad Canal Way, Cambridge
4. Stroll the Longfellow Bridge
Kendall Square starts at the end of Longfellow Bridge, which is one of the most romanticized bridges in the city, and rightfully so. The half-mile stroll on the 2018 upgraded buildout showcases sweeping views of Boston whether by foot, bike, or the red line.
5. Dine at one of these fabulous Kendall Square restaurants and eateries
The dining scene in Kendall Square puts itself on the map as one of the Boston area’s hottest neighborhoods. From indie holes-in-the-wall to revolutionary vegan fare, Kendall Square’s food scene is so good it requires its own section.
6. Mamaleh’s
The original Boston Jewish deli serving everything from Reubens to schmear and more. Make sure to grab a sandwich and pair it with a yummy, malted milkshake.
15 Hampshire Street, Cambridge
7. Shy Bird
As the name suggests, Shy Bird is all about the chicken. Grab a plate of juicy fried chicken and mingle with the swanky after work crowd.
1 Broadway, Cambridge
8. Plant Pub
A favorite of Ben Stiller and many other stars, this vegan spot is challenging all preconceived notions of what vegan food can be.
675 W Kendall St, Cambridge
9. Vincent’s
This tiny farm-to-table restaurant offers mighty flavors! On the weekends, check out their “breakfast tacos” menu made with innovative ingredients like buttermilk fried kohlrabi.
233 Cardinal Medeiros Ave, Cambridge
10. Toscanini’s
One of the best places in the city for ice cream, a day at Kendall Square is not complete without ice cream from Toscanini’s. Our editor’s love the B3-a brown butter, brownie, brown sugar blend that is out-of-this-world, but they’re always creating whacky flavors so head on in and snag a sample!
159 1st St, Cambridge
11. Grab a pound of clothes for just $2
The Garment District is saving the earth and Bostonians’ wallets with grab bags of vintage finds in their retro warehouse. Clothes here are sold by the pound, $2 daily and just $1 on Fridays. Don’t forget to take a selfie on the shops retro train inspired by the inception of the shop in the 1980s!
200 Broadway, Cambridge