If you haven't had a chance to visit Cambridge, Massachusetts you still probably know about it because of its educational institutions.  Across the Charles River from Boston it more than holds it ground in attractions and international visibility.  Home of both Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) it draws people from around the world to study and develop their ideas.  It is said that more than 100 of the 800 recipients of the Nobel Prize have either lived, studied or had some sort of affiliation with the schools in Cambridge.  Companies from across the state of Massachusetts never mind the country come here to set up offices so that they can participate and benefit from the research happening at Harvard and MIT.  EMC, Google and Microsoft are just the names that come to mind.

As a tourist there are various places to visit and events to participate in.  Cambridge has a unique combination of history, education, arts and culture that has evolved because of the multicultural population that resides and visits this historic city.  If you like restaurants there are more than 200 across the city serving not just your average fare.  The annual Taste of Cambridge is a great chance to sample from across the variety of those restaurants.  The Cambridge Arts Council puts on a variety of events including the Cambridge River Festival which takes place on the Charles River.  There are many theaters to visit so be sure to squeeze them in.

A very walkable city you can take in the History of Harvard Square and walk along to the Cambridge Common where George Washington prepared his troops during the revolutionary war.  If you feel like more walking take the free tours held by both Harvard and MIT(maybe rub the shoe on the John Harvard Statue for good luck).  You can also visit no less than 12 museums and galleries.  Visit the historic Mount Auburn Cemetery and take in the views of this beautiful arboretum and outdoor museum of sculpture and architecture.  Having been settled in 1631 Cambridge is full of historic sites to visit.  Take in the architecture of the houses on the famous Brattle Street and visit the former home of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.  Take in the culture at local cafes and bookstores as you explore the city.

The Charles River is a big focal point of tourism as well.  Tour boats depart from the CambridgeSide Galleria Mall in the Summer to tour both the Cambridge and Boston sides of the river.  A major event not to be missed is the Head of the Charles Regatta which takes place October of each year.  Established by the Cambridge Boat Club in 1965, competitors and spectators come from far and wide to see these races.

Also known as the city of squares:

• Harvard Square
• Central Square
• Inman Square
• Porter Square
• Kendall Square

Each of these squares has a culture all its own with Kendall Square now being a corporate center for technology, biotech and life sciences.

Walking isn't a requirement though since Cambridge is serviced by the MBTA the transit authority for Massachusetts which not only provides train service through the Red Line but a variety of bus routes around the city.

If that doesn't tire you out you can always visit Boston which is just across the river.

Visit the Cambridge Office of Tourism for more information.  The closest airport is Logan Airport which is a mere 15-20 minutes away.