Cambridge thrives on innovation, food, music and history, showcased in detail by the Cambridge Office for Tourism’s “Unpack My Cambridge” video series. MIT President Sally Kornbluth reports from Kendall Square—dubbed the most innovative square mile on the planet—sharing her favorite spots and sweets while offering a practical guide for a real‑world visit.
The MIT Welcome Center, directly across from the Kendall Square T station, is the natural starting point. A tour passes the iconic MIT dome, highlights campus public art, and gives prospective students and families a glimpse of the admissions process, immersing them in MIT’s community.
Science enthusiasts should head to the MIT Museum, now home to MIT Future Fest. Future Fest is an annual five‑day festival featuring over 50 public talks, exhibitions, performances and open labs that explore the future of science, technology, art and design. Admission is free year‑round for MIT members and Cambridge residents. Current exhibits include “Sensing Oceans” and the original 33‑inch Starship Enterprise from the “Star Trek” opening credits (on display until March 28 2027).
A short walk brings you to the Harvard Bridge, where the sidewalk is marked with “Smoot” numbers ranging from 1 to 364.4. The markings honor Oliver Smoot ’62, who measured the bridge using his 5‑foot‑7‑inch height in 1958. Kornbluth encourages visitors to spot the one that adds an “ear”.
The Charles River offers walking and bike paths as well as kayaking, and Kornbluth calls it one of Cambridge’s gems.
Inside the Edward & Joyce Linde Music Building, Thomas Tull Concert Hall showcases student ensembles that rival professional groups. Its high ceilings and curved wall panels provide superb acoustics, making jazz, classical, contemporary concerts—or even a live DJ set—a high‑quality experience.
For a bite, the Eastern Edge Food Hall on Main Street, near the Kendall/MIT Red Line station, serves globally inspired tacos, burgers and barbecue. Kornbluth highlights Bacaro’s chocolate‑vanilla soft‑serve twist.
Ice‑cream lovers can’t miss Momma’s Grocery’s maple treats, Honeycomb Creamery and J.P. Licks. OpenTable also lists many Kendall Square restaurants.
The video is available on the Cambridge Office for Tourism’s LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram pages, featuring local personalities such as author Alice Hoffman, chef Jason Doo, former mayor Denise Simmons and mayor Sumbul Siddiqui.
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