Harvard Square, the historic heart of Cambridge, Massachusetts, sits just across the Charles River from downtown Boston and has been a hub of intellectual and cultural life for nearly 400 years. Home to Harvard University, the oldest institution of higher learning in the U.S., this legendary plaza has witnessed everything from George Washington taking command of the Continental Army in 1775 to anti-war protests in the 20th century.

The Square has long been a gathering place for writers, poets, and scholars. It housed the first printing press in America, produced literary giants like Longfellow, T.S. Eliot, and e.e. cummings, and remains a haven for book lovers with its historic bookshops. Today, visitors can explore Harvard Yard, browse independent bookstores, catch street performers in “The Pit,” and grab a bite in spots that once hosted beat poets and future presidents. Harvard Square is more than a location—it’s a living history lesson, a vibrant arts scene, and a bucket list must for any visitor to Boston.