Timeline
14:00
Walk the grounds of Mount Auburn Cemetery. As the first large-scale designed landscape in the U.S., it offers a serene introduction to the area. The tower provides a panoramic view of Cambridge and Boston, best appreciated in the soft afternoon light.
14:25
Head to Sofra Bakery & Cafe for a snack. It is a short walk from the cemetery and open until 17:00, making it perfect for a late afternoon break. Grab a savory pastry or a light bite to keep your energy up.
14:45
Stroll over to Harvard Book Store. This independent shop is cozy and features interesting staff recommendations glued to the book stalls. Browse the wide selection of new and used books in a relaxed atmosphere.
15:15
End your trip at Grolier Poetry Book Shop. This one-room shop is dedicated entirely to poetry and often hosts readings. It is a quiet, intimate spot to reflect on the day’s walk through history and literature.
Local tip
Check the opening hours for Sofra Bakery & Cafe (08:00-17:00) and Harvard Book Store (09:00-22:00 on weekdays) to ensure they are open when you arrive. The walk between Mount Auburn Cemetery and Sofra is about 10 minutes, while the move from Sofra to the bookshops is a short 16-minute walk.
Check before you go
- Sofra Bakery & Cafe is open daily from 08:00 to 17:00.
- Harvard Book Store is open Monday to Saturday from 09:00 to 22:00 and Sunday from 10:00 to 21:00.
- Grolier Poetry Book Shop is open Wednesday through Friday and the first Saturday of each month from 11AM to 7PM.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Cambridge (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).