Things To Do
in Somerville
Somerville, Massachusetts is a densely populated, diverse city immediately northwest of Boston known for its vibrant neighborhoods like Davis Square, Union Square, and Porter Square. It blends a creative, independent spirit with strong community activism, everyday convenience, and a thriving food and arts scene. Historic brick buildings, new development, and plentiful parks create a walkable urban environment popular with students, young professionals, and families.
Excellent transit links to Boston and Cambridge, plus year-round cultural events and festivals, make Somerville a lively place to visit or live.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at a cozy local café in Somerville, such as Bloc 11, where the aroma of fresh coffee fills the air. Enjoy a delicious breakfast made from locally sourced ingredients while indulging in the vibrant atmosphere. Take a moment to interact with friendly locals and soak in the neighborhood's character.
After breakfast, wander around Union Square and explore its eclectic mix of shops and boutiques. Stop by the Somerville Museum to learn about the history and culture of this vibrant city. Grab a casual lunch at one of the food trucks or restaurants that offer a taste of Somerville's diverse culinary scene.
As the sun sets, head to Assembly Row, where you can enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants overlooking the waterfront. After your meal, catch a movie at the nearby cinema or head back to Union Square for live music at a local bar. End your evening with a stroll through the square, taking in the lively atmosphere.
Kick off your day at the Museum of Bad Art, which is unique to Somerville and offers a humorous take on art. Admire the quirky pieces and engage with the curators about the stories behind the artworks. Following this, find a nearby bakery for a sweet pastry to go with your coffee.
Spend your afternoon visiting the Somerville Theater, a charming venue that hosts indie films and community events. You may catch a matinee or take a guided tour to learn more about its history and architecture. Grab lunch nearby at a trendy eatery and soak in the local art vibe as you explore the nearby art installations in the area.
As dusk approaches, attend an open mic night or comedy show at a local venue, where you can enjoy the talents of budding artists. The atmosphere is lively and inviting, making it a perfect way to connect with fellow visitors and locals. After the show, opt for a casual dinner at a neighborhood pizzeria and unwind.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🚕Short rideshare (3–5 miles) | $10-25 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $120-220 |
| 🍺Domestic beer at a bar | $6-9 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Excellent location with easy access to Boston and Cambridge
- Vibrant, diverse food and arts scene with strong community energy
- Walkable neighborhoods with good public transit links
- Active calendar of events, festivals, and outdoor activities
- Can be expensive for housing and some services compared with national averages
- Parking can be difficult and traffic busy during peak hours
- Winter storms occasionally disrupt travel and activities
- Rapid development has changed neighborhood character in places
Places to Visit in Somerville
Visit one of these nice places.
Vibrant murals, busy street scenes, and classic red MBTA signs make this a great spot for urban photography and capturing Somerville energy.
Historic monument with panoramic views of Boston’s skyline—excellent for sunrise/sunset shots and seasonal foliage photography.
Colorful murals, renovated industrial buildings, and lively street scenes provide dynamic evening and daytime photo opportunities.
Greenway with urban landscapes, cyclists, joggers, and greenery—good for candid street photography and lifestyle shots.
Historic residential streets with architectural details, classic New England stoops, and seasonal decorations.
Food in Somerville
Somerville Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Clam chowder, lobster rolls, and fried clams are widely available at restaurants and pubs; try places along Somerville and nearby Boston for fresh, local seafood.
Must-Try!
Hearty pastas, pizzas, and baked goods reflect the area's long Italian heritage—visit bakeries and family-owned restaurants around Highland Avenue and Ball Square.
Somerville is known for inventive global fusion and tasting menus—orders of mezze, dumplings, and tapas-style dishes are common in Davis and Union Squares.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal farmers market offering produce, prepared foods, cheese, and baked goods; great for snacks and picnic supplies in spring through fall.
Occasional street-food pop-ups, food trucks, and outdoor vendors near the square—look for weekly events and festivals with a variety of street eats.
Indoor markets and holiday fairs showcase local producers, bakers, and artisans—ideal for trying local sweets and craft foods during colder months.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
People value personal space and direct but polite communication—use 'please' and 'thank you,' and avoid loud phone conversations on public transit.
Forming and respecting queues is expected at cafes, stores, and transit—don’t cut in line.
Follow bike lanes and pedestrian signals; cyclists should yield to pedestrians on shared paths and signal turns.
Somerville has active neighborhood associations—be respectful at community events and mindful of residential quiet hours.
Safety
Tipping in Somerville
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary: typically 15–20% at full-service restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, and 10–15% for takeout or delivery. Tip taxi and rideshare drivers around 10–15% or a few dollars for short rides. Tipping is a significant part of service workers' income, so leave a tip unless service is very poor.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common. Many small vendors and farmer’s markets accept cash and cards—carry a small amount of cash for markets or tips. ATMs are readily available in transit hubs and commercial areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming trees make it a pleasant time for walking and outdoor markets; expect occasional rain and pollen—bring a light rain jacket and allergy meds if sensitive.
Warm and humid days with long daylight hours and many festivals, outdoor concerts, and patio dining—pack lightweight clothing, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle.
Crisp air and colorful foliage provide beautiful scenery for hikes and city walks; popular time for weekend getaways—bring layers for variable temperatures.
Cold with snow and icy conditions possible; transit runs year-round but plan for slower travel during storms—dress warmly with insulated footwear and check weather alerts.
Somerville at Night
Hiking in Somerville
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A large natural area with rocky trails, ponds, and viewpoints—offers loops for casual walkers and challenging hikes for more experienced hikers; about a 15–25 minute drive from Somerville.
South of the city, this park has steeper trails, scenic summits, and panoramic views of Boston—good for day hikes and outdoor adventure.
A nearby wetland and greenway with easy walking paths for birdwatching and connecting to the Minuteman Commuter Bikeway.
Historic trails around Lexington and Concord offer gentle walking, Revolutionary War history, and scenic farmland—ideal for combining hiking with local history.
Short, accessible trails and walkways within Somerville providing historical context and cityscape views—great for quick outings and photography.
Airports
How to reach Somerville by plane.
Primary airport serving Boston and the region—about 10–20 minutes by car from Somerville without heavy traffic, or reachable by public transit (MBTA Silver Line + Red Line or direct airport buses).
Located in Manchester, New Hampshire—larger budget-carrier service and some domestic flights; ~45–60 minutes by car depending on traffic.
Providence, Rhode Island airport with domestic flights; roughly 45–70 minutes by car or reachable by train plus local transit.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large population of young adults working in Boston and Cambridge tech, biotech, and education sectors—drawn by transit access and nightlife.
Proximity to universities (e.g., Tufts in nearby Medford, Harvard, MIT) means many students live or socialize in Somerville neighborhoods.
Stable residential pockets with schools and parks attract families seeking urban amenities with community feel.
Diverse immigrant populations contribute to the city’s multicultural food scene, businesses, and cultural events.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
New England Patriots are the regional NFL team with a huge local following; football culture is strong during the NFL season.
The Boston Red Sox are a major draw—attending Fenway Park games is a popular day trip from Somerville.
Ice hockey is popular at youth and amateur levels, and the NHL’s Boston Bruins have a large fan base in the area.
Running clubs, community races, and bike commuting are common; Somerville hosts local races and connects to regional trails.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Somerville.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Plenty of vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants, with many places offering clearly labeled menus or plant-based specials—ethnic restaurants and cafés often have excellent options.
Gluten-free choices are common at bakeries and restaurants; tell servers about cross-contamination concerns, as smaller kitchens vary in training and facilities.
Halal and kosher options exist but are less ubiquitous than vegetarian choices; look for specialty shops and certain Middle Eastern or South Asian eateries.