There aren’t many places where you can shop the latest fashion trends, sip cocktails by the water, take up a new craft, and step into the magical Wizarding World all under the same roof. But at CambridgeSide, that’s exactly the kind of experience you get. 

Now a redeveloped lifestyle hub, CambridgeSide has evolved into a full-day destination where shopping, dining, and entertainment intersect. You’ll find a vibrant dining experience serving craft cocktails and fresh pasta, interactive art workshops, and attractions like Harry Potter: The Exhibition alongside fashion-forward shops like Mango and a sprawling two-level Zara, coming soon.

With so much to discover, I spent an entire day — from morning coffee to sunset drinks — exploring everything CambridgeSide has to offer. Here’s an insider’s guide to making the most of your visit.

Arrival and transportation

Commuting to CambridgeSide is simple, with plenty of car-friendly and easy public transportation options available from any point in the city. 

As a Red Line rider, I took the T to Kendall/MIT station and opted to walk 15 minutes through East Cambridge, enjoying the fresh air and autumn colors along the way. For those on the Green Line, just hop off at Lechmere station — it’s a scenic five-minute stroll through Lechmere Park that has beautiful waterside views guiding you straight to CambridgeSide’s entrance. If you prefer a quicker route or if the weather isn’t cooperating, there’s also a convenient free shuttle that runs between CambridgeSide, Lechmere, and Kendall Square every 20 minutes. It’s a reliable option that gets you right to the heart of the action without the hassle.

A friend of mine, who decided to drive and meet me there, found parking at CambridgeSide to be surprisingly easy on the wallet (especially for Boston). Plus, if you plan to grab a bite at The Cheesecake Factory during your visit, don’t forget to ask your server for parking validation to save a few bucks.

Morning: Coffee and pastries

Stepping into CambridgeSide, we were immediately greeted by the familiar scents of Bath & Body Works candles and Sephora perfumes. But before we could start our shopping spree, we headed to the CanalSide food hall on the north end of the building to fuel up with a warm coffee and pastry from Caffè Nero. 

Here, you can keep things as simple or indulgent as you like. I ended up going with a comforting classic, a brewed coffee paired with a savory ham and cheese croissant. My friend, who has more of a sweet tooth, chose the chai latte and a flaky pain au chocolat — warm, spiced, and with just the right amount of decadence to kick off the morning.

We took our time enjoying breakfast in one of the food hall’s cozy window-side seats, where the view of the canal outside invites you to unwind and prepare for the full day ahead. With free Wi-Fi available, it’s also a great opportunity to catch up on a few emails and take in the atmosphere as CambridgeSide quietly comes to life. 

Late morning: Shopping 

Once we had our caffeine fix, it was time for the main attraction: shopping. Spanning two levels, CambridgeSide is the kind of place you can spend hours exploring.

On the first level, we came across familiar favorites like Sephora and Victoria’s Secret alongside a two-level Zara (opening soon) and newly opened Mango. Apple users will also appreciate a full-size Apple Store which can save those who live north of the Charles a trip downtown when they need an upgrade or tech support. 

On level two, CambridgeSide offers even more to discover, from comfy loungewear at Victoria’s Secret to designer deals at T.J.Maxx. We ended up snagging a couple of the Winter Candy Apple and Vanilla Bean Noel scented hand soaps at Bath & Body Works on sale for only $3.50 a piece — perfect for getting in the holiday spirit. 

With our bags in hand, we also couldn’t help but admire the spacious, light-filled design of CambridgeSide. The modern architecture really sets it apart from your typical shopping center — sleek lines, high ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows give the space a light, airy feel, making it easy to forget you’re indoors.

Midday: Lunch at CanalSide 

By the time lunch rolled around, we worked up an appetite again. So, it was back to CanalSide. 

With over 13 mouthwatering vendors available, there is truly something here for everyone. If you’re craving an elevated classic, try out an item from Nu Burger’s menu — like the standout Umami Truffle Burger — paired with parmesan truffle fries that are perfectly crispy and full of flavor. Pasta lovers will want to head to DalMoros Fresh Pasta To Go, where you can pair your favorite pasta shape with over nine different sauces, such as the rich Bolognese, fresh Napolitana, or (my personal favorite) the Caprese, made with tomatoes, mozzarella, and a delicious balsamic glaze.

For something more bold, anoush’ella serves up vibrant Eastern Mediterranean street food with fresh ingredients that make every bite burst with flavor. Other spots like InChu and Sapporo Ramen offer unique takes on global cuisine — InChu blending Asian fusion into delicious, flavor-packed bowls, and Sapporo Ramen serving up rich, savory bowls of authentic ramen that are perfect for a comforting meal.

Finish off your lunch with a cream puff from Beard Papa’s or a scoop of the famous Far Out Ice Cream — which combines premium hard-scooped ice cream with natural fruit for a smooth, flavorful soft serve to round out any meal. We ordered the Strawberry Graham-Cake and Kookaberry flavors, both of which were as delicious and inventive as their names suggest.

Afternoon: Immersive activities and events

With full stomachs and an ever-growing set of shopping bags, we set out on our next adventure exploring two of CambridgeSide’s immersive activities and experiences.

Activity #1: Take up a new hobby at Craft Loft 

Our first stop: Heading up the escalator to Craft Loft (located right around the corner from T.J.Maxx) to unleash our artistic side in an interactive workshop. As an arts-and-crafts person, this walk-in studio was an absolute dream — with crafting supplies, hanging plants, and warm twinkling lights adorning every corner. 

We tried the popular tufting class that teaches you how to design your own rugs, a beginner-friendly project that took us around two hours to complete for the smallest size. But honestly, I would’ve stayed longer if I could’ve, trying out other crafts like the resin ornament-making and candle-making classes they offer.

Activity #2: Channel your inner wizard at Harry Potter: The Exhibition

After spending part of our afternoon at Craft Loft, it was time to delve into a different type of “craft” altogether — witchcraft and wizardry, that is. 

Just downstairs on the opposite side of the shopping center, we ended our journey at “Harry Potter: The Exhibition,” where the spellbinding world of Hogwarts awaits. I’m a lifelong Potter fan, so stepping inside felt a bit like being transported straight into the pages of the books I grew up with.

The experience kicked off with a personalized touch: Choosing our Hogwarts house, wand, and patronus (For the record, I’m a Hufflepuff — the most underrated house). From there, we were off to explore interactive displays that bring the stories to life. I had a blast wandering through familiar settings like the Great Hall and Hagrid’s Hut, each scene brimming with authentic movie props, costumes, and all the little details that make the Harry Potter universe so captivating.

Evening: Cocktails at C-Side Bar 

With the sun finally starting to set, it was time to wrap up our day — but not before rounding everything out with a drink or two at C-Side Bar. 

Created by the same team behind local favorites like Blossom Bar and Birds of Paradise, C-Side is what really sets CambridgeSide apart as more than a shopping destination; it’s a social hub where you can relax, mingle, and enjoy creative cocktails in a stylish setting. 

Settle in at the sleek bar — located right in the middle of CanalSide — or cozy up in the cushioned lounge nearby, where a large TV screens sports games, news, and entertainment all day long. We sipped on a couple ‘90s-inspired cocktails like the Miami Vice, a tropical blend of rum, coconut, and pineapple with a fluffy strawberry daiquiri foam, and the Granite Rose, a refreshing mix of vodka, grapefruit, calvados, and dry vermouth. With its lively atmosphere and playful drinks, this was the perfect place to toast to an unforgettable day.

End your visit with even more possibilities nearby 

After eight hours of eating, shopping, and exploring our way through CambridgeSide, we still barely scratched the surface of everything there is to discover just outside the door. 

It may have been time for us to head home, but you can extend your experience by checking into the Kimpton Marlowe Hotel or the Royal Sonesta Boston — both just steps away from CambridgeSide — and relax in stylish comfort with easy access to all the nearby attractions along the Charles waterfront. Whether you’re embarking on a leisurely Charles River Boat cruise, exploring the Museum of Science, or simply strolling the scenic paths in the area, the possibilities are endless. After all, if spending one day at CambridgeSide is this memorable, just imagine what an entire weekend could bring.