Looking for the best things to do in Somerville? One of the densest, most creative cities in New England, Somerville is a hub of great food, art and nightlife just north of Cambridge and Boston. Locals point to lively Davis Square, up-and-coming Union Square, and the shopping and dining at Assembly Row.
Things to do in Somerville
Davis Square
Somerville’s beloved heart — restaurants, bars, the historic Somerville Theatre, live music, and the Red Line. Endlessly walkable.
Union Square
A booming food-and-arts district, now on the Green Line, packed with acclaimed restaurants, breweries and a farmers market.
Assembly Row
A waterfront district of shops, restaurants, a cinema and outlets along the Mystic River, with its own Orange Line stop.
Art & Events
Somerville’s famous arts scene — from open studios to the quirky annual festivals — plus Prospect Hill Park views.
Things to do in Somerville at night
Davis and Union Squares lead for live music, breweries, comedy and global dining — a young, lively night out with easy T access to Boston and Cambridge.
Free things to do in Somerville
- Wandering Davis and Union Squares
- The Assembly Row riverwalk
- Prospect Hill Park views and the Community Path
What Somerville locals actually recommend
The best Union Square restaurants, Davis Square spots, local festivals — that comes from people who live here. On Neighborhood Nurturers’ Somerville community, real neighbors answer “what should I actually do this weekend?” Join your Somerville neighbors free →
The Somerville angle
The best days here mix the well-known spots with the places only locals frequent. Half the fun of a full day out in Somerville is stringing it together with the places nearby. the Somerville Community Path is the landmark most people orient around, but neighbors will tell you Davis Square and Assembly Row are where the town really shows its character, with Prospect Hill Park worth a look if you have the time. Use those as your reference points and this guide slots neatly into a day that feels like Somerville, not a checklist.
Keep exploring Somerville
If this was useful, these companion guides cover Somerville from angles that pair naturally with it: Free things to do in Somerville, Best restaurants in Somerville, undefined Somerville. Together they add up to a full weekend without leaving town.
Ask a Somerville neighbor
The best tips never make the guidebooks — they come from neighbors who know which spot is worth it this week. That is what the Somerville community on Neighborhood Nurturers is for. Ask Somerville locals what they would do, or join free and get honest answers from people who actually know Somerville.
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Somerville?
Explore lively Davis Square (with the Somerville Theatre), eat and drink your way through the booming Union Square food scene, shop and dine at Assembly Row on the river, and take in Somerville’s famous arts events.
What is Somerville known for?
Being one of the densest, most creative cities in New England — a food, arts and nightlife hub around Davis and Union Squares, just north of Cambridge and Boston.
What are free things to do in Somerville?
Wandering Davis and Union Squares, the Assembly Row riverwalk, and Prospect Hill Park and the Community Path are all free.
Is Somerville worth visiting near Boston?
Yes — for its food scene, Davis and Union Squares, and Assembly Row, it’s a lively stop a short T ride from Boston and Cambridge.