Davis Square Boston
A lively Somerville hub with indie bookstores, great food, and the scenic Community Path. Easily accessible via the Red Line.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Davis Square Boston
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A lively Somerville hub with indie bookstores, great food, and the scenic Community Path. Easily accessible via the Red Line.
"Davis Square offers a vibrant mix of culture, cuisine, and community, making it a must-visit in Somerville."
🚶♀️ Walkable Neighborhood
Davis Square is very walkable! Explore shops and eateries easily on foot.
🚲 Bike the Community Path
Enjoy the Somerville Community Path for a scenic ride. Be mindful of pedestrian traffic.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Porter Square Books
Porter Square
A beloved independent bookstore with a vast selection and cozy atmosphere. Perfect for browsing and discovering new reads.

Somerville Community Path
Connects Davis and Porter Squares
A scenic path ideal for walking, running, or biking, featuring art installations and gardens.

Davis Square Theatre
Davis Square
Catch a film or a live performance at this historic and charming local theater.

Boston Burger Company
Davis Square
Indulge in creative and delicious burgers with unique toppings. A must-try for burger enthusiasts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Davis Square's Charm
Embrace the Local Vibe
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walkable Neighborhood
Davis Square is very walkable! Explore shops and eateries easily on foot.
🚲 Bike the Community Path
Enjoy the Somerville Community Path for a scenic ride. Be mindful of pedestrian traffic.
📚 Independent Bookstores
Discover unique finds at Porter Square Books and Narrative.
🍔 Burger Bliss
Don't miss Boston Burger Company for inventive and tasty burgers.
what to do around davis/porter square?
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walkable Neighborhood
Davis Square is very walkable! Explore shops and eateries easily on foot.
🚲 Bike the Community Path
Enjoy the Somerville Community Path for a scenic ride. Be mindful of pedestrian traffic.
📚 Independent Bookstores
Discover unique finds at Porter Square Books and Narrative.
🍔 Burger Bliss
Don't miss Boston Burger Company for inventive and tasty burgers.
🎭 Local Arts & Culture
Check out the Somerville Theatre for movies or performances.
🎨 Art Installations
Keep an eye out for cool art along the Community Path.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Davis Square is praised for its vibrant atmosphere, excellent independent bookstores, and diverse dining options, particularly Boston Burger Company. The Somerville Community Path is a major highlight for recreation. Some visitors find navigating the square by bike challenging, and parking can be difficult.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Davis Square is easily accessible via the MBTA Red Line. The Davis Square station is a central hub for the neighborhood. You can also reach it by bus or car, though parking can be challenging.
Yes, Davis Square and its surrounding areas are very walkable. Many shops, restaurants, and attractions are within easy strolling distance of each other.
You can bike to Davis Square, especially via the Somerville Community Path. However, navigating through the square itself can be tricky for cyclists, and some areas require walking your bike.
Walking is the most convenient way to explore Davis Square. For longer distances or to connect to other parts of Boston, the MBTA Red Line is highly recommended.
Parking in Davis Square can be limited and metered. It's often easier to use public transportation or ride-sharing services if you're not familiar with the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Most attractions in Davis Square, like shops and parks, do not require tickets. However, for specific events at the Somerville Theatre or other venues, booking in advance is recommended.
Shop hours in Davis Square can vary. Independent bookstores like Porter Square Books and Narrative often have extended hours, while restaurants typically stay open late. It's best to check individual business websites.
Absolutely! Walking the Somerville Community Path, exploring the shops, and enjoying the public art installations are all free activities.
Yes, Porter Square Books is a welcoming independent bookstore where you can browse freely without any obligation to purchase.
No, the Somerville Community Path is a public park and is free to access for walking, running, and biking.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Davis Square boasts a diverse culinary scene. Boston Burger Company is famous for its creative burgers. Other popular spots include Redbones BBQ and The Painted Burro for Mexican cuisine.
Diesel Cafe is a popular spot for coffee and a relaxed atmosphere, often with Wi-Fi available. You'll also find various cafes and eateries offering coffee throughout the square.
Many restaurants in Davis Square offer vegetarian and vegan options. Boston Burger Company, for example, has veggie burger choices. It's always a good idea to check menus online or ask your server.
For a casual lunch, consider Dave's Fresh Pastry for delicious baked goods and sandwiches, or grab a quick bite at one of the many delis and cafes scattered throughout the square.
Yes, Davis Square offers a range of international flavors. The Painted Burro serves Mexican dishes, and you can find other global options depending on your preference.
📸 📸 Photography
The Somerville Community Path offers scenic views and art installations perfect for photos. The architecture of the Davis Square Theatre and the vibrant street life also make for great shots.
Look for the art installations along the Community Path, like those in Elfland. The eclectic mix of shops and the lively atmosphere of the square itself provide many unique photo opportunities.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, can offer beautiful lighting for photography in Davis Square. Weekday afternoons provide fewer crowds for unobstructed shots.
Generally, you can take photos inside Porter Square Books for personal use, but it's always polite to be discreet and avoid disrupting other patrons.
There are no general restrictions on photography in public areas of Davis Square. However, always be mindful of private property and individuals' privacy.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a bite to eat, Boston Burger Company is a hit with kids due to its fun and flavorful burger creations. Many of the cafes also offer kid-friendly snacks and pastries. Exploring the independent bookstores like Porter Square Books can also be an enjoyable, quiet activity for children who love to read.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
For dining, look for casual eateries and delis, or consider grabbing a delicious pastry from Dave's Fresh Pastry for a more economical meal. While Boston Burger Company can be a bit pricier, it's a worthwhile splurge for the experience.
📚 Book Lovers
These independent bookstores offer a chance to discover hidden gems and support local businesses. They are perfect for spending a leisurely afternoon browsing shelves and perhaps finding your next favorite read.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Somerville Community Path
Along the path, you'll discover art installations and community gardens, adding visual interest to your stroll or ride. It's a great way to experience the local greenery and public art scene. Redditors mention specific art spots like 'Elfland' as highlights.
Navigating the path can sometimes present challenges, particularly around Davis Square itself, where it merges with public plazas. Cyclists are advised to be aware of pedestrian traffic and follow designated routes, which may involve walking the bike for short stretches. Despite these minor complexities, the path is widely regarded as a valuable asset for recreation and transportation.
Davis Square's Independent Bookstore Scene
Beyond Porter Square Books, Narrative in Davis Square offers another unique literary experience. For those willing to venture a bit further, All She Wrote Books in East Somerville and Sidequest Books and Games in Bow Market are also recommended for their specialized collections.
These bookstores are more than just places to buy books; they are community hubs that often host author events, readings, and other literary gatherings. They offer a welcome respite from the digital world and a chance to connect with fellow bibliophiles.
Culinary Delights in Davis Square
For other dining experiences, Redbones offers a popular barbecue option, while The Painted Burro provides a vibrant atmosphere and tasty Mexican cuisine. The neighborhood also features numerous cafes and delis, such as Dave's Fresh Pastry, perfect for a casual lunch or a sweet treat.
Many establishments in Davis Square are conscious of dietary needs, offering vegetarian and vegan options. It's always a good idea to check menus online or inquire with staff about specific choices. The diverse food scene makes Davis Square a great destination for foodies.
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