Waltham Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Located just a short distance from the bustling city of Boston, Waltham, Massachusetts offers a charming escape for both locals and tourists. Known as the "Watch City," Waltham has a rich history in watchmaking and manufacturing, which can be explored at the Waltham Watch Factory Historic District. This district showcases the beautifully restored factory buildings and serves as a reminder of Waltham's industrial past.

For those interested in the arts, the city boasts several cultural attractions. The Rose Art Museum, located on the Brandeis University campus, features a diverse collection of contemporary art. Visitors can admire works by renowned artists such as Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein. History enthusiasts can explore the Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovation, which showcases the industrial heritage of the region through exhibits on machinery, textiles, and more.

Nature lovers will be delighted by the natural beauty that surrounds Waltham. The Charles River Reservation offers scenic walking and biking trails along the river's banks, providing a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle and bustle. Prospect Hill Park, with its panoramic views of the Boston skyline, is a favorite spot for picnics and outdoor activities.

Food lovers will be in for a treat in Waltham, as the city boasts a thriving culinary scene. Moody Street, the city's main dining district, is lined with a variety of restaurants serving cuisine from around the world. From Italian trattorias to trendy gastropubs, there is something to satisfy every palate. For a taste of Waltham's history, visitors can dine at the renowned Moody's Delicatessen & Provisions, which has been serving delicious sandwiches and artisanal products since 1922.

Waltham also offers a range of shopping opportunities. The Arsenal Mall, located on Arsenal Street, features a wide selection of stores and eateries. Visitors can browse through popular retail chains or discover unique boutiques offering locally made crafts and goods.

Alternative names: Settled: 1634Population: 63.4 thous.Area: 13.76 mi²Elevation: 62 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 42°22'33"N, 71°14'14"W

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MassachusettsUnited States

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Waltham Top Attractions

Waltham Attractions - What to See and Explore

Waltham offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Rose Art Museum, Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation, Christ Episcopal Church, Stonehurst. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum • Art museum
Rose Art Museum
The Rose Art Museum is a cultural gem nestled in the heart of Waltham, Massachusetts, offering a tranquil retreat for art lovers and casual visitors alike. This esteemed institution is located on the campus of Brandeis University and is renowned for its impressive...
Museum • Specialty museum
Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation
Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation is a museum of the American Industrial Revolution located on the Charles River Bike Path, near the intersection of the Charles River and Moody Street in Waltham, Massachusetts.
Church • Bank Square
Christ Episcopal Church
Christ Church is a historic Episcopal church at 750 Main Street in Waltham, Massachusetts. The church is a parish of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts, and was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.

Museum • Specialty museum • History museum
Stonehurst
The Robert Treat Paine Estate, known as Stonehurst, is a country house set on 109 acres in Waltham, Massachusetts. It was designed for philanthropist Robert Treat Paine in a collaboration between architect Henry Hobson Richardson and landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. It is located at 100 Robert Treat Paine Drive.
Church • South Side
St. Charles Borromeo Church
The St. Charles Borromeo Church is a historic Catholic church building in Waltham, Massachusetts. Built in 1922, it is a high quality example of Italian Renaissance Revival architecture, and is emblematic of the shift on Waltham's south side from a predominantly Protestant population to one of greater diversity.
Park • Highlands
Prospect Hill
Prospect Hill is a hill in Waltham, Massachusetts, United States, and is the third-highest point within 12 miles of downtown Boston. The hill is in Prospect Hill Park on the west side of Waltham, near Route 128. It is exceeded in height by Great Blue Hill and Chickatawbut Hill, both in the Blue Hills Reservation.
Cemetery • West End
Mount Feake Cemetery
Mount Feake Cemetery is a historic cemetery at 203 Prospect Street in Waltham, Massachusetts.
Bridge • South Side
Newton Street Bridge
The Newton Street Bridge is a historic bridge carrying Newton Street over the Charles River in Waltham, Massachusetts. The stone arch bridge was built in 1877 on the site of Waltham's first bridge, which was built c. 1761–62.
Museum • Historical place • History museum
Gore Place
Gore Place is a historic country house, now a museum, located at 52 Gore Street, Waltham, Massachusetts. It is owned and operated by the nonprofit Gore Place Society.
Church • Bentley College
New Covenant Church of Cambridge
New Covenant Church of Cambridge is located in Waltham, Massachusetts. It is a Haitian church and is headed by the Reverend Esther and the Reverend Thomas St. Louis.
Museum • Garden • Historical place
Lyman Estate
The Lyman Estate, also known as The Vale, is a historic country house located in Waltham, Massachusetts, United States. It is now owned by the nonprofit Historic New England organization.
Bridge • Bentley College
Linden Street Bridge
The Linden Street Bridge is a historic bridge on the abandoned Central Massachusetts Railroad over Linden Street in Waltham, Massachusetts.
Universities and schools • Bentley College
Bentley University
Bentley University is a private university focused on business and located in Waltham, Massachusetts. Founded in 1917 as a school of accounting and finance in Boston's Back Bay neighborhood, Bentley moved to Waltham in 1968.
Universities and schools • West End
Brandeis University
Brandeis University is a private research university in Waltham, Massachusetts. Founded in 1948 as a non-sectarian, coeducational institution sponsored by the Jewish community, Brandeis was established on the site of the former Middlesex University.
Church • Bank Square
Trinity Church
The Trinity Church, formerly the First Congregational Church, is a historic church in Waltham, Massachusetts. The present church building, an architecturally distinctive blend of Romanesque and Georgian Revival styling, was built in 1870 for a congregation established in 1820.
Church • Bank Square
St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church Complex
St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church Complex is a historic multi-building church complex at 133 School Street in Waltham, Massachusetts. Established as a parish in 1835, it is the city's oldest Roman Catholic establishment.
Forts and castles • West End
Usen Castle
The Castle, also known as Usen Castle, is a historic building at 415 South Street in Waltham, Massachusetts. The Medieval style structure, built in the style of a Norman castle in 1928, stands on the campus of Brandeis University, where it served as a dormitory until 2017.
Cemetery • Bleachery
Grove Hill Cemetery
The Grove Hill Cemetery is a historic cemetery at 290 Main Street in Waltham, Massachusetts. Established in 1703, the cemetery was Waltham's only cemetery until 1857, when Mount Feake Cemetery opened.
Church • South Side
Beth Eden Baptist Church
The Beth Eden Baptist Church is a historic Baptist church building at 82 Maple Street in Waltham, Massachusetts. Built in 1891, it is a fine local example of Romanesque Revival architecture, and is further notable as the oldest church on Waltham's South Side.

Day trips

Waltham – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Waltham, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Museum of Fine Arts (Boston), Quincy Market (Boston), Faneuil Hall (Boston).

7.7 miE
Impressionist art and Egyptian treasures
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
The Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in Boston stands as a beacon of culture and history in the United States. Established in 1870, this grand institution is one of the most comprehensive art museums in the country, boasting a collection that encompasses nearly 500,000 works...
9.4 miE
Shopping, Market, Flea market
Quincy Market, Boston
Quincy Market is a historic marketplace in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts, that has become a beloved landmark and a bustling hub for locals and tourists alike. Located in the city's downtown area, Quincy Market consists of a main building, Faneuil Hall, flanked by...
9.4 miE
Historic indoor-outdoor shopping center
Faneuil Hall, Boston
Faneuil Hall, located in the heart of Boston, United States, stands not only as a bustling shopping center but also as a site steeped in history. Known as "The Cradle of Liberty," it was built in 1742 and has been an integral part of Boston's social and political life...
9.2 miE
Original colonial seat and state capitol
Old State House, Boston
The Old State House stands as a testament to the rich history of Boston, United States. This Georgian-style building, constructed in 1713, is one of the oldest public buildings in the country and has played a crucial role in the American Revolution.
8.6 miE
Interactive exhibits and an IMAX theater
Museum of Science, Boston
Nestled in the heart of Boston, the Museum of Science stands as a beacon of exploration and education, capturing the imagination of visitors with its interactive exhibits and cutting-edge presentations. This esteemed institution is dedicated to making science...

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Best Time To Visit Waltham

Learn when is the best time to travel to Waltham weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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June, July, August, September, October and December are the busiest months in this location.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in February, May, June, July, August and September. Most of it rains in January, March, October, November and December.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Waltham?

The top attractions to visit in Waltham are:

What is the best time to visit Waltham?

June, July, August, September, October and December are the busiest months in this location. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.