The Atlas Obscura Guide To Somerville

17 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Somerville, Massachusetts

Updated August 6, 2026

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Unusual Attractions in Somerville

Museum of Modern Renaissance

Somerville, Massachusetts

Museum of Modern Renaissance

This former Masonic hall has been turned into an art project that uses even more metaphysical iconography.

The Old Power House

Somerville, Massachusetts

Old Powder House

Rising 30 feet in the air atop Quarry Hill, the Old Powder House is the oldest stone building in the state of Massachusetts.

Somerville, Massachusetts

Somerville Round House

A unique columnar residence built in the 19th century.

Somerville, Massachusetts

Reliable Market

Eat first, shop later at this eatery within an Asian grocer.

Prospect Hill Tower

Somerville, Massachusetts

Prospect Hill Tower

This tower commemorates the spot where George Washington hoisted the Grand Union flag.

The Charles William Jr. House

Somerville, Massachusetts

Charles William Jr. House

This Massachusetts home was the first to have a telephone line and its own phone number: 1.

Underwater Boston Tea Party.

Somerville, Massachusetts

Underwater Boston Tea Party

A little Lego easter egg is hidden underwater in the Boston Tea Party tableau at Miniland.

See All 17 Things To Do in Somerville

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Somerville

Somerville, Massachusetts

Reliable Market

Eat first, shop later at this eatery within an Asian grocer.

The stone marker, with replicas of the company’s original jars.

Somerville, Massachusetts

Emerson’s Pickle Factory Plaque

This unassuming stone commemorates a condiment factory gone up in smoke.

The baklava here is buttery and loaded with emerald pistachios.

Somerville, Massachusetts

Yafa Bakery & Café

Palestinian-style savory breads and fine patisserie are served with a generous side of hospitality.

See all 4 Places to Eat in Somerville

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Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Atlas Obscura Itineraries

Rogue Routes: The Road to the Ice Castles

Sponsored by Nissan

A deep blanket of snow often covers New England in the winter. But there’s adventure to be found in the frozen landscape, with its steep mountains and frozen ponds—and not just for skiers and snowboarders. This route blazes a unique path through Massachusetts and New Hampshire that is filled with bright colors, bold flavors, and the legacies of pioneering thinkers.

Explore Somerville, Massachusetts

Museums 3

Miniatures 2

Homes 2

Art 2

Houses 2

Fires 2

Artists 2

Architecture 2

Restaurants 1

Boats 1

Plaques 1

Sculptures 1

Monuments 1

Underwater 1

Towers 1

Crime 1

World's Smallest 1

Toys 1

Beer 1

Stores 1

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Recent Somerville Activity

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has been to Yafa Bakery & Café
Toes in the Sand

wants to go to Somerville Round House
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wants to go to Sapphire City House
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wants to go to Museum of Modern Renaissance

Stories About Somerville

Fireside in his classic pose.

The Marvelous Manholes of Massachusetts

An afternoon with Daniel Fireside, one of the Boston area's most dedicated drainspotters.

by Cara Giaimo, Atlas Obscura

August 28, 2018