Some facts about Harvard Square:

 - Home to Harvard University, renowned academic institution with a massive endowment, arguably the hardest college to get into in the U.S., home to many of the most well-respected graduate schools as well.

- On the Red Line of Boston's subway system, easy access from downtown Boston

- Thriving area for shopping, eating, hanging out, people watching, drinking, theater going, etc..

 - Many tourists come to Harvard and find it an excellent place to spend some time.  There is access throughout the University - you can see the statue of John Harvard, the ivy-covered walls of dorms and classroom buildings, peruse the wide variety of shops, picnic by the river and watch the crews row by.

- There is a new addition to tourist offerings - the Unofficial Tours Inc Guide to Harvard is apparently an excellent, irreverant tour of the school by current students.  It starts very close to the main subway stop entrance.

- If you're looking for lunch in the Square, there's a blog about current lunch offerings from Harvard Square restaurants that might help. 

- There's a  site maintained by the Harvard Square business association that has dates of festivals/events along with a directory and map.  Note that Oktoberfest and the Head of the Charles regatta are not to be missed.