The North End of Boston is a neighborhood full of history and character. It is the city’s oldest residential area and showcases a mix of New England’s connection to the founding of the US and Italian heritage. Visitors can spend time navigating the narrow streets of the North End to discover restaurants, historic landmarks, and other unique stops that can’t be found anywhere else.
The Culinary Center of Boston
Italian immigration to the neighborhood, starting in the 1860s, turned the North End into one of the world’s most famous “Little Italy” areas. Today, the streets of the North End are lined with some of the best Italian eateries you can imagine. Some highlights to consider during your visit:
- Authentic Italian Restaurants: enjoy the best dishes at high-quality restaurants like Carmelina’s or La Famiglia Giorgio’s Restaurant.
- Get Pizza: a trip to the North End isn’t complete without some pizza from Galleria Umberto or Regina Pizzeria.
- Maybe some Dessert: the North End is home to 3 historic top-rated Italian bakeries; Mike’s Pastry, Modern Pastry, and Bova’s Bakery.
- Neighborhood Cafes: discover the perfect cup of coffee at one of the neighborhood’s Italian cafes.
Discover the North End’s History
The North End offers a connection to America’s colonial roots that is tough to find anywhere else. Visitors can walk through the streets and see several significant connections to the past:
- Paul Revere House: a museum that was once the residence of Paul Revere, an American Patriot and Founding Father, during the American Revolution and late 1700s.
- Old North Church: the famous church where the “one if by land, two if by sea” signal was sent in 1775 to start Paul Revere’s Ride.
- The Freedom Trail: a 2.5 mile route that connects historical sites and passes through the North End
- Copp’s Hill Burying Ground: a historic cemetery where notable figures from Boston’s past were laid to rest.
Take a Food Tour
Some visitors find taking a Boston North End Food Tour is the best way to get a good view of the neighborhood. A food tour will take you to different restaurants, cafes, corner stores, and other North End hidden gems to give you a taste of the best the neighborhood has to offer. Boston’s “Politically Incorrect” North End Food Tours gives you info about the neighborhood from a true local so you will laugh and eat a lot. Contact us today to learn more about our tours!