The North End is Boston’s oldest continuously inhabited neighborhood. It started as a Puritan settlement before turning into a key location in the American Revolution and a vibrant immigrant hub. Today it’s known as Boston’s “Little Italy” with numerous fine Italian establishments located within the ⅓ square mile area. A walk in the North End can bring you past Revolutionary War landmarks, traditional trattorias, and a North End Summer Festival. All these things make the North End one-of-a-kind and one of Boston’s most iconic neighborhoods.
Historical Landmarks
The North End is home to Old North Church, where patriots watching for the British warned Paul Revere of their arrival and started the Revolutionary War. The neighborhood also features the Paul Revere House, which is Boston’s oldest standing home. A portion of the Freedom Trail cuts through the neighborhood making it a nice stop for anyone interested in American history.
Old World Feel
Unlike many cities, which have a modern street grid, the North End has kept a more chaotic European-style. Try something new and discover a hidden gem just off the main drag and enjoy it in one of the North End’s green spaces. Walking down narrow streets or cobblestone paths that can make you feel like you’ve walked through a time machine.
“Little Italy” of Boston
Italian immigrants arrived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and brought their love of cooking to the neighborhood. Today, the North End is well-known for its Italian heritage and wealth of high-quality Italian eateries and pastry shops. From traditional to more modern cuisine, you can find it all in the North End. Famous restaurants include Carmelina’s, Mamma Maria, La Famiglia Giorgio’s Restaurant, Mike’s Pastry, and more.
Take a North End Food Tour
The best way to experience the North End is with a Food Tour as your guide. This tiny neighborhood packs an incredible density of bakeries, trattorias, salumerias, and espresso bars into just a few blocks, and a guided food tour helps you cut through the choices to taste the spots locals actually love. You’ll get to hear stories about the neighborhood’s history as Boston’s original Italian immigrant enclave from a local tour guide who was born and grew up in the North End. We’ll visit the best the neighborhood has to offer and you’ll learn what it’s like to be a North End local. Contact us today to learn more.