Boston’s Historic North End – a Quick Tour Through the Neighborhood

Boston’s Historic North End attracts visitors with its old world charm, Paul Revere’s House, the famous Old North Church, and its Italian restaurants and bakeries.

A tour of Boston is not complete without a visit to the North End, and there are various ways of experiencing the neighborhood. Boston’s Freedom Trail passes through sections of the North End as it takes you to Paul Revere’s House and the Old North Church, where the two lanterns were held high by the church sexton, Robert Newman, signaling the British were coming by sea.

The Freedom Trail takes you on foot through the North End neighborhood and it is my preferred way of visiting. The route takes you down parts of Hanover Street with its restaurants and bakeries – try Mike’s Pastry for best Cannoli in town – down North Street past Paul Revere House, and then across Paul Revere Mall to the Old North Church on Salem Street. The Freedom Trail walk then follows Hull Street to Copp’s Hill Burying Ground – Boston’s second oldest burying ground - and then makes a detour across to Charlestown to the U.S.S. Constitution.

If walking is not your scene then the Discover Boston Trolley Tours which leave from outside the New England Aquarium area take you past all these sights in the comfort of a seat and out of the weather if it is hot or rainy.

Another great way of visiting the North End is to take one of the bike tours offered by Urbanadventours which recently moved their headquarters to facilities close to the New England Aquarium. While you’ll see a lot more than just the North End on this tour nonetheless it covers all the high points and gives you first-hand experience of the living and breathing vibrant neighborhood that is the North End of Boston.

When you visit in the summer months don’t be surprised if you find yourself in the middle of a festivity, especially at the weekend. Celebrations are regular in the North End and if you coincide your visit with one of these festivities then it’ll add a colorful flavor to your experience and fun.

I’m often asked for restaurant recommendations in the North End – there are many, and they come and go – and personal choices leave out the excitement of discovery. But two I’ve rarely been disappointed when visiting are Villa Francesca on Richmond Street, and Giacomo’s Ristorante on Hanover Street – expect a long line at the last one.

Of course because this is a neighborhood there are plenty of shops to browse as well as parks to relax in and watch the residents go about their business - or be watched by them. It is easy to understand how you can get “lost” in the North End for a whole day, and in this fast-paced world there are a lot worse things you could be doing with your time.

The North End of Boston must be on your list of places to visit in the city and with this quick tour guide you should be able to not only see the sights but experience the neighborhood.

You can find the next in the series of Boston neighborhoods - Beacon Hill here.

For more ideas about things to see and do in Boston don’t forget to check out the special Boston Vacation destination page here.


Cliff Calderwood
Executive Director
New England Vacation Guide