Boston’s North End is home to a large community of Italian Americans. The narrow streets house small shops, delis, butchers, salumerias, bakers, wine bars, and restaurants. After seeing local sights like the Old North Church, Copp’s Hill Burial Ground, Union Wharf, the Ozias Goodwin House, and Mariner’s House, book a neighborhood food tour or head out on your own to shop for salami, cheese, and olives, and sample cannolis.
The North End is a popular neighborhood for families, with several kid-friendly attractions such as the New England Aquarium and the Boston Children’s Museum.
Hanover Street is the neighborhood’s main drag and boasts a number of popular cafes.
Be sure to carry cash since many places don’t accept credit cards.
The North End is accessible by the MBTA subway (the “T”). To reach the area, take the blue line to the Aquarium stop, or the green line or orange line to Haymarket or North Station. You can also opt to rent a Bluebike from Boston's bike-share program or take the city’s hop-on hop-off trolley, which stops in the North End.
Boston’s North End is a year-round destination. To really enjoy the neighborhood’s Italian-American heritage, consider visiting during one of the area’s bustling summer festivals, which honor a variety of saints. The months of June–September bring more than a dozen feasts and processions, some of which are small religious parades paired with a special mass, while others include street fair-style celebrations with food and music.
Boston boasts plenty of places to grab a bite, from high-end restaurants to public markets. While you’re here, be sure to try some local specialities, including lobster rolls, cannolis, and craft beer. The Boston Public Market, located near the North End neighborhood, is home to food vendors selling doughnuts, maple syrups, roasted nuts, and other treats.
