North End
4.5
About
Boston's Little Italy is the city’s oldest neighborhood, famous for its Italian restaurants and pastry shops, and centuries-old architecture. Stroll around this Italian American enclave to discover its narrow, cobbled alleys and iconic streets like Hanover Street. The best way to taste some of the fantastic food here is by joining a walking food tour. Or book yourself on a history tour to learn about the significance of landmarks like Paul Revere's house and the Old North Church. The North End is also part of the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile path that retraces the early history of the United States across 16 significant locations. – Tripadvisor
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Top ways to experience North End
The area
Neighbourhood: North End
Wandering around Boston’s North End can feel like being transported to Europe. Stroll down Hanover and Salem streets for the finest Italian restaurants, bakeries, cafes, and a few boutique shops. Take part in the big debate as to whether Modern Pastry or Mike’s serves a better cannoli. Before your food coma sets in, make sure to stop by historic Paul Revere’s home, and follow the Freedom Trail to Old North Church and Copp’s Hill Burying Ground. Take a rest in a cafe on Hanover street and observe the quirky, European character of the North End.
How to get there
- Haymarket • 5 min walk
- Aquarium • 8 min walk
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Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
2,467 within 3 miles
Attractions
846 within 6 miles
See what travellers are saying
- texazcharlieMcKinney, Texas89 contributionsFood, food, food (and history)If you love to eat, then head for the North End. It's the Italian part of Boston and the smells and sounds along the narrow streets are amazing. Open windows and doors everywhere. Tried cannolis from Mike's and the next day got sandwiches from Salumeria Italiana and walked to Paul Revere Mall for a picnic on the benches there. Dines ad Lucia Ristorante the next night and the food was wonderful. Toured Paul Revere's home, walked past the North Church and walked through Copps Hill Burying Ground.Visited July 2023Written 11 July 2023
- KD2Houston, Texas9 contributionsEnjoyable taste of ItalyWe’d just returned from Rome and Amalfi -then visited Little Italy in Boston. It did not disappoint. We were decided to have dinner early and were fortunate to get right in a Mamma Maria’s. The tuna tartare was eatable but I’d NEVER order it again. The Lobster Ravioli entree saved the day- it was delicious! We took a delightful evening stroll…saw the Paul Revere statue, Freedom trail and took home a Little Regina’s pizza pie (for a late night snack)Visited July 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 27 July 2023
- homie41Larbert, United Kingdom6 contributionsFantastic BostonFantastic city would recommend Boston to anyone looking for a grown up American city adventure. Everyone is so nice and polite . We went to a Red Sox game on a Friday night what a amazing exciting night . Headed off to the ocean to see the whales ( they did not disappoint) looking forward to going again some day Boston we miss you very muchVisited July 2023Travelled with familyWritten 1 August 2023
- 363cymru123Cardiff, United Kingdom129 contributionsA pleasant areaA walk around the North End is great for families. Visit the Boston tea party ships and museum, and the children's museum which are across the bridge from each other. Along the boardwalk at the moment there are lots of painted statues of cows for charity which the children love. Visit the New England Aquarium on a rainy day. For history buffs there is Paul Revere House, Paul Revere Mall, Old North Church and St. Stephen's Church. While in the north end you must try cannoli's at either Mike's Pastry or Modern Pastry, both are yummy!Visited August 2023Written 6 August 2023
- Kate D35 contributionsWow just WowYou will feel like you are in a little European town, or you can make believe you are there. Don't get lost on the bus line like we did and wind up going to the too far north part of town. The food, the people, the pastries, amazing. The church ladies so sweet unless you try and eat a cannoli in their church garden and then you will have hell to pay. A must see and a must experience, try Modern pastry but take cash, try Ricardo's for the swordfish. So many places and not enough time. Pray in St. Leonard's church but watch out for the church ladies.Visited August 2023Written 14 August 2023
- Tee LStaten Island, New York7 contributionsOne word- Delicious!We loved visiting the North End! Carmelina's is by far one of my favorites (and their meatball appetizer is to die for). Mike's Pastries, although iconic, had a line out the door and I wondered if it was just the hype or a really amazing baked confection. A bit of both, I suppose. The true vibe was incredible and architecture was superb. A must visit for a foodie!Visited August 2023Written 16 August 2023
- SnooksintheDesertPhoenix, Arizona580 contributionsNorth EndRide-share dropped us here from our Seaport hotel - easy to walk & very compact. Streets are narrow, cool architecture. Lots of places to eat - some ver pricy, look for neighborhood places insteadVisited August 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 12 September 2023
- TheCityBreakers182 contributionsLittle ItalyWe knew nothing about Boston’s Little Italy until we wandered into the North End and saw many Italian restaurants! A shop owner briefly explained the history of the area and we enjoyed walking its historic streets. We sat on the outside terrace of one of the restaurants opposite the Paul Revere statute and watched the work go by.Visited September 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 17 September 2023
- purplevortexCharlton, New York49 contributionsWalk around aimlessly! So much to see.Walk around aimlessly, there's so much to see. Take the road less traveled. Come hungry. Don't be put off by the lines at the bakeries, they move fast. Grab a gelato. People watch. But make dinner reservations in advance!Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 14 October 2023
- Dave W3 contributionsThe North End is a must visit if you’re in BostonIf you like home style Italian food, old buildings , brick and cobblestone roads that are very narrow and pastry shops you’ll love the north end. I’m a foodie so this place is like heaven to me. It really doesn’t matter which restaurant you choose to have lunch or dinner in, they’re all great. You don’t need to wait outside the ones that have long lines and a 1 1/2 hour wait, you can’t go wrong with any of them. Stop in and try them if you weren’t impressed then try another one the next day. About the only difference is the service. Some great, some good but none of them are bad. If they were they wouldn’t be here anymore. The food is great in every one of them. I’ve eaten in at least 50 of them and they’re all good. Same thing with the big 3 pastry shops. Mike’s gets the longest lines but Modern or Bova’s are just as good or better. People I’ve talked to like the cannolis at Mike’s the best but I like Moderns pastries better and Bova’s is open 24/7 and been there the longest. Hanover and Salem are the two streets where most everything is but don’t forget to go down the side streets either because there are a lot of great places to eat on them too. Very narrow streets and lots of people in the north end but it’s a MUST to visit.Visited October 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 17 October 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
7,246 reviews
Excellent
5,244
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1,740
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221
Poor
25
Terrible
18
christopherbO9687MP
Acton, MA718 contributions
Mar 2024 • Solo
The North End is a great Boston neighborhood to visit on foot for its many restaurants & shops. The main shopping & restaurant district concentrates on Hannover Street. Italian restaurants of every description (and price point) are along that street, as are numerous pastry shops. Also wander through some of the quieter residential streets (many of them one-way) to see how the community lives.
Written 18 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steven M
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Solo
This Pint of Guinness saved my life today! Delicious and creamy! Would recommend if in need of some life saving!
Written 16 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OrlandoMouse
St. Augustine, FL2,239 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
What can one say about the North End, so many restaurants, so many bars, so many bakeries, so much history and so little time to take it all in. The Freedom Trail can take you through some of the historical sights but there is more. Hanover Street is the most dominant of Italian restaurant offerings. Who knew that the North End of Boston would be an Italian Food Haven. Take an adventure on the many side streets and discover bakeries, seafood, small pubs, for any foodie or gastro hunter, it is an adventure zone. So many of these restaurants and pastry shops reviews can be found online. The architecture is also unique and adds character to the neighborhood. Take several hours or several days to explore, to eat, to enjoy.
Written 26 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pjgrad
Kent, WA502 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
What a fun neighborhood to walk around. Get a cannoli. Get a slice. Do some people watching. There is a thin park at the border of the North End with tables and swings. You can eat your cannoli while swinging.
Written 22 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dave W
3 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
If you like home style Italian food, old buildings , brick and cobblestone roads that are very narrow and pastry shops you’ll love the north end. I’m a foodie so this place is like heaven to me. It really doesn’t matter which restaurant you choose to have lunch or dinner in, they’re all great. You don’t need to wait outside the ones that have long lines and a 1 1/2 hour wait, you can’t go wrong with any of them. Stop in and try them if you weren’t impressed then try another one the next day. About the only difference is the service. Some great, some good but none of them are bad. If they were they wouldn’t be here anymore. The food is great in every one of them. I’ve eaten in at least 50 of them and they’re all good. Same thing with the big 3 pastry shops. Mike’s gets the longest lines but Modern or Bova’s are just as good or better. People I’ve talked to like the cannolis at Mike’s the best but I like Moderns pastries better and Bova’s is open 24/7 and been there the longest. Hanover and Salem are the two streets where most everything is but don’t forget to go down the side streets either because there are a lot of great places to eat on them too. Very narrow streets and lots of people in the north end but it’s a MUST to visit.
Written 17 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
purplevortex
Charlton, NY49 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Walk around aimlessly, there's so much to see. Take the road less traveled. Come hungry. Don't be put off by the lines at the bakeries, they move fast. Grab a gelato. People watch. But make dinner reservations in advance!
Written 14 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheCityBreakers
Lancashire182 contributions
Sept 2023 • Friends
We knew nothing about Boston’s Little Italy until we wandered into the North End and saw many Italian restaurants!
A shop owner briefly explained the history of the area and we enjoyed walking its historic streets. We sat on the outside terrace of one of the restaurants opposite the Paul Revere statute and watched the work go by.
A shop owner briefly explained the history of the area and we enjoyed walking its historic streets. We sat on the outside terrace of one of the restaurants opposite the Paul Revere statute and watched the work go by.
Written 17 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SnooksintheDesert
Phoenix, AZ580 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Ride-share dropped us here from our Seaport hotel - easy to walk & very compact. Streets are narrow, cool architecture. Lots of places to eat - some ver pricy, look for neighborhood places instead
Written 12 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelingBum10
United States2,741 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
This is a great part of Boston. It’s very busy so have patience if you drive there. There’s some street parking but also parking garages.
Written 28 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lori M
31 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
I loved this area. It has beautiful architecture, lots of things to look at and tasty food. This was my favorite area to explore during my trip. I felt to so at home here and would recommend any visitors to Boston to check it out.
Written 20 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pvrichey
Richmond, VA25 contributions
We are visiting from Virginia and staying in Cambridge. What "T" stop would we take from Central to get to North End? (Inbound, correct?) Thank you.
DrCLG
Indianapolis, IN168 contributions
I can’t really answer that, but there are good maps for the Metro and bus system!
Connector174917
Louisville, KY3 contributions
My boyfriend and I are visiting Boston next month and he's a big history nerd. I saw North End has a lot of historic sites so I was considering staying there. Is North End a safe neighborhood for tourists to stay in? What other neighborhoods would you guys recommend?
gardengirl352017
Lima, OH17 contributions
Yes, the North End is very safe for travelers, very walkable and is the heart of the the historic sites in Boston. Your history geek will love it there! The Freedom Trail winds all through that area and the food is incredible!
Restaurant in northend
Richard
Punta Gorda, FL308 contributions
As mentioned there is wide variety of places to dine, take a walk and check out menues.
desantisjudy
Melrose Park, IL
August date for the St. Anthony Feast? What is the hotel nearest to the Church and feast site?
the12thmanseattle
Puyallup, WA193 contributions
I love the Harborside Inn, as it's a quick walk over there and a great location.
Randy A
Davao City, Philippines
Where can we eat lobster clambake without the long line and wait in North End?
Lynda H
29 contributions
Sorry to be so late with this response, been traveling :-) If you're looking for a true "lobster bake" you won't find that at a restaurant. Those types of things need to be catered. There are lines most everywhere unless you choose to eat dinner at 5 pm, you'll be seated immediately.
Sonal1107
Wethersfield, CT10 contributions
Hello everyone 1st time in Boston need to know where to park when going to Quincey market ? Thank you
the_mermaids_tale
Cape Cod, MA143 contributions
There are several parking lots along the wharf by the north end which is a super easy walk to Quincy Market like lewis wharf and all are safe - any of the three are where I park and there are great restaurants and things to see along the greenway as you walk over to quincy market. There is also a parking garage across the street from The Bostonian Hotel and beside quincy market. Its expensive but you are right at quincy market.
jvanroy1
De Pere, WI3 contributions
Hi,
Only have 1 day to spend in Boston just looking for must see attractions?
Christopher S
Dorchester Heights, MA159 contributions
First things first, if you are coming in from Logan Airport and know how to work subways, you do NOT have to pay a penny getting into Boston. Take the SL1 (Silver Line 1) airport shuttle from any arriving terminal to SOUTH STATION. There, the RED LINE will take you to any other colored subway line: FREE (you are already in the subway at that point). So, once into Boston for FREE, you're best option to see many things: take a trolley tour. Old Town or City Line; the former has two-hour tours, the latter one-hour tours. Both leave from the Long Wharf/Boston Aquarium that is only a 10-minute walk from South Station. Otherwise, if you want to walk and see the most, get yourself to Boston Common/Boston Public Garden area. If you want history, get on the "Freedom Trail," a 2 1/2 mile red brick line that will walk you to 16 different historical sites. If you want to go more contemporary (Boston Public Library, Commonwealth Mall, Newbury Street, Trinity Church), walk west on Comm Ave/Boylston St/Newbury St/Huntington Avenue. Simply put, west of Charles Street = contemporary Boston, east of Charles Street = historical Boston. Why? West of Charles Street did not exist until the 1800s. East, inclusive of Boston Common, Beacon Hill, etc., that is where Boston was way back in the pre- and post-Revolutionary War period. Welcome, and have fun....
mebber
Novato, CA374 contributions
I will be in Boston for a week early June with my vegan daughter. Any gluten free restaurants to recommend in the North End? Thank you!
Annie A
Boston, MA83 contributions
Hi Mebber,
Most of the places/restaurants, I believe can offer a gluten free meal for your daughter.
While in Boston, check Faneuil Hall that is really close to Hanover Street in North End.
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Claim your listingNORTH END: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about North End
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience North End:
- Boston: North End to Freedom Trail - Food & History Walking Tour (From £67.86)
- Boston's North End Small Group Food Tour (From £64.28)
- 1 or 2 Day Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour with Harbor Cruise Option (From £36.37)
- Boston's North End Pizza & History Walking Food Tour (From £38.74)
- Boston Ghosts and Gravestones Trolley Tour (From £37.32)
- Hotels near North End:
- (0.11 mi) Bricco Suites
- (0.23 mi) Canopy by Hilton Boston Downtown
- (0.29 mi) Courtyard by Marriott Boston Downtown / North Station
- (0.34 mi) Boston Yacht Haven Inn & Marina
- (0.38 mi) Marriott Vacation Club Pulse at Custom House, Boston
- Restaurants near North End:
- (0.01 mi) Assaggio
- (0.02 mi) Caffe Dello Sport
- (0.02 mi) Mike's Pastry
- (0.02 mi) Panza Restaurant
- (0.03 mi) Caffe Vittoria
- Attractions near North End:
- (0.01 mi) St. Leonard of Port Maurice Parish
- (0.03 mi) Stanza Dei Sigari
- (0.07 mi) North End Boston Food Tour
- (0.05 mi) Boston's "Politically Incorrect" North End Food Tour
- (0.08 mi) Secret Food Tours Boston