North End Travel Guide

Plan your travel to North End, Boston with this comprehensive guide that covers the best places to visit, the must-try dishes, where to stay, and travel tips.


Introduction to North End

North End, also known as Boston’s Little Italy, is a neighborhood located in the city of Boston, Massachusetts. The community is packed with history, charm, and some of the best Italian restaurants around. Visitors to North End can expect to enjoy everything from mouth-watering cuisine to beautiful architecture and historical landmarks dating back to the early days of American history.

List of Places to Visit in North End

North End has a range of cultural and natural attractions to explore. Below is a list of places to visit.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Paul Revere House: The Paul Revere House was the home of the famous American patriot Paul Revere during the 1700s and is now a museum open to the public.

  • Old North Church: The Old North Church is Boston’s oldest surviving church building and is notable for being the starting point of Paul Revere’s famous midnight ride.

  • Copp’s Hill Burying Ground: Copp’s Hill Burying Ground is the final resting place of many of Boston’s early settlers, including notable American Revolution figures.

  • U.S.S. Constitution Museum: The U.S.S Constitution Museum is dedicated to the history of the oldest commissioned warship still afloat and offers visitors a chance to step back in time to the early 1800s.

Natural Attractions of North End: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park: Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park is a beautiful park that offers visitors amazing views of the Boston Harbor.

  • Rose Kennedy Greenway: The Rose Kennedy Greenway is an urban park that runs through the city of Boston and offers extensive walking paths, gardens, and water features.

  • Boston Harborwalk: The Boston Harborwalk is a fantastic waterfront path that offers stunning views of the harbor and access to many of Boston’s waterfront attractions.

Hiking/Biking Routes in North End

North End does not have any hiking or biking trails within its immediate vicinity; however, visitors can easily access the scenic Boston Harborwalk, which stretches the length of the neighborhood’s waterfront.

Best Things to Do in North End: Activities and Tours

North End is packed with activities and tours, and here are a few of them:

  • North End Food Tour: A walking tour that takes visitors through some of North End’s most famous restaurants and offers visitors a taste of the Italian cuisine for which the neighborhood is known.

  • Freedom Trail Tour: The Freedom Trail Tour is a guided tour that takes visitors through the historical landmarks of Boston’s early American history, including the Paul Revere House and the Old North Church.

  • Boston Harbor Cruise: A boat tour that offers stunning views of the Boston skyline and harbor.

Week-Long Itinerary for North End

Here’s a sample week-long itinerary of North End, Boston:

Day Plan
Day 1 Visit Copp’s Hill Burying Ground and the Paul Revere House
Day 2 Take the Freedom Trail Tour
Day 3 Visit the U.S.S. Constitution Museum
Day 4 Explore the Rose Kennedy Greenway
Day 5 Take the North End Food Tour
Day 6 Walk the Boston Harborwalk
Day 7 Enjoy a Boston Harbor Dinner Cruise

Food and Drink Scene of North End

North End is a foodie’s paradise, with Italian cuisine being the primary focus. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pasta dishes: Ranging from classics like spaghetti and meatballs to seafood linguine with clams, North End’s Italian cuisine offers a wide variety of pasta dishes.

  • Pizza: North End’s pizzerias offer some of the best pies around. Visitors should try Pizzeria Regina or Galleria Umberto for delicious slices.

  • Cannoli: Dessert lovers won’t want to miss sampling the creamy, sweet ricotta-filled cannoli that North End is known for.

Local Beverages

  • Sambuca: A popular North End after-dinner drink made from aniseed.

  • Negroni: A classic Italian cocktail made with gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.

Where to Stay in North End

North End offers a mix of hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Here are some options:

  • Battery Wharf Hotel: A four-star hotel located on the Boston Harbor.

  • Boston Yacht Haven Inn & Marina: A boutique waterfront hotel with a range of accommodations.

  • HI Boston Hostel: A budget-friendly option for travelers looking to save money on their stay.

What to Buy in North End

North End has a range of local products and souvenirs visitors can bring home, including:

  • Italian groceries: North End offers several Italian grocery stores that sell everything from pasta sauce to olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

  • Cannoli kits: Visitors looking to bring home a taste of North End can purchase cannoli kits that come with everything needed to recreate the classic dessert at home.

Local Culture and Customs of North End

North End’s culture is heavily influenced by its Italian heritage, and visitors should be respectful of this culture when they visit. It’s worth noting that the neighborhood is densely populated, and visitors should be mindful of noise levels and crowds.

Best Time to Visit North End

The best time to visit North End is during the warmer months of the year, between May and September. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities and attractions with better weather conditions and take advantage of the North End’s fantastic waterfront areas.

Do’s and Don’ts of North End

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine: North End is known for its delicious Italian cuisine, and no visit would be complete without sampling some of the neighborhood’s culinary offerings.

  • Visit the historical landmarks: North End has a rich history, and visitors should take the time to visit its famous landmarks.

Don’t:

  • Be loud: North End can be crowded, and visitors should keep their noise levels to a minimum to avoid disturbing residents.

  • Trample on gardens: North End has many beautiful public gardens, and visitors should be respectful of them and avoid damaging any plants or flowers.

Safety and Health

Safety in North End

North End is a relatively safe neighborhood, but visitors should still remain vigilant. It is advisable to take standard security precautions like avoiding unsafe or dimly lit areas at night and keeping valuable possessions close.

Health in North End

North End has several pharmacies and urgent care centers, so visitors should not have any issues finding medical attention if needed.

Getting to North End: Transportation Options and Logistics

North End is easily accessible from many points within Boston. Here are some transportation options to consider:

Airports Near North End

  • Boston Logan International Airport (BOS): North End is around three miles from Boston Logan International Airport, and visitors can take a taxi or car service to and from the airport.

Bus Stations Near North End

  • Boston North Station: Boston North Station is just a few blocks away from North End, making it a convenient option for visitors arriving by bus.

Other Options

  • Subway: North End is served by several subway stations, including Haymarket and North Station.

How to Get Around in North End

North End is a walkable neighborhood, and many sites and attractions are within walking distance of each other. Visitors can also take advantage of the neighborhood’s public transportation options like buses and the subway.

Where to Go Next from North End: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

North End is situated in the heart of Boston, offering visitors easy access to the city’s other attractions like the Boston Common, Fenway Park, and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.

Conclusion

North End is a vibrant and historic neighborhood that offers visitors a range of cultural attractions, natural beauty, and delicious food. Whether you’re interested in exploring the area’s historical landmarks, sampling its culinary offerings, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, North End has something to offer everyone. Plan your next visit to North End using this comprehensive guide, and get ready for an unforgettable trip.

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