Boston North End

The Basics

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.

Things to Know Before You Go

• 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.

How to Get There

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.

When to Get There

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.

What to Eat in Boston

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.

Ways to explore

The North End is one of the best places in Boston to go on a history tour—or to explore as part of an Italian culture and culinary excursion. The narrow streets house small shops, delis, butchers, salumerias, bakers, wine bars, and restaurants. After seeing local sights such as the Old North Church, Copp’s Hill Burying Ground, Union Wharf, the Ozias Goodwin House, and Mariners House, book a neighborhood food tour or head out on your own to sample pizza, ravioli, arancini, cannoli, and other locally loved treats.

Accessibility

Some tours of the North End are accessible to wheelchair users.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Sun or rain protection, camera, handheld bag, your appetite

What to wear

Wear comfortable, weather-proof layers for sightseeing—most tours take place largely outdoors.

Not allowed

While the rules vary by tour, most don’t allow smoking, pets, or alcohol.

Amenities

Shops, restaurants, access to public transit

Address

Adjacent to Downtown, the North End is easy to visit on a day out in Boston. The area’s narrow streets are best explored on foot, but it’s easy to reach by public transit, taxi, and tours that include transportation.

Driving

Boston’s roads are famously confusing to navigate, and parking in the city can be hard. Instead of worrying about driving yourself, it’s better to take taxis or use rideshare services.

Public transportation

Take the MBTA’s Orange or Green Line trains to North Station, the Orange Line trains to Haymarket, or the Blue Line to Aquarium; all are a quick stroll from the heart of the neighborhood.

Best times to visit

Arrive early in the day to see the neighborhood’s quiet side and skip the lines at some of its popular food businesses, or stop by in the evening for an Italian dinner.

Best days to visit

Expect weekends to be busier than weekdays in the North End, particularly during the summer and school holidays. A weekday visit is a good alternative.

Best months to visit

Instead of the summer high season, aim for the shoulder seasons to enjoy good weather and fewer crowds in the neighborhood.

Special events

The North End hosts several major Italian cultural feasts throughout the year, including the annual Fisherman’s Feast, held in August.