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
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1-2 hours
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The area
Neighborhood: 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
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,336 within 3 miles
Attractions
587 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Cassie ChichesterRichmond, Virginia1,838 contributionsA Boston MustThe North End neighborhood is quintessential for a Boston trip. If my husband and I hadn't just ate Italian the day before, we would've definitely visited one of these restaurants. The smells... it all smelled amazing. Just walking around, you can see the fresh pasta in the windows. It all looked so amazing. When we return this summer, we will try some restaurants in North End. This neighborhood is also a quick walk to the Paul Revere statue if you wanted to cross that off your list. Highly recommend! The neighborhood is so cute.Visited December 2022Written December 22, 2022
- RyanLodi, California143 contributionsMust See In BostonI absolutely loved the North End in Boston. It's absolutely beautiful down by the waterfront. There are so many restaurants to choose from. Historic buildings to see. Multiple choices of tours to take in the area. I really enjoyed just walking the area and feeling like I was in a truly historic city. It didn't have the feeling of being overcrowded either in September. This is a part of Boston you must see on your visit.Visited September 2022Traveled with friendsWritten January 14, 2023
- Sarah PattWenham, Massachusetts12 contributionsQuaint yet hopping section of BostonPeople in the North End are so friendly and helpful. The bartender at Modern Underground especially. His name is Ben and he makes an incredible espresso martini! He recommended everything on their dinner menu-said all the dishes our cooks make are hearty and delicious. I had the eggplant parm and my husband had the chicken parm and it honestly was the best I've ever eaten! My husband said the same. Don't get me started on their pastry. Oy! Needless to say, my husband had to roll me outta there! ;) LOL We most certainly will be back and we hope Ben will be there, too! What a cutie! ;)Visited February 2023Written February 9, 2023
- travelgrl2015Raleigh, North Carolina20 contributionsBellissimo! A must do and see!Must see! Cant go to Boston without stopping here! Great places to eat fun atmosphere. Walk around stop into some of the best italian eateries and small markets and shops with italian flair. Fun area to explore for Italian delicacies. Don’t miss this area when you come to Boston.Visited March 2023Traveled with familyWritten March 15, 2023
- dbinhou7511Houston, Texas1,563 contributionsEthnic and Historic NeighborhoodInteresting neighborhood to walk around. Many of the buildings (outside) are unchanged for over 100 years. Most of the neighborhood is Italian. Authentic restaurants and shops can be found. There is also a bit of Revolutionary War history in the area.Visited August 2022Written March 17, 2023
- 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 July 11, 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 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten July 27, 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 2023Traveled with familyWritten August 1, 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 August 6, 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 August 14, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
7,247 reviews
Excellent
5,244
Very good
1,740
Average
221
Poor
25
Terrible
18
DocHowie
Boston, MA45 contributions
Nov 2019
I am actually from Boston and have visited the North Bend on numerous occasions. A neighborhood that was once an Italian enclave is now home to overpriced restaurants and crowds of people both day and night, 7 days a week.
Where a bowl of pasta Bolognese will cost you almost $20 (that’s basically pasta with meat sauce) where parking will require you to cash in your 401(k) plan to get your car back..
Where restaurants don’t publish prices on their online menu. Where asking for Veal Parmesan is met with “No we don’t have that but you can choose Our Veal Marsala”. Which is $31 and good luck finding the veal in all the mushrooms.
The old neighborhoods are not what they used to be!
Where a bowl of pasta Bolognese will cost you almost $20 (that’s basically pasta with meat sauce) where parking will require you to cash in your 401(k) plan to get your car back..
Where restaurants don’t publish prices on their online menu. Where asking for Veal Parmesan is met with “No we don’t have that but you can choose Our Veal Marsala”. Which is $31 and good luck finding the veal in all the mushrooms.
The old neighborhoods are not what they used to be!
Written January 8, 2020
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.
Jim Curtin
Walpole, MA12 contributions
Nov 2020 • Couples
Walking through the streets of the North End reminds me of my visits to Florence. The pandemic has one silver lining with the restaurants being allowed by the City to conduct al fresco dining on the sidewalks and parking spaces; hopefully a new seasonal trend that gives it a European flair.
As it is a part of the Freedom Trail it as well is a treasure chest of historic sites and tails. You will occasionally hear conversations in Italian that gives you appreciation for one of the romance languages.
A must see for tourists and residents alike.
As it is a part of the Freedom Trail it as well is a treasure chest of historic sites and tails. You will occasionally hear conversations in Italian that gives you appreciation for one of the romance languages.
A must see for tourists and residents alike.
Written December 1, 2020
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.
jack M
New York City, NY1,223 contributions
Sep 2021
I had visited the North End in the past. I always liked its atmosphere and historical aspects. This time, however, I realized on VERY difficult it is to visit this neighborhood. Access and parking is inexistent (unless willing to pay as much as $40 dollars in a private garage). I have a handicapped placard and yet I could find no place for me to park. And what's with the residents only parking places on the street? In other words it took me cc. 40 minutes of driving in circles before I could park the car far from the Norg End.
Bottom line. Will not visit this tourist unfriendly place again.
Bottom line. Will not visit this tourist unfriendly place again.
Written September 19, 2021
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.
HK3864
16 contributions
Jul 2020
It's more charming than Little Italy in NYC where it's been overtaken by Chinatown there. (I'm from Hong Kong so it is not racist statement.) And not sure if any Italians still live there. But I think there are still Italians/Italian-Americans living in the North End. Many delicious Italian food places.
Those 2 old men who played a few tunes of their violin and asked people sitting outside for money were annoying. They were just UNPLEASANT. And never smiled. One could tell they did NOT enjoy doing what they were doing. Why would any couple want to pay THEM any money?
Those 2 old men who played a few tunes of their violin and asked people sitting outside for money were annoying. They were just UNPLEASANT. And never smiled. One could tell they did NOT enjoy doing what they were doing. Why would any couple want to pay THEM any money?
Written January 4, 2021
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.
frank p
1 contribution
May 2022
We met Bobby Agrippino our tour guide and proprietor of North End. He was very friendly and grew up in the Northern part of Boston. Bobby's tour consisted of walking along each street with information about the restaurants, churches, schools and the home where Rose Kennedy was born. With each restaurant we entered there was pizza, Italian sandwiches, araicini, foglio and cannolis from the famous Mike's Bakery. Do not eat lunch. Bobby will make sure you leave full!
Written May 9, 2022
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.
AngelRay
Russell, MA3 contributions
Feb 2022
This was our first trip to Boston's historic North End. There are so many wonderful restaurants and highlights to see. We ate the most delicious cannoli and drank the frothiest cappuccino at the oldest cafe in the North End! It was full of antiques and warm with the buzz of comforting conversations. Can't wait to go back!
Written February 21, 2022
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.
homie41
Larbert, UK6 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Fantastic 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 much
Boston we miss you very much
Written August 1, 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.
Mel C
coral gables150 contributions
Apr 2019
The Italian restaurants are fine, but what you really want to do is steel your nerves and drive through the neighborhood for over an hour to find a place to park. Negotiating narrow one-way streets that abruptly end is a wonderful way to pass the time. NOT. Honestly, I got so frazzled that I drove out of the place all the way to our hotel on the South Shore and ate a pizza while the rest of the family dined somewhere on Prince Street. Paul Revere's Old North Church is here, if you have the temperament to find it. Ciao.
Written February 29, 2020
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.
TrailTrekker15
Tallahassee, FL3,945 contributions
Feb 2022 • Solo
I spent much of my time in Boston in the North End Neighborhood. The neighborhood has the feel of an old European city with narrow streets and old buildings. Part of the Freedom Trail runs through the neighborhood including Paul Revere’s House and the Old North Church. The food was incredible! I had dinner at BenCotto Italian and dessert a couple of times at Bova’s Bakery. This is a must-visit area of Boston!
Written March 9, 2022
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.
Katie
10 contributions
Nov 2019
If you like italian food (like myself), this is pretty darn close to cuisine heaven. Even the scenery feels very italian-ish, narrow streets, lots of old buildings everywhere and a mixture of gelato and pasta just about everywhere you go. The only bad part is how crowded it got. Friend and I went on a Friday and saw a huge line outside Giacomo's, which we had heard was the best restaurant. It seems however, they did not take reservations. If you are walking around it is hard to know where to go or what prices to expect, as the menus outside don't always reflect serving sizes. However, despite the trouble navigating I would definitely recommend checking this out to all the foodies out there!
Written February 5, 2020
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, FL306 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, WA191 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 travelers, these are the best ways to experience North End:
- Boston: North End to Freedom Trail - Food & History Walking Tour (From $99.00)
- Boston's North End Small Group Food Tour (From $75.00)
- 1 or 2 Day Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour with Harbor Cruise Option (From $46.00)
- Boston's North End Pizza & History Walking Food Tour (From $49.00)
- Boston Ghosts and Gravestones Trolley Tour (From $47.20)
- 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) Florentine Cafe Bar & Bistro
- (0.02 mi) Panza
- (0.03 mi) Mike's Pastry
- Attractions near North End:
- (0.01 mi) St. Leonard of Port Maurice Parish
- (0.02 mi) Club Alpino Italiano - Sezione di San Vito al Tagliamento
- (0.03 mi) Stanza Dei Sigari
- (0.03 mi) Italian 7
- (0.07 mi) North End Boston Food Tour
North End Information
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