north end boston

Things to do in North End, Boston

By Dom Bewley

Heading to Boston for your vacation, and keeping an eye on North End? Good choice! North End has a load of great things to do and places to eat and drink. We're going to talk about those now. Scroll down, and discover our picks for the best things to do in North End, Boston!

Including:

  • Paul Revere House
  • Old North Church
  • Improv Asylum
  • Great food
  • Great nights out
  • and more!
Image of House, Housing, Roof, City,

A House Revered

Let's start our trip through North End with some history. Boston was the heart of the revolutionary efforts when the US fought for independence. On one fateful night in 1775, one man saw a frightening sight. Men clad in red, as far as the eye could see. Invaders, coming to claim what they thought was theirs. But this bastion of chivalry wasn't having any of that. So he valiantly mounted his faithful steed, and he rode. God, did he ride. If he didn't, the war could be lost. He rode and rode until he reached his countrymen. And when he pulled up in front of them, he uttered four words immortalized in this nation's heart forevermore. "The British are coming."

Or did he?

Find out at the Paul Revere House! Not only will you learn more about the legend himself, but you'll also discover whether there's any truth to the poem that utters his famous phrase. One of the oldest buildings in Boston, step inside the house and get a fascinating insight into colonial history. Tour the historic rooms and see authentic period furniture, real documents, and silver made by Paul himself. Clearly, he was a man of many talents. Not immortal, though, so there is that.

A Statue Revered

And if all that wasn't enough Revere for you, go and see the massive statue of him for yourself! Sculptor Cyrus Dallin designed this bronze statue of Revere riding his horse. His hand raised, we can only assume what Paul was gesticulating towards. Was it his fellow countrymen, patriots one and all? Or was he shooing a dog out of his path? We will never, ever know.

Image of Altar, Church, Prayer, Indoors, Chandelier, Lamp,

Old North Church

Sticking with the historical theme, let's talk churches. Whether you're a believer or not, there's no denying the beauty that went into their creation and ornamentation.

Why not go and see one of the nation's longest-standing churches, Old North Church? Built back in 1723, and inspired by the works of British male Sir Christopher Wren, it played a key part in the War of Independence. The church's steeple held lanterns that warned the minutemen of incoming British forces. See, learning can be fun!

These days, it may be less exciting, but it's still just as beautiful! You can enjoy a self-guided tour of the sanctuary, a fun family scavenger hunt, and even tour the crypt and the gallery. Of all the things to do in North End, Boston, this is definitely one of them.

A gift for you

In the market for some keepsakes, or perhaps a gift or two for the people you left behind? Check out the Boston Gift Shop! It's right by Paul Revere's House, so if you've been following our instructions, you'll be thereabouts anyway.

For over 100 years, they've been offering reasonably priced and decently made Independence memorabilia to visitors from far and wide. So go pick up some swag and either give it away, or rub it in people's faces. It's really up to you!

Image of Urban, Club, Lighting, Electrical Device, Microphone, Night Club,

Winging it crazy

Out with the old, in with the new, as we continue with our tour of Boston's North End. Looking for things to do? How about laughing until you can't stop? Until it hurts?

If that sounds delightful, give Improv Asylum a browse. For over 20 years, they've hosted improv and sketch comedy shows for literally anyone willing to pay money. They aim to put one on every night, but head there on the weekend, and you might be spoiled by two or more! While they tend to be for all ages, midnight shows often take a turn into the crass and adult. Just what us adults want!

And if that wasn't enough (is it ever?), you can also attend workshops and learn how to actually be funny. That would be nice, wouldn't it?

Food, glorious food

Food, yeah? It's pretty good. A necessity for humans, food is the fuel that keeps us going. Some people think they can survive on sunlight and water, but they're wrong. That's plants, not people. And when that fuel inevitably runs out, you'll be needing a top-up. Thankfully, Boston's North End has some great places to eat some great food. There are our favorites. Spoiler alert - they're all Italian.

For nearly a century, Regina Pizzeria has been providing hungry visitors with fantastic pizza. And once they eat it, they're no longer hungry. Brilliant! They attest to being Boston's original Pizzeria, and who are you to question that? You weren't around then. With a menu full of the usual greats, cooked with comfort and care from scratch, it's a must-visit for slice aficionados.

Fancy throwing some seafood into the mix? Check out The Daily Catch, because their Sicilian seafood pasta fishes will blow your mind and fill your tummy. Born from the mind of Paul Freddura, who turned his knowledge of the seafood trade into seafood plates, it's easily one of the best restaurants in North End.

Or, if you want something a little out of the way, check out Maria's Pastry Shop. Inside, you'll find delightful Italian pastries both sweet and savory, and the best cannoli money can buy.

Image of Pub, Bottle, Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Shaker,

Drink it up

Let's round off this list with a round of our own. Looking for a place to sit and drink till the early morn? Here are our picks.

Ex speakeasy Stanza dei Sigari is now a cigar parlor and liquor lounge. Stepping inside is like being transported back to the roaring '20s. With an enviable cocktail menu and a host of fine liquors to sample, it's a great place to wet your whistle.

Looking for something a little more gutter-like? Try Corner Cafe, a dive bar with plenty of beers, sports on the TV, and a handful of cocktails classics like margaritas. It's cash only, so bear that in mind.

And that's our list of the best things to do in North End, Boston!

Continue reading

boston
Blog

5 Days in Boston

So, you're vacationing in Boston. Good choice! It's a city packed with history, entertainment, and things to discover. However, if you're looking for a more curated experience, or are simply bad at planning your time, never fear. We've come up with the perfect 5-day itinerary to ensure you see the most of Boston in 5 days. So, without further ado, let's get on with it! Day 1 - Going Downtown No matter where you choose to set up your home base, your first port of call when exploring the city should be Downtown. There, you'll find a lot of the historical attractions Boston has to offer, as well as its best green spaces and more multicultural offerings. You'll find the Freedom Trail there, arguably one of Boston's most famous landmarks. Take a guided tour, and explore over 200 years of Boston's history as you trace the red brick path that was so important before and during the War of Independence. With a handy guide in tow, you'll learn so much about the history of the Freedom Trail. You'll also pass many other Boston landmarks like the Common, Massachusetts State House, and the Boston Massacre Site. Another must-visit Downtown spot is the New England Aquarium! Perfect for kids and big kids alike, you can go nose-to-nose with seals, wave hello to the penguins, and much more! There are a number of great exhibitions on throughout the year, like the Amazon Rainforest exhibit, where you'll meet and greet tons of exotic creatures that call the forest home. Sports-lovers should check out Fenway Park, the home of the Boston Red Sox. You can either take a tour of the facility and learn more about the team's history, or get tickets to a game. You'll also find Chinatown, where you'll have some great photo ops, thanks to the China Trade Gate, and a wealth of food and drink options if you like a bit of Chinese cuisine. And art lovers among you simply have to visit the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Containing over 500,000 works of art, from paintings to ancient sculptures, it's a great way to soak up some culture on your first day in Boston! Day 2 - Going Back On day two of your vacation, we recommend heading to Back Bay. There's some stuff to do here, but rather than front-load your vacation with things to do, you might want to space it out, so your legs and brain get a rest. Back Bay is one of Boston's most affluent areas. As such, it has a superb selection of restaurants and bars, among other things. Trinity Church combines handpainted design with grandiose architecture similar to a European Cathedral. It's truly an awe-inspiring sight, one we recommend everyone check out at least once. Book-lovers will love the Boston Public Library, with its labyrinthine corridors of books, books, and more books. You can even get a free tour of the building, if you ask politely. Then, when it's time to eat, Back Bay has a couple of top restaurants we recommend. Uni offers high-end Japanese cuisine in a classy, contemporary setting. With authentic izakaya dishes, it's a great spot to get some grub. Or, to fulfill all your steak-ly desires, Grill 23 is an award-winning choice. It's rowdier than the likes of Uni, so bear that in mind when booking a table. And why not round out day 2 with a drink? For all your sports bar needs, The Pour House has 17 screens of sporting bliss on display, as well as a healthy helping of beers on tap. Or, for a classier tipple, head to the Lenox Hotel's City Bar, where the likes of Babe Ruth have knocked back delightful cocktails in the past. Day 3 - A Beacon of Hope On the third of your 5 days in Boston, we're all about nature as we head to Beacon Hill. This beautiful district is home to the city's best green areas, as well as some stunning eateries and great nights out. So let's talk about them. Grab breakfast at the Beacon Hill Bistro and then head to Boston Common, the country's oldest public park. There, you'll find 50 acres of green bliss, and some sights too, like Brewer Fountain Plaza. You could even take a picnic for the afternoon, if the weather's nice. Then, for even more green goodness, stroll over to Boston Public Garden, which adjoins the Common. There, you can take a ride on the iconic Swan Boats that appear in many films and TV shows, go snap a photo of the George Washington Statue, or simply wander around the lake. Looking for a keepsake to memorialize your vacation, or need to buy some presents for loved ones back home? Beacon Hill's Black Ink has many strange gifts on offer, from shot glasses to dinosaurs, weird baby toys to cat-themed chopsticks. And then, with dinner time quickly approaching, here are your dining recommendations. No.9 Park is a classy, nouveau-Italian joint with a pricey menu and a smart dress code. But, if you can afford it, you'll be welcomed into a world of sublime tastes and an exhaustive wine list. Or, if you're looking for something a little more casual, give Grotto a go. They've got the traditional Italian affair like pasta dishes, alongside steaks and much more that'll keep you satisfied right into the following breakfast. Day 4 - Across the Sea We're crossing the Charles River now, and leaving Boston for the day! Cambridge might not be considered part of Boston, but it's super close and has a load of fun things to do! All aboard! Across the water lies two of the world's most prestigious centers of learning, MIT and Harvard University. In the latter, you'll find the Harvard Museum of Natural History, which contains more than 12,000 artifacts from millions of years in the past to today. It's a fascinating trip for those of you curious about the evolution of life on Earth, and one we heartily recommend. You'll also find the Harvard Art Museums on the college's campus, which features thousands of works from the Middle Ages right through to the present day. After all that intense culture consumption, you might be needing a break. Thankfully, Cambridge Common is right by the University, where you can go, take a load off, and relax under the sun (or clouds, if it's one of those days). If you're feeling famished before your ride back to town, Alden & Harlow is a great, subterranean eatery that serves up delicious New American dishes paired with refreshing cocktails. Or, if you want to mingle with the students, Grendel's Den is a no-nonsense pub that does decent pub bites, cheap beers, and has a big patio to spread out on if the weather's good. Day 5 - Mopping up And, on the final day of your 5 days in Boston, it's time for the best of the rest. You could head to North End and Waterfront for some delicious Italian food, visit the Boston Tea Party Museum and the Paul Revere House for your daily dose of history, or just stare out at the fantastic views of Massachusetts Bay. If you're feeling arty, wander down to South End and explore the artistic community that calls it home. The Boston Center for the Arts is always a hub for creativity, with different galleries, shows, and performances in residence each week. Or, check out the Griffin Museum of Photography, which showcases works from established shot-takers, as well as rising stars in the photography world. SoWa Open Market is a great place to pick up knickknacks before you head home, or a piece of art you think will make your abode sparkle. Failing that, North End has some great entertainment, such as belly-aching laughs at Improv Asylum, or grabbing a slice at Boston's original Pizzeria (according to them), Regina Pizzeria. End the night with a trip to a speakeasy cum modern bar at Stanza dei Sigari, where you can order from the extensive cocktail menu, or go off-menu and see what they can come up with! Save on admission in Boston Sounds expensive? 5 days in Boston doesn't have to be! Go City lets you enter many of Boston's top attractions and landmarks with incredible savings versus advertised prices. It means you can do more without worrying about your bank balance!
Dom Bewley
Boston
Blog

10+ Things to Do in Boston for Adults

Culture vultures will love its artsy side and jazz bars, while a Martha's Vineyard side trip is a real crowd-pleaser.
Katie Sagal
boston south end
Blog

Things to do in South End, Boston

At first thought, you might not associate Boston with art. History? Sure. Boston was host to some massive moments in US history. The landing of the Puritans in 1630, the Tea Party in the 1770s, and the beginning of the War of Independence soon after, are all massive moments for this county. Sports? Again, yes, just look at the worldwide fandom for the Red Sox and the Celtics. Art? Not so much. But you'd be wrong. Dead wrong. Boston has grown into an artistic metropolis, far from its harsh harbor roots. Especially in South End, which is now a haven for the arts. So answer us this question - do you like art? Are you planning a vacation in Boston, or simply a resident ignorant of the city's art underbelly? If you said yes, or murmured unintelligibly, then South End might be the perfect place for you! Find out why below, as we tell you all the best things to do in South End, Boston! Including: Art museums Street art SoWa Market Eateries Nights out The Art of More We've talked the talk, so let's walk the walk. Art. What is it good for? Well, having your mind opened, emotions tugged, and world views questioned! So let's talk about South End's burgeoning art scene. We'll kick things off with the Griffin Museum of Photography, which showcases works from established shot-takers, as well as up-and-coming snappers. For thirty years, it's been a great place to explore and become mesmerized by fantastic photos. The museum houses three galleries that are brimming with images. You'll also find a rotating list of exhibits, programs, and lectures throughout the year, so if you're looking for something specific, be sure to check online before you visit. Looking for a little variety in your art life? Check out the Cyclorama at the Boston Center for the Arts. The magnificent hire space sees a weird and wide variety of performances throughout the year, from local shows and showcases to traveling galleries and even markets. You never quite know what you'll find when you, unless you check ahead, of course. In fact, the Boston Center for the Arts is a great place to discover all art forms, whether it be dance, theatre, galleries, or art fairs. It houses a number of gallery spaces besides the aforementioned Cyclorama. For instance, the Mills Gallery showcases a number of contemporary exhibitions from new and exciting artists throughout the year. Going Underground One of the art world's most satirical and critical forms in the modern day is street art. From hideous tags on subway carriages, to the story-high facades on many urban buildings, it's undeniable that street art is here to stay. Just look at the popularity of genre bigwigs like Banksy, and dollar signs attributed to even his smallest works. South End has its own thriving street art scene, thanks to the small neighborhood of Ink Block. This area beneath the underpasses and bridges of the district has been transformed into Underground at Ink Block, a process that took half a decade. Gone are the run-down parking lots and abandoned areas. Now, they've been replaced with pedestrian boardwalks, dog walking spot, bike lanes, and a wealth of curated street art spaces you can peruse at your will. So go check out what's on offer, and take a look around the area while you're at it! Market delights Let's switch gears to something more marketable. That sweet wordplay is an excellent segue to our next top spot in South End, the SoWa Open Market! For over 15 years, it's been one of South End's coolest places to be. An amalgamation of local artists, craftsmen, brewers, and cooks, you'll appreciate the neighborly vibe as soon as you step foot inside. Pick up a bite to eat, grab a refreshing craft beer, and browse the myriad stalls for knickknacks, handcrafted jewelry and clothing, or just to hear some live music! It's dog-friendly too, so if your pup joins you, we're sure they'll appreciate the inevitable deluge of love and back scratches from the market's denizens. And on the first Friday of the month, the area is transformed into an art space with First Fridays. There, you'll find hundreds of artists, gallerists, and sellers showcasing great local art. If you're in the market (yes, this is a pun, and all puns are intended, whoever says otherwise is lying) for a painting or sculpture to brighten up your dour walls, then head down there and see what's going on! Eats Food now, because you're bound to get hungry after all that culture. Thankfully, South End's got you covered with some delicious choices. Check out Boston Chops for a gentrified spin on the classic steakhouse experience. Yeah, you can get any number of steak cuts cooked in any way you want and have a great time. This is a steak house, after all. But Boston Chops offers much more than that on its thorough menu. There are a host of seafood options, as well as grilled hearts, tongues, and sweetbreads for those of you who like to try new, and potentially stomach-churning, things! Keeping in line with the above is the aptly-named Butcher Shop. It's, well, a butcher's shop that's been transformed into a carnivorous paradise slash wine bar. Ever eaten a pig's head? No? Well, you can try one here. The Shops' interesting and diverse menu also offers the usual steak selection, along with cold meats, starters, and exotic eggs. It sounds like it shouldn't work. But it does. Or, if you're looking for something a little less...gruesome, try Picco, a charming pizza joint that offers a signature charred crust that absolutely must be sampled by any pizza aficionado. On top of all that, they've got a dessert menu full of homemade ice cream, and a wealth of beers on tap. Drinks Let's end this list with some sweet spots to pick up a drink or ten. Wally's Cafe is a boozer slash music venue with a focus on the Boston jazz scene. Their cocktail menu is extensive, affordable, and delicious. So why not check it out, and take in some sweet jazz while you're at it? https://thedelux.com/Delux Cafe is a great place to pick up a local craft beer at a reasonable price. It doesn't get much tourist traffic, but don't worry. The laid-back and friendly atmosphere will stop any Wild-West saloon silence scenes from occurring. And finally, Wink & Nod is your classic cocktail bar, with a great selection of classic mixes alongside pricey 'black card' cocktails that can set you back three figures. Hey, if you've got it, flaunt it! And that about rounds out our list of the best things to do in South End, Boston!
Dom Bewley

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.

Thick check Icon