Boston’s North End: Your Go-To Guide for an Unforgettable Visit

Come hungry, leave inspired! Boston’s North End is packed with flavor and folklore.

Published: May 6, 2026
Little Italy in Boston's North End

Boston’s North End is where past meets pastry, and every corner feels like a movie set. This historic neighborhood is packed with old-world charm, mouthwatering bites, and stories that helped shape America. Think cobblestone alleys, family-run Italian restaurants, and landmarks from the Revolution, all sprinkled with the inviting aroma of fresh garlic bread. Whether you’ve got a history buff or a sweet tooth in the group, the North End promises moments you’ll talk about long after your trip ends. Ready to stroll, sample, and explore? You'll find our favorite North End experiences below! 

Our top picks for things to do in Boston’s North End: 

  • Paul Revere House 
  • Freedom Trail Foundation® Walk into History Tour 
  • North End ‘Little Italy’ Food Tour by Top Dog Tours 
  • Boston Harbor Walk & Seafood Tour by Top Dog Tours 
  • Historic Pub Crawl by Top Dog Tours 
  • Old North Church 
  • Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park 
  • Hanover Street Dining 

Paul Revere House 

Step into the 18th century at the Paul Revere House, Boston’s oldest remaining building and the very home where the legendary patriot began his famous midnight ride. Tucked away on a narrow North End street, this house buzzes with stories from the American Revolution—think creaky wooden floors and low-beamed ceilings that have changed little since Revere hung his hat here. Costumed guides bring the space to life, sharing details about daily colonial life and the Revere family’s secrets. 

Beyond the historic interiors, the garden in the back offers a peaceful spot to imagine horse hooves clattering down the street on that fateful night. The house feels intimate, compact, and wonderfully atmospheric. Every corner oozes with authenticity, so you’ll leave with a real sense of stepping back in time. Parents and kids alike get swept up in the history—no need for dry textbook recaps here! 

Freedom Trail Foundation® Walk into History Tour 

Why simply walk the Freedom Trail when you can do it with a lively guide in full costume? The Freedom Trail Foundation’s Walk into History Tour leads you straight into Boston’s revolutionary past with dramatic stories, jokes, and nuggets you won’t find in guidebooks. The North End section covers some of the city’s best sights, including Old North Church and those infamous ‘one if by land, two if by sea’ lanterns. 

What makes this tour pop is the way the guides blend humor with heartfelt history. You’ll laugh as often as you learn, and the energy keeps things moving—ideal for families as well as adult explorers. Walking these streets with a storyteller by your side really brings Boston’s heritage to life, giving you a richer context for everything you see along the bricks. 

North End ‘Little Italy’ Food Tour by Top Dog Tours

Street Sign in 'Little Italy'

Got an appetite for adventure? The North End ‘Little Italy’ Food Tour turns a stroll through the neighborhood into a savory, snack-filled quest. You’ll hop from old-school bakeries to legendary pizzerias, tasting your way through everything from arancini to cannoli. Guides bring out the stories behind every dish—and every storefront has decades (sometimes centuries) of flavor-packed history. 

Expect generous samples, passionate discussions about sauce (everyone has an opinion), and local insight into spots you might otherwise miss. You’ll walk away with a very full stomach and a crash course in the immigrant recipes that shaped Boston’s culinary scene. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or both, this tour leaves you satisfied in every sense. 

Boston Harbor Walk & Seafood Tour by Top Dog Tours 

Love a salty breeze and fresh catch? Experience Boston Harbor’s sparkling edge with a Walking Seafood Tour that blends North End culture and ocean views. You’ll visit classic seafood joints and cozy neighborhood haunts, tasting local favorites like clam chowder, lobster rolls, and fried calamari, while guides share tales of fishermen, pirates, and the city’s maritime heyday. 

This tour is about more than what’s on the plate (though what’s there is delicious). The route slips along docks and parks, showing off skyline vistas that complement every bite. The vibe is relaxed, social, and perfect for both seafood aficionados and newcomers to the city’s marine bounty. You'll leave with newfound appreciation for Boston’s tasty ties to the sea. 

Historic Pub Crawl by Top Dog Tours 

Where better to soak up both hops and history than the taverns that fueled Boston’s revolutionaries? The Historic Pub Crawl takes you into North End watering holes where tales (and toasts) flow freely. Guides weave together colonial gossip and present-day bar culture as you sample local brews and classic spirits. 

Each pub boasts its own quirky ambiance—think original brick walls, names that wink at the past, and locals who might just share their own favorite stories. It’s the best way to blend community, storytelling, and a few cheers, all while making new friends. Even if you just sip a soda, you’ll be swept up by the laughter and camaraderie that make the North End’s pub life legendary. 

Old North Church

Aerial View of Old North Church

Light a candle, pause for a moment, and imagine the chaos of revolution inside Old North Church. Famed for its role in Paul Revere’s midnight ride, this 1723 beauty is Boston’s oldest surviving church. Stepping inside, the atmosphere shifts—sunbeams filter through tall windows, pews creak beneath centuries of worshippers, and the air is filled with a reverence that doesn’t need translation. 

Not only is the site stunning (and extremely photogenic), but volunteers share dramatic lantern tales and fun facts about colonial Boston’s cathedral scene. Climb up to the bell-ringing chamber if tours allow—it’s dusty, yes, but also one of the most memorable vantage points for seeing the North End spread out below. This spot connects you to history in a tangible, goosebump-raising way. 

Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park 

Take a breather from busy streets and grab a seat among flower beds with harbor breezes at Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park. This welcoming green space frames the North End with Boston Harbor views, an iconic trellis wrapped with climbing roses, and shaded benches ideal for people-watching or map-planning your next stop. The playground’s a favorite with little travelers, while couples, dog-walkers, and photo-hunters all find their happy place by the water. 

What’s special about this park is its relaxed pace. Bring a grab-and-go lunch from a nearby deli, watch the boats drift by, or catch a summer festival—and revel in the contrast between the city’s buzz and the water’s calm. The park perfectly complements the North End’s high-energy side with space to stretch out and breathe in Boston’s salty air. 

Hanover Street Dining 

If you only have time for one meal in Boston, let it be on Hanover Street. This thoroughfare is the North End’s main artery, lined with trattorias and ristorantes that could rival any in Rome or Naples. Candlelit tables spill onto sidewalks in warm weather, laughter mingles with the clink of glasses, and the only hard part is choosing where to eat. 

From classic spaghetti pomodoro to seafood risotto, menus overflow with family recipes and fresh local ingredients. Look for signatures: maybe the ricotta-stuffed ravioli at Trattoria Il Panino, the veal parmigiana at Ristorante Limoncello, or silky tiramisu at Lucca. Every meal comes with a side of conversation, hospitality, and a dash of dolce vita, North End style. 

 

Whether you’re crossing off Revolutionary landmarks, chasing down the best cannoli, or just wandering sun-dappled alleys, Boston’s North End is packed with reasons to linger. So, put on your comfiest shoes and get ready to explore: the North End’s best is waiting for you! 

Enjoyed this? Check out The Paul Revere House vs. The Salem Witch Museum or Things to Do with Friends in Boston  

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Little Women Filming Locations in Boston

Little Women is a classic American novel written by Boston author Louisa May Alcott. It tells the story of four sisters as they come of age during the American Civil War in Boston. There are already TV, film, and theater versions of the novel, but another adaptation will hit the big screen in 2019. Greta Gerwig’s remake of Little Women could be one of the most authentic retellings, as they filmed in Boston and the surrounding areas. Check out the Little Women filming locations in Boston below, including... Harvard Town Hall Louisa May Alcott’s House, Fairmont Copley Plaza Arnold Arboretum And more Save on admission Admission to many popular Boston attractions that appear in Little Women is included in the Go Boston pass. You could save up to 55% on admission vs gate price.  Who wrote Little Women ? The original Little Women novel was written by author Louisa May Alcott. Alcott published the novel in 1968 in two volumes. It was very popular, so as a result, Alcott wrote two sequels to Little Women called Little Men and Jo’s Boys. Who’s in Little Women (2019)? Little Women (2019) is directed by Greta Gerwig and stars Saoirse Ronan as Jo, Emma Watson as Meg, Florence Pugh as Amy, and Eliza Scanlen as Beth. Timothée Chalamet plays Laurie, Meryl Streep plays Aunt March, and Laura Dern plays Mary March. Where was Little Women filmed? Little Women (2019) was filmed in Boston and the surrounding area. Gerwig wanted the film to be authentic, so she shot on location in Massachusetts. Take a look at the Little Women filming locations below... Harvard Fairmont Copley Plaza in Back Bay   View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fairmont Copley Plaza, Boston (@fairmontcopley) on Jul 25, 2019 at 1:38pm PDT You can see the beautiful ballroom of the Fairmont Copley Plaza in the Little Women trailer. Plus, additional filming took place in the surrounding Back Bay area. Coincidentally, if you’re visiting the Plaza or the Back Bay, you’re near the start of the Boston Movie Mile Walking Tour. See where famous films like Ally McBeal, Ted, Good Will Hunting, and The Departed were filmed. We’re sure Little Women will soon be added to this list. This is a must for movie fans visiting Boston. Arnold Arboretum Louisa May Alcott House View this post on Instagram A post shared by Amber (@amberjanice79) on Sep 4, 2019 at 9:27am PDT Little Women fans can’t visit Boston and not visit the Louisa May Alcott House in Concord. Explore Alcott’s home, complete with artifacts like her writing desk. See the house that inspired the setting of Little Women, and where the novel was written. An expert guide will take you from room to room, telling you everything you ever wanted to know about the famous author and her family. Areas outside of Boston Many scenes were filmed just outside of Boston, in towns such as Concord, Lawrence, Stoughton, Ipswich, and Lancaster. All of these towns are an hour or less by driving away from Boston, so are great day trip destinations. Visit these towns to see more of Massachusettes and for a wider understanding of Little Women’s setting. Additionally, they could be ideal spots of some fall-time leaf-peeping! In summary Little Women was filmed in key sites across Boston and the surrounding area. More importantly, many of these locations are public, so you can see them for yourself. Anyone whose favorite book is Little Women has to visit these filming spots on their next Boston vacation. Save on admission The Go Boston pass includes admission to many popular Boston attractions and Little Women filming locations. You could save up to 55% on admission vs gate price. Share your trip with us Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and share your Little Women adventure with us. Tag us at @GoCity and use #GoCityPass on your travel photos to keep us up to date with your vacation!
Seren Morris
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Visiting Boston's Museum of Science - Admission, Tips & More

Spending some time in Boston? Looking for a fun way to spend an afternoon that is great for both children and adults? A trip to the Museum of Science should definitely be part of your Boston itinerary. The Museum of Science experience is an immersive plunge into the way things work at a biological level, an environmental level, a physical level, and many others. Check out our helpful guide for visiting Boston's Museum of Science. It's packed full of tips for visiting, ways to save on admission, other nearby attractions, and much more. How to get Boston Museum of Science discount tickets? We’ve got you covered – Museum of Science admission is available with the below money saving options, so you can choose the attraction pass that’s right for you: 1. All-Inclusive Pass – All you can do. Includes admission to dozens of attractions. 2. Explorer Pass – Choose as you go. Includes admission of up to 5 attractions. 3. Build Your Own Pass – Select the attractions you want to visit prior to visiting. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. What should I bring to the Museum of Science? Bottled water, if you prefer not to drink from the museum's fountains. Comfortable walking shoes. It's a sizable museum and you'll need some stamina. A camera or phone to catch all the memories at distinctive museum attractions. Take a selfie next to the huge T-rex or inside a space module. What is there to see and do at the Museum of Science? Frequently showcasing new temporary exhibits and activities, the museum is sure to be a great experience even if you have been there before. The Museum is full of permanent exhibits that will dazzle you and your family. Here are a few of our favorites we suggest you check out during your visit... NEW FOR 2019: BODY WORLDS & The Cycle of Life https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz4lGjfpOUi/ BODY WORLDS & The Cycle of Life is the latest temporary exhibit to open at the Museum of Boston. It is open now until January 2020, and you should definitely try to see it before it closes. The exhibit features more than one hundred specimens, and examines what it means to be human. Please note: this exhibition is not included with general admission provided by the Go Boston pass. Tickets must be purchased separately. Hall of Human Life The Hall of Human Life is arguably the most informative and interactive room at the Museum of Science. The left side of the room breaks down human life into its most basic, yet compelling building blocks. These activities help structure kids’ developing perceptions in scientific fact. Plus, it's a fun way to be reminded as an adult of these biological essentials. The stations builds a biological understanding of humans from our social nature, to how DNA, cancer, diseases, and antibiotics all work inside the body. The right side is even more interactive, featuring a series of tests to collect your own personal attributes and health. But before you get caught up in the fascinating topics and experiments, make sure you visit the free-to-use Link Stations. Here, you'll receive a wristband to “link up” with the stations' interactions via barcode. This feature will track your scores at each station, like the height of your foot arch at the aptly named “How High are Your Arches” Station, or the stations where you can see how efficient your walking motion is, or how warm or cold you feel relatively. Afterwards you can access your scores from the Museum of Science website in order to help measure and manage your health. Dinosaur Room The "Modeling the Mesozoic" and the "Colossal Fossil: Triceratops Cliff" exhibits will delight the dinosaur lovers. You'll be treated to fascinating facts and information about all your favorite, and soon-to-be-favorite dinosaurs. The life-size T-rex, and the reconstructed bones of a triceratops bring the seemingly larger-than-life, ancient creatures to life like you've never seen before. The "Modeling the Mesozoic" exhibit delves into the methods of science behind hypothesizing where and how these animals lived, giving texture to the archeological remains we have today. You can also explore fossil clues as you roam through these models. Examine bones, footprints, and even dinosaur dung to look for information. Then, review the bones of a dinosaur, an iguana, and a bird to see how some dinosaurs are closely related to birds! Take a Closer Look We especially recommend the Take a Closer Look exhibit for both kids and adults. There is relativity of hot and cold, the SEM camera, and the visual “sound” waves all contribute to suspending our static, commonplace view of stimuli, while at the same time drawing connections between seemingly disparate sensations that demonstrate the unification of reality. Special Experiences There are a number of additional experiences that visitors love, available for an additional upgrade fee (paid directly to the attraction). Charles Hayden Planetarium: This hi-tech digital planetarium hosts both typical planetarium shows and musical shows on the weekends. Mugar Omni Theater: Featuring top IMAX films with subjects like Pandas, Volcanoes, and the Great Barrier Reef. 4-D Theater: Shows here combined 3-D visual technology with additional special effects like air movement, temperature changes, water, and more. Butterfly Garden: A favorite with visitors from all over, this delightful exhibit is a respite from city living. What attractions are near the Museum of Science? If you're interested in a unique tour of the city, the Boston Duck Tour is the perfect option and conveniently picks up right at the Museum of Science. Cambridgeside Galleria is a comprehensive mall located just a few blocks away, and is a local go-to shopping destination. A short hop across the river brings you to a number of other attractions, including TD Garden (home of the Boston Bruins and Boston Celtics), the Otis House Museum, and the Museum of African American History. Important Information Hours: Saturday – Thursday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Friday: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm Location: 1 Science Park Boston, MA 02114 Public Transportation: Take the T: Green Line, Lechmere train, to Science Park stop. Note: Science Park stop is not wheelchair accessible; call the MBTA at 617-222-5000 for assistance. Save on Tickets with a Go Boston pass Remember, the Go Boston® pass is the best choice for maximum savings and flexibility, which includes Museum of Science tickets, plus admission to your choice of other top attractions. Save up to 55% on top museums, tours, and activities vs. paying at the gate. Visit multiple attractions for one low price. For other fun ideas to add to your Boston itinerary, check out our ultimate Boston guide.
Lindsay Eagan
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10+ Things to Do in Boston Labor Day 2019 Weekend & September

The end of summer, traditionally marked by Labor Day, is a great time to enjoy that last getaway before school and work pick back up again. If you're taking a Labor Day weekend trip to Boston, you won't be short of things to do. Many fun local activities and attractions in Boston offer special events or exhibits at the end of August into September, so there's a lot of promise in late summer vacations. So make the most of the last few days of summer in Boston! If you’re looking for things to do in Boston Labor Day weekend 2019 and into September, check out our list of the best local activities and attractions. A few ideas include: St. Anthony's Feast New England Aquarium Whale Watch Fenway Park Tour Swan Boats of Boston Somerville Fluff Festival And more! Save on Attraction Admission Regular admission to a number of these Boston attractions are included on the Go Boston® pass. Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. Please note, the special events taking place at these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included on the Go Boston pass. Searching for more events later in the fall? Check out our Boston Fall Events post for fun activities in October and November. St. Anthony’s Feast August 22-25, 2019 The North End Headlining the weekend before Labor Day is the very Boston-esque St. Anthony’s Feast. This has long been famous as the largest Italian religious festival in New England. It’s a huge affair that takes over much of the North End neighborhood: part parade, part pageantry, part ceremony, and all excitement. The actual procession begins at noon on Sunday. The Santa Lucia festival brings up the rear on Monday, a shorter but no less grand celebration. This is a must do for a local Labor Day experience -- be sure to add it to your itinerary. For a full schedule of events, consult the St. Anthony’s Feast website Getting In: Admission to St. Anthony's Feast is free. New England Aquarium Whale Watch Fenway Park Tour Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour Go for a Bike Ride Swan Boats of Boston The Boston Children’s Museum While there are tons of great museums in the Boston area that appeal to the whole family, the Boston Children’s Museum is truly the perfect candidate for keeping the kids happy. You’ll find tons of interactive exhibits that focus on everything from science and environmental awareness to culture and the arts. The kids will enjoy playing while the learn - it's the best of both! Be sure to check their events calendar for any special exhibits or attractions that may occur during your visit. Getting In: Boston Children's Museum tickets are included on the Go Boston pass. All Hands to Mischief! at the USS Constitution Museum August 31 - September 3, 2019 Charlestown Navy Yard Come to the USS Constitution Museum this Labor Day weekend to learn about how sailors spent their spare time at sea. The hands-on, interactive activities are great for kids. You can practice writing with a quill pen, play your hand at a nineteenth century board game, and get a temporary nautical tattoo. If you're interested in Old Ironsides herself, consider a cruise like the USS Constitution Cruise which escorts you out to the ship in Boston's Inner Harbor and past other major sights like the Bunker Hill Monument and the Boston Tea Party boat. Getting In: Admission to the USS Constitution Museum is separately ticketed and is not included with the Go Boston pass. For more information about this attraction and to purchase tickets, visit the attraction website. USS Constitution Cruise tickets are included with the Go Boston pass. The Boston Arts Festival September 8 & 9, 2019, 11:00 am - 6:30 pm Christopher Columbus Park “Summer in the City” Movie Series Tuesday – Friday, all summer Boston Harbor Hotel What the Fluff? September 21, 2019 Union Square, Somerville This delightful event is perfect for visitors of all ages. Now in its 13th year, this fun festival celebrates all things fluff -- the delectable marshmallow treat that was invented right in Somerville back in 1917. The festival incorporates live music, toys and games for kids, beverages for adults, and tons of fluff-related food items. There's even a cooking contest for the best inventive fluff recipe. Deadline for submissions is September 18! Somerville is located just a little bit north west of Boston proper -- you can get to Union Square easily via bus. Getting In: Admission to the Fluff Festival is free. Remember to Save on Attraction Admission So there are a few examples of fun and exciting things to do in Boston during Labor Day Weekend and into September. There is so much to do in Boston that you're sure to have a great end to your summer vacation. Remember, some of these great attraction options are included on the Go Boston pass, where you can save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Please note, the Labor Day weekend events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included with the Go Boston pass. We hope you consider visiting some of these attractions to help round out your summer vacation in Boston in style.
Katie Sagal

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