North End, Boston guide

The North End’s streets are thick with the scent of espresso and freshly baked bread. As the city’s hub for Italian food, you’ll find cuisine from all over Italy. Line up for a slab of Sicilian pizza at Galleria Umberto and made-to-order cannoli at Modern Pastry. Or go for a frothy cappuccino and traditional pastries at Caffé Vittoria — allegedly Boston’s oldest Italian cafe.

Some of Boston’s oldest structures are in the North End. Don’t miss the Paul Revere House, the former home of the American Revolution folk hero, dating to 1680. Or the Old North Church, an early 18th-century church famous for its role in the American Revolution. Wander through Copp’s Hill Burying Ground, the city’s largest colonial graveyard, full of fascinating 17th- and 18th-century tombstones.

From its recognisable red-brick architecture to its cobblestone streets, the North End is a delight to walk through. Surrounded on three sides by water, the neighbourhood is home to a scenic stretch of the Boston Harborwalk, which passes through historic wharves filled with sailing boats. Pack a picnic for a stop at Christopher Columbus Park, a waterfront garden known for its leafy trellises and spacious lawns.

North End comes to life with festivals in August. St Anthony’s Feast features a religious parade of a statue of St Anthony through the streets, with marching bands, decorative floats, streamers and confetti. The Fisherman’s Feast is a celebration of Sicilian immigrant fishermen. Expect a procession of a traditional Madonna statue alongside Italian music and food vendors selling everything from fried calamari to gelato.

There’s a smattering of independent shops tucked among the North End’s brick buildings, from chic clothing boutiques to souvenir vendors and Italian grocers. Don’t miss Salumeria Italiana, a long-standing deli packed with imported olive oil, balsamic vinegar and other gourmet foods. Stock up on delicacies to elevate your home cooking, or get one of their famous sub sandwiches.

Start the night the Italian way with an ‘aperitivo’ (pre-dinner drink). From intimate 1920s-style speakeasies to old-world wine cellars and buzzing patio bars, there are plenty of sophisticated spots to drink in. For something different, catch some laughs at Improv Asylum, a local comedy club with shows seven nights a week.

From street eats like ‘arancini’ (deep-fried risotto balls) to classic pasta dishes, the best restaurants in Boston’s North End showcase the rich diversity of Italian cuisine. Grab a hot slice at Regina Pizzeria, an iconic pizza joint that opened in 1926. Or feast on Sicilian-style seafood at The Daily Catch. Then hunt for traditional desserts like ‘rum baba’ (rum cake) and ‘sfogliatelle’ (pastries with sweet ricotta filling) in local bakeries.

One of the best museums in Boston’s North End is the 17th-century Paul Revere House. It tells the story of American Revolution icon Paul Revere, who warned US soldiers of possible arrest by British troops during his famous midnight ride in 1775. To bone up on the neighbourhood’s rich Italian heritage, take a food tour. You’ll learn the stories of the most historic eateries — and enjoy a few samples along the way.

Take the kids for a sweet treat at Mike’s Pastry, a family-run bakery known for its cannoli and cookies. They can burn off their sugar rush on nearby Christopher Columbus Park’s monkey bars, sand pit and climbing frame. In summer, catch an outdoor film at the park’s Sunday Night Movies. And in winter, rent skates and glide across the ice at Steriti Memorial Rink next to Langone Park.