Welcome to the Travel Like a Local: MA “Tuesday Top 5”!
Every Tuesday I choose a different neighborhood in the Boston area and highlight my top five favorite things to do in each.
Today we’re showcasing Boston’s North End. With narrow winding streets and a European feel, walking through the North End sometimes feels like taking a step back in time. Filled with Italian restaurants and bakeries, the neighborhood is also home to some of Boston’s most popular historic attractions. While there’s no shortage of things to do when visiting, we highlighted our Top 5 recommendations below. (Edit: Top 6 – this week you get a bonus!)
Boston’s North End: Eat at an Italian Restaurant
It’s essentially mandatory that you indulge in some delicious Italian fare when you visit Boston’s North End. One of my favorite restaurants in the neighborhood is Vinoteca di Monica, located on Richmond Street. The buffalo mozzarella in their Caprese salad is to die for. Try the Tajarin with peas and prosciutto, or splurge on the Lobster Fra Diavolo (which you’ll often find on the specials list).
If you’re looking for classic Italian, skip the line at Giacomo’s and head across the street to Panza. Be prepared to be cozy inside as the space is small. But the food is always great and the prices can’t be beat. My favorites include the chicken parmesan and the rigatoni with sausage and peppers.
If you really want to eat like a local, check out Gallaria Umberto, a little hidden gem right on Hanover Street. Only open from 10:45am-2:30pm Monday-Saturday, get there early to beat the lunchtime rush. Serving Sicilian-style pizza, the family-owned joint accepts cash only – so make sure to hit the ATM before you go.
Boston’s North End: Explore Christopher Columbus Park
One of my absolute favorite spots in Boston’s North End is Christopher Columbus Park. Its signature trellis is lit with blue lights all winter long (which is especially beautiful around the holidays). In the summer, it’s an awesome place to spread out a blanket and spend a morning or afternoon. Go grab some meat, cheese and bread from the Salumeria Italiana market up the street, and enjoy a picnic overlooking Boston Harbor.
Take your photo in front of the large ship chains or under the park’s signature trellis. Take in views of the skyscrapers that fill the financial district, including the Custom House. When you’re done, hop in the water taxi at Long Wharf to head to your next destination.
*It’s also a great spot to take wedding photos, though I may be a bit biased!
Boston’s North End: Walk the Freedom Trail
I’d be remiss if I recommended going to the North End and not walking at least a portion of the Freedom Trail. Taking you by the old Copps Hill Burying Ground, it also stops by the Old North Church and continues on to the Paul Revere House.
If you only have time to visit one historic attraction while you’re in the neighborhood, I’d suggest the Old North Church. While fun to explore on your own, try signing up for one of the “Behind the Scenes” tours. Tours take about 30 minutes, and include a walk up to the Bell Ringing Tower (offering great views of Boston and Charlestown) as well as a visit to the 37 tombs in the church’s underground crypts. In the summer, I also love to explore the beautiful gardens that surround the church.
Boston’s North End: Shop Local
Whether you’re in search of Italian groceries, home decor or a new outfit to wear, the North End has you covered. Boutiques like Shake the Tree, Ensemble and Sedurre offer an awesome selection of clothing and accessories. Shops like Loft & Vine feature home decor, greeting cards and great hostess gifts. Head to Salumeria Italiana or Monica’s Mercato to grab some specialty Italian grocery items (and perhaps some cheese and charcuterie, while you’re at it). Find one of Boston’s best selections of coffee beans at Polcari’s on Salem Street. And pick up a treat for your furry friend at PolkaDog Bakery.
Boston’s North End: Eat a Cannoli
You simply can’t come to the North End and not enjoy an Italian pastry or two. With Boston’s four most popular Italian bakeries within a couple blocks from one another, you have no excuse to not pick up a box of cannoli. In fact, we recently did a comparison of North End cannoli from Bova’s Bakery, Maria’s Pastry, Mike’s Pastry and Modern Pastry. While all are delicious, check out our comparison before you go to help you make the choice that’s right for you!
Boston’s North End Bonus Tip: Get Breakfast at Theo’s Cozy Corner
My husband Matt wouldn’t let me post this without recommending a visit to Theo’s Cozy Corner on Salem Street for breakfast. Matt lived in the North End for 12 years, and breakfast at Theo’s is probably the single thing he misses most since we moved. He says Theo’s has the best Eggs Benedict he’s ever eaten – and they also have amazing pancakes, omelets and breakfast sandwiches. There’s often a line outside of the compact eatery, but that’s because everything is fresh, made to order, and absolutely delicious!
What are your favorite things to do in the North End? Let us know in the comments!
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Categories: Boston, Destinations, The North End