North End Outdoor Activity / Shopping Area

North End, Boston –

Home to Boston’s vibrant Italian district and many historic landmarks, the North End and its narrow cobblestone streets draw everyone from pasta lovers and tourists to wine-drinking partiers.

Though gentrification has attracted a growing number of young professionals, the small neighborhood is still home to a high concentration of Italians and Italian-Americans, as evidenced by the countless authentic eateries, cafés, and gelaterias.

By day, hordes of tourists may flock to Revolutionary War sites like the Old North Church and the Paul Revere house, but locals are more interested in the infamous cannoli war played out by rival pastry shops Mike’s (300 Hanover Street) and Modern Pastry (257 Hanover Street), both of which vehemently claim to make the city’s best cannoli.

Intimate cafés like the legendary Caffe Vittoria (290-296 Hanover Street) and classic Italian delis like Monica’s (130 Salem Street) should satisfy romantic couples and foodies, while gourmands will find that the North End nightlife has a distinct European feel, where a dinner at upscale establishments like Artu (6 Prince Street) and Lucca (226 Hanover Street) often lasts clear into several bottles of wine and late-night cocktails.

Visitors looking for a livelier scene will definitely find it at one of the area’s many freewheeling street festivals, which turn the North End into a jubilant, wine-fueled party that lasts all day and night – the perfect way to celebrate the area’s cultural heritage.