A Day in the North End

​Who knew Boston has one of the biggest “Little Italy” neighborhoods in the USA? We did! The North End has everything you’d expect given its namesake – food worth salivating over, historic sites, and a cadre of locals staking out the best people-watching spots. Follow our itinerary for the perfect mix of history and fun!

Photo Credit: Ye Olde Tavern Tours

1. Paul Revere’s House
Start your morning off with some history! Paul Revere’s house stands out against the typical North End brick architecture. It was built in 1680 and owned by Revere from 1770 to 1800. With a self-guided tour, you can explore the hall, kitchen, and bedchambers – ending in their new Visitor Center, which highlights Revere’s life and role in the American Revolution. 

Photo Credit: Ye Olde Tavern Tours

2. Old North Church (and Crypt!)
Wander up the back roads of the North End to Old North Church. Built in 1723, the windows near the top of this 191-foot high steeple had two lanterns hung on the night of April 18, 1775. The lanterns warned Charlestown that British soldiers were traveling to Lexington “by sea.” If you take the tour, you’ll get to go up to the bell tower (where Paul Revere was a bell ringer when he was a young lad!) and down into the crypts. It’s still a functioning church with service on Sundays, so plan ahead. 

Photo Credit: The Boston Globe

3. Regina Pizzeria
Ready for lunch?  Head to Regina Pizzeria, a North End institution open since 1926.  The family-owned establishment has been firing up brick-oven pizzas for over three generations.  You’ll get some delicious pizza and perhaps a side of Boston attitude, though we like to call it flair! If there’s a line, it usually moves quickly and is worth the wait. 

Photo Credit: Ye Olde Tavern Tours

4. Ye Olde Tavern Tour along the Freedom Trail
Walk off that pizza and learn more about the decade before Paul Revere’s midnight ride by joining us on Ye Olde Tavern Tours of the Freedom Trail!  Spoiler: Revere loved drinking in Boston's taverns, so you’ll be following in his footsteps by enjoying New England craft beer at three historic taverns. Bonus: We end minutes away from the North End, so head over for a little dessert after the tour.

Photo Credit: Bova's Bakery

5. Grab some Dessert
Cannolis from the North End are definitely a thing  if you're visiting Boston. While most people knows about Mike's Pastry, act like a local and go to Modern Pastry across the street or even more local, Bova's Bakery, a couple blocks over. If cannolis aren't for you, there are plenty of other tempting desserts. All three bakeries have been around since at least the mid-twentieth century, so it's a great way to end your day of history and fun.