PLAN YOUR VISIT
The North End feels like its own little world. It’s one of the oldest parts of the city, full of history, personality and places people keep coming back to. This page gives you a feel for what makes the neighborhood so special. Come hungry, stay curious and see where the cobblestone streets take you.
The Ultimate Guide to Boston’s North End
The best way to explore the rich history and vibrant culture of Boston’s oldest neighborhood is with Old Town Trolley Tours. This comprehensive, narrated tour provides a front-row seat to the landmarks along Boston’s famous Freedom Trail. By choosing Old Town Trolley Tours, you enjoy the most efficient and engaging journey past the legendary sites of the Freedom Trail while traveling in comfort.
Tour the North End with Old Town Trolley
- Hop-On, Hop-Off Freedom: Old Town Trolley Tours features many conveniently located stops, allowing you to explore attractions at your own pace.
- Expert Conductors: Every tour with Old Town Trolley Tours is led by professional guides who uncover the stories behind the iconic monuments located along Boston’s red brick path.
- Seamless Sightseeing: Old Town Trolley Tours takes you directly to the heart of colonial Boston, eliminating the stress of navigating city traffic or finding parking in the historic North End.
- Exclusive Savings: Booking directly through the official Old Town Trolley Tours website guarantees the lowest prices and access to value-packed multi-day tour bundles.
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Key Features of Your North End Experience
Access to Revolutionary History:
Old Town Trolley Tours provides convenient stops near the Paul Revere House and the Old North Church, which served as the first stop on the “Midnight Ride.”
Discover Little Italy:
Hop off with Old Town Trolley Tours to immerse yourself in the epicenter of Italian-American culture, featuring nearly 100 world-class restaurants and historic cafes.
Maritime Landmarks:
Your journey with Old Town Trolley Tours includes easy access to the USS Constitution and the Bunker Hill Monument, two of the legendary sites that make up the Freedom Trail.
Historical Perspectives:
Learn the fascinating history of Copp’s Hill Burying Ground, the final resting place for thousands of colonial-era artisans and merchants.
Save up
to 15%
1-Day Old Town Trolley Tour
to 15%
- Hop On, Hop Off at 17 Stops Around Boston and the Freedom Trail
- Fully Narrated Tour
- Real-Time Trolley Tracking Map
- Best Views With Stadium Seating
- Cushioned Seating
- Stories Narrated by Local Experts
- Smart-Sync Historical Visuals
- Tallest Vehicles Allowed by Law
- 100+ Points of Interest
- American Owned and Operated
- All-Weather Vehicles
- Start at Any Designated Stop
- “One of the 10 best hop-on hop-off tours in the world” - Forbes
- PLUS:
- $10 off Historic Harbor Cruise*
- $10 off Ghosts & Gravestones Tour*
- $5 off Boston Essential Guide*
- $6 off admission to Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum*
- 50% off admission at The Sports Museum*
- $4.00 off admission at The West End Museum*
- Please see your Old Town Trolley Tours conductor or sales representative to ask about attraction discounts that come with your trolley ticket.
- Attraction tickets do not have to be used on the same day
Save up
to 5%
to 5%
SEE THE BEST OF BOSTON AND JOURNEY BACK IN TIME TO 1773
- Old Town Trolley Tours:
- Hop On, Hop Off at 17 Stops Around Boston and the Freedom Trail
- Fully Narrated Tour
- Real-Time Trolley Tracking Map
- Best Views With Stadium Seating
- Cushioned Seating
- Stories Narrated by Local Experts
- Smart-Sync Historical Visuals
- Tallest Vehicles Allowed by Law
- 100+ Points of Interest
- American Owned and Operated
- All-Weather Vehicles
- Start at Any Designated Stop
- “One of the 10 best hop-on hop-off tours in the world” - Forbes
- PLUS:
- $10 off Historic Harbor Cruise*
- $10 off Ghosts & Gravestones Tour*
- $5 off Boston Essential Guide*
- 50% off admission at The Sports Museum*
- $4.00 off admission at The West End Museum*
- Please see your Old Town Trolley Tours conductor or sales representative to ask about attraction discounts that come with your trolley ticket.
- Admission to Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum:
- Reservations are required
- Visit authentically restored tea ships
- Dump tea overboard just as the sons of liberty did
- Attraction tickets do not have to be used on the same day
Save up
to 15%
Ghosts & Gravestones Tour
to 15%
- Reservations are required
- Explore Some of Boston's Most Haunted Sites…
- Walk Amongst the Dead in Burying Grounds Nearly 400-Years-Old
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
- Exclusive Night-Time Access into Two of Boston's Oldest Burying Grounds
- See Boston's Most Haunted Hotel: The Omni Parker House
Things to Do on The North End
Paul Revere House in Boston
Built in 1680, the unimposing wooden house at 19 North Square is the oldest house in downtown Boston. The 3-story building was the home of silversmith and Boston Patriot Paul Revere from 1770-1800, previously housing the parsonage of the Second Church of Boston. Revere sold the house in 1800 and it became a tenement with the ground floor used for shops and various businesses over the years. In 1902, Revere’s great-grandson purchased the property and restored it so that it could be opened to the public. In 1908, after restoration by architects and preservationists, the Paul Revere House opened to the public as one of the earliest historic house museums in Boston and the U.S.
Old North Church
Officially called Christ Church, the Old North Church is the oldest church building in Boston, a National Historic Landmark, and a stop on the Freedom Trail. Built in 1723, the Old North Church was inspired by the works of Christopher Wren, a British architect. It is most commonly known as the first stop on Paul Revere’s “Midnight Ride,” where he instructed three Boston Patriots to hang two lanterns in the church’s steeple. The lanterns were used to inform Charlestown Patriots that the British were approaching by sea and not by land.
Boston Copps Hill Burying Ground
The gravestones in Copp’s Hill Burying Ground, Boston’s second oldest burying ground, tell the story of the population of the North End in colonial times. Originally known as Windmill Hill, the hill took the name of William Copp, a shoemaker who donated the land for a burying ground in 1659. It is the place of rest for thousands of artisans, craftspeople, and merchants.
USS Constitution and Museum
Launched in 1797, the USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship still afloat. Crisscrossing the globe, this three-masted frigate participated in the Barbary War off the coast of North Africa and sailed the Caribbean in search of pirates. She earned her nom de guerre Old Ironsides during the War of 1812 when enemy cannonballs bounced off her resilient wooden hull. Docked in the Charlestown Navy Yard, the famous ship is a floating museum open to public. It is also a stop on the on the Freedom Trail and the Old Town Trolley.
Bunker Hill Monument
The Bunker Hill Monument was the first public obelisk in the United States designed to commemorate the Battle of Bunker Hill. The battle was actually misnamed because the majority of the action took place on Breed’s Hill and that is where the monument sits. The monument was begun in 1827 but construction had to be halted and it wasn’t completed until 1843. The architect, Solomon Willard, had the granite for the 221 ft structure brought in from Quincy, Massachusetts.
Boston Old Town Trolley Tour
Old Town Trolley is a convenient way to explore Boston’s North End while maximizing your vacation time. This neighborhood was founded by English Puritans over 400 years ago and remains Boston’s oldest. Today, it is the epicenter of Italian-American culture with many old, historical structures and landmarks worth visiting. Find the lowest price and money-saving packages by purchasing tickets direct through our website.
Nearby Restaurants & Place to Eat
Welcome to Boston’s Little Italy. The North End is famous for the many authentic Italian restaurants, cafés, espresso bars, and pizza and sandwich shops that dot the neighborhood. The area features nearly 100 restaurants, ranging from the authentic Italian and Italian-American family style to Chinese, Thai, and New England seafood.
The Corner Tavern
Located mere blocks from the Charles River, the Corner Tavern is a warm, cozy, gastropub accented by brick and wood that exudes a cool, neighborhood vibe. The welcoming ambiance extends to its food; a menu full of creative spins on traditional pub grub like a chipotle-glazed meatloaf burger, 12-hour brisket tacos with chimichurri, and even a build-your-own grilled cheese!
Union Oyster House
Located near the Freedom Trail, grab a seat at the Union Oyster House. Since 1826, this Boston institution has been a prime destination for delicious old-school eats. In addition to their signature clam chowder, make sure to make room for their other menu items like fresh oysters and clams on the half shell and one of the most scrumptious lobster rolls in the city.
Saltie Girl
Also located in Boston’s Back Bay, indulge in some of Beantown’s bounty of the sea with a visit to the Saltie Girl. The folks that run this establishment have a deep appreciation and respect for the sustainable delicacies found swimming in the local waters and their menu’s praises are sung loudly and proudly. Elegant, yet accessible, they feature dishes like fried lobster and waffles with sweet corn butter, crispy shrimp & chive dumplings, and mouth-watering seafood towers of every size imaginable!
FAQs
Driving in Boston’s North End is strongly discouraged due to narrow, congested colonial streets and extremely limited street parking, which is largely restricted to residents. Visitors are encouraged to park in nearby public garages like Haymarket Garage or ride public transit.
Yes, the North End is widely considered one of Boston’s safest and most active neighborhoods. Because its narrow streets are constantly bustling with diners, tourists, and local residents late into the evening, walking through well-lit main thoroughfares is very safe.
Navigating Boston’s North End with a stroller or wheelchair is doable along major paved thoroughfares like Hanover Street, but older side streets feature uneven brick sidewalks, high curbs, and narrow walkways. Mindful foot traffic navigation is recommended during peak hours.
The North End borders Boston Harbor directly on its eastern side. It is just a short 2-minute walk from Hanover Street to Christopher Columbus Park, offering scenic harbourfront views, green space, boat docks, and direct access to Boston’s paved waterfront pedestrian paths.
The iconic Italian street feasts and processions in Boston’s North End take place during summer weekends, primarily throughout July and August. Events like St. Anthony’s Feast feature lively parades, live music, religious traditions, and street vendors filling the neighborhood.
Save up
to 15%
1-Day Old Town Trolley Tour
to 15%
- Hop On, Hop Off at 17 Stops Around Boston and the Freedom Trail
- Fully Narrated Tour
- Real-Time Trolley Tracking Map
- Best Views With Stadium Seating
- Cushioned Seating
- Stories Narrated by Local Experts
- Smart-Sync Historical Visuals
- Tallest Vehicles Allowed by Law
- 100+ Points of Interest
- American Owned and Operated
- All-Weather Vehicles
- Start at Any Designated Stop
- “One of the 10 best hop-on hop-off tours in the world” - Forbes
- PLUS:
- $10 off Historic Harbor Cruise*
- $10 off Ghosts & Gravestones Tour*
- $5 off Boston Essential Guide*
- $6 off admission to Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum*
- 50% off admission at The Sports Museum*
- $4.00 off admission at The West End Museum*
- Please see your Old Town Trolley Tours conductor or sales representative to ask about attraction discounts that come with your trolley ticket.
- Attraction tickets do not have to be used on the same day
Save up
to 5%
to 5%
SEE THE BEST OF BOSTON AND JOURNEY BACK IN TIME TO 1773
- Old Town Trolley Tours:
- Hop On, Hop Off at 17 Stops Around Boston and the Freedom Trail
- Fully Narrated Tour
- Real-Time Trolley Tracking Map
- Best Views With Stadium Seating
- Cushioned Seating
- Stories Narrated by Local Experts
- Smart-Sync Historical Visuals
- Tallest Vehicles Allowed by Law
- 100+ Points of Interest
- American Owned and Operated
- All-Weather Vehicles
- Start at Any Designated Stop
- “One of the 10 best hop-on hop-off tours in the world” - Forbes
- PLUS:
- $10 off Historic Harbor Cruise*
- $10 off Ghosts & Gravestones Tour*
- $5 off Boston Essential Guide*
- 50% off admission at The Sports Museum*
- $4.00 off admission at The West End Museum*
- Please see your Old Town Trolley Tours conductor or sales representative to ask about attraction discounts that come with your trolley ticket.
- Admission to Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum:
- Reservations are required
- Visit authentically restored tea ships
- Dump tea overboard just as the sons of liberty did
- Attraction tickets do not have to be used on the same day
Save up
to 15%
Ghosts & Gravestones Tour
to 15%
- Reservations are required
- Explore Some of Boston's Most Haunted Sites…
- Walk Amongst the Dead in Burying Grounds Nearly 400-Years-Old
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
- Exclusive Night-Time Access into Two of Boston's Oldest Burying Grounds
- See Boston's Most Haunted Hotel: The Omni Parker House