A Day in Boston’s North End

Boston’s iconic North End is filled with the smell of freshly baked goods, rich history, enchanting brick buildings, and cobblestone streets. Known as Boston’s “Little Italy,” here you’ll find the city’s best Italian food at local mom-and-pop shops that have been handed down for generations. Savoring their family recipes, from pizza to pasta to fresh seafood, you can’t go wrong. If you aren’t getting hungry already… let me tell you some of our favorite places.

Starting from The Lenox Hotel, head out towards the Boston Public Library and down to the “T” to catch the Green Line heading north. Getting off at the Haymarket stop will leave you at the mouth of the North End. To your right, downtown, and to the left, TD Garden, where the Boston Bruins and Celtics play. Heading across the Greenway, you’ll begin to feel immersed in the Italian culture as you enter Hanover Street, one of the North End’s most famous streets, passing by a slew of restaurants, cafes, bars, and more… not to mention the new walk-up pasta window if you want some tortellini to go!

Not quite hungry yet? Head down Hanover Street all the way towards the end, and you’ll see Paul Revere Park marked with a statue of Paul himself. This park is an ode to Paul Revere and his famous midnight ride to warn everyone that the British were fast approaching. Adjacent to the park on Battery Street is another piece of history unique to the North End, All Saints Way. This small shrine was created by Peter Baldassari, who has been collecting trinkets and mementos depicting the saints since he was a child. His collection has grown into a street-side shrine, a display of the canonized, including photos, statues, prayer cards, and more, in an alley between 4 and 8 Battery Street. This spot is worth seeing because it has been developed over the years by the local community right here in the North End.

One of my favorite places to stop in at for lunch is La Salumeria. An unassuming Italian grocer tucked away on Richmond Street has handmade pastas and cured meats hanging in the window, and in the back is an award-winning sandwich counter. Made to order and all homemade, this is a great stop for lunch to go as you make your way back toward the Back Bay. Often enjoyed on a park bench on the Greenway with the sound of fountains and kids playing, you can taste the Italian craftsmanship with every bite.

Head back to The Lenox the same way you came, getting on the Green Line towards Copley, and reminisce about your afternoon spent in the North End over a cold martini at The Irving.