Hotels near The North End

The North End is Boston's oldest residential neighbourhood and its Little Italy, a tight grid of narrow streets packed with trattorias, espresso bars and bakeries. Hanover Street, the main artery, smells of garlic and fresh pastry, and the rivalry between its historic cannoli shops is taken very seriously by locals.

It is also rich in Freedom Trail history: Paul Revere's House, the oldest building in downtown Boston, and the Old North Church, where the lanterns signalled the British advance in 1775, both stand here. The mix of revolutionary landmarks and an Italian dinner makes it a perfect evening stop.

Pro Tip: Come hungry in the evening for dinner, but expect queues at the famous restaurants, which mostly do not take small bookings. Settle the cannoli debate by trying both of the rival Hanover Street bakeries, then walk it off among the historic sites.