Historic Boston North End Things To Do
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.
Popover King
Buttery, fluffy, popovers are as New England as it gets and Popover King does them better than anyone in town. There are as many varieties as there are tastes from popovers with lox and cream cheese, ricotta and berry compote, to honey-glazed with lavender crème filling. There’s also a wide selection of hearty, savory versions to go along with their gluten-free options. Don’t forget to pair these sublime treats with their incredible selection of hot and cold-brewed coffees!
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!
