North End

Quick Comments:   Italian Restaurants, Crowded, Waterfront, Tourists

Public Transportation:   Green and Orange Line trains

The North End is most famous for its Italian restaurants and strong ties to Italian immigration. With a different Italian festival every weekend throughout the summer, there is rarely a boring moment in the North End.

Multi-family homes, lively bakeries, delicious restaurants, and small espresso bars are common. Tourists sample authentic Italian cuisine, enjoy a cannoli or a cappuccino, and explore its narrow streets. In recent years, a number of boutiques have opened in the North End, specializing in everything from trendy clothing to jewelry.

The North End is often rated as one of the safest neighborhoods in Boston. It is recommended that visitors walk because it is difficult to park on the narrow and crowded streets.

The busy Haymarket area, accessible by Orange Line and Green Line train, offers shoppers a variety of fresh produce sold outdoors on Fridays. Historic sites include the Paul Revere House and the Old North Church, which are landmarks of the American Revolution.

In the southern corner of the North End, the Waterfront is close to the downtown area and has a more contemporary style. Filled with fantastic waterfront condos, apartments, parks, and revitalized historic buildings, this area is exclusive and expensive. The Waterfront is a short distance from the New England Aquarium as well as the historic Faneuil Hall outdoor marketplace.

It is recommended that you rent/lease an apartment in this neighborhood after you arrive in the U.S. and can evaluate the area.