When I was first looking at apartments in Boston, I dreamed of living in the North End. It was the fantasy of shopping at the small corner stores, being walking distance to all of Boston, living within historic walls.  However, while it has remained a fantasy (I ended up in the much more affordable area of Cleveland Circle), I still love walking around the North End and taking in the historic charm of the area. 

History is central to the North End, and no tourist visit to Boston is complete without interacting in some way with the Revolutionary War. The North End provides a glimpse into Colonial America with Paul Revere’s house, Old North Church, and historic houses and streets. 

While visiting Paul Revere’s house, check out the North Square just across the way. Over the course of four centuries, it has been a meeting place for the community. The city of Boston is continuing this tradition with their installation of North Square Stories. These public art installations speak to the maritime, immigration, cultural, and pre-industrial life of the North End. The 3-D topographical map of this less than ½ square mile neighborhood shows just how densely packed with life it is. They have also included a hidden object challenge within the map – perfect for the puzzle lovers, like me. 

While visiting the Old North Church, make sure to check out the Paul Revere Mall. Besides housing the famous Paul Revere statue, the walls of the mall are flanked with plaques honoring famous people, soldiers who lost their lives in war, and North End buildings related to historic moments. 

Also be sure to follow the Freedom Trail up the hill from Old North Church to Copps Hill Burying Grounds. This was Boston’s largest colonial burying ground. With gravestones as old as 1659, it is the 2nd oldest cemetery in the city (after King’s Chapel Burying Ground). The plaques around the cemetery discuss captains and freemen who are buried here. Because it is set on a hill, there’s also a view of the harbor and the Zakim bridge. 

Also, while here, don’t forget to look across the street at the Skinny House, which is only 10 feet wide. While there’s a legend that the house was built out of spite, the architectural history of the house tells a different story. It seems that the small alleyway that is on the left side of the house is the reason why the house still exists.  These small alleyways are some of my favorite elements of walking around Boston, so this part of the story is really cool. 

One of these interesting alleyways is All Saints Way. A local North End resident has decorated his private alley with shrines to Catholic saints.  Resident Peter Baldassari has been adding to his shrine with handmade collages for over 30 years. When he’s around, he’s known to give tours of the shrines, but even with the gate closed, several are visible from the street. 

Don’t miss checking out some of the alleys along the main streets as well.  One off of Hanover street, Board Alley, is the entrance to Bricco Salumeria & Pasta Shop with their basement bakery across the alley.  Other alleys feature gas lamps and surprise courtyards. 

Wandering around the narrow cobblestone streets and visiting the small bakeries and pasta shops are my favorite ways to enjoy the North End.  Most people only go to Mike’s Pastry or Modern Pastry, but there are so many other small Italian bakeries in the area to sample. Bring some cash and an empty stomach to check them out.