“Little Italy” in Boston: A European-Flavored Stroll Through the North End

Short answer: Boston’s “Little Italy” is the North End, a compact, historic neighborhood of narrow streets, old-world cafés, and pasta-packed restaurants (plus major Freedom Trail sites like Paul Revere House and Old North Church). From Newbury Guest House, it’s about a 25–35 minute walk (roughly 2 miles) or ~15–20 minutes by the ‘T’ to the heart of Hanover & Salem Streets.

Why the North End feels like Europe, right in Boston

The North End is one of Boston’s oldest residential areas, famous for Italian-American culture, espresso bars, and trattorias lining Hanover Street. It also anchors several Freedom Trail stops, including the circa -1680 Paul Revere House and Old North Church, where the lantern signal of 1775 became Revolutionary legend.

History hides in unexpected corners here, too, this is where the Great Molasses Flood swept through in 1919, an event that reshaped building-safety rules nationwide.

How far is it to walk from Newbury Guest House?

Plan on ~30–35 minutes on foot (a pleasant city stroll), or hop the Green/Orange Line to Haymarket/Government Center and be there in ~15–20 minutes including short walks. The distance from Back Bay to the North End is about 2 miles; direct subway time Back Bay → Haymarket runs ~6–12 minutes, before station walks.

What do they call “Little Italy” in Boston?

Locals call it the North End. The nickname “Little Italy” reflects the neighborhood’s long Italian heritage, especially around Hanover and Salem Streets.

Can’t-miss sights (and sounds)

• Paul Revere House (built c. 1680): the oldest home on the Freedom Trail.
• Old North Church & Historic Site: “one if by land, two if by sea.”
• NEMPAC (North End Music & Performing Arts Center): community concerts and classes off the Prado/Paul Revere Mall.

Sweet stops for cannoli (team Mike’s or team Modern?)

• Modern Pastry (Hanover St.), customize your cannoli; café seating below at Modern Underground for select events.
• Mike’s Pastry (Hanover St.), the iconic blue-and-white box and a deep roster of flavors.

Where to eat in the North End (our go-to picks)

• Neptune Oyster (seafood favorite; small, beloved, expect a wait).
• Mamma Maria (white-tablecloth date night in a historic townhouse on North Square).
• Trattoria Il Panino (classic trattoria energy on Hanover).
• Regina Pizzeria (original North End brick-oven institution since 1926).
• Monica’s Mercato (legendary Italian subs and salumi).
• Carmelina’s (Sicilian comfort with a modern twist).
• The Daily Catch (tiny, cash-friendly pasta/seafood; often served in the pan).
• Antico Forno (cozy spot for wood-fired pizza and classics).
• Caffè Vittoria or Caffè Paradiso (old-school espresso bars).

Staying with us: the easy way to do Little Italy

Base yourself at Newbury Guest House in Back Bay and you’ll enjoy a quiet, brownstone hotel on tree-lined Newbury Street, close to the North End when you want it, and to Boston’s parks, shops, and galleries when you want to relax. Our team are locals; we’ll map the best walking route, book dinner where possible, and point you to the shorter cannoli line. (We also have limited on-site parking by advance reservation.)

Ready to wander “Little Italy” like a local, and come home to calm? We’d love to host you.