The North End is Boston's "Little Italy" and Hanover Street is the area's main street of sorts. There and on the cozy side streets, you will find a variety of Italian bakeries, such as Mike's Pastry and Modern Pastry, where you can decide for yourself the answer to one of the most debatable questions in Boston-- "Who has the better cannoli?" The North End is also home to many Italian restaurants, including the historic and delicious, Pizzeria Regina. After you're full of pastries and pizza, burn off some of those calories by taking a walk to the Paul Revere House, located along the Boston's Freedom Trail. It's not uncommon to see neighbors and shop owners speaking Italian or chit chatting with passers by. The cafes are the destinations to watch World Cup Soccer, where you're sure to hear the crowds cheering on Italy. In the summer, the North End hosts a variety of religious feasts each weekend featuring Italian foods, religious services, parades and other activities for all to enjoy. For a taste of old world Italy in Boston, the North End is the perfect destination. Year-round, the TD Banknorth Garden will host sports games, and when the local team is playing you'd better get there early, because traffic will be a nightmare. Stop at one of the local restaurants before the game, and join the rest of the rabid fans to cheer for Boston! Explore and Discover the North End:

• The Parks of the North End
• Restaurants in the North End
• Bars in the North End
• Attractions in the North End
• Find Parking in the North End

News courtesy of Outside.in.

In Colonial days, this area was called the "Island of North Boston", and was just a narrow peninsula jutting out into the harbor. In the early 1700's, wharves and warehouses were constructed, as well as mansions and businesses, and you can still see the cobblestone streets in North Square. It became the focus of European immigrants during the 19th and early 20th centuries, and today best known for its collection of Italian shops and restaurants. The North End was also home to the Great Molasses Flood in 1919 when a large tanker of molasses exploded on Commercial Street killing 21 people and injuring over 150 more. Folklore states that on a hot day, molasses can still be smelled on those same streets. The North End's oldest residential area was first settled in the 1630's. In the 1950's, when the Central Artery was built, it divided the North End from the rest of the city. With the recent Big Dig construction, the Central Artery was taken down resulting in the neighborhood being rejoined with and visible to the rest of the city.

• Hanover Street
• Salem Street
• North Street
• Fleet Street
• Commercial Street
• North Square