NEIGHBORHOODS

WHERE TO EXPLORE

Cambridge

Directly north of Boston Proper on the other side of the river sits the city of Cambridge, Boston’s hub of science, technology, and entrepreneurial innovation. Cambridge is home to lots of shops, trendy restaurants, Harvard Square, universities, and more. Spend some time walking around and exploring the shops, sights, bars, and restaurants in the Harvard Square area.

Spend a day exploring the crimson campus. Take the Harvard Tour, led by current students, and learn all about its history, culture, architecture and more. Be sure to take a picture with the statue of John Harvard, Harvard University’s first benefactor, and rub his feet for good luck. Then, visit Harvard’s most popular attraction to study all things natural history before switching gears and heading to the Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology.

Discover the latest in the science and technology industry at the MIT Museum, a hub of innovation and cutting-edge technological advancements. Explore the place that brings science and technology to life at Boston’s most visited attraction, the Museum of Science.

North End

Popularly known as “Little Italy” due to its rich Italian culture, Boston’s North End is packed with culture and history. The oldest neighborhood in the city, North End’s narrow streets and tall brick building give refuge to over 80 Italian restaurants and bakeries. Salem and Hanover are the two most significant streets in this historic neighborhood – this is where you find the best Italian eateries, cafés, pastry shops, and imported goods stores.

In this area, you’ll find the Old North Church and colonial burial grounds. Take in a little history at the Paul Revere House, home of Paul Revere and the oldest building in downtown Boston. Shop at the many little clothing and gift boutiques located on side streets. Annual Saint Anthony’s Feast and the Festival of Santa Lucia, one of the largest summer events in Boston, is held around the last weekend of August and comprises food festivals, time-honored processions, colorful parades, Italian folk dancing, and continuous live entertainment.

Beacon

Hill Beacon Hill is likely Boston’s best-known neighborhood – home to the city’s elite during the Revolutionary Era. The beautiful brick homes, complete with porticos and columns, are a marvel all on their own. You’ll also find the Massachusetts State House on Beacon Hill with its famed gold dome – take a tour to learn about Massachusetts history.

The narrow cobblestone streets define this famous neighborhood and the Boston Common, Public Garden, Esplanade, and Hatch Shell are all adjacent to it. Poke around the boutiques, antique stores and specialty shops along Charles Street and enjoy the old town Boston character at the base of Beacon Hill.