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🦞 Boston's North End, Beacon Hill, Back Bay & Seaport: Lobster Rolls, Cannoli & Freedom Trail Classics

33 items

Mikey Stark

My first-timer's game plan for Boston — lobster rolls and cannoli in the North End, gas-lit streets on Beacon Hill, and Freedom Trail history from the Common to the harbor. These are the spots I actually send friends to when they ask where to eat, wa...

Map

I put my name in early for the hot buttered lobster roll at this tiny walk-in-only oyster bar — it's worth the wait every time.

Neptune Oyster

I always go to the original Thacher Street location for a crispy brick-oven pie at this North End landmark that's been slinging pizza since 1926.

Regina Pizzeria

I bring cash and patience for the line, then order the frutti di mare at this cozy, no-reservations Hanover Street favorite.

Giacomo's Boston North End

I grab a ricotta cannoli in the famous white box with the blue string — it's a Boston rite of passage.

Mike's Pastry

I come here when I want my cannoli filled to order, and the line is usually shorter than the one across the street.

Modern Pastry Shop

I swing by this family-run bakery late at night for a fresh cannoli or a slice of Italian cheesecake when everything else is closed.

Bova's Bakery

I step inside Paul Revere's actual 1680 home, the oldest building in downtown Boston, as part of my Freedom Trail walk.

The Paul Revere House

I stand under the steeple where the 'one if by land, two if by sea' lanterns were hung and take the behind-the-scenes tour when I can.

Old North Church

I slurp a dozen oysters at the old wooden raw bar in America's oldest continuously operating restaurant.

Union Oyster House

I wander Quincy Market for chowder in a bread bowl and catch the street performers outside historic Faneuil Hall.

Faneuil Hall Marketplace

I start the Freedom Trail at America's oldest public park and people-watch on the lawn when the weather's nice.

Boston Common

I take a spin on the Swan Boats in warm weather and snap a photo with the Make Way for Ducklings statues year-round.

Public Garden

I take the free tour under the gold dome and walk the Beacon Street side for the classic view over the Common.

Massachusetts State House

I stroll the Greenway's gardens and fountains between the North End and the waterfront and grab a bite from the food trucks.

Rose Kennedy Greenway

I head straight for the giant ocean tank and the penguins, and the harbor seals out front are free to watch.

New England Aquarium

I walk the cobblestones of what's called the most photographed street in America, lined with gas lamps and old brick row houses.

Acorn St

I grab a latte and a shakshuka or a pastry at the Charles Street Tatte before wandering Beacon Hill.

Tatte Bakery & Cafe | Charles St

I line up for brunch at this cafeteria-style Beacon Hill staple and order the lemon-ricotta pancakes.

The Paramount

I walk or bike along the river here at sunset for sailboats and views across to Cambridge.

Charles River Esplanades

I peek into the stunning Bates Hall reading room and sit in the quiet courtyard at the McKim Building.

Boston Public Library

I tour this gorgeous 1877 church on Copley Square and then snap its reflection in the glass of the tower next door.

Trinity Church

I spend an afternoon browsing the shops and galleries in the brownstones along Boston's favorite shopping street.

Newbury St

I order the Fancy breakfast sandwich at this tiny Bay Village counter — it's breakfast and lunch only, so come before 2.

Mike & Patty's Bay Village

I catch a Red Sox game at America's oldest ballpark, or take the tour in the off-season to see the Green Monster up close.

Fenway Park

I wander the flower-filled Venetian-style courtyard at this one-of-a-kind museum — my favorite art stop in the city.

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

I plan a few hours for the MFA's huge collection, from the Impressionists to the art of the Americas wing.

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

I come to Joanne Chang's buzzy South End spot for the dan dan noodles and the Mama Chang pork dumplings.

Myers+Chang

I go to the original Flour for the sticky buns and a sandwich to go — Joanne Chang's bakery is a Boston institution.

Flour Bakery + Cafe

I settle in at this Fort Point oyster bar for a raw-bar spread and a lobster roll with a local beer.

Row 34

I order at the counter for a no-frills lobster roll and fried clams at this family-run seafood spot on the working waterfront.

Yankee Lobster

I join the reenactment and toss a bale of tea into the harbor at this hands-on museum on the Fort Point Channel.

Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

I come for the bold modern art and stay for the glass gallery hanging out over the harbor.

Institute of Contemporary Art

I grab a hot dog and fried clams from this classic Southie stand and walk the loop around Castle Island's Fort Independence.

Sullivan's Castle Island