"The North End is Boston’s Little Italy, which, thankfully, has retained its authenticity over the years. As you walk around the neighborhood, it’s not unusual to hear residents speaking Italian, playing bocce, or even watching Italian soccer games in cafes. Most of the area’s 19th-century red-brick buildings still house Italian families, and the specialty markets, bakeries, trattorias, and cafes dotted throughout offer Italian delicacies.A popular destination for visitors is Mike’s Pastry, famous for its cannoli. Most of the neighborhood’s restaurants, cafes, and shops are located on Hanover Street, making it the nerve center of the neighborhood. But be sure to investigate the narrow side streets, where you’ll find cute shops, a few restaurants, and landmarks like the Old North Church and the Paul Revere House, both on the Freedom Trail." - MATADOR_NETWORK