Hanover Street is the main commercial spine of Boston’s North End, the city’s oldest residential neighborhood and its historic Italian-American quarter. One of the oldest streets in Boston, it was originally a Native American path to the shore and predates European settlement. Today it is lined with Italian restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and salumerias, and it is one of the busiest and most atmospheric pedestrian streets in the city, especially on summer evenings and during the neighborhood’s summer feasts honoring patron saints.
The street connects toward the Freedom Trail landmarks of the North End, including the Paul Revere House and Old North Church nearby. Hanover Street is free to stroll; individual restaurants, bakeries, and shops set their own hours, so check ahead if you have a specific destination in mind.
Good to know
- The main commercial street of Boston’s historic Italian North End
- One of the oldest streets in Boston, predating European settlement
- Known for Italian restaurants, cafes, and bakeries; lively summer saint feasts
- Free to walk; near Freedom Trail sites including the Paul Revere House and Old North Church
Getting there
- Address: Hanover Street, North End, Boston, MA 02113
- Neighborhood: North End
- Nearest T: Haymarket (MBTA Orange Line and Green Line) is the closest station, a short walk from the lower end of Hanover Street