Self-Guided North End Food & History Tour in Boston
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Discover Boston’s North End like a local with the Self-Guided "The North End Pizza, Cannoli and Picnic" Tour. This flexible experience takes you through the neighborhood’s most authentic spots, from legendary pizza joints to historic shops, all at your own pace. Using the WalknTours app on your smartphone, you can explore whenever it suits you—no guides, no rush.
Enjoy sampling some of Boston’s best food—think fresh cannoli, traditional espresso, and delicious Sicilian slices—while soaking up the neighborhood’s rich history. Along the way, you'll learn stories about Italian immigrants, the city’s Jewish roots, and iconic moments like Paul Revere’s lantern.
Cap off your tour with a picnic in the beautiful Prado park, where you can relax and savor your treats while hearing the story of Prince Pasta and the immigrant journey that shaped the North End. This tour offers a perfect blend of food, history, and local charm, all tailored to your schedule.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the tour last?
The tour takes approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour and 10 minutes, depending on your pace.
Is there a guide with me during the tour?
No, this is a self-guided tour on the WalknTours app. You explore independently without a live guide.
Are food samples included?
No, food is not included. You'll purchase your own treats at the various stops along the way.
Can I do this tour with children or infants?
Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels.
What if I want to start later or earlier than the scheduled time?
Since this is a flexible, smartphone-navigated tour, you can start at any time that works for you.
Are all shops open during the tour?
Most shops have extended hours, but Galleria Umberto is only open for lunch from 10:30 to 2:30. Check their schedule before visiting.
Free cancellation
You can cancel for a full refund at least 24 hours before your scheduled start time.
Reserve now
Check a date here, then finish booking with our partner. Payment options are confirmed at checkout.
Duration 50 minutes – 1 hour 10 min
Check availability to see start times.
Guided experience
English
Key facts
What's included
Included
- Smartphone-navigated "The North End Pizza, Cannoli and Picnic Tour" on the WalknTours app
- Access to a virtual remote tour you can enjoy after the in-person experience
Not included
- No in-person guide—this is a self-guided tour via the WalknTours app
- Food and drinks are not included; you'll purchase your own treats
Itinerary
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Stop 1
Start your tour at Polcari’s Coffee, a Boston staple since 1932 known for rare spices, tea, and exceptional coffee. Enjoy a quick 3-minute visit to soak in the aroma and history.
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Stop 2
Learn about Boston's Jewish heritage at a site where over 50 synagogues once stood, reflecting the neighborhood’s diverse immigrant roots. Spend about 3 minutes here.
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Stop 3
Taste Boston’s best cannoli at Bova’s, founded in 1926. Hear the story of Antonio Bova’s hard work to turn his bakery into a local favorite. This stop lasts around 3 minutes.
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Stop 4
Discover the origins of pizza in Boston at Parziale’s, which served the first pizza slice in the Northeast in 1907. Enjoy a quick 3-minute visit to appreciate this revolutionary spot.
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Stop 5
Visit Regina Pizzeria, famous for its thin-crust Napolitano pizza baked in a historic brick oven from 1888. Take a moment to grab a slice and enjoy the atmosphere. About 3 minutes here.
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Stop 6
Stop for a fresh cannoli and traditional espresso at a cozy spot, perfect for a quick bite and a caffeine boost. Spend around 3 minutes here.
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Stop 7
Pass by the historic Old North Church, famous for its lanterns signaling Paul Revere. This pass-by is brief, just a moment to appreciate the site.
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Stop 8
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the Prado park with your purchased treats. Hear the story of Prince Pasta and the immigrant journey that brought the founders from Italy to Boston. Spend about 10 minutes relaxing and listening.
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Stop 9
Visit a local restaurant renowned for its lasagna al forno—perfect for dinner after your tour. This stop is a pass-by, so no specific duration.
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Stop 10
Walk past Saint Leonard Church, a historic parish since 1891, now known for its peaceful gardens and community presence.
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Stop 11
Pass by one of the oldest squares in the U.S., also known for being a filming location for Disney’s Enchanted. Brief pass-by, no duration specified.
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Stop 12
Conclude your tour at Boston’s oldest building, dating back to 1680, once home to Paul Revere himself. This is a quick pass-by as well.
Meeting point & pickup
Meet at the starting point in the North End.
Begin your experience at Galleria Umberto, a beloved spot opened in 1965 by Italian immigrant Paul Umberto. Known for its Sicilian-style pizza, it’s a lively place where locals often gather and chat in Italian. The shop is open only for lunch, from 10:30 to 2:30, so plan accordingly.
Open in Google MapsCancellation & confirmation
Free cancellation
You can cancel for a full refund at least 24 hours before your scheduled start time.
- 100% refund if canceled at least 1 day in advance
- No refund if canceled within 24 hours of the start time
Instant confirmation
Your booking is confirmed immediately after checkout.
From $5.50 per person
- Free cancellation
- Secure checkout with our booking partner
