A Foodie's Guide To Boston

Fan Pier

The recently revitalized Fan Pier is located just to the southeast of North End and Downtown Boston. Here, visitors can find a number of fun activities as well as shopping and restaurants. Home to the Boston Children's Museum, the Institute of Contemporary Art, and the Boston Tea Party Museum, this area is worth exploring, especially if you're looking for a good meal. A park on the north end has nice views of central Boston and a quiet setting, while the large playground at Martin's Park by the Children's Museum is a fun spot for the kids.

South Boston

South Boston was traditionally a working class neighborhood, but it has also become a trendy area for dining and nightlife. Head to the "Seaport District" for some of the most lively activities. This area also has some of the city's most famous seafood restaurants. The neighborhood also has a beautiful waterfront with views of Boston's skyline. Along the waterfront there are a number of beaches and parks. Also in the area is Dorchester Heights, which is where George Washington's army forced the British out of Boston in 1776.

North End

The North End neighborhood is a popular destination for tourists. The neighborhood's Italian-American population are at the heart of the culture and restaurant scene in the area. There are narrow streets, a lively atmosphere, and many of the city's best restaurants and cafes, offering classic Italian fare. Make sure you grab a meal and follow it up with a pastry from one of the local pastry shops. The neighborhood also has a few chill bars that are great for grabbing a beer and hanging out with friends at night. This neighborhood also has a number of historical sites including Paul Revere's house.

Cambridge

Technically, its own city, Cambridge is an iconic area near Boston that is home to Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The town has a number of museums, mostly affiliated with either of the universities, as well as a lively music scene, an impressive art culture, and excellent restaurants. The Charles River is a defining feature of Cambridge. There are also a number of notable city squares as well as several distinct neighborhoods within Cambridge. While nightlife might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Cambridge, there are actually some great clubs and bars where you can grab a drink and party with the Ivy Leaguers.

Roxbury

Roxbury was once a large farming community. Today it is at the heart of Black culture in Boston. The neighborhood has a number of great restaurants along Dudley Street that serve Caribbean, regional African and soul food. This neighborhood is also where you'll find the only remaining country house built by a British Royal Colonial Governor.

Mattapan

Named for the Mattahunt Native American Tribe that lived here during the 1600s, today this neighborhood is home to a mixing bowl of African American, Caribbean, Irish, Jewish, and Haitian residents. There are a number of great ethnic restaurants in the neighborhood.

South End

This cosmopolitan neighborhood is close to both Downtown and the Back Bay neighborhood. South End has grown in popularity in recent years and the neighborhood has a mix of young professionals, families, and a large LGBTQ community. The streets are lined with brownstones, giving it a similar feel to nearby Back Bay. This is a vibrant neighborhood with a number of great restaurants, bars and clubs, ranging from high end to casual. There's also a very active arts scene.

Dorchester

Dorchester is a large and diverse neighborhood with more than 500 acres of green space as well as a zoo. The neighborhood is where you'll find Franklin Park and a large portion of Boston's Emerald Necklace. The population is a diverse mix of long time residents and newer immigrants from countries such as Vietnam, Cape Verde, and Ireland. For the best Vietnamese food, head to Dorchester Avenue between Charles and Victoria streets.

Roslindale

Roslindale has a lot of natural beauty, colonial homes, and a charming Main Street. This neighborhood is where you'll find the Arnold Arboretum, which is a 265 acre park, and along the Main Street there are many great shops, restaurants, cafes, and bistros, making this a charming place to spend some time.

East Boston

East Boston has long been a neighborhood of immigrants, and the area's ethnic restaurants reflect its diverse roots. Sitting on the waterfront, it was once the center for shipbuilding in the city but today it is where you'll find Logan International Airport. It's location on the waterfront means it offers impressive views of the city's skyline. You can reach East Boston on the subway's Blue Line or by ferry boat.

Allston

Allston is a popular hangout spot for students in Boston. Many students live in the area, but even those that don't often head here to party with friends. The area is close to a number of Boston colleges and universities so the student population is strong, but in recent years it's also started to attract more young professionals and immigrants. Head to Harvard Avenue between Gardner Street and Commonwealth Avenue to explore the city's unofficial Koreatown. The area has a number of great Korean barbeque restaurants as well as bubble tea shops.

Chinatown - Leather District

Boston's Chinatown, the 3rd largest Chinatown in the country, is at the heart of Chinese culture in the city. It's located to the south of the Downtown area and it's the place to go to celebrate Lunar New Year. There are a number of great Chinese restaurants and shops in the area. Head a few blocks to the east and you'll stumble into the small Leather District. This industrial warehouse area gets its name from its roots in leather manufacturing. Today it is home to a number of trendy restaurants.

Bay Village

Tucked in between South End, Back Bay, the theater district, and Chinatown, this small neighborhood is a bit of a hidden gem. It's centrally located so it makes a nice base for exploring the city. It was built by the same group that built Beacon Hill, so the look is similar. There are tree-lined streets as well as many quaint shops and restaurants. The atmosphere is friendly and the neighborhood feels welcoming.