Self Guided "The North End Pizza, Cannoli and Picnic" Solo Walking Tour

From$5.5

1.5 hours – 2 hours

Commentary: Audio · en

Boston, USA

About this activity

Experience Boston's North End through a self-guided walking tour, savoring authentic pizza and cannoli, and enjoying a picnic in a historic park.

Highlights

Explore Boston's historic North End
Savor authentic Sicilian-style pizza
Indulge in freshly made cannoli
Enjoy a scenic picnic at Paul Revere Mall
Discover rich Italian heritage and landmarks

Full description

You will go to the best local pizza and cannoli spots, stop by authentic Italian shops and you’ll even get a chance to have a picnic in the Prado to eat the tasty treats you picked up while hearing the story of Prince Pasta. Go at your own pace and schedule, the tour is a smart phone navigated tour on the WalknTours app, meaning you can go anytime. Don’t miss out on our local food and history tour experience that will take you to the most authentic spots in the North End. Along the way you'll hear the history of the North End, the story of its immigrants, Pizza, Cannoli’s and more. Take note: Most shops are open longer hours, but Galleria Umberto is ONLY open for Lunch, from 10:30 to 2:30, and they close often. Please check their schedule. You don’t want to miss this local experience. It starts at Galleria Umberto.

Included / Excluded

Virtual remote tour you can take after taking the in person tour
Smart phone navigated tour "The North End Pizza, Cannoli and Picnic Tour" on the WalknTours app.

No in person guide, this is a smart phone navigated tour on the WalknTours app
No food is included

Itinerary

1

Best coffee in Boston! In 1932 Anthony Polcari opened Polcari’s Coffee, which still stands nearly 100 years later. Today they are known for rare spices, tea and of course, primo rare coffee. My personal favorite is the Hawaiian Kona.

Duration: 3 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

2

In 1900 one third of the North End was of Jewish decent and more than 50 synagogues were in Boston. A dozen of those were right here in the North End. Today Boston is the second most Jewish city in the US.

Duration: 3 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

3

Best Cannoli in Boston! Loved by the Locals. When the Italian Immigrant Antonio Bova opened Bova’s in 1926 he had no customers, and he was close to losing it all. So, he rolled up his sleeves and said “Antonio, it’s time to make your American dream come true.” He grabbed his hot bread and went to every door in the North End. He introduced himself, handed out samples and worked hard. Today Bova’s is a staple for Bostonian’s near and far.

Duration: 3 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

4

One of the best Sicilian slices. Around $2 a slice. Now it’s hard to imagine, but in 1900 there was no Pizza in Boston. Parziale’s changed that. It was here in 1907 the first slice of Pizza was served in the North East. Now that’s revolutionary!

Duration: 3 minAdmission: NO

5

Regina serves up classic Napolitano Pizza, the thin crust circle pie style popular around the world. What Regina’s is well known for is there is their brick pizza oven that was originally built in 1888 and back then it was fired by burning coal. And it's rated one of the best in the USA. Got to try a slice!

Duration: 3 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

6

Serves up fresh made Cannoli's and traditional espresso. Great spot for a bite and a coffee.

Duration: 3 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

7

Pass by: The Old North is known for Its famous Lantern hanging hero Robert Newman who climbed the high belfry and hung up two lanterns to let Paul Revere know the British were coming.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE

8

We will stop here for a picnic lunch. Take what you bought, unpack it and enjoy a lunch in one of the most beautiful parks in the North East, and a local hang. And while you do you will hear a story of Prince Pasta and how the founders came from Italy and arrived in Boston to start Prince Pasta. It's an immigrants tale and the American dream.

Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

9

Pass by: A perfect spot for dinner, and it has one of the best lasagna al forno's you'll ever eat.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE

10

Pass by: The Saint Leonard Church first opened its basement to services in 1891, then serving nearly 20,000 parishioners. Today it’s known for its peace gardens and as a staple of local life.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE

11

Pass by: We will walk by one of the oldest squares in the USA, and the filming location of Disney's Enchanted.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE

12

Pass by: One of the most visited sites in Boston. Built in 1680 it’s the oldest building in downtown Boston. It was once home to you guessed it, midnight riding Paul Revere.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Important information

Know before you book

The tour is self-guided; ensure you have the WalknTours app installed and set up before starting.
Some establishments may have limited hours; check their operating times in advance.
Be prepared to walk approximately 1.5 to 2 miles over the course of the tour.

Know before you go

Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress appropriately for the weather.
Bring a fully charged smartphone for app navigation and offline access.
Carry cash for purchases at local establishments, as some may not accept cards.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Accessibility

Stroller Accessible
Service Animals Allowed
Easy Public Transport

Traveler reviews

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Speed of the app needs work

The app did not sync up properly and kept skipping, it would have been nice if it would link to the GPS on your phone so that it wouldn't skip ahead if you hadn't gotten to the next location. But at least I got some good restaurant recommendations.

Carmon_GMay 19, 2026VIATOR

Great self guided tour

Easy to navigate, go at your own pace, interesting details of history. Umberto’s was great! Loved the coffee shop and bakery as well.

paulasZ7426HYDec 14, 2025TRIPADVISOR

Nice self guided tour....

Nice self guided tour. Enjoyed walking around the north end and trying the different pastry shops and restaurants.

Monica_CAug 10, 2025VIATOR

Amazing, must do for tourists or Boston natives!

Loved this tour, I grew up in MA but never did a tour like this. It was fun to get to see and learn about the hidden gems in the North End!

Alyssa_DNov 13, 2022VIATOR