Hanover Street, Boston

Hanover Street, alongside Salem Street, forms the vibrant Italian core of Boston's North End. While you may still hear traces of Italian spoken by the older generation, many of the Italian-American families that once resided here in the early 20th century have since relocated to the suburbs. Nevertheless, their legacy endures in the form of cafes, restaurants, bakeries, bars, and even a private cigar-smoking club that continue to thrive.

Hanover Street’s narrowness makes it best explored on foot, ideally at a leisurely pace with ample opportunities to savor the ambiance. In the evening, it comes alive with both locals and visitors seeking delicious meals. Saint Stephen's Catholic Church, often regarded as the home parish of Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, the matriarch of the Kennedy political dynasty, is highly esteemed in the area.

On the corner of Hanover and Prince streets, you'll find Saint Leonard's Church, which serves as the spiritual nucleus of the North End. Built by Italian immigrants, its ornate interior stands as a testament to the exceptional craftsmanship of the Italian artists who were among its early parishioners. During the weekends of late July and August, the North End streets come alive with food festivals and parades hosted by old-country religious societies.

Tip:
The section of Hanover Street between the Rose Kennedy Greenway and Union Street is closed on Fridays and Saturdays to accommodate the Haymarket, Boston's centuries-old outdoor market.