Walking down the cobbled streets of the North End can be a workout, but luckily there’s no better place in Boston to have a refreshing meal or drink. The historic district, once home to the men and women who started the American Revolution, is now a culinary destination, known for its Italian restaurants and bakeries. On a visit to North End, start the day with a pastry and espresso, have a spaghetti lunch and save room in the afternoon for a famous cannoli from Mike’s Pastry.

The district comes with its own inbuilt walking tour, the line of bricks that wind through the whole city on the Freedom Trail. Coming from the Harbor, follow the path to the Paul Revere Statue and Paul Revere House.

Before continuing to other Revolutionary sights, explore the North End’s streets. Admire the beautiful architecture of St. Stephen’s Catholic Church and walk down the statue-lined alley known as All Saints Way.

Relax in the sweetly scented air of the Rose Kennedy Rose Garden or take a leisurely stroll through well-manicured Langone Park. Join locals on lunch break at Christopher Columbus Park, where residents often play chess or cards. Search for the famed Skinny House, squeezed between two buildings, seemingly straight out of a comic strip.

Commemorate a somewhat absurd but tragic episode in Boston history at the Great Molasses Flood Plaque, dedicated to the day in January 1919 when the neighborhood was submerged under a 2-million-gallon (8-million-liter) wave of sticky syrup, killing 21 people.

Northeast of downtown, Boston’s North End reaches the water, across the harbor from Charlestown and East Boston. Immediately adjacent to one of Boston’s largest public transportation hubs, it is easy to access from most parts of the city and the surrounding area. Travel by subway or taxi from Boston Common in about 10 minutes or walk in 20 minutes. North End’s narrow streets are mostly reserved for resident parking, so spaces can be difficult to find.