With its Italian flavor and massive summer festivals squeezed into narrow streets, the North End is often called a little slice of Europe in Boston. It's also one of the oldest parts of the city, filled with historic stops like Old North Church and the Paul Revere house.

Then there are the restaurants: The North End is brimming with places to eat. And while the fare definitely skews Italian, in recent years the neighborhood's menu has diversified to include cuisine from around the world. Mix that good food with buzzy crowds and the brick-and-cobble aesthetic, and you can see why it's a draw for tourists and couples seeking a fancy date night.