Situated between Cambridge to the west and Boston's North End to the east, Charlestown is a quaint neighborhood with typical Boston character and charm rivaling nearby Beacon Hill. Though new independently owned restaurants and shops are popping up as of late, over the years Charlestown has managed to preserve a family-friendly feel by remaining largely residential. Space is at a premium here, as brownstone townhomes and three-families make up the majority of this small and close-knit neighborhood.
While the neighborhood's makeup is mainly residential, the area does attract tourists as Boston's popular Freedom Trail walk extends into this part of town. Interested outsiders navigate the narrow, cobblestone streets to view the beautiful USS Constitution Naval ship as well as the Bunker Hill Monument, which sits commandingly atop a hill and is likened to D.C’s Washington Monument.
You'll find locals and tourists alike enjoying a pint at the long-established Warren Tavern, or splitting a pie at popular pizza joint, Figs. Charlestown is the best choice for those seeking a more off-the-beaten-path location but with the convenience to downtown and the charm of Beacon Hill or Back Bay.