Old North Church & Historic Site

Boston's Old North Church is the city's oldest surviving church and most visited historic site. Located in Boston's famous North End, also known as Little Italy, the church is a stop on the Freedom Trail. Anyone can enjoy exploring the church and its associated shops and gardens. Kids and teens will especially love the Behind the Scenes Tour up the steeple and down into the crypt, but anyone with mobility or claustrophobia issues may want to pass on this part.

Parking and public transportation at Old North Church
Parking in the North End can be really tough; many spots are resident-only, and what few spots are available often have a two hour maximum or evening only hours. Read signs carefully or opt for a paid lot or garage. The North End Garage isn't cheap but it is reliable and well-located. Fitz-Inn Auto Parks is priced more competitively but double check that you weren't overcharged, and you may find yourself waiting for an attendant. If you are able, take the T instead. Take the Orange or Green Lines to the North Station stop or Haymarket.

Best and worst time to go to Old North Church
The church generally doesn't get too crowded, and you can always wander around the area a bit if it is. In January and February tours are only by request except during February school break, when it can be busier, so it's probably best to go in warmer months. In March tours run on weekends only from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tours run every hour, every day from April through December with the exception of lunchtime. This is still a functioning church, so be aware of religious holidays and also Sunday mornings, when the you'll find Episcopal churchgoers rather than tourists.

Admission to Old North Church
Admission is free, but the church does rely on donations from the public. A suggested donation of just a few bucks earns you a "One if by land, two if by sea" sticker; access to the church, chocolate shop, printing office, restrooms, and outdoor spaces; a discount on the Behind the Scenes tours and gift shop; and smiles from the staff.

Must see/do at Old North Church
Take the Behind the Scenes Tour. For about five bucks, you'll get a thirty minute guided tour that not only goes into greater depth of the story of the church, but also brings you up into the bell ringing chamber in the steeple and down into the crypt below. Tours run frequently in the warmer seasons, but in the winter, call ahead for a special request.

Check out the Printing Office of Edes & Gill, home to an 18th century colonial printing press. A master printer will demonstrate the process and speak of the impact printing had on Boston and the nation's revolution.

Do you need to be persuaded to explore Captain Jackson's Historic Chocolate Shop? See how chocolates were made in the 18th century and treat your senses to some samples of authentic chocolate as Paul Revere would have enjoyed it in his day.

Other places to visit near Old North Church
You're in Little Italy. Walk. Explore. Eat. Mikes Pastry is famous; it's worth the lines. Dine at Giacomo's Ristorante for authentic pastas and general Italian happiness. Again, prepare for a wait. If you're up for a laugh, venture to the Improv Asylum, Boston's premier comedy spot. For more history, the Paul Revere House is just a short walk away as well.

Insider tip for visitors to Old North Church
While you're perusing the church, read the many signs and posters, but also go to the church's website, OldNorth.com on your smartphone or tablet (ask the staff for help if needed) and read the stories associated with each pew, the men behind the pulpit, and more.

Author's bio: Deborah Jarvis is a freelance writer who grew up and currently lives in the Greater Boston Area. She never pahks her cah in Hahvahd Yahd and tries not to drive like she's from Boston if she can help it. The famous lantern in the Old North Church was lit on her birthday (a few years prior) and she feels as though this makes her more Bostonian than her friends.