East Boston

East Boston, often simply called “Eastie,” located across Boston Harbor from downtown, offers stunning waterfront views, eclectic  communities, and a growing food and arts scene. Over the past two centuries, it has transformed from a shipbuilding hub into a thriving urban neighborhood that blends history, innovation, and community life.

 

East Boston was created in the early 1800s by uniting five smaller islands through landfill, including Noddle’s Island, which had been used for military and farming purposes. By the mid-19th century, East Boston had become a center for shipbuilding and industry. The neighborhood boomed with the arrival of immigrants, including Italians, Irish, and Eastern Europeans, who worked in shipyards and factories.

 

In the 20th century, East Boston became the first stop in the United States for many immigrant families from Central and South America. Today, the neighborhood is home to a large Latin American population, along with communities from Southeast Asia, Europe, the Caribbean, and the Middle East, making it one of the most multicultural areas in the city.

 

East Boston is made up of several smaller communities, including Jeffries Point, Maverick Square, Orient Heights, and Eagle Hill. Jeffries Point, with its historic brownstones and waterfront parks, has seen significant growth and development in recent years. Maverick Square is a bustling transit hub with access to the Blue Line, connecting East Boston to downtown in minutes.

One of East Boston’s biggest draws is the East Boston Greenway, a multi-use path that stretches through the neighborhood and connects to parks, playgrounds, and waterfront views. Piers Park, located in Jeffries Point, is a beautifully landscaped waterfront park offering stunning views of the Boston skyline, walking trails, and spaces for picnics and community events. The neighborhood has some of Boston’s best sunset views, thanks to its harbor front parks.

 

Constitution Beach, located in the Orient Heights section, is a family-friendly beach with sports courts, a playground, and views of planes taking off from nearby Logan Airport. The Institute of Contemporary Art’s Watershed in the Boston Harbor Shipyard adds an artistic touch with free exhibits in a repurposed industrial space.

 

East Boston is a culinary gem with an abundance of wonderful restaurants, bakeries, and seafood joints.

 

Rino’s Place is a legendary Italian restaurant famous for its massive ravioli and cozy vibe.  La Hacienda and Angela’s Café serve up beloved Mexican dishes like mole poblano and tacos. Santarpio’s Pizza, a Boston institution since 1903, is known citywide for its thin-crust pizza and grilled lamb skewers.

 

Cunard Tavern offers a more modern gastropub experience with rooftop views and creative cocktails.

 

East Boston is home to Logan International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the Northeast, which plays a major role in the local economy. The area also features a variety of small businesses, including barbershops, boutiques, bakeries, and international grocery stores.

 

East Boston was the first neighborhood in Boston to host a subway line under the harbor, connecting it directly to downtown.