Overview
Andover is a town in Massachusetts with a population of 37,000 (2020). It is situated at the crossroads of I-495 and I-93 in the heart of the Merrimack Valley.
North Andover is a small town on the banks of the Merrimack River. It has a population of about 31,000 (2020) and is 25 miles north of Boston.
5 sights · 9 things to do · 13 places to eat · 2 bars & cafés · 8 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Andover
Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens
Addison Gallery of American Art
Established 1931 with a focus on American art. Don't let the price of admission fool you, this gallery boasts a strong collection of works from a range of periods and styles, although there are generally more modern piec…
Chapel Cemetery
A small cemetery established around 1810. Famous for being the final resting place of Harriet Elizabeth Beecher Stowe, author of Uncle Tom's Cabin. Many come to pay their respects at her headstone.
Robert S. Peabody Institute of Archaeology
Repository of Native American archaeology founded in 1901. Not a museum in the sense where things are laying around in glass cases. Contact the head of research and let them know what your interests are, and they can gui…
J. Everett Collins Center For the Performing Arts
An auditorium where groups of all ages sing, dance, act, and more. Local schools hold plays and performances here, as well as anyone willing to rent the space out for personal use. Past performers include Martin Johnson …
Merrimack College
a liberal arts college with many athletic events (including a widely recognized D1 hockey team) and arts performances in its Rogers Center for the Arts.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 81°F; winter lows dip to about 16°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Oct and Dec. (climate data from nearby North Reading)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- BED Laurence G Hanscom Field, Bedford — 15 mi away. Directions
- BOS Boston Logan International Airport, Boston — 22 mi away (major hub). Directions
Two interstates, I-93 and I-495 intersect in Andover.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $115–$145 a night (typical $118), from 8 listed prices.
- Typical meal: about $10 per person at listed restaurants.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$140, mid-range ~$170, comfortable ~$260.
Options are grouped as Mid-range, Splurge in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Addison Gallery of American Art, Robert S. Peabody Institute of Archaeology, Chapel Cemetery
- Lunch Perry's Plate
- Afternoon Ward Reservation, J. Everett Collins Center For the Performing Arts
- Dinner Thai Sweet Basil
- Evening Palmers Restaurant & Tavern
Day 2
- Morning Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens, Merrimack College, Weir Hill
- Lunch Niki's Famous Roast Beef
- Afternoon Andover Center for History and Culture, Pomps Pond
- Dinner Andover Town Market
- Evening Rolf's Pub
Day 3
- Morning Harold Parker State Forest
- Lunch Ultimate Perk
- Afternoon Penguin Park
- Dinner Perfecto's Caffe
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
By car
Two interstates, I-93 and I-495 intersect in Andover.
The Town of North Andover is easily accessed by Rt. 93, Rt. 495, Rt. 133, Rt. 114, and Rt. 125.
By train
Andover has two stops along the MBTA Haverhill Line. Andover station is near main street, academy, and many shops and restaurants. Ballardvale, on the other hand, is primarily a commuter stop with little of interest for visitors.
By bus
See
Phillips Academy
See Addison Gallery of American Art
Established 1931 with a focus on American art. Don't let the price of admission fool you, this gallery boasts a strong collection of works from a range of periods and styles, although there are generally more modern pieces. Among the more popular names are: John Singleton Copley, Winslow Homer, Edward Hopper, Georgia O'Keeffe, Jackson Pollock, and Frank Stella. If you've ever taken an art history class, you're likely to recognize something hanging on the walls during your visit.
See Robert S. Peabody Institute of Archaeology
Repository of Native American archaeology founded in 1901. Not a museum in the sense where things are laying around in glass cases. Contact the head of research and let them know what your interests are, and they can guide you to the artifacts you may find interesting.
Do
Andover features many walking trails, spanning approximately 1,100 acres of reservation land maintained by AVIS, one of the oldest conservation societies in the United States. Additionally, the Andover Bird Sanctuary, officially titled the Moncrieff Cochran Sanctuary, features pathways lined with several rhododendron species, mountain laurel, white pines, hemlocks, larch, oaks, and hickories.
Do J. Everett Collins Center For the Performing Arts
An auditorium where groups of all ages sing, dance, act, and more. Local schools hold plays and performances here, as well as anyone willing to rent the space out for personal use. Past performers include Martin Johnson of Boys Like Girls, and Sesame Street Live.
Parks
Do Penguin Park
Family walking through fields to the Shawsheen River. Trail follows the shore of the river to the woods. Picnicking and a toddlers' playground is also located here.
Do Weir Hill (Trustees of Reservations in Massachusetts)
If you like to hike Weir Hill is a great place to get out and explore. It overlooks Lake Cochichewick and is pronounced "wire hill" by locals. It includes four miles of trails for moderate hiking. Printed trail maps are distributed free from the bulletin board in the parking area. Takes about an hour to investigate.
Events
Buy
Shop Andover Bookstore
Established in 1809, this three-level cozy independent bookstore covers many genres of work. Sit on the couch by the fire in winter to warm yourself over your reading selection. Hosts various events throughout the year. Also sells on consignment and offers t-shirts and other merch.
Shop Eaglewood Shops
Stores like Pier 1 Imports, J Jill, a sporting goods store, Yankee Candle, and so on.
Eat
Budget
Eat Ultimate Perk
Coffee shop, original location, free wifi.
Eat Perfecto's Caffe
Serves coffee, muffins, bagels, salads, sandwiches, and wraps.
Eat Perry's Plate
Serves breakfast all-day and lunch starting at 11AM. Opened in January 2017, taking over from the venerable Lantern Brunch. Park in the metered lot.
Eat Tripoli Bakery and Pizza
Serves cheap slices of bar-style pizza, among other baked goods.
Eat Harrison's Roastbeef
This long time local favorite opened in 1984. Ask any local where you'll find the best roast beef sandwich and without a doubt they will say Harrisons. Don't let the long lines at lunch turn you away, the line moves fast and is well worth the wait.
Eat Shawsheen Luncheonette
Employs countless high school students and serves classic diner style breakfasts and lunches.
Eat Spinners Pizza Parlor
A family-friendly restaurant offering the best in homemade, mouthwatering pizza and sub sandwiches. Adjacent to the train station.
Eat Niki's Famous Roast Beef (Niki's)
Pizza, subs, roast beef.
Mid-range
Eat Thai Sweet Basil
Andover's oldest Thai restaurant.
Eat China Blossom
One of the Merrimack Valleys oldest Chinese restaurants. It offers a daily buffet for lunch and dinner or you can order from the menu. Featuring a full bar and comedy and karaoke on the weekends.
Eat Casa Blanca
An authentic small chain Mexican restaurant in the heart of downtown Andover. Upstairs location allows customers to view Main Street from their table.
Eat Andover Town Market
Offers fresh sandwiches, salads, ice cream and desserts plus prepared food to take home for dinner. It also has a market for fine foods, local items, and a selection of wines, beers, and ciders.
Eat Casa Blanca
Mexican food joint that serves generous portions of burritos, tacos, nachos and other staples. Small chain.
Drink
Drink Palmers Restaurant & Tavern
Make reservations for dinner, otherwise just show up and see who's playing in the tavern downstairs.
Drink Rolf's Pub
A local favorite that's open until wee hours of the morning with lunch menu offered on the weekends. Keno, darts, pool; the classic dive bar experience.
Sleep
Andover's hotels are clustered immediately off I-93, just south of the Merrimack River. They've all got identical pricing and amenities, so there's no need to be choosy. They're also largely inconvenient to exploring Andover. Main Street is a few miles away, so you'll need a car to see much of anything. The Andover Inn is the exception; built on campus, it's a 15 minute walk to the downtown area.
Mid-range
Splurge
Nearby
Lawrence
City / town · 11 listings · 4 mi away
North Reading
City / town · 10 listings · 6 mi away
Wilmington
City / town · 16 listings · 8 mi away
Haverhill
City / town · 7 listings · 9 mi away
Groveland
City / town · 7 listings · 9 mi away
Lowell
City / town · 22 listings · 9 mi away
Reading
City / town · 12 listings · 9 mi away
Salem
City / town · 6 listings · 10 mi away
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