AOL Travel

Guide to Boston Nightlife

Exciting nightlife has been Boston's M.O. since the days of the real-life Samuel Adams. Of course, you can visit Samuel Adams brewery if you're so inclined, but Boston has so much more to offer. From dressing up as Indians and chucking tea into Boston Harbor during the Boston Tea Party, to dressing up in Red Sox regalia and heading to a night game at Fenway, Bostonians’ nightlife is the stuff of legend. What’s that you say? You're not a sports fan AND you're a few hundred years late for the Tea Party? Not to worry. Boston has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for fine dining, a taste of American history or a peek at the home of America's infamous rock and comedy legends, Boston is it!

Bostonians: Friendly Nightlife Guides

Boston travel is a must for the adventurous set, as it is also a notoriously friendly city. While this guide to Boston’s nightlife will give you the highlights, don’t hesitate to ask that gang of Sox fans on the MBTA (Boston’s subway, also known as the “T”) for suggestions. They might just invite you along to experience the local color from a local perspective!

Boston Music Nightlife: Rock

Perhaps you’ve heard of The Cars, Aerosmith or Dinosaur Jr.? Each of these bands was born out of Boston’s thriving local music scene. If music’s your thing, Boston will keep you busy every night of your stay. For smaller venues with character that still attract big acts, check out T.T., The Bear’s or The Middle East, where you can also feast affordably on hummus, falafel and pumpkin kibby before or after the show.

Many Melodies, and Some Are Free!

If rock isn't your cup of tea and you prefer another flavor of music, Boston will happily oblige most tastes. Boston tours offer music for every type of musical palate, from garage rock to the Boston Pops. If you choose to visit during the summertime, be sure to check out the Esplanade calendar, where internationally renowned musicians and ensembles perform outdoors for free by the Charles River. Plenty of Boston hotels are easily accessed from these fabulous hotspots, so feel free to indulge!

Boston Comedy Nightlife

Denis Leary, anyone? Louis C.K.? Steven Wright? All these guys -- as well as Conan O’Brien, Patrice O’Neal and a guy called Jay Leno -- got their start in the Boston comedy club scene. Comedy is still vibrant in Boston. Check out the up-and-coming local comedians (and even comedy super stars) at Nick's Comedy Stop or The Comedy Connection at Quincy Market when you are looking for things to do in Boston.

Quincy Market/Faneuil Hall: A Microcosm of Boston Nightlife

Complete with iconic symbol of Boston pride, the grasshopper weathervane, the historic Quincy Marketplace is a beacon of fun for locals and visitors alike. Many tourists list Quincy Market/Faneuil Hall as a top Boston attraction. Faneuil Hall is a building dating back to 1742 that served as a meeting house for Sam Adams and his illustrious associates. Around this historic treasure, Quincy Marketplace grew up as a center of fun for everyone in the city, locals and visitors alike.

In one indoor/outdoor mall location, people gather every day and night to enjoy shopping, people-watching and famously divine Boston restaurants. Conveniently located at the Government Center T stop, this section of the city offers groups of vacationing singles as well every member of vacationing families a lot of nighttime fun.

Boston's rowdy past and fun-loving present have set the tone as the premiere place to see and be seen. Any trip to Massachusetts simply isn't complete without experiencing the red-hot nightlife that Boston has to offer.

What You Said

User Reviews, Boards & Blogs

User Reviews

Boards & Blogs

Join other travelers to discuss your favorite places to travel, where to stay and what to do once you're there.
From breaking news to photo users, tune in to get the latest on what's happening in the world of travel.
AOL Travel

The quickest way to discount airline tickets, great hotel deals and affordable car rentals by far is to book with AOL Travel. We focus on bringing you a huge selection of affordable flights, hotel rates and rent a car options to suit your fancy, and your pocketbook. You ll find great deals on flights, unforgettable hotels, and car rentals for every occasion. Looking for discount flights on the web? You ll find fantastic prices on flights no matter if you re leaving next month or next weekend. Want to book your next family vacation for less? Take advantage of our partner discounts for airline tickets, hotels, rental cars, cruises and ideas on the hottest destinations. And if you re ready for a quick last-minute travel getaway, search for last-minute deals that offer discount airline tickets, rental cars and hotels in the places you want to go.

Don t set out on your next vacation without doing your destination homework. We have compiled a huge database of destination guides and traveling advice to make your next trip smooth sailing. And when you can t get out and see the sights for yourself, watch AOL Travel correspondent Peter Greenberg s video articles on fabulous places all over the world. You just might be inspired to book airline tickets to the featured destination. Regardless if you need flights for exotic international locales, or are cruising just around the corner, AOL Travel has the discount airline tickets, great hotel deals, unforgettable cruises and car rentals to get you there for less.


2009 AOL LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Portions copyright 2009 wCities, DiscoverOurTown.com and Northstar Travel Media LLC.