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.