32 Fun Things to do in Boston at Night 2024
While Boston’s neighbor, NYC, is pretty famous for its nightlife, Boston also has lots to offer for those looking for a fun night scene.
Boston is a city that comes alive at night. Life doesn’t keep going on after 2am like in New York, but there are plenty of fun places and things to do in Boston at night.
Whether you’re looking for a rowdy night out or something a bit more low-key, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of some of my top recommendations for those interested in a night out in Boston.
( Some of the links in this post are probably affiliate links meaning I might make a small percentage of any purchases you make. All opinions remain my own. For my disclosure policy click here. )
How Can I Spend a Night in Boston?
From catching a show at the theater district to grabbing drinks and dancing at one of the city’s many bars, there are so many fun things to do in Boston when the sun goes down.
You can spend it watching the Red Sox at Fenway Park, checking out a show at the iconic Boston Opera House, or exploring one of the many different neighborhoods.
If you’re looking for some nightlife options, you can find everything from clubs to dive bars in the historic city of Boston. And if you want to find a little more low-key spot to hang, there are plenty of great restaurants and bars all over the city.
What Part of Boston has Nightlife?
The nightlife in Boston varies depending on what you’re looking for. If you want to party or dance the night away, the clubs in the Theater District, Financial District, or Seaport can be a great option. If you’re looking for bars and pubs, there are plenty of options in areas like Downtown Crossing, the South End, and Fenway.
And if you’re just looking for a place to relax and have a few drinks, there are plenty of spots for that too.
The Best Things to Do in Boston at Night
So what’s there to actually do in Boston at night? You might feel a little overwhelmed at all of the options in Boston, but here are our recommendations for a fun night out.
1. Catch a Game at Fenway Park
Home of the Boston Red Sox, Fenway is a must-visit for any baseball fan. Even if you’re not a big sports fan, the atmosphere at Fenway is electric, and it’s a great place to spend an evening.
Fenway Park is the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball and has a capacity of over 37,000. The park is located in the Fenway-Kenmore neighborhood of Boston. This neighborhood is filled with plenty of pubs, restaurants, and fun places to hang out. Most people head to one of these spots before or after watching a game at the Park.
Popular bars: Lansdowne Pub, Bleacher Bar, Cask ‘n Flagon, Bill’s Bar
Popular Restaurants: Time Out Market, Sweet Cheeks Q, Citizen Public House & Oyster Bar, Eventide Fenway
2. Watch Any Sports Team in Boston
No matter what time of year it is, there’s always a game to go to in Boston. If you’re a sports fan, then you should definitely consider going to a game. You can watch the Boston Bruins play hockey, the Boston Celtics play basketball, or the Boston Red Sox play baseball.
There are also a lot of minor league teams in Boston, so you can always find tickets for a game or match to go to.
3. Head to a Concert
Boston has a pretty big music scene, and there are always amazing concerts happening throughout the city. If you like live music, head to one of the many clubs or bars that feature local and touring bands.
The Middle East in Cambridge is popular, as well as Beehive in the South End, and Lucky’s Lounge in Seaport. These restaurants and venues all offer different genres of music, so you’re sure to find a music preference you’ll enjoy.
Some of the larger venues include the House of Blues, TD Garden, and the Leader Bank Pavilion in Seaport. These venues host both local and national acts and usually have multiple shows happening each week. My favorite is the Pavilion since it’s outdoors by the water!
4. Go to a Comedy Club
Boston has a thriving comedy scene, and there are many great comedy clubs located throughout the city. If you’re looking for a place to laugh, head to one of these clubs for a fun night.
Some of the most popular comedy clubs in Boston include The Comedy Studio, Laugh Boston, and Improv Asylum. These clubs feature local and national comedians and offer a variety of shows throughout the week. I highly recommend Laugh Boston!
5. Check out a Show in the Theater District
The Theater District is located in Downtown Boston and is home to many of the city’s most popular theaters. If you’re looking for a night of culture, head to one of these theaters for a memorable show.
Some of the most popular theaters include the Boston Opera House, the Citi Performing Arts Center, the Cutler Majestic Theatre, and the Paramount Theatre. These venues host a variety of shows, including musicals, plays, ballets, and more.
6. Visit a Museum Open Late
Boston is home to many world-renowned museums, including the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, the Institute of Contemporary Art, the Boston Museum of Science, and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. These museums offer a variety of exhibits and usually have at least one night each week or month where they’re open late.
If you’re looking for something to do that’s a little more educational and cultured, head to a museum. Many museums even have free days, and we have an entire post on that (go ahead and open that link up for the list, you can save it for later).
7. Take a Ghost Tour of Boston
If you’re looking for a spooky activity, take a ghost tour of Boston. These guided tours take you to some of the most haunted places in the city and are a great way to learn about the history of Boston and learn some creepy stories along the way.
Some of the most popular ghost tours in Boston include the Ghosts and Gravestones Tour and the Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour. These tours are all led by experienced guides who will show you around the top landmarks and tell you about the city’s haunted secrets.
👻 This haunted Boston ghost tour is a fan favorite!
8. Visit Legal Sea Foods Harborside Location
A classic spot in Boston to visit, especially if you love seafood. Legal Sea Foods Harborside is right on the water and offers a great view and stellar seafood. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere and is a great place to get a bite to eat after a long day of sightseeing. I recommend this spot to anyone visiting Boston for the atmosphere.
There’s a rooftop area for appetizers/drinks, as well as other floors with indoor dining rooms, all with a different vibe. The rooftop is my favorite, though.
9. Cisco Brewery in Seaport
This place is a must for beer lovers and anyone who loves hanging out in a beer garden during the warm months. The Cisco brewery in Seaport offers a variety of beers, both seasonal and year-round. The brewery also has food trucks, so you can grab a bite to eat with your beer. This is such a fun place to hang out, especially for groups.
10. King’s Dining & Entertainment
Looking for a fun night out with friends? Head to Kings, a popular entertainment destination for games and bowling in Boston. They have a full bar and restaurant, so you can bowl a few games and then grab a drink or bite to eat. They also have an arcade area with classic games like Pac-Man and Guitar Hero.
Kings is a great place to go for a rowdy night or even a low-key night, up to you. Another great spot for groups. There are two locations, one in Back Bay and another in Seaport.
Tip: If this sounds like a blast to you and you’re in Fenway, you can head to Lucky Strike, which is similar to Kings.
11. Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Faneuil Hall Marketplace is a great spot for shopping, eating, and people-watching. It’s located in the heart of Boston and is always bustling with activity. There are a variety of shops and restaurants, so everyone can get what they want in the mix.
The marketplace is also home to some of Boston’s best street performers. So if you’re looking for entertainment, make sure to check out the performers at Faneuil Hall Marketplace.
Popular Bars: The Black Rose, Mija Cantina & Tequila Bar, Ned Devine’s
12. Visit the Famous Cheers Bar
A visit to Boston isn’t complete without a stop at Cheers. This bar was made famous by the TV show of the same name and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. The bar is small and cozy, and the staff is always friendly.
The bar is located near the Boston Common, so it’s a great place to stop for a drink after exploring the park.
13. Take a Harbor Cruise or Go Sailing
Boston is a beautiful city, and there’s no better way to see it than from the water. There are several harbor cruises and sailing trips to take. Once you’re aboard, you’ll be able to sit back, relax, and take in the sights of the city and the skyline.
Many different companies offer harbor cruises and sailing trips, so you can find one that fits your schedule and budget.
Popular harbor cruises or sailing trips include Boston Harbor Sunset Cruise, Spirit of Boston, and Sailing on a Tall Ship.
⛵️ Book the perfect Sunset Cruise with Boston Harbor Cruises
14. Head to a Rooftop Bar for Amazing Views
One of the best things about Boston is that there are so many rooftop bars with stunning views of the city. These bars are perfect for a night out, as you can enjoy the view and stellar cocktails or drinks. Some of these spots have DJs or live music, which is an added plus.
Some of the best rooftop bars in Boston include The Envoy Hotel’s Lookout Bar, Rooftop @ Revere, and Six West in Southie. New rooftops are popping up consistently, so we’ll try and keep this updated as frequently as possible. Subscribe to our newsletter to make sure you don’t miss any updates!
15. New England Aquarium
The New England Aquarium is a great spot for both kids but also for adults. They have so many fun and informational exhibits and even an IMAX theater, so you can learn about the different animals and ecosystems or even catch a movie. They also have a touch tank where you can pet stingrays.
The aquarium is located on the waterfront, so you can also enjoy the views of Boston Harbor and grab a seafood dinner after you see the aquarium.
The aquarium has night hours on Fridays till 8pm, so you can experience the aquarium in a whole new way.
16. Go on a Pub Crawl
Boston is known for its pub culture, and there are several pub crawls to join to experience the best that the city has to offer. These crawls take you to some of the best bars in Boston, and you can drink and socialize with other people on the crawl. For those interested in meeting others while you’re in the city, this is a great way to make some friends.
Some of the most popular pub crawls in Boston include the Freedom Trail History Tour Pub Crawl, or the Ye Olde Tavern Tour. Cheers!
17. Harpoon Brewery
Harpoon Brewery is a great spot for beer lovers. They offer tours of the brewery, so you can learn about how they make their beer. They also have a tasting room, so you can sample some of their different beers.
They have food onsite, including one of the best pretzels you’ll ever eat. No, seriously. They’ve also got communal table seating inside so you can enjoy meeting others and playing the board or card games in their collection. There’s also outside seating available with bocce ball and corn hole.
The brewery is located in the Seaport District, and I highly recommend visiting if you’re exploring that area.
18. Food & Drinks in the North End
The North End is Boston’s Little Italy and is home to some of the best Italian food in the city. There are a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bakeries, so you can find something to your taste.
The North End is also home to several bars, so it’s a great spot for a night out. Some of the most popular bars in the North End include The Union Oyster House and The Bell in Hand Tavern. Union Oyster House is the oldest restaurant in Boston and is located in the heart of the city. The restaurant is famous for its seafood, including clam chowder and lobster.
Restaurants you should check out in the North End include Bricco, Bacco, and Giacomo’s.
19. Take a Cooking Class
If you’re interested in learning how to cook some tasty Italian food, you can take a cooking class in Boston. These classes are typically led by a chef, and you’ll learn how to make a variety of dishes.
Some of the best cooking classes in the city include an Italian Dinner with Tiramisu and a Fresh Pasta Making Class. Yum, just reading that will make you hungry. Eataly has some great Italian cooking classes as well.
I took a cooking class once in the South End neighborhood, and it was really fun! We made lots of pasta (so much gnocchi) and enjoyed a fun evening with wine and lots of good laughs. This is the cooking class company I used.
👩🍳 You can book a cooking class with Selfup by clicking here!
20. Karaoke
Karaoke is a really fun way to spend an evening with friends. You can sing your favorite songs, have some drinks, and enjoy the night. It’s one of the most underrated but best things to do in Boston at night.
There are a few karaoke bars in Boston, including Kings Backstage Karaoke Bar, The Lansdowne Pub, and Midway Cafe.
21. Try Your Luck at an Escape Room
Escape rooms are a great way to challenge yourself and your friends or family. You’ll have to solve puzzles and riddles to escape the room, and it’s a great way to test your teamwork.
There are a few escape rooms in Boston, including Escape the Room Boston, Trapology Boston, and Boxaroo – Boston Room Escape.
22. Howl at the Moon Piano Bar
Howl at the Moon is a piano bar in the Financial District. The bar has two floors, and each floor has a different vibe. One of my favorite things about piano bars is that you can request songs. I’ve enjoyed several nights at Howl at the Moon and tend to look for piano bars in every city I visit.
The bar also has a variety of drinks, so you can enjoy a few drinks while you listen to fun music or head to the dance floor.
23. Wally’s Cafe for some Jazz
If you’re a fan of jazz, then you should definitely check out Wally’s Cafe. The cafe has live jazz every night, and it’s a great place to relax and listen to some good music. The cafe is located in the South End, so it’s a great place to stop if you’re in the area.
Pro Tip: It’s a tiny place, so I’d recommend getting there early to grab a table or seat.
24. Paint Bar
Paint bars are a great way to relax and have some fun. You can paint while you enjoy a drink, and it’s a great way to spend an evening. I’m not even remotely close to being a good painter, but these places are so fun, and you end up with a beautiful canvas at the end of the night.
There are a couple paint bars in Boston, including The Paint Bar and Muse Paintbar.
25. See a movie at AMC Boston Common
If you’re looking for things to do in Boston at night, a tried and true classic is to go see a good movie. AMC Boston Common is a great place for a movie night as it’s located right in the heart of the city next to the Common. The movie theater has several theaters, so you should be able to watch any movie you want that is currently out in theaters.
There is even a bar in the theater, so you can grab a drink before or after the movie. Definitely a convenient spot for it. There are also several restaurants nearby to grab drinks or dinner at. Guy Fieri’s restaurant is right next door!
26. Take a Foodie tour
If you love food, then you should definitely consider taking a food tour. These tours are a great way to try new foods and learn about the different restaurants in the city. It’s also a great way to try foods you might not normally try.
One of the best food tour neighborhoods is through Boston’s historic North End. Italian food and pizza oh-my!
Here’s a self-guided tour through Chinatown’s delicious cuisine as well. Enjoy.
27. Do Some Shopping
Boston is a great place to shop, and there are lots of stores to visit while you’re here. If you’re looking for something specific, you can most likely find it in Boston.
Some of the best places to shop in Boston include Newbury Street, Copley Place, and the Prudential Center. You can also find a lot of great deals on clothing and other items if you go to the outlets in Assembly Row. Downtown Crossing also has plenty of department stores and places like Marshalls and TJ Maxx.
28. Loretta’s Last Call – Country Music Bar
If you’re a fan of country music, then you’re in luck. Check out Loretta’s Last Call bar in Fenway. The bar has live music pretty frequently, and it’s a great place to relax and enjoy some good music. Boston isn’t exactly known for listening to lots of country so it’s a hidden gem for those in the city craving a little bit of country. Great barbeque food as well and plenty of beer and cocktails.
They even have line dancing events for those that are interested in learning or dancing the night away.
Check out Loretta’s before or after a game at Fenway Park. It’s right across the street so it’s extremely convenient.
29. Take a Walking Tour
Boston is a beautiful city, and there are many great places to see. If you want to learn more about the city, then you should consider taking a walking tour. These tours are a great way to see the city and learn more about its history.
Most guided tours are during the day but nothing says you can’t do a self-guided tour at night. Check out this great self-guided audio tour of Boston – you can go as you please and linger along the way or go straight through. Completely up to you!
Free things to do in Boston at Night
There are several things to do in Boston at night that are also free. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
30. Coit Observatory
The Coit Observatory is located on the top of the BU Astronomy Department and is open to the public on clear Thursday nights from 8:30pm to 9:30pm. It’s a great place to see the stars and planets up close! Make sure to reserve ahead though as spaces are limited and fill up fast.
31. Explore the Boston Common and Public Garden
The Boston Common and Public Garden are two of the most popular green areas in Boston. They’re both great places to take a walk, relax, and enjoy the scenery. Of course there are a number of restaurants and bars around the Common and Garden that you can meander through as well. It definitely makes for a beautiful walk at sunset (check out the bridge in the Public Garden especially) or in the evening.
33. Explore the Neighborhoods
Boston is made up of so many different neighborhoods, each with their own unique atmosphere. Spend an evening exploring one or several of these neighborhoods, and you’re sure to find some great bars, restaurants, and shops along the way.
Some of my favorite neighborhoods to explore are the South End, North End, and Back Bay. Of course, it will depend on what you’re looking for but there is also Beacon Hill, Seaport, or even Cambridge if you want to cross the river.
Boston Travel Information & Planning
Ready to plan your trip to Boston? There are several things you should note before you plan your trip. One, when should you go and then two, where will you stay when you get there?
Best Time to Travel to Boston
This depends on what you’re looking for. The summer months of June through August make great months to visit since it’s warm, patios are open, and beaches are lively. The summer months are the busiest with so many tourists, but they’re also a wonderful time to experience Boston in all its glory.
Fall months around September through October provide slightly cooler weather, a less busy atmosphere, and a more beautiful view with leaves changing all around you. The fall foliage is absolutely a necessary to see – it needs to be on your travel bucket. A New England fall is truly unmatched.
Where to Stay in Boston?
One thing I generally recommend is to stay somewhere downtown in Boston since it’s such a walkable city. Sure, you can grab a cheaper hotel outside the downtown area and use Uber or Lyft, but the convenience factors will drop.
Personally, I’d recommend these neighborhoods: North End, South End, Back Bay, or Fenway. I’ve included hotels in the following list that are not in these neighborhoods though so feel free to stay wherever you think is the best fit.
Affordable Hotels in Boston:
If you’re looking for a way to visit Boston on a Budget, check out my post about having a fun experience without spending a fortune.
Luxury Hotels:
Summary: The Top Things to Do in Boston at Night
These are just a few of the many things that you can do in Boston at night. There’s something for everyone and every season. Boston is such a vibrant and exciting city, and there’s always something going on. Whether you’re looking for a night out on the town or a quiet evening, Boston has got it and usually plenty of history and amazing food to go with it.
I hope this guide was helpful in giving you some ideas of things to do in Boston at night. If you have any other suggestions, feel free to leave a comment below. Happy travels.
What are you excited about seeing in Boston? Let us know in the comments below!
