Nightlife in Boston
Boston nightlife centres on bars and lounges rather than clubs, which close at 2am. In the Back Bay are the 52nd-storey Top of the Hub lounge and world-famous Symphony Hall. International tourists flock to the Faneuil Hall location of Cheers, which looks like the bar on the television show. Cambridge is the place for live music. It's home to the Regattabar, a first-class jazz club, and an excellent, diverse selection of other nightspots.
Bars
Expand all-
1. 29 Newbury - Bars
Show moreThe most fashionable bar on Boston's most fashionable street, 29 Newbury is a long-standing Back Bay favourite. The huge front window allows patrons at the sleek bar to people-watch and gives passers-by a view of the stylish crowd.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Address
29, Newbury Street, Boston 02116
Telephone
+1 617 536 0290
-
2. John Harvard's Brew House - Bars
Show moreThis subterranean Harvard Square hangout, the flagship of the regional chain, pumps out terrific English-style brews in a clublike setting and prides itself on its food. The brewed-on-the-premises beer selection changes regularly. Order a sampler if you can't decide, and while you wait, try to find the sports figures in the stained-glass windows.
Show this on mapE-mail this item -
3. Top of the Hub - Bars
Show more
Top of the Hub is an ideal place for a date or special occasion. This glamorous lounge perches atop the Prudential Tower, 52 storeys above the heart of the Back Bay. The jazz is live and the views are spectacular.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Address
Prudential Tower, 800 Boylston Street, Boston 02199
Telephone
+1 617 536 1775
-
4. Cheers - Bars
Show more
A replica of the set of the popular television show, complete with memorabilia, Cheers is one of Faneuil Hall's most popular destinations. Crowds of happy tourists come from around the world to snap a photo and enjoy a pint.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Address
Quincy Market Southwest Café, Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston 02109
Telephone
+1 617 227 0150
-
5. Mr Dooley's Boston Tavern - Bars
Show moreLocated near Faneuil Hall Marketplace but not swamped with tourists, this is a great place to enjoy a Guinness or two. Mr. Dooley's Boston Tavern draws friendly lunch and after-work crowds. It schedules regular live Irish or rock music.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Address
77, Broad Street, Boston 02109
Telephone
+1 617 338 5656
-
6. DeLux Café - Bars
Show moreThe DeLux Café is in the chic South End, but it's not an upmarket nightspot. Its patrons come for the cheap beer, strong mixed drinks and eccentric decor, including a shrine to Elvis Presley. Credit cards are not accepted.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Address
100, Chandler Street, Boston 02116
Telephone
+1 617 338 5258
Transport
Orange Line to Back Bay subway
-
7. Casablanca - Bars
Show moreThe bar at Casablanca attracts sophisticated patrons from Harvard University - instructors, graduate students and alumni, not noisy undergraduates. Named after the Humphrey Bogart movie, this subterranean Cambridge favourite boasts a great jukebox, an excellent wine list and creative martinis.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Address
40, Brattle Street, Cambridge 02138
Telephone
+1 617 876 0999
Clubs
Expand all-
8. Lizard Lounge - Clubs
Show moreLocated in a basement room, the Lizard Lounge draws appreciative crowds to Cambridge for rock, blues and more. With its dim red lighting, the club is small enough to feel intimate and large enough to get noisy and entertaining.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Address
Cambridge Common Restaurant, 1667 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge 02138
Telephone
+1 617 547 0759
-
9. Great Scott - Clubs
Show moreWorth the trek to the student mecca of Allston, Great Scott is a friendly neighbourhood bar that happens to be an excellent live-music venue. It books mostly rock bands, usually local, plus DJs. On a busy night you might see four different acts. Open daily from noon to 2am; live shows usually start at 9pm. The bar accepts cash only.
Show this on mapE-mail this item -
10. The Middle East - Clubs
Show more
Central Square in Cambridge is a great neighbourhood for live music, especially rock at The Middle East. With four performance spaces, it's everything a rock club should be: crowded, loud and a favourite for local, national and international artists.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Address
472-480, Massachussetts Avenue, Cambridge 02139
Telephone
+1 617 864 3278
-
11. Regattabar - Clubs
Show more
A leading venue on the area's lively jazz scene, the Regattabar is an upmarket club off Harvard Square in Cambridge. The large, elegant room attracts knowledgeable, enthusiastic audiences for a wide range of musical styles and an excellent sound system.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Address
The Charles Hotel, 1 Bennett Street, Cambridge 02138
Telephone
+1 617 661 5000
-
12. Club Passim - Clubs
Show more
Club Passim is an international folk music legend. Established and aspiring musicians draw fans of all ages to this subterranean room in the heart of Cambridge's Harvard Square. To guarantee admission, make a dinner reservation. No alcohol is served.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Address
47, Palmer Street, Harvard Square, Cambridge 02138
Telephone
+1 617 492 7679
-
13. Cafe 939 - Clubs
Show moreA certain present-at-the-creation vibe prevails here. Berklee College of Music students run and often perform at the all-ages coffeehouse (in other words, no alcohol) which holds 200 for live music most Wednesday to Saturday nights. The club, also known as the Red Room, books professionals as well as students; popular acts often sell out.
Show this on mapE-mail this item
Entertainment
Expand all-
14. Symphony Hall - Entertainment
Show moreOne of the most famous stages in classical music, this Back Bay treasure is home to the world-famous Boston Symphony Orchestra and the beloved Boston Pops. When the regular occupants are elsewhere, the Symphony Hall books major artists and ensembles.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Address
301, Massachusetts Avenue, Boston 02115
Telephone
+1 617 266 1492 (box office)
-
15. Boston Center for the Arts - Entertainment
Show moreWith multiple performance and exhibition spaces, the Boston Center for the Arts is a destination for anyone who appreciates contemporary art. In the heart of the South End, it attracts artists, performers and audiences interested in all mediums and genres.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Address
539, Tremont Street, Boston 02116
Telephone
+1 617 426 5000
