The very best 12 nightlife spots in Boston, United States
Sophie Watts
US Travel Writer
Welcome to Boston, where historic charm meets vibrant nightlife! Get ready to dive into the city's buzzing nocturnal scene as we unveil the top 12 spots that will undoubtedly make your journey unforgettable. From an underground speakeasy tucked away in an old bookstore to a swanky club that channels the sophisticated vibes of the Roaring Twenties, this list will have you dancing, sipping, and singing along until the wee hours. So grab your sense of adventure and get ready to paint the town crimson, because Boston's nightlife never sleeps!
Save destination1. Bukowski Tavern
50 Dalton St, Boston, MA 02115, USA
Welcome to Bukowski Tavern, a quirky gem nestled in the heart of Boston, where beer is revered, and simplicity is taken to an art form. Here, the bartenders sport ironic mustaches, and the walls are adorned with an impressive collection of beer cans, reminding you that you're in a place of true devotion. Soak in the delightfully grungy atmosphere as you sip on a perfectly poured pint and appreciate the irony of enjoying a gourmet burger under the watchful gazes of mounted animal heads.
Learn more2. Yvonne's
2 Winter Pl, Boston, MA 02108, USA
Welcome to Yvonne's, the hidden gem of Boston where elegance meets quirkiness! Step into a world that fuses the sophistication of a black-tie affair with the whimsy of a circus-themed carnival. Uniting vintage opulence and playful eccentricity, Yvonne's offers a dining experience that feels like stumbling upon a secret society of well-dressed clowns enjoying a night of gourmet delights.
Learn more3. The Hawthorne
500 A Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215, USA
Hidden in the heart of Boston lies The Hawthorne, a quirky yet sophisticated cocktail bar that will leave you questioning if you've accidentally stumbled into a secret lair of cocktail wizards. This enchanting establishment will tempt your taste buds with creative concoctions, carefully crafted by experienced mixologists who seem to possess an uncanny ability to transform even the most mundane ingredients into magical elixirs. Be prepared to sip on drinks that will transport you to a whimsical world, where every taste is an adventure and every glass holds a surprise.
Learn more4. Drink
348 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210, USA
Welcome to Boston, where the locals have perfected the art of drinking with wit and charm. Prepare to embark on a boozy adventure as you discover the city's vibrant drinking scene. From historic taverns echoing with stories of founding fathers to innovative craft breweries, Boston's drink offerings are as diverse as its accents. Bottoms up!
Learn more5. The Sinclair
52 Church St, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
Welcome to The Sinclair, Boston's lively hub of entertainment and deliciousness. This venue is bursting with character, boasting a perfect fusion of an intimate music hall and an upscale cocktail bar. Come prepared to experience tunes that would make your ears groove and dishes that will make your taste buds do the Macarena. As you step foot into The Sinclair, be prepared to be enchanted by its eclectic charm. It's the kind of place where hipsters, music aficionados, and people who genuinely love Instagrammable aesthetics come together in perfect harmony, like a symphony of effortlessly cool vibes. With its exposed brick walls, dimly lit chandeliers, and those good-looking bartenders passionately shaking cocktails, this place screams "sophisticated fun!" On the musical front, The Sinclair offers a lineup that spans all genres, from slick jazz trios to up-and-coming indie rock bands that still shop at thrift stores. It's the kind of joint where you can bob your head and ask strangers, "Are you feeling this too?" while sipping a handcrafted drink that will make you wish you could turn it into a scented candle. So, strap on your dancing shoes, tune up your taste buds, and let The Sinclair be the background music to your unforgettable Bostonian adventure.
Learn more6. Trillium Garden on the Greenway
Atlantic Avenue &, High St, Boston, MA 02110, USA
Welcome to Trillium Garden on the Greenway in Boston, where the delightful combination of beer and picturesque views will make you question why you ever took up jogging as a hobby. Situated along the vibrant Rose Kennedy Greenway, this urban oasis is the perfect spot to ponder life's mysteries while sipping on a cold brew. With an ample selection of craft beers that will leave you hopping with joy, you’ll soon realize that Boston's history isn't the only thing that deserves a toast in this city!
Learn more7. City Bar Boston
65 Exeter St, Boston, MA 02116, USA
Welcome to City Bar Boston, where the art of mixology meets the chaos of a college party. Located in the heart of Boston, this lively joint is a melting pot of local hipsters, after-work warriors, and tourists seeking the perfect balance between sophistication and a good old-fashioned shot contest. Prepare to sip on delightfully crafted cocktails while navigating through a sea of boisterous laughter and questionable dance moves, all while trying to remember that pivotal moment in college when you promised yourself you'd never go out on a Thursday ever again.
Learn more8. The Hawthorne
500 A Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215, USA
Welcome to The Hawthorne in Boston, a whimsical haven where mixology meets mischief! This captivating cocktail oasis boasts an ambience that is half vintage speakeasy, half eccentric chemistry lab. With bartenders who effortlessly whip up concoctions that could rival Harry Potter potions, even the most seasoned of drinkers are sure to be spellbound by the fascinating elixirs flowing forth from The Hawthorne. So grab a seat, buckle up, and prepare for a boozy adventure that will have you sipping your way through Boston's quirkiest libations.
Learn more9. The Bebop
1116 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02215, USA
Welcome to The Bebop, the jazzy haven nestled in the vibrant heart of Boston! Hailed as the city's swingin' hotspot, this joint offers a groovy night out like no other. Step into this neon-clad paradise where the tunes are as smooth as the cocktails, and a playlist of soulful melodies guarantees your toe-tapping pleasure. So grab your dancin' shoes, leave your worries at the door, and prepare for a hopping good time at The Bebop!
Learn more10. Biddy Early's
141 Pearl St, Boston, MA 02110, USA
Nestled in the heart of Boston, Biddy Early's is a jovial tavern that offers a spirited experience for locals and tourists alike. With its cozy, rustic atmosphere adorned with peculiar trinkets from bygone eras, this place feels like entering a quirky time machine. Patrons can indulge in an extensive selection of libations, ranging from local craft brews to captivating cocktails that will make your taste buds dance a jig.
Learn more11. Lucky's Lounge
355 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210, USA
Welcome to Lucky's Lounge in Boston, where you can test your luck with dinner and drinks that are truly extraordinary. This hidden gem feels like a secret hideout for those seeking the finest jazz tunes and divine comfort food. So, bring your appetite, your dancing shoes, and your sense of adventure along for a night of swanky vibes and mouthwatering delights.
Learn more12. Ward 8
90 N Washington St, Boston, MA 02114, USA
Welcome to Ward 8, Boston's charming neighborhood with a distinct personality! This lively enclave is like that quirky friend who always adds a sprinkle of excitement to your social circle. With its vibrant streets, eclectic shops, and restaurants that flaunt their culinary prowess, Ward 8 is the place to be for those seeking adventure and a side-splitting good time.
Learn moreHow to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Boston by plane is to fly into Boston Logan International Airport, which is located just 3 miles from downtown Boston. Major airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, United, JetBlue, and Southwest all service this airport from cities across the United States and around the world.
Car
Driving to Boston is an option if you live within a few hours of the city. However, be aware that parking in Boston can be expensive and difficult to find. If you do decide to drive, the easiest way to get into the city is via I-93 or I-90.
Train
While there are train stations in Boston, it may not be the most efficient way to get there. However, if you are coming in from other parts of Massachusetts or the Northeast Corridor, Amtrak offers service to Boston's South Station and Back Bay Station.
Boat
While Boston is located on the coast, taking a boat may not be the easiest or most efficient way to get there. However, there are ferry services from nearby islands, such as Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, that dock in Boston's Long Wharf area.
Bus
A great way to get to Boston is by bus. Greyhound and Peter Pan Bus Lines both offer service to Boston from cities across the United States. The main bus station in Boston is the South Station Bus Terminal, which is located in the heart of the city.