Massachusetts is a historic New England state in the northeastern United States, home to world-renowned universities, revolutionary history, and stunning natural landscapes. From the cosmopolitan city of Boston to the scenic shores of Cape Cod and the Berkshire Mountains, Massachusetts offers a remarkable blend of culture, history, and outdoor adventure.
Boston and Cambridge offer a vibrant nightlife scene driven by over 100,000 college students plus a sophisticated professional population. The city has excellent craft cocktail bars, live music venues, and popular nightclubs concentrated in Fenway/Kenmore, Back Bay, Seaport, South End, and across the Charles River in Cambridge and Somerville. Last call is 2am. Cannabis is legal for adults 21+.
At a glance
Nightlife districts
Where the action happens after dark.
Fenway/Kenmore
The most energetic nightlife hub on game nights. Yawkey Way bars fill up 3 hours before first pitch. Year-round, Kenmore Square and Boylston Street have excellent bars and clubs.
Best for: Sports events, Red Sox games, college nightlife
Back Bay
Sophisticated bars and lounges along Boylston Street attract a professional crowd. Newbury Street has wine bars and cocktail lounges. Generally quieter and more refined than Fenway.
Best for: Cocktail bars, wine bars, upscale professionals
South End
Boston's most diverse neighborhood with a thriving bar scene on Tremont Street. Piano bars, cocktail lounges, and neighborhood taverns coexist with acclaimed restaurant bars.
Best for: LGBTQ+ travelers, cocktails, neighborhood vibe
Cambridge/Somerville
Harvard Square, Central Square, and Davis Square offer an indie, intellectual nightlife scene with excellent dive bars, live music venues, and eclectic clubs. Less commercial than downtown Boston.
Best for: Live music, eclectic bars, indie scene
Bars & pubs
Where locals drink.
Cheers (Bull & Finch Pub)
The inspiration for the TV show Cheers, this English basement pub has served drinks in Beacon Hill since 1969. Genuinely convivial atmosphere in a charming historic location.
84 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02108
Drink
One of the most celebrated cocktail bars in New England — no menu, bartenders craft a bespoke cocktail based on the drinker's mood. An innovative, immersive experience in Fort Point.
348 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210
The Cask 'n Flagon
The most beloved Fenway bar, steps from the Green Monster. Multiple TVs, ice-cold beer, and an electric atmosphere before and after Red Sox games. A Boston institution for over 50 years.
62 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215
Silvertone Bar & Grill
A beloved, unpretentious basement bar serving great food and strong drinks. One of Boston's best neighborhood bars with a cozy underground atmosphere popular with locals, lawyers, and students.
69 Bromfield St, Boston, MA 02108
Corner Tavern
A beloved Back Bay neighborhood dive with cheap drinks, a friendly crowd, and an unpretentious atmosphere in an expensive neighborhood. One of Boston's great hidden gems.
421 Marlborough St, Boston, MA 02115
The Blarney Stone
An authentic Irish pub in Boston's Irish-American Dorchester neighborhood with traditional music sessions, Guinness on draught, and a genuine community atmosphere.
1505 Dorchester Ave, Boston, MA 02122
Ames Plow Tavern
A neighborhood tavern in South Boston with excellent rotating craft beer taps and a welcoming local vibe. One of the best places to sample New England craft beers.
234 Old Colony Ave, Boston, MA 02127
Parlor Sports
A fun, unpretentious sports bar with creative cocktails, excellent food, and a great neighborhood vibe. Popular with the Cambridge and Somerville academic crowd.
1 Beacon St, Somerville, MA 02143
Clubs
For dancing into the early hours.
Royale Boston
Boston's largest nightclub in a stunning 1914 ballroom. Three levels of dance floors host internationally renowned DJs, live performances, and themed club nights. Dress code enforced.
Big Night Live
A massive entertainment venue adjacent to TD Garden combining a nightclub, live music venue, and restaurant. A-list performers and Celtics/Bruins events make this a premier destination.
Bijou
Boston's most popular gay nightclub hosting legendary drag shows, circuit nights, and themed events in an intimate Theater District setting. A cornerstone of Boston's LGBTQ+ nightlife.
Nightlife tips
Stay safe and have fun.
Most venues warm up after midnight — earlier arrivals get easier entry and shorter queues.
Carry ID, even if you look older — bouncers check at most venues.
Plan your ride home before you go out — last transport runs earlier than the clubs close.