Home Destinations USA Massachusetts Boston Entertainment Boston

Nightlife & the Arts in Boston

Read our Boston nightlife & the arts reviews. Or post your own.

Nightlife & the Arts in Boston

Nightlife Overview »

Name	Category	Location

21st Amendment 21st Amendment, named after the amendment that ended Prohibition... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

The Alley The Alley, just off Boston Common, packs several watering holes... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

American Repertory American Repertorystages experimental, classic, and contemporary... Be the first to write a review	Theater	Boston View on a map

Aria Aria fills up with the young, the beautiful, and the chic Thursday... Be the first to write a review	Dance Clubs	Boston View on a map

Art of Black Dance and Music Art of Black Dance and Music performs the music and dance of... Be the first to write a review	Dance	Boston

Bank of America Celebrity Series The Bank of America Celebrity Series presents about 50 events... Be the first to write a review	Music	Boston View on a map

Bank of America Pavilion Bank of America Pavilion gathers up to 5,000 people on the city's... Be the first to write a review	Concerts	Boston View on a map

Beantown Pub Beantown Pub, right on the Freedom Trail, is the only pub in... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

The Beehive The Beehive is a café and nightclub in the basement of... Be the first to write a review	Music Clubs	Boston View on a map

Bell in Hand Tavern Bell in Hand Tavern is the country's oldest continuously operating... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

Berklee Performance Center Berklee Performance Center, associated with Berklee College of... Be the first to write a review	Concerts	Boston View on a map

The Black Rose The Black Rose is decorated with family crests, pictures of Ireland... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

Boston Balle Boston Balle t, the city's premier dance company, performs at... Be the first to write a review	Dance	Boston View on a map

Boston Beanstock Coffee Company Boston Beanstock Coffee Company, a relative newcomer to the North... Be the first to write a review	Cafes	Boston View on a map

Boston Beer Works Boston Beer Works is a "naked brewery," with all the works exposed—the... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

Boston Beer Works Boston Beer Works near the TD Banknorth Garden is nearly identical... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

Boston Camerata Boston Camerata, founded in 1954, has become a worldwide favorite... Be the first to write a review	Music	Boston

The Boston Cecilia The Boston Cecilia, which dates from 1876, holds regular concerts... Be the first to write a review	Music	Boston View on a map

Boston Center for the Arts Boston Center for the Arts houses more than a dozen quirky, low-budget... Be the first to write a review	Theater	Boston View on a map

Boston Dance Alliance Boston Dance Alliance serves as a clearinghouse for local dance... Be the first to write a review	Dance	Boston View on a map

Boston Early Music Festival If you're a die-hard early-music devotee, plan to visit Boston... Be the first to write a review	Music	Boston

Boston Early Music Festival Boston Early Music Festival focuses on medieval, baroque, and... Be the first to write a review	Music	Boston

Boston Gay Men's C Boston Gay Men's C horus seeks to "create a more-tolerant society... Be the first to write a review	Music	Boston

Boston Lyric Opera Boston Lyric Opera stages four full productions each season at... Be the first to write a review	Opera	Boston View on a map

The Boston Opera House The Boston Opera House hosts plays, musicals, and traveling Broadway... Be the first to write a review	Concerts	Boston View on a map

The Boston Opera House The Boston Opera House features lavish musical productions such... Be the first to write a review	Theater	Boston View on a map

Boston Philharmonic Boston Philharmonic is headed by the charismatic Benjamin Zander... Be the first to write a review	Music	Boston

Boston Pops Boston Pops perform a mix of American standards, movie themes... Be the first to write a review	Music	Boston

Boston Public Library Boston Public Library regularly screens free family, foreign... Write a review \| Avg. member rating: 5.0/5	Film	Boston View on a map

Boston Secession Boston Secession is a professional vocal ensemble that's trying... Be the first to write a review	Music	Boston View on a map

Boston Symphony Orchestra Boston Symphony Orchestra presents more than 250 concerts annually... Be the first to write a review	Music	Boston

Brattle Theatre Brattle Theatre shows classic movies, new foreign and independent... Be the first to write a review	Film	Boston View on a map

Bukowski Tavern Bukowski Tavern is a narrow barroom with a literary flair and... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

The Burren The Burren pulls in a devoted local, mostly student, crowd. It's... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

Cactus Club The Cactus Club is one of the few places in Boston that makes... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

Café Algiers Café Algiers is a genuine Middle Eastern café serving... Be the first to write a review	Cafes	Boston View on a map

Caffé Vittoria Caffé Vittoria is the biggest of the cafés in the... Be the first to write a review	Cafes	Boston View on a map

Cambridge Brewing Company Cambridge Brewing Company is a cheerful, collegial, cavernous... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

Cambridge Multicultural Arts Center Cambridge Multicultural Arts Center presents local and visiting... Be the first to write a review	Dance	Boston View on a map

The Cambridge Society for Early Music The Cambridge Society for Early Music helps promote early-music... Be the first to write a review	Music	Boston

The Cantab Lounge/Third Rail The Cantab Lounge/Third Rail hums every night with live Motown... Be the first to write a review	Music Clubs	Boston View on a map

Cantata Singers Cantata Singers perform music dating from the 17th century to... Be the first to write a review	Music	Boston View on a map

Casablanca Casablanca has a Moroccan interior replete with wicker chairs... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

Champions Sports Bar Champions Sports Bar welcomes sports fans—the more rabid... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

Charles Playhouse The Charles Playhouse was formerly a church, a YWCA, a Prohibition-era... Be the first to write a review	Theater	Boston View on a map

Cheers Cheers, formerly known as the Bull & Finch Pub, was dismantled... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

Cheers Cheers in Faneuil Hall, the city's second location, was created... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

Chez Henri Chez Henri, a French-Cuban restaurant equidistant from Harvard... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

Citi Performing Arts Center Citi Performing Arts Center, formerly the Wang Center for the... Be the first to write a review	Theater	Boston View on a map

Clery's Depending on the patron's mood, Clery's can be a neighborhood... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

Club Café Club Café is among the smartest spots in town for gay... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

Club Passim Club Passim has seen Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Suzanne Vega, and... Be the first to write a review	Cafes	Boston View on a map

Colonial Theatre The Colonial Theatre has ornate red wallpaper, intricately carved... Be the first to write a review	Theater	Boston View on a map

Comedy Connection Comedy Connection, which has been voted the best comedy club... Be the first to write a review	Comedy Clubs	Boston View on a map

The Comedy Studio The Comedy Studio, upstairs at the Hong Kong in Harvard Square... Be the first to write a review	Comedy Clubs	Boston View on a map

The Coolidge Corner Theatre The Coolidge Corner Theatre has an eclectic and frequently updated... Be the first to write a review	Film	Boston View on a map

Dado Tea Dado Tea has a new-age feel, with an extensive listing of teas... Be the first to write a review	Cafes	Boston View on a map

Dance Complex Dance Complex presents varied dance styles by local and visiting... Be the first to write a review	Dance	Boston View on a map

Dante Dante, in the Royal Sonesta hotel, offers a sleek bar and lounge... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

Delux Café & Lounge Delux Café & Lounge is a great spot to mix with twentysomething... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

Diesel Cafe Diesel Cafe is a bright and sunny spot with bold local artwork... Be the first to write a review	Cafes	Boston View on a map

Doyle's Café Doyle's Café, truly an institution, is a friendly, crowded... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

Druid Druid makes you feel like you're in Dublin with well-poured pints... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

Emmanuel Music Emmanuel Music holds concerts at Emmanuel Church, known as "the... Write a review \| Avg. member rating: 5.0/5	Music	Boston View on a map

Enormous Room Enormous Room, somewhat whimsically named, is tucked into a tiny... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

The Estate The Estate, part of the Alley entertainment complex, offers guest... Be the first to write a review	Dance Clubs	Boston View on a map

Felt Felt is the place to see and be seen. Dress to impress; once... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

Folk Arts Center of New England Folk Arts Center of New England promotes participatory international... Be the first to write a review	Dance	Boston View on a map

The Foundation Lounge The Foundation Lounge transplants a West Coast vibe in the sleek... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

The Fours The Fours is all about sports. Located just outside the TD Banknorth... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

Franklin Cafe Franklin Cafe is a neighborhood institution known for great martinis... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

Fritz Lounge Fritz Lounge is a gay sports bar popular with the local after-work... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

The Good Life The Good Life is a creative martini bar, with such exotic varieties... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

Great Scott Great Scott books an impressive lineup of local and visiting... Be the first to write a review	Music Clubs	Boston View on a map

Green Dragon Tavern Green Dragon Tavern is a less-rowdy pub than its Faneuil Hall... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

Green Street Grill Green Street Grill is the place for both a meal and music. Start... Be the first to write a review	Music Clubs	Boston View on a map

Grendel's Den Grendel's Den is low lighted and brick walled, the quintessential... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

Gypsy Bar Gypsy Bar is the place to go if you're on the prowl. Expect scantily... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

Gypsy Bar Gypsy Bar almost calls to mind the decadence of a dark European... Be the first to write a review	Dance Clubs	Boston View on a map

Handel & Haydn Society Handel & Haydn Society, America's oldest music organization... Be the first to write a review	Music	Boston View on a map

Hard Rock Cafe Hard Rock Cafe, formerly in the Back Bay, relocated to Faneuil... Be the first to write a review	Music Clubs	Boston View on a map

Harp Harp is the place for a crowded, rollicking atmosphere, just... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

Harpers Ferry Harpers Ferry, noisy and crowded, is known for its live rock... Be the first to write a review	Music Clubs	Boston View on a map

Harpers Ferry Harpers Ferry is a rock and blues club where not only local rock... Be the first to write a review	Music Clubs	Boston View on a map

Harvard Film Archive Harvard Film Archive screens works from its vast collection of... Be the first to write a review	Film	Boston View on a map

Harvard's Hasty Pudding Theatricals Harvard's Hasty Pudding Theatricals at Harvard University calls... Be the first to write a review	Theater	Boston View on a map

Hatch Memorial Shell Hatch Memorial Shell, on the bank of the Charles River, is a... Be the first to write a review	Concerts	Boston View on a map

Havana Club Havana Club at the Greek American Political Club in Central Square... Be the first to write a review	Music Clubs	Boston View on a map

Hennessy's Hennessy's claims to be the best Irish pub in town, although... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

The Hong Kong The Hong Kong is a contender for Faneuil Hall's rowdiest bar... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

The Huntington Theatre Company The Huntington Theatre Company, Boston's largest resident theater... Be the first to write a review	Theater	Boston View on a map

ImprovAsylum ImprovAsylum features comedians who weave audience suggestions... Be the first to write a review	Comedy Clubs	Boston View on a map

ImprovBoston ImprovBoston in Central Square turns audience suggestions into... Be the first to write a review	Comedy Clubs	Boston View on a map

The Independent The Independent, in Somerville's Union Square, offers a hip place... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

The Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston The Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston screens art films... Be the first to write a review	Film	Boston View on a map

The Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston The Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston hosts experimental... Be the first to write a review	Concerts	Boston View on a map

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum holds concerts in its beautiful... Be the first to write a review	Concerts	Boston View on a map

J. J. Foley's J. J. Foley's is yet another Irish pub that's worth a visit... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

Jacque's Cabaret Jacque's Cabaret, an institution for more than 60 years, is anything... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

Jake Ivory's Jake Ivory's, on the always lively Lansdowne Street, is a bar... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

Jillian's Jillian's, a sprawling nightspot, with multiple bars, pool tables... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

John Harvard's Brew House John Harvard's Brew House dispenses—from behind its long... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

Johnny D's Uptown Johnny D's Uptown is a restaurant-cum-music hall where every... Be the first to write a review	Music Clubs	Boston View on a map

José Mateo's Ballet Theatre José Mateo's Ballet Theatre is a troupe building an exciting... Be the first to write a review	Dance	Boston View on a map

Jose McIntyre's Jose McIntyre's, an Irish-Mexican bar, satisfies your double... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

Kendall Square Cinem Kendall Square Cinem a is devoted to first-run independent and... Be the first to write a review	Film	Boston View on a map

The Kinsale The Kinsale by day offers lunch and a pint to the business crowds... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

Kitty O'Shea's Kitty O'Shea's, on the outskirts of Faneuil Hall in the Financial... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

Last Hurrah Last Hurrah, at the Omni Parker House, might make you feel like... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

Limelight Stage + Studios Limelight Stage + Studios is a karaoke bar where bold patrons... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

The Living Room The Living Room, on the outskirts of the North End, has killer... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

Lizard Lounge Lizard Lounge is a low-key nightspot that often features more-experimental... Be the first to write a review	Music Clubs	Boston View on a map

Lucky's Lounge Lucky's Lounge is a subterranean spot with live jazz on weekends... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

The Middle East Restaurant & Nightclub The Middle East Restaurant & Nightclub manages to be both... Be the first to write a review	Music Clubs	Boston View on a map

Middlesex Lounge Middlesex Lounge combines the minimalist design of a New York... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

Midway Café Midway Café,in Jamaica Plain, books a mix of live rock... Be the first to write a review	Music Clubs	Boston View on a map

Museum of Fine Arts The Museum of Fine Arts screens international and avant-garde... Be the first to write a review	Film	Boston View on a map

Museum of Fine Arts The Museum of Fine Arts has jazz, blues, and folk concerts in... Be the first to write a review	Concerts	Boston View on a map

New England Conservatory's Jordan Hall New England Conservatory's Jordan Hall is one of the world's... Be the first to write a review	Concerts	Boston View on a map

Nick's Comedy Stop Nick's Comedy Stop presents local comics Thursday through Saturday... Be the first to write a review	Comedy Clubs	Boston View on a map

Noir Noir is a sexy nightspot in the Charles Hotel where Cary Grant... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

Oak Bar Oak Bar has an elegant backdrop of whirring ceiling fans, marble... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

Opera Boston Opera Boston draws a connoisseur crowd with its fully staged... Be the first to write a review	Opera	Boston View on a map

Orleans Orleans brings a cool Back Bay vibe to Somerville's Davis Square... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

Paradise Rock Club Paradise Rock Club is a small place known for hosting big-name... Be the first to write a review	Music Clubs	Boston View on a map

Plough & Stars Recently renovated, the Plough & Stars, a traditional Irish... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

POE @ The Rattlesnake POE @ The Rattlesnake lures in Back Bay shoppers and the post-work... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

The Purple Shamrock The Purple Shamrock is a tourist favorite. Just off Faneuil Hall... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

Regattabar Regattabar is host to some of the top names in jazz, including... Be the first to write a review	Music Clubs	Boston View on a map

Revolution Rock Club Fans of rock and roll should head to Revolution Rock Club: there's... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

River Gods River Gods, a popular bar outside Central Square, is true to... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

The Roxy The Roxy has a spacious interior that resembles an early-20th-century... Be the first to write a review	Dance Clubs	Boston View on a map

The Ruby Room The Ruby Room, in the Onyx Hotel, is true to its name, with every... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

RumBa RumBa, in the InterContinental hotel, highlights two distinctive... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

Rumor Rumor wants guests to dance, dance, dance, with all types of... Be the first to write a review	Dance Clubs	Boston View on a map

Ryles Ryles is home to one of the city's friendliest salsa scenes... Be the first to write a review	Music Clubs	Boston View on a map

Ryles Jazz Club Ryles Jazz Club uses soft lights, mirrors, and greenery to set... Be the first to write a review	Music Clubs	Boston View on a map

Saint Saint, despite its name, draws patrons who are anything but... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

Sanders Theatre Sanders Theatre provides a jewel box of a stage for local and... Be the first to write a review	Concerts	Boston View on a map

Scullers Jazz Club Scullers Jazz Club hosts well-known acts such as Wynton Marsalis... Be the first to write a review	Music Clubs	Boston View on a map

The Sevens The Sevens is a laid-back alternative to the tony atmosphere... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

Sonsie Sonsie keeps the stereo volume at a manageable level. The bar... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

Sports Depot The Sports Depot has televisions visible from any vantage point... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

Sports Grille Boston Sports Grille Boston is a heavyweight sports bar with 140 televisions... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

Stuart Street Playhouse Stuart Street Playhouse regularly books traveling productions... Be the first to write a review	Theater	Boston View on a map

Sunset Grill & Tap Sunset Grill & Tap is a bit off the beaten path and looks... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

Symphony Hall Symphony Hall, one of the world's best acoustical settings—if... Be the first to write a review	Concerts	Boston View on a map

T. T. the Bear's Place T. T. the Bear's Place schedules live rock nightly, showcasing... Be the first to write a review	Music Clubs	Boston View on a map

TD Banknorth Garden TD Banknorth Garden hosts concerts by big-name artists from Celine... Be the first to write a review	Concerts	Boston View on a map

Tealuxe Tealuxe is the downtown branch of the popular "tea bar," which... Be the first to write a review	Cafes	Boston View on a map

Tealuxe Tealuxe is a "tea bar" with Bombay flair, more than 70 different... Be the first to write a review	Cafes	Boston View on a map

Temple Bar Temple Bar is a classy place to enjoy a cocktail after a long... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

Top of the Hub Top of the Hub is a lounge with a wonderful view over the city... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

Trident Booksellers & Café Trident Booksellers & Café stocks esoteric books and... Be the first to write a review	Cafes	Boston View on a map

Trinity Boston Trinity Boston presents a free half-hour organ or choir recital... Be the first to write a review	Music	Boston View on a map

Tsai Performance Center Tsai Performance Center, associated with Boston University, presents... Be the first to write a review	Concerts	Boston View on a map

An Tua Nua An Tua Nua is an Irish pub that, however improbably, hosts one... Be the first to write a review	Music Clubs	Boston View on a map

Umbria Umbria in the Financial District, attracts a mature, upscale... Be the first to write a review	Dance Clubs	Boston View on a map

Venu Venu brings Miami's South Beach to Boston. A warm energy distinguishes... Be the first to write a review	Dance Clubs	Boston View on a map

Vinalia Vinalia brings a little bit of Napa Valley to Boston's Downtown... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

Wally's Café Wally's Café is a rare gem for blues and jazz fans. Founded... Be the first to write a review	Music Clubs	Boston View on a map

Warren Tavern Massachusetts' oldest watering hole is Charlestown's Warren Tavern... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

West Side Lounge West Side Lounge tempts cool cats and hipsters with comfort food... Be the first to write a review	Bars	Boston View on a map

World Music World Music presents the biggest names in traditional dance and... Be the first to write a review	Dance	Boston View on a map
Nightlife Overview »

Travel Deals
Thanksgiving sale on hotels in NY, LA & more — Up to 30% off
Hotels.com
Incredibly low deals on historic Boston hotels — $71/nt+
Hotwire.com
Worldwide Winter Sale: Up to 30% Off Vacation Condos 1 and 2 Bedrooms - $45 & Up
Endless Vacation Rentals
Boston 3-star downtown hotel — $69+
Hotwire.com
View All Travel Deals »

Get the Fodor's Newsletter

For more travel ideas, tips, and deals, sign up for the Fodor's newsletter here. Read the current issue. Browse previous issues.

Nightlife & the Arts in Boston

Read our Boston nightlife & the arts reviews. Or post your own.

Nightlife & the Arts in Boston

Check hotel rates and airfares around the world

Hotels

Flights

Packages

Cars

Get the Fodor's Newsletter