Things to Do at Night in Boston: 24 Nightlife Adventures

With a nickname like the Puritan City, you may assume that Boston doesn’t deliver tons of after-hours fun. However, this city of verdant public parks, New England charm, and world-class museums brings copious amounts of entertainment to any evening itinerary.

Follow along to discover the 24 best things to do in Boston at night.

From moonlit strolls through the Freedom Trail to jamming out to the Boston Orchestra at Symphony Hall, you’ll never have to wonder what to do in Boston at night.

Considered one of the oldest cities in the United States, Beantown has had centuries of practice when it comes to nighttime excitement.

Indulge in Fenway Park fun when you catch a Red Sox game, gaze at the works covering the walls at the Institute of Contemporary Art, or uncover your passion for arctic exploration at the Museum of Science.

Stop endlessly googling ‘evening activities Boston’ or ‘things to do in Boston after 5.’ Thanks to our ultimate guide you’ll be visiting Boston after dark like a pro.

Ready to do Boston at night? Read on…

Best Things to Do in Boston at Night

Catching a fly ball, marveling at a Van Gogh after hours, trying your hand at trivia night, or feeling the cool breeze on an evening sunset cruise. Things to do at night in Boston run the gamut.

Whether you are looking to raise a glass to Beantown from the comfort of a stylish hotel rooftop or would rather create a crave-worthy potluck of delectables from Faneuil Hall, the City on a Hill is chock full of evening delights.

Boston Skyline with Financial District and Boston Harbor at Dusk
Roman Slavik / Getty Images

Visit a Museum

Fewer crowds and some awe-inspiring paintings, yes, please! Put those museum plans on hold till after lunch, and you’ll be rewarded with more privacy in which to enjoy everything from Dinosaurs to the Red Planet.

  • Isabella Steward Gardner Museum – home to an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, tapestries, and decorative arts, the Isabella Steward Gardner Museum is open till 9 p.m. on Thursdays. Visitors can also take part in a medley of events which include cultural performances, art making, and academic conversations.
  • Museum of Fine Arts – the 20th largest art museum in the world is home to over 450,000 works including priceless pieces by Frida Kahlo, Winslow Homer, and more. Thursdays and Fridays the museum is open until 10 p.m. so guests can take their time savoring everything from mummies to Monet.
  • Museum of Science – equal parts education and entertainment, the Museum of Science is a place of self-discovery, inspiration, and enlightenment. Tease your noggin with mind-bending illusions and mazes, or unearth the secrets of our own biology in the Hall of Human Life. The Museum of Science is open till 9 p.m. on Fridays.

Boston Harbor Cruise

Curious about what to do at night in Boston that will blow away your partner? Set the stage for romance and some serious views, when you book a Premier Dinner or Historic Sunset Cruise.

Feast your eyes on stunning landmarks such as the Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge, Boston’s Seaport District, and the historic USS Constitution warship before devouring an elegant three course-plated dinner.

Looking for a more history-focused seaside reprieve? Smuggle up to the one you love, as you relish 90 minutes of narration, history, and iconic Boston landmarks. The Narrated Historic Sunset Cruise lets you witness the majesty of the USS Constitution’s sunset ceremony and traditional cannon salute firsthand.

Don’t forget to bring along that camera to document sightings of the Harbor Islands and the glowing Boston skyline.

Wide shot of the harbor at sunset with a clear outline of the building in Boston, Massachusetts, USA
photo credit: Sahaj Bedi via Unsplash

Eat a Smorgasbord of Treats from Faneuil Hall Marketplace

Street performers, retail shops, and buskers may all call Faneuil Hall home. Nonetheless, fellow foodies know the best reason to hit up the store’s historic marketplace is to eat. Head to this almost 300-year-old hall with an empty belly and prepare to sample all manner of mouthwatering eats.

Related Post: Boston Historical Sites: 21 Must-See Stops for History Buffs

Try the award-winning clam chowder featuring local surf clams and hand-cut potatoes from Boston Chowda or assuage your sweet tooth with a chocolate chip cookie from the Chipyard.

Feeling nostalgic? Opt for some stick-to-your-ribs fare with an order of cheesy mac and cheese from mmMac N Cheese. Please note that the market is open till 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Check out the Boston Skyline from a Rooftop Bar

Sometimes simplicity is key. Raise a glass to another arousing evening in Beantown when you take your ice-cold cocktail with a side of city lights. Hightail it to the Lookout Rooftop and Bar for a spectacular sunset over the Fort Point Channel, and be sure to sample their seriously delicious Frosee.

Pro Tip: Make a reservation so you can be sure to snag a table featuring a glowing fire pit.

Searching for some tempting skyline scenery in South Boston? Make a beeline for Six/West and treat yourself to a sumptuous Green Monstah cocktail or crisp glass of Pinot Gris. Before calling it a night, fuel up on homemade dumplings, fresh oysters, and a fennel-topped Lobster Roll.

aerial view of rooftop pool of The Colonnade Hotel pool with lounge chairs and umbrellas during sunset with street below and surrounding buildings in Boston, Massachusetts, USA
photo credit: Colonnade Boston via Facebook

Go to a Red Sox Game at Fenway Park

Take me out to the ballgame! Get ready to cheer for the home team when you make a pilgrimage to America’s most beloved ballpark. For over a century, fans young and old have congregated in Fenway to support the Red Sox.

Related Post: One Day in Boston: How to Make the Most of 24 Hours

Schedule a tour of the stadium, check out the Hall of Fame, and score tickets to a night game for an unforgettable display of sportsmanship, tradition, and fun.

Best Places to Go in Boston at Night

Whoops! If you’ve left your Cradle of Liberty sightseeing till after dark, never fear. Many of the city’s most storied landmarks and attractions are also some of the best places to visit in Boston at night.* Tourists with an intrepid spirit will have their hands full as they take themselves on self-guided tours of the Black Heritage Trail, the Boston Common, and more.

*Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of what to see in Boston at night, but rather a round-up of our top places to go in Boston at night.

Freedom Trail

An open network of more than 250 years of history, the Freedom Trail is equally alluring at night. While most guided tours run during business hours, this 2.5-mile trail of 16 nationally significant sites offers a unique opportunity to walk in the footsteps of our Founding Fathers.

Visit historic meeting houses, churches, museums, ships, and more as you glean an even deeper understanding of the American Revolution.

Psst.. prefer to sneak a peek at Paul Revere’s house during daylight hours? Book your Freedom Trail & Boston’s North End Walking Tour here.

interior view of Faneuil Hall Marketplace in Boston MassachusettsBoston Common and Public Gardens

Home to the Emerald Necklace or a 1,100-acre chain of parks linked by parkways and waterways, Boston is well-versed in lush green spaces. While taking in a sun-dappled Sunday stroll in the Boston Common or Public Gardens is lovely, after hours, the parks become even more alluring.

Related Post: Things to Do in Boston For Free: 13 Fun Activities to Try

Delight in the sparkling lights of the city or snap some swoon-worthy selfies in front of the park’s infamous weeping willows and serene lake.

Boston Ghosts and Gravestones Tour

Ghoulish creatures, haunted cemeteries, and jump scares make this Boston Ghosts and Gravestones Tour bewitching beyond belief. Recommended for the occult obsessed, this 1.5 experience is an exclusive nighttime walking tour that features the Angel of Death, the Boston Strangler, and more.

Ingeniously interweaving history and urban legend. Guests will travel by both foot and trolley as they visit the city’s most haunted buildings. Dive into the curses of Beantown as you step foot inside the two oldest burying grounds.

Uncover the facts behind the Copp’s Hill Burying Ground scandal and see the site of public hangings that once disgraced the Boston Common. Don’t forget to keep your wits about you, as your creepy cast of characters have some tricks up their sleeve!

The other passengers are in the bus, while the three individuals are outside.
photo credit: Ghosts & Gravestones Boston via Facebook

Beacon Hill

Narrow cobblestone streets, gaslighted street lamps, and an overload of colonial charm make one of Boston’s oldest neighborhoods a must-visit. Beacon Hill is steeped in a bygone era thanks to its abundance of awe-inspiring architecture and historic sites.

Stop by after 5 p.m. to peak at the picturesque Acorn Street or capture a photo of the stately Charles Street Meeting House. Enjoy a delicious dinner at the Tavern-style Tip Tap Room, or put off your feasting for a hike through the Black Heritage Trail.

Night Time Activities Boston

Spine-tingling chills, cheese pulls, and symphonies oh my! We hope you’ve saved some energy after your Swan Boat escapades because Boston night activities offer up lots of intrigue.

Boston’s North End Pizza & History Walking Food Tour

Nothing hits the spot after a long day of throwing tea in the Harbor like an ooey gooey slice of Margarita. Boston’s North End Pizza & History Walking Food Tour is an ideal way to combine dinner and Revolutionary War History.

Spend 2 hours exploring Little Italy, Beacon Hill, and the Freedom Trail as you chow down on three different slices from some of the most popular pizzerias in Boston. From the USS Constitution to the Old North Church, you’ll cover the highlights of the Freedom Trail and even score a free cannoli from the North End’s best bakery.

See Live Music

Scrub up for a night on the town when you let yourself be whisked away by the dulcet performance of the Boston Pops. Or get down and dirty with a rollicking rock concert at the Paradise Rock Club. For those sax fanatics, let the scatting fly when you soak in a stirring trio at Scullers Jazz Club.

Psst.. more of an art afficianado? High tail it to Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum on the first Thursday of every month to join in on Thursdays at the Gardner. Enjoy free admision and evening hours that extend until 9pm.

a picture of an orchestra playing in front of a crowd
photo credit: Melinda Doolittle via Facebook

Late Night Boston Activities

See a Comedy Show

Ditch last call and instead fill up on chuckles and one-liners. From improv shows to stand-up, Beantown provides a wide array of places in which to let loose and laugh:

Stand up microphone on a stage with brick background

Get the Buzz at the Beehive

Music, merriment, and meatballs. What could be better? Set your tastebuds aflame when you grab a late-night bite and some entertainment at the Beehive.

From their crave-worthy truffle fried cauliflower and luscious lamb ragu to their world-class live performances of burlesque, jazz, reggae, and soul, there’s always something brewing at the Beehive. Be sure to check out their special events calendar to stay abreast of special art shows, exhibits, festivals, and more.

Grab a drink at the Cheers Bar

Want to go where everyone knows your name? Pay homage to the world’s friendliest bar when you make a late-night stop at 84 Beacon Street for one last nightcap.

Related Post: 3 Days in Boston Itinerary: How to Make the Most of 72 Hours

The inspiration for the setting of the hit TV series, the Cheers Bar, can’t help but bring a smile to your face. Indulge in chicken fingers and pub skins as you sip your pint. Or maybe even pick up a souvenir or two from the gift shop.

Close of the exterior and golden sign for the Cheers Bar on a sunny day in Boston, Massachusetts, USABoston Hotels

Sweeping Public Garden views, the sparkling gold dome of the State House, or a moonlit stroll through the waterfront. A Boston night can be equal parts romantic, historic, and cultural. Dive into our Nation’s Revolutionary history, or pay homage to one of the world’s most famous bars.

While there’s no right or wrong answer of where to go in Boston at night, we must insist that every awesome Boston night out begins with premier lodgings. Ensure you are rested and ready to conquer all of the fun things to do in Boston at night when you book any of our Boston Hotels.

From classic Club Quarters by Faneuil Hall to modern suites by Back Bay, we offer accommodations for every traveler. Your reservation stress-free, knowing you are always guaranteed our lowest rates online.

a photograph of a city street with tall buildings visible 
photo credit: Club Quarters Hotel Faneuil Hall, Boston via Facebook

Home to the oldest park in the United States, baked beans, wine bars, and many of our Founding Father’s most famous stomping grounds, Boston is a city of contradictions.

Beantown features an intoxicating mix of new and old and seeks to engage and educate visitors at every turn. Thanks to the bountiful things to see in Boston at night, tourists will never have to turn off their sightseeing when the clock strikes 5 p.m.

Relish works by Georgia O’Keefe and Jackson Pollock at the Museum of Fine Arts. Or, satisfy your craving for the fresh Harbor air and fine dining with a premium dinner cruise.

Load up on mozzarella and the Old North Church with a North End pizza tour. Or spoil yourself with a performance at the legendary Wilbur Theater.

From starlight waterfront strolls to impromptu photo sessions in Beacon Hill. Every moment after sunset in the City on the Hill is crafted with care.

Tell us, What Are Your Top Things to See in Boston at Night?

Did we miss any of the best Boston things to do at night?

Please leave a comment below!


Avatar photo

Written by Isis Maya Nissman

A New York native, Isis-Maya spent most of her professional life working in TV production until a vacation whisked her away to Central...


Have something to add? Post it here:

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Are you a Tripster?

Create an account to get access to exclusive pricing and rewards.

Tagged in this post

Boston Nightlife