10 Things to Do in Boston at Night

Discover the night-time side of the beautiful city of Boston. A place that still retains many traces of British culture, alongside the obvious reminders of the history of the birth of the United States.

Carmen Navarro

Carmen Navarro

8 min read

10 Things to Do in Boston at Night

Boston at night | ©Moe Homayounieh

Boston is a wonderful city with a lot to offer. Culturally, you can appreciate the harmony between the customs that have survived from the time when it was a British colony and the modern United States.

When it comes to nightlife, there is plenty to see and do in Boston. As a city home to two of the most renowned universities in the United States, Harvard and MIT, the student population makes the night-time hours a real party.

1. Go to a Boston Red Sox game

Boston Red Sox|©freshwater2006
Boston Red Sox|©freshwater2006

Are you passionate about baseball or simply interested in experiencing the incredible atmosphere at this event? Well, one activity that cannot be missing from your list of things to do in Boston at night is going to a game.

While in this city, I recommend you attend one of the games played by the local professional team, the Boston Red Sox. They are considered one of the best teams in MLB (Major League Baseball).

We could say that baseball is the most important sport in the United States (along with basketball and American football), and the citizens live it to the fullest. That's why experiencing a game in person is a unique experience where you can soak up an important part of American culture. Friends, families and fans gather at the stadium to enjoy this event, so don't miss out. If, unfortunately, you can't get tickets, I advise you not to miss out and go on a guided tour of Fenway Park, one of the most important baseball stadiums in the world.

Go to a Boston Red Sox baseball game

2. Sunset sailing trip

Sunset on a boat in Boston| ©Jeremy Baucom
Sunset on a boat in Boston| ©Jeremy Baucom

Enjoy an experience with an old-fashioned touch aboard an authentic sailing boat. From the deck, let the sunset and its magical colours captivate you as you relax with this unique experience, far from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The trip is ideal for taking excellent photographs, with vivid colours and intense golds. It is perfect for families, especially those with young children. For this reason, I recommend it as one of the best activities for children in Boston.

This activity is also a great opportunity to learn about the history of Boston, thanks to the commentary and stories provided by the captain, who is happy to answer any questions from passengers. Among the activities, you can:

  • Sing sea shanties, traditional sailors' songs, along with the crew.
  • Hoist the sails.
  • Take the helm and be the captain for a while.

Book a sunset cruise through Boston

3. Learn about Boston's ghosts and spooky stories

During the tour| ©Andrew Quinney
During the tour| ©Andrew Quinney

One of Boston's charms is its haunted tours. Most of these last an hour and a half, during which you will tour the city in the company of a guide who will tell you the city's most terrifying stories.

These guides make this experience really fun, while you learn about Boston's history in a different and unique way. Stops include places such as King's Chapel Burial Ground, Granary Burying Ground, Borden House, Custom House, Boston Athenaeum, Omni Parker House Hotel and many more.

You will learn about the most hair-raising crimes and events, told by the very ghosts that haunt the city's dark streets. Boston's ghost tours are an activity that you simply cannot miss.

Book a ghost tour in Boston

4. Discover historic bars on a unique tour

Faneuil Hall at night| ©Philip Kearney
Faneuil Hall at night| ©Philip Kearney

Get up close and personal with the places where the American War of Independence took its first steps. These taverns were established several centuries ago and still serve visitors and residents today with the same cheerful spirit.

As you toast to the health of this wonderful city and its mysteries and culture, the guide will take you on a journey through time to tell you how the revolutionary spirit of Boston was awakened in these places. You'll even visit the oldest tavern in the United States!

The tour takes place in Faneuil Hall, walking through charming cobbled streets and visiting four historic Boston pubs. At each stop, be sure to try the beers recommended by the guides to experience the unique flavour of these drinks.

Take a tour of Boston's historic taverns

5. Visit Boston's most important breweries

Boston Brewery| ©AntyDiluvian
Boston Brewery| ©AntyDiluvian

One of the unique features of the city of Boston is that they brew their own beers, as well as whisky and cider. These activities are a fundamental part of their culture and, as if that weren't enough, they are one of its biggest attractions. There are organised activities where you can try them, but I recommend the evening tour, which also includes a delicious simple dinner. It's the best time to enjoy the city and its nightlife, and the lively atmosphere that characterises it.

The tours last 5 hours and take you on a tour of historic and modern distilleries, cider houses and breweries. At each stop, you'll learn a little more about this tradition, especially about Samuel Adams and Boston's most iconic beer, which bears his name. And you'll toast merrily, just like the old Bostonians did!

The best part? You can drink as much as you want without worrying about a thing, as the guides will take care of driving you back. Obviously, these breweries are included in Boston's food tours.

Book a tour of Boston's pubs

6. A great view of the city at night from the Skywalk Observatory

View from the Skywalk Observatory at night| ©Sebastián Pincheira
View from the Skywalk Observatory at night| ©Sebastián Pincheira

The Skywalk Observatory is one of the highest points in the city and the only one that offers a 360° panoramic view, at a height of over 200 metres!

If you can, I recommend going up a little before sunset so you can enjoy the most beautiful colours. If you like photography, this is the best time and place to capture unforgettable images of the city. In addition, you will find explanatory panels in several languages, including Spanish. These can help you identify buildings and historical sites and discover a little more about their most famous personalities.

Tickets cost around £14, but you can get a great discount by purchasing the Boston City Pass.

Purchase your Boston City Pass

7. Enjoy a spectacular sunset on the banks of the Charles River

Sunset on the Charles River| ©Isaac Kohane
Sunset on the Charles River| ©Isaac Kohane

This spot is a favourite among those who love natural spaces within the city. It is very common to see many people enjoying the outdoors, playing sports or just taking a relaxing stroll. But all visitors agree that the best time to enjoy the banks of the Charles River is at sunset.

As night falls, the lights take over the landscape and the charm comes alive with them. The view from the Charles River Esplanade is perhaps one of the best in the city, even though you are not high up, and you can capture enchanting images of one of the most beautiful spots in Boston.

Be sure to take this walk among the most unforgettable memories of this town, which has managed to perfectly harmonise the classic architecture of yesteryear with its modern buildings.

Traveller Tip

The weather is usually cold and quite windy, so it is advisable to bring a warm coat.

8. Enjoy a party on the water with a live DJ

Party on a yacht| ©Wayne Chinnock
Party on a yacht| ©Wayne Chinnock

The best party in Boston is held on the water on incredible yachts, with cruises around the city being one of the most unforgettable experiences. The party begins at sunset, when the luxury yacht sets sail from Boston Harbour to kick off a night of live music with a DJ, enjoying the atmosphere on deck and the drinks on offer at the bars.

All you have to do is book tickets for yourself and your group, and you're ready to go. It's time to enjoy yourself!

The view from the yacht's deck is spectacular, and the festive atmosphere lasts all night long. You can dance and have fun with friends or simply retreat to one of the quiet lounges and relax on a comfortable sofa while you unwind to the gentle rocking of the boat.

9. Discover the Boston Opera House

Boston Opera House| ©Victor R. Ruiz
Boston Opera House| ©Victor R. Ruiz

If New York has Broadway, Boston has the Opera House. Although the theatre halls are smaller, the charm of its architecture makes this visit unforgettable. It also offers the advantage of good sound and vision regardless of your seat.

If you have the opportunity, be sure to enjoy a performance by the Boston Ballet. I assure you that you will never forget it. In any case, the classic style of the building will transport you back in time. Tickets can be purchased directly on the Opera House website, where you will also find a list of upcoming events.

This is the perfect way to end a great day of sightseeing and guided tours of Boston. Just remember that there are some rules of conduct for attending this type of event. If it is your first time, you can review them on the Opera House website.

10. Magic and comedy, a Boston classic

Magic Trick| ©Tima Miroshnichenko
Magic Trick| ©Tima Miroshnichenko

As you delve into both the classic and modern aspects of Boston culture, you'll find magic and comedy theatres. These live shows feature traditional magic acts, sprinkled with a touch of humour, which makes them much more entertaining.

There are many options, so if you like magic, you can choose more than one and enjoy a different experience each night, visiting one theatre at a time.

One of the most incredible is Four Handed Illusion, where the hosts will put on a spectacular show, full of magic and laughter, prepared for an intimate group. Be sure to enjoy this or any of these shows.

A little more about Boston's nightlife

Boston streets| ©Robert Kendall
Boston streets| ©Robert Kendall

As Boston is one of the cities in the United States with the largest student population, it is not surprising that you can find a large selection of nightclubs where the party is in full swing and the music doesn't stop until dawn.

The venues offer cocktails and, in some cases, live music and entertaining shows to make the night even more enjoyable.

Jazz clubs, for example, are among the most renowned, and it is impossible to say that you have experienced Boston if you have not spent at least one evening in one of them.
You can also go bowling and take home a shiny trophy if you are lucky enough to beat the local competitors.