10 Things to Do in Boston at Night

Get to know the nocturnal face of the beautiful city of Boston. A place that still holds many traces of British culture, along with the obvious memories 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 much to tell. Culturally, you can appreciate the harmony between the customs that have survived from the time when it was a colony of England, and the present day United States.

In terms of nightlife, there is a lot 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 evening hours a real party.

1. Go to a Boston Red Sox game

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

Are you a baseball fan or just interested in the incredible atmosphere of this event? Then a must-do activity on your list of things to do in Boston at night is to go to a game.

When you are in Boston, I recommend you to attend one of the games played by the Boston Red Sox (also known in Spanish as the Red Sox). It is considered one of the best teams in the MLB (Major League Baseball).

Baseball is arguably the most important sport in the United States (along with basketball and football), and the citizens live it to the fullest. That's why experiencing a game firsthand is a unique experience where you can soak up an important part of American culture. Friends, families and fans gather on the field to enjoy this event, so don't miss it. If, unfortunately, you can't get tickets, I advise you to 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 sailboat ride

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

Enjoy an experience with a vintage feel aboard an authentic sailing ship. From the deck, let the sunset and its magical colours take you away from the hustle and bustle of city life as you relax with this unique experience.

The ride is ideal for great photo opportunities, with vivid colours, vivid golds. It is perfect to enjoy with the family, especially the little ones. 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 comments and stories of the captain, who gladly answers the questions asked by the passengers. Activities include:

  • Sing the salomas, the typical sailors' songs, together with the crew.
  • Hoist the sails.
  • Take the helm and be the captain for a while.

Book a sunset cruise in 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 about an hour and a half and you'll tour the city accompanied by a guide who will tell you some of the city's spookiest stories.

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

You'll learn about the spookiest crimes and events, told by the very ghosts that haunt the city's dark streets. Boston ghost tours are an activity you simply can't miss.

Book a ghost tour in Boston

4. Get to know the historic bars on a unique tour

Faneuil Hall by night| ©Philip Kearney
Faneuil Hall by night| ©Philip Kearney

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

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

The tour starts at Faneuil Hall, walking through cobblestone streets with a charming, old-fashioned feel and into 4 historic Boston bars. At each stop, be sure to sample the beers recommended by the guides, so you can taste the unique flavour of these beverages.

Take a tour of Boston's historic taverns

5. Visit Boston's most important breweries

Boston Brewery| ©AntyDiluvian
Boston Brewery| ©AntyDiluvian

One of the particular characteristics of the city of Boston is that they brew their own beers, in addition to whiskey and cider. These activities form a fundamental part of their culture and are, if that wasn't enough, one of their greatest attractions. There are organised activities where you can try them, but I recommend the evening timetable, which also includes a delicious simple dinner. This is the best time to enjoy the city and its nightlife, and the lively atmosphere that characterises it.

They 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, named after him - and you'll toast merrily, just like the Bostonians of old!

The best part? You can drink as much as you want without worrying about a thing, as the guides will drive you back. Obviously, you can find these breweries included in the food tours of Boston.

Book a Boston Pub Crawl

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 allows a 360° panoramic view, over 200 metres high!

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 the buildings, historic sites and find out a little more about the city's most famous personalities.

Tickets are priced at around $20, but you can get a great discount by purchasing the Boston City Pass.

Buy 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 is a favourite spot for those who love the great outdoors in 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 dusk.

As night falls, the lights take over the landscape and the charm is turned on with them. The view from the Charles River esplanade is perhaps one of the best in the city, even if you're not up high, and you can capture enchanting images of one of Boston's most beautiful spots.

Be sure to take this walk among the most unforgettable memories of this town that 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 good 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 takes place on the water on amazing yachts, one of the most unforgettable experiences on a Boston cruise. The party starts at sunset when the luxury yacht sets sail from Boston Harbour to kick off a night of live music with DJ's, enjoying the atmosphere on deck and drinks from the bars on offer.

All you have to do is book tickets for you and your group and you're ready to enjoy!

The view from the yacht deck is quite a sight to behold and the party atmosphere lasts all night long. You can dance and enjoy with friends or simply retire to one of the quiet lounges and relax on a comfortable sofa, while you relax with the typical sailing motion.

9. Get to know the Boston Opera House

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

If in New York you'll find Broadway, in Boston you'll find the Opera House. Although the theatres are smaller, the charm of its architecture makes for an unforgettable visit. It also offers the advantage of good sound and vision no matter where you sit.

If you get the chance, don't miss a performance of the Boston Ballet. I assure you that you will never forget it. Either way, the classical style of the building transports you back in time. Tickets can be purchased directly from the Opera House website, where you will also find a list of upcoming events.

A perfect way to round off a great day of historical tours of Boston. But don't forget that there are some codes of conduct for attending this type of event. If it's your first time, you can check them out on the Opera's website.

10. Magic and comedy, a Boston classic

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

Moving into both the classic and modern airs of Boston culture, you'll find the Magic and Comedy Theatres. These live shows feature traditional magician's acts, sprinkled with a particular touch of humour, which makes them that much funnier.

There are many options, so if you like magic you can choose more than one and enjoy a different experience every night, getting to know 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 illusion and laughter, prepared for an intimate group. Don't miss this or any of these shows.

More of Boston's nightlife

Streets of Boston| ©Robert Kendall
Streets of Boston| ©Robert Kendall

With Boston being one of the cities in the United States with the largest student population, it's no wonder that you can find a large selection of nightclubs where the party is on 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 popular, and it's impossible to say you've been to Boston if you haven't spent an evening in at least one of these. You can also play bowling and take home a shiny trophy if you're lucky enough to beat the local competitors.