17 best things to do in Boston at night

More than just Irish pubs and dive bars, Boston now boasts innovative cocktail destinations, classy wine haunts, and popular beer bars. Whether you're looking for a perfect martini, cold pint of something familiar, mind-blowing cocktail with innovative ingredients, or celebratory glass of wine, there's a bar for you.

When you want to go wild and dance the night away, you head for a nightclub. The best clubs in Boston guarantee a memorable night out with big name DJs, themed dance parties, bottle service, and enviable VIP lists.

The best cocktail experiences in the Hub can be found everywhere from a discreet hideaway and sophisticated hotel haunt to a friendly neighborhood hangout. Learn about regional spirits, try out house-made mixers, and enjoy inventive concoctions prepared by highly-skilled mixologists. And if all you seek is a bone dry martini prepared to your specifications without fanfare, well, they’ve still got you covered.

Boston sports quite the musical legacy. Aerosmith, Donna Summer, The Cars, New Kids on the Block, Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers, Aimee Mann, Dropkick Murphys, and, yes, Boston all called the Hub home over the years. Rock and roll, classical, jazz, folk, and even country music play out in clubs and halls across the city, night after night. Catch a top act or an up-and-comer at these live music venues.

Boston has a number of dive bars worth seeking out. These are places where you can come as you are, relax, and not worry about a big bar tab. You might get gruff service or encounter a messy bathroom, but the eclectic experiences you'll have, from the bartenders to the regulars, make it worth the little inconveniences.

One of the best ways to take in the city in all of its glory is from the water. The best Boston cruise companies offer everything from history- to music- to booze-focused cruises. Sunset cruises and nighttime cruises offer the chance to see twinkling city lights while taking in the sea breezes.

Boston might be better known for craft beer, but the city still has its share of excellent wine bars. Many of the best restaurants in Boston proudly maintain notable, award-winning wine programs, and several bars and lounges have eclectic wine lists. Sip your way through notable vintages and varietals while discovering lesser-known producers, and pair with delectable cheeses and meats for a lovely night out. 

Boston’s population is comprised of a large number of proud Irish expats and Irish-Americans, and the city has no shortage of cozy, authentic pubs. Not only do the best Irish pubs in Boston offer affordable pints of beer and a lively atmosphere, many serve praiseworthy pub grub and host some of the city's best trivia nights and live music performances.

Boston has an extensive roster of excellent museums, focused on art, history and more. Both the Museum of Fine Arts and the Institute of Contemporary Art have after-hours events when you can enjoy art and special performances at night. The MFA is open late Wednesdays while the ICA is open late on Thursdays. Check their calendars for special events.

Whenever New England’s notoriously fickle weather allows, local residents head in droves to alfresco drinking spots. Boston’s best rooftop bars let you take your fun to a higher level. Whether you're looking for a buzzy atmosphere or just a quiet spot with a great view of the city, check out these rooftop bars at night.

Even if you're not a huge sports fan, going to a Patriots, Red Sox, Bruins, or Celtics game is a must-see. You'll get the full fan experience at a night game. Check out the pre-game gatherings at bars around town and feel the thrill as fans pour into their respective home fields.

Several bars around town host Stump!, Geeks Who Drink and other trivia nights so you can give the brain a workout while unwinding with a few drinks. Trivia nights are guaranteed fun, and you might learn something new or even win a prize.

The 210,000-square-foot mega-casino resort includes 15 dining and lounge venues, an ultra-premium spa, and a four-season, six-acre Harborwalk with pedestrian and bike paths, picnic park, gazebo, viewing decks, waterfront dining, and lush green space. Spend all night checking out all the options, and get a room to have fun the next day, too.

Boston boasts lots of bars and restaurants that have weekly or even nightly sing-along sessions where patrons show-off their vocal and performance skills, or make complete fools of themselves. It’s all good fun either way. From top notch, sing-along centric bars to dive bars with a mic, these karaoke nights are sure to please.

Sometimes you just need a good laugh, so head out to a Boston comedy club for some nighttime chuckles. Some of America’s most popular contemporary comedians (Conan O’Brien, Denis Leary, Amy Poehler, Dane Cook) found their funnies in Greater Boston. Big names passing through town might stop at the Wilbur Theater or other venues, but it's easy to check out the up-and-coming scene at smaller comedy clubs or improv nights around town.

Boston is not known as a late-night destination, but a handful of 24-hour joints provide inexpensive eats at any hour, while a few other kitchens hit the spot with high-quality eats late into the night (by Boston standards). After enjoying your night out in Boston, check out one of these late-night options.

Catching one of the local teams playing a big game is near the top of the list of things to do in Boston. If you can't make it to the actual game, watching with fans at a sports bar is a very Boston experience. On game nights, head to one of these top sports bars to cheer along with fellow fans.