Fun and entertainment - Boston - États-Unis in 2025

Practical information : Going out Boston

Timetable

Most places to go out in Boston are open every night, with the exception of nightclubs, which close at the beginning of the week. Thursday through Sunday are obviously busiest, so if you're planning to see a show or go out on those nights, we recommend making reservations. Note, however, that few places close after 2 a.m., even on weekends.

Budget & Tips

Where there is one, the entrance fee to clubs is usually not very high. Depending on the venue and the artist performing, it can range from US$5 to US$20. Tickets to see a play or a concert cost more, ranging from US$30 in a small venue to much more in a reputable place. To get discounted tickets, check out the official resale sites, such as StubHub (www.stubhub.com) and Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com), where you will find last-minute tickets at great prices.

To be booked

If you're planning to see an opera, attend a concert by a well-known artist or see a famous play, we recommend you buy your tickets several weeks or even months in advance. In addition to being able to choose your seat, you'll get the best prices by booking early.

Night transport

It's difficult to get around Boston by public transport at night, as the subways don't run after 12:30 midnight. Some buses run a late-night service, serving the city until 2 a.m., but their operation can be erratic and, above all, they're not very frequent. The best thing to do if you're finishing your evening after midnight is to order an Uber.

Age restrictions

The legal drinking age in the U.S. is 21. You'll be in big trouble if you try to evade this rule by negotiating with the bouncer or lying about your age. In all places where alcohol is the main drink, you'll be asked to show your ID card on entry anyway.

What's very local

Most of the time, your casual daytime outfit will be perfect for going out in the evening, whether you're going to a concert, club or play. You won't be turned away because you're in jeans or don't wear heels. Still, avoid shorts and flip-flops, not only because it's not very classy but also because you risk getting cold, as air conditioning is often strong in theatres. Backpacks are rarely accepted. Finally, for a chic evening in Boston, at the opera or ballet, why not imitate the regulars and wear a nice outfit?

Smokers

In Boston, as everywhere in the United States (except Las Vegas), tobacco laws are strict and dissuasive. Smoking is prohibited in confined public spaces, a law that is in force in all bars and cafes in the city, and is also valid for electronic cigarettes. Even on terraces, even when there are no ban signs, it is at best frowned upon, at worst forbidden, to light a cigarette. It is therefore necessary to go outside and move a few meters away to smoke.

Tourist traps

If you're looking for cheap or second-hand tickets, beware of Craigslist, a site that puts people in touch with each other and on which counterfeit concert and show tickets are commonplace. You'll have no recourse if you're fooled.

Fun and entertainment Boston

BERKLEE COLLEGE OF MUSIC

WALLY’S CAFE

DELUX CAFE

THE BLACK ROSE

SCAMPO

DRINK

BOSTON BALLET

JACQUES CABARET

PARADISE ROCK CLUB

J.J. Foley's Cafe

CLUB CAFE

LEGAL HARBORSIDE

HOJOKO

HOUSE OF BLUES BOSTON

SHENANNIGAN'S BAR

THE TROPHY ROOM - FRITZ

LIR IRISH PUB

AMC LOEWS BOSTON COMMON

WHISKY SAIGON

SOLAS IRISH PUB

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