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Boston Nightlife

Thanks to a large Irish community and a constant influx of American and international students, Boston has a lively nightlife scene. Beer is the city's preferred tipple although you'll find venues accommodating every palate. Bars generally close at 0200, and 21 is the minimum drinking age. Smoking is not allowed in any Boston or Cambridge establishment.

The Thursday editions of the BostonGlobe (http://www.bostonglobe.com) and the Friday edition of the BostonHerald (www.bostonherald.com) as well as the online guide Citysearch (http://boston.citysearch.com) have full listings of nightlife and cultural events. Bay Windows (http://www.baywindows.com) serves the gay and lesbian community.

Bars in Boston

Bistro du Midi

Sitting at the zinc bar and swirling a glass of deep red Burgundy while you gaze out at pretty Boston Common, you’d almost think you were in a Parisian arrondissement rather than Boston. There’s an excellent selection of French, Italian and American wines by the glass after which you can migrate to elegantly appointed French restaurant upstairs.

Address: Back Bay, 272 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116
Telephone: +1 617 426 7878.
Website: http://www.bistrodumidi.com

Drink

This dark and sexy subterranean space has earned a national reputation for its personal approach to mixology. Don’t rock-up to the bar expecting a menu full of predictable martinis, instead the bartender will discuss your flavour profile preferences and then whip up a bespoke cocktail from a selection of premium spirits and artisanal mixers.

Address: Seaport, 348 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210
Telephone: +1 617 695 1806
Website: http://www.drinkfortpoint.com

The Black Rose

If you can't resist the Irish legacy of Boston, there is a huge choice, often with live music. Try The Black Rose: voted one of America's top 10 Irish establishments, it's located in the historic Faneuil Hall-Quincy market area of Boston and is known for its friendly atmosphere, good hearty food and live Irish entertainment seven days a week.

Address: Downtown, 160 State Street, Boston, MA 02109
Telephone: +1 617 742 2286.
Website: https://www.blackroseboston.com/

The Corner Pub

This pub provides a no frills, down to earth experience with cheap beer and enough room for all your friends. You don’t even have to leave if you get hungry, since The Corner Pub offers a selection of snacks to tickle your taste buds, everything from their famous eggrolls to delicious burgers and hotdogs.

Address: , 162 Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111
Telephone: +1 617 542 7080
Website: https://www.cornerpubboston.net/

Clubs in Boston

Middlesex

Fashionable Middlesex with its award-winning burgers, hand-crafted cocktails and national and international DJs draws the crowds across the bridge to Cambridge. Inside, modish modular furniture makes for a comfortable early-evening lounge. Then, after 9pm, it is pushed aside to make way for the dancing crowd who come for trendsetting hip hop and electronica DJ sets.

Address: Cambridge, 315 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA 02139
Telephone: +1 617 868 6739.
Website: http://www.middlesexlounge.us

Royale

Royale, in the Theater District, is done out as a huge ballroom but has all kinds of theme nights plus dance and music from salsa to chart and even has magic shows. There are VIP balconies, secluded nooks and even a festive light show, and the music is diverse, ranging from house and dance to indie, mainstream rock, pop and hip-hop.

Address: Downtown, 279 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02116
Telephone: +1 617 338 7699.
Website: http://www.royaleboston.com

Storyville

With a historied past – the legendary Storyville jazz club occupied this same spot in the 1940s – this modern speakeasy pulls the punters with its louche New Orleanian décor and potent cocktails. The venue is split into two rooms, one a dedicated drinking den and the other which morphs from a lounge-like atmosphere to a full-on dance hall once the music gets going. On Wednesday night there’s also live music.

Address: Back Bay, 90 Exeter St, Boston, MA 02116
Telephone: +1 617 236 1134.
Website: http://storyvilleboston.com

Whisky Saigon

This swanky venue boasts a bar within a library, a range of delectable cocktails and high-tech laser lights, making it the ideal place for an exclusive boogie. The luxurious décor and sultry red lighting provide a relaxing and glamorous atmosphere, while the spacious dance floors provide ample room for you to show off your dancing skills.

Address: , 116 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116
Telephone: +1 617 482 7799
Website: http://www.whiskysaigon.com

Live music in Boston

House of Blues

Experience state-of-the-art lighting, sound and tasty Cajun-style cuisine at this live jazz music venue, where national acts play if they want something more intimate. Instead of fighting in the crowds on the mezzanine level, opt for the balcony seating which offers great views of the stage.

Address: Kenmore, 15 Lansdowne Street, Fenway, Boston, MA 02215
Telephone: +1 888 693 2583.
Website: http://www.houseofblues.com/boston

Les Zygomates

Some of Boston's best jazz, blues, Latin and funk are featured at Les Zygomates, a Parisian-style bistro with a difference. Situated in the Theater District, it attracts a sophisticated clientele and serves up some excellent French cuisine along with wine tastings sessions and pre- and post-theater cocktails.

Address: Downtown, 129 South Street, Boston, MA 02111
Telephone: +1 617 542 5108.
Website: http://www.winebar129.com

The Red Room at Cafe 939

If you want to get a glimpse of emerging stars and up-and-coming talent check out the line up at the Red Room, which is booked by Berklee students who work alongside industry professionals. The 200-capacity venue is also pretty special with a state-of-the-art sound system which wonderfully showcases the range of rock, hip hop, jazz, folk, avant garde and world music that is performed here.

Address: Back Bay, 939 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02115
Telephone: +1 617 747 2261.
Website: http://www.berklee.edu/red-room-cafe-939

Classical music in Boston

Dance in Boston

Theatres in Boston

Music and Dance in Boston

Culture in Boston

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The Liberty Hotel

Prison chic is made a reality in the Liberty Hotel. For 120 years, the Charles Street Jail held some of Boston's most infamous criminals but in 2001, Liberty designers converted the building into a classy, unique hotel. Much of the décor mirrors the building's 20th-century charms, including The Clink restaurant which features authentic cell bars and the main lobby that reveals the inner atrium of the original prison. Far from being prison-like, this upscale hotel boasts all the necessary 21st-century amenities along with stunning views of the Charles River and the Boston skyline.

Mandarin Oriental

Located in the cosy Back Bay the Mandarin Oriental combines comfort and style to produce one of Boston's most luxurious and trendy hotels. Rooms resonate with classic oriental styles with a modern flare and boast beautiful views of the Back Bay cityscape. After a long day of touring and shopping enjoy a soak in the oversized Jacuzzi baths or indulge in a massage at the Mandarin Oriental's five-star spa. Perfect for a business retreat or a relaxing holiday the Mandarin Oriental will not disappoint.

Harding House

This classic, baby blue Victorian guesthouse has fourteen handsome rooms decked out in all-American style with quilts, patterned rugs and dark hardwood furniture. The period character of the house gives the place a warm, homely atmosphere which is reinforced by the freely available cakes and coffee, Thursday evening wine tastings and the generous home-cooked breakfast, which is included in the price.

Liberty Clipper

Between June and September only, board one of Boston's elegant tall ships for an alternative, budget accommodation option. Moored in the historic waterfront district of Boston, a block from the North End and Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market, you will be offered a choice of one of six cabins all featuring a skylight, hot/cold water, three shared bathrooms and three shared showers. This is definitely an experience.

Oasis Guest House

This modest 30-room guesthouse is located in one of Boston’s best neighbourhoods and offers simple but comfortable accommodation in a series of attractive brick-fronted buildings. Rooms are simply furnished with queen beds, armchairs, TVs and generic prints. The price includes free internet access, use of the kitchen facilities and a complimentary breakfast.

HI Boston

This cheap and cheerful hostel offers 481 beds in total, and is niftily located in the Theater District/Chinatown area. There is a games room, cafe bar, internet access and laundry facilities. If you're not a member of Hostelling International, you have to pay a daily $3 charge, but this is still one of the cheapest, centrally located accommodation options around.