Boston gay guide 2024, gay bars, clubs & hotels

Gay Boston

Boston is the capital city of the first state to legalise same sex marriage, and as such it prides itself on being accessible and welcoming. This city is home to one of the largest LGBTQ+ population on the East Coast, drawn by the generally inclusive culture of even the areas that aren't exclusively queer. There are pride flags in windows across Boston, and large annual events such as Pride and the LGBT Film Festival that are dedicated to the community. Visitors also flock to follow the Freedom Trail for a taste of historical queer spaces across the city.

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Boston Gay Bars

GayMapper brings you information about gay bars and cruising bars in the city. Here are the top choices, read more about these bars or click below to see listings of all gay venues in this city.

Machine Nightclub

Dancing, Drag

Machine is an old-school style dance club with a state of the art sound system and light show, plus one of the biggest dance floors in Boston. A staple in Boston nightlife since 1998, Machine continues to feature first-class entertainment including DJ driven dance nights, theater, drag shows, themed parties, karaoke, and game nights. There's also the pool room if you need a break from the dance floor, and the club is always packed on weekends for regular events.

Boston Eagle

Bear, Older Crowd, Fetish

The Eagle is one of Boston's oldest gay bars and remains pretty much unchanged. It has a gritty and rough around the edges yet charming vibe that has kept people coming back for decades, and a perfectly eclectic interior. The bar attracts a largely male and leather crowd but there's no dress code and everyone is welcome to visit this institution for a reliably unpretentious and classic pub experience.

Cathedral Station

Sports, Outdoor Seating, Pub Vibes

Cathedral Station is a sports bar and pub that welcomes everyone of all identities. There's a bar area, dining area, an entertainment space complete with pool table and dart boards, and an outdoor patio that's always a popular place to relax between games. The bar serves everything from beers to delicious and cheap cocktails, and the kitchen produced classic pub, as well as a more adventurous brunch menu and a range of evening nibbles.

The Alley Bar

Bear, Fetish, Cruising

This veteran gay bear leather cruise bar is hidden away in downtown, providing cheap drinks, dancing, and an unpretentious atmosphere. Recurring parties like â€œFuzzâ€ and â€œCasual Fridaysâ€ draw a very manly and cruisy crowd, and popular local DJs play an eclectic soundtrack from Top 40 to artsy indie pop. Craft beer, lively music, karaoke, pool, and most importantly lots of men make The Alley Bar a hidden gem.

dbar

Gay Friendly, Cocktails

dbar is a full service restaurant in the heart of Dorchester, an area with a rapidly growing gay scene. It's a popular hangout for the community, with a bar serving legendary cocktails and a space that seamlessly transforms into a nightclub and lounge as the night goes on. This is the perfect place to spend a stylish date night in the cosy candlelit dining room, or dance into the early hours with a vibrant queer crowd.

Club Cafe

Dancing, Drag

A leader in the Boston nightlife scene for over three decades, Club Cafe boasts a top rated restaurant, cabaret, and dance club that's open seven nights a week. Plenty of fun events like bingo, karaoke, and T-dances are just some of the different things you can expect throughout the week in the club, while in the restaurant you can find extensive dinner, drinks, and brunch menus. They even cater for banquets and parties!

Boston Gay Bars

Recommended gay friendly hotels in Boston

GayMapper brings you a curated selection of accommodation gay destinations around the world, which are in preferred locations and are welcoming to LGBTQ+ travellers. Grab a great deal on your hotel stay when you book via GayMapper!

3* HI Boston Hostel

Located in the heart of Boston, this hostel is within 5 minutes' walk to Boston Common and public transportation. All rooms include free Wi-Fi. Guests have access to a shared kitchen. Dormitory style rooms at Boston â€“ Hostelling International have individual lockers. Guests can choose between female, male, or mixed accommodations. Private rooms boast en suite bathrooms. Guests of Hostelling International - Boston can relax in the game room complete with billiards and TV. A coffee bar and vending machines offering snacks and drinks are on-site. Bike storage is available. Plenty of shopping and dining are within 5 minutes' walk of Hostelling International â€“ Boston. Guests can enjoy organized activities that take them to tourist attractions and local hot spots.

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3* Harborside Inn

Located in Boston's waterfront district, this hotel is 280 m from the harbor. Harborside Inn offers free Wi-Fi, a free movie library and modern rooms with a DVD player. The underground is steps away from this hotel. A 32-inch flat-screen cable TV with HBO and a CD player are included in each of the modern rooms. The cream-colored rooms also provide Boston guide books and a seating area. Guests can enjoy free daily newspapers and use the business center. The hotel also offers car rentals. Light American cuisine is served at the restaurant on site. The Boston Harborside Inn is 130 m away from the Aquarium Subway Station. Guests can walk the Freedom Trail, a historical tour that starts 140 m from the hotel. Faneuil Hall Marketplace is 350 m away and the Paul Revere House is 700 m walk away.

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3* Staypineapple, South End

Located in Boston's historic South End, this European-style boutique hotel offers modern guest rooms with free WiFi. Staypineapple, South End is within walking distance to many popular restaurants and attractions. Every room at The Staypineapple, South End features a flat-screen TV and iPod docking station. The private bathroom includes a walk-in marble shower. A work desk and telephone with access to the 24-hour front desk are provided for guest convenience. Only steps from the completely non-smoking property are some of the city's most famous sites. The scenic Back Bay area, as well as the unique shops and gourmet restaurants of Newbury Street are within 10 minutes' walk.

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4* Hyatt Regency Boston

Located 5 minutes' walk from the Boston Common, Hyatt Regency Boston is a contemporary hotel only steps from all there is to see and do in Boston city centre. Free WiFi access is available. A flat-screen cable TV and iPod docking station are included in each room. There is also a coffee maker. Private bathrooms are equipped with a hairdryer and free KenetMD Signature toiletries. Guests at Hyatt Regency Boston can enjoy access to a fitness centre and an indoor pool. The hotel also offers room service and a 24-hour front desk. Avenue One restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Drinks are available at the Lobby Bar. Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox baseball team, is 21 minutes' rail ride away. Access to the Green rail line at Boylston Station is 5 minutes' walk.

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4* Kimpton Nine Zero

This luxury hotel is located 1 block from Boston Commons Park and the Park Street T Subway Station. This eco-friendly hotel features in-room spa services and a gym. Wi-Fi is available. The modern guest rooms at the Kimpton Nine Zero Hotel feature a 27-inch flat-screen TV and an iPod docking station. A fully stocked minibar and a laptop safe are provided. The hotel is pet-friendly and offers a pet bed and dishes. Guests can enjoy the onsite cocktail bar, Better Sorts Social Club. Ticket, dining, and tour reservations can be arranged with the Kimpton Nine Zero's concierge staff. Valet parking is also offered. The Kimpton Nine Zero Hotel is across the street from the Granary Burial Grounds, a historical graveyard. Quincy Market, which features dining and shopping, is a 15-minute walk away.

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4* Moxy Boston Downtown

Jazz up your stay in Boston with a reservation at our incredibly trendy boutique hotel in the middle of a serious social scene at Moxy Boston Downtown. Ideally located in the Downtown Boston of Boston, Moxy Boston Downtown offers air-conditioned rooms, a fitness centre, free WiFi and a bar. This 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and dry cleaning services. Private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. All guest rooms in the hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV. The private bathroom is fitted with a shower and a hairdryer. Popular points of interest near Moxy Boston Downtown include Freedom Trail and Boston Public Garden. The nearest airport is Logan Airport, 7 km from the accommodation.

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Tours & Experiences in Boston

Make the most of your travels by pre-booking our popular tours and experiences. There's a whole range of options, from cultural and historical to food, drink and nightlife. Get under the skin of your destination, and book a tour or experience now.

Tours & Experiences in Boston