Some people would say that finding Boston hookups is a no-brainer. Others would say that it’s one of the toughest cities to hook up. So which is it? In our research, we’ve found one of the biggest challenges to finding hookups. The top one is that those who want to hook up aren’t on one of these amazing Boston hookup apps:
Site Our Experience Our Rating Free Trial Link 
Experience Highlights Try AFF For Free 
Tinder Highlights Try Tinder 
Experience Highlights Try Passion
Boston is known as a great city for dating. It was voted as the second-best U.S city for single people in a Bumble study and the best city to seek long-term relationships based on research by AYI.com.
It has a population of more than 675,000 people, according to the latest census, while the Bumble study suggested around half of these are single. Better yet, there’s significantly more women than men.
“It's no wonder Boston scores highest for dating satisfaction, as exactly half of its residents are single," a Bumble spokesperson said. "Between the museums and the Boston sports scene, you have a wide array of date options!"
In spite of all this, it can sometimes feel like finding Boston hookups is impossible. This town is full of fit college coeds having the time of their lives on their parents' dime as well as tons of other single girls in their 20's and 30's. Yet, somehow that doesn't make them easy to meet though!
As a seasoned dating coach who has plenty of experience meeting and seducing women in Beantown, I feel your pain. And Iwe've done something about it. This city is densely packed and that means your options are plentiful. The trick is knowing where to look. That’s why I’ve teamed up with a small handful of established local dating coaches to create an epic list of the best spot.
Table of Contents
Methodology for Finding the Ideal Spots to Hook Up in Boston
The thing with finding hookups is that it's not something you can be good at in a matter of days, especially if you're new to the city. Good thing our team of experts at Heart Insider frequently collaborate to keep our list of recommendations as updated as possible. Here's how we found the best places to find Boston hookups:
- We start off by doing research online about which spots get the most buzz when it comes to finding hookups. We then create a list of places that seem popular enough to put on our list.
- We enlist the help of our ground crew--locals who know the city well and know how to find hookups. They go to each location to see if it really is easy to meet women and talk to them. They then use their charm to find hookups at each spot.
- Every spot is vetted by a number of our experts, all looking for the most conducive places to find hookups.
- At the same time, our experts also use a variety of hookup apps and sites to see what the online dating scene is like in every city.
- After rigorous testing, we create our ultimate list of hookup hotspots in the city. Every few months, we update our recommendations to remove closed venues and replace them with new ones that we think you'll love.
The Best Spots For Boston Hookups
A night out searching for a hook up can be fun, but far too often, the scene is too dead. That’s why we like to use these spots.
Havana Club is the ultimate destination for an unforgettable night out
On my first night at Havana, I knew that I'll keep coming back here. Let me tell you, I've had my fair share of club experiences, but this one stood out in all the right ways. From the moment I walked through the doors, the pulsating Latin music and sultry atmosphere set the stage for an epic night of mingling.
What makes Havana Club a standout spot for finding hookups in Boston is its diverse and welcoming crowd. You're bound to strike up engaging conversations and make new connections, whether you're showing off your dance moves on the floor or sharing stories over expertly crafted cocktails at the bar. Havana Club's magnetic charm and vibrant personalities make it a must-visit destination if you're in the mood for an exhilarating night out and the potential for some exciting connections. Trust me, this place knows how to turn an ordinary night into an extraordinary one.
What Are Other People Saying About Havana Club
Dennis Catana - Google Maps
“Been salsa dancing for years, and visit f Boston for the first time I was quite happy with the scene! Though was mostly bachata (80%), was a great atmosphere and good vibes. highly recommend if you’re looking to dance the night away!”
Venu Nightclub has been the easiest way to find hookups in Boston lately
@venuboston1
Venu Nightclub is where we love to go for late-night dancing and may just be the best hookup bar in Boston. The nightclub specializes in both hip-hop and Latin house music. It attracts a pretty attractive crowd as well. Single women in town love coming here to bust a move on the dance floor.
Between the music, the atmosphere and the hot singles, it’s easy to have a great time here. So come here on a Saturday night when the club is at its prime. Check out what events are happening each weekend and pick the one that suits you best. You’ll be sure to leave lucky with the number of hot women that come here. So put on your dancing shoes and get ready to sway to some Latin beats.
What Are Other People Saying About Venu Nightclub
Jason “FunnnyFall” Do - Google Maps
“Came here for an RnB event. Definitely had a great time! A bit crowded but it’s part of the experience”
AFF is the easiest way to get laid in Boston without the hassle (try it free)
AFF is what Tinder used to be when it comes to getting laid in Boston. Even though it's been around longer it's still the best option for guys who want to skip the small talk and head to bed.
A lot of people come to us for recommendations on what to try first and we usually tell them AFF. Having a ton of users who are completely focused on physical relationships (over 50 million) leads to getting good results. When even normal guys are getting good success you know you are in the right place.
On our annual list of the best hookup options, AFF consistently gets top marks because it draws in people from every demographic. For people in their 30s who feel intimidated by other Boston hook up options, know that AFF is as welcoming as they come.
The consistent success rate for users of AFF means that it’s likely to stay a top choice for those who want to get laid. If you haven't checked out their free trial below you're missing out. It has worked better than anything else we've tried lately. To give you a more detailed look at how AFF works and how it performs for regular guys, you can also have a look at our Adult FriendFinder review.
What people think of AFF:
Louis S. - SiteJabber
AFF has been around for a long time and it is an established community with mostly real users. I have used it in the past and what can I say: I had a blast. Messaged a countless number of chicks but actually hooked up with two of them. My advise. Just send out messages that really work, nothing like hey Hun, What's up?!... just be creative and don't forget to stay active.
u/notunek - Reddit
I've only been on AFF for 3 weeks now, but have had a lot of activity. Of course it is easier for females than males to get lots of messages and offers. You have to be thick-skinned because many of the males are very explicit in what they want. It bothered me at first and was a turn-off. I don't mind frank talk about sex, but it's rude in my mind not to introduce yourself, give some details and get to "know" each other a little before you ask if she likes DBA...
There are many men that are looking for a relationship and also those looking for NSA. I got a bunch of men in town for a couple of days on business.
The best Boston pickup bars we've tried
These are the best bars in town for picking up girls who just want to have fun:
Backbar is the perfect cocktail bar to meet tons of Boston single women
@backbarunion
Backbar is one of the best-kept secrets for finding hookups in Boston . . . well, actually nearby Somerville. This hidden gem is perfect if you’re looking to meet some gorgeous single women. The bar offers up some pretty amazing craft cocktails that keep the ladies coming in.
The aesthetic of the bar is pretty eclectic, which attracts a cool crowd. Everyone is hip and ready to have a good time. Add to that the bar’s intimate feel, which helps with mingling. This is a great bar to kickstart your night.
What Are Other People Saying About Backbar
Jeremy Yowell - Google Maps
“A breath of fresh air! From the vibes, to the service, to the drinks, everything was outstanding. Such a chill but interesting atmosphere with delicious cocktails. Highly recommend getting a dirty martini here. Will be back!”
Noir Bar is a great bar to get lucky in Boston
@NoirBar
If live music and dive bars aren’t what you’re looking for on a night out, head over to Noir Bar. This sophisticated cocktail bar draws a high-class crowd of good-looking people. The cocktails are a little pricey, but they’re also delicious and unique. This Cambridge lounge serves a wide-range of beers and does Scotch flights if cocktails aren’t your speed. This is also where you should go to meet visiting New York girls.
Navigating a hookup bar like Noir requires a little more skill than some other spots, but it’s well worth the effort. Sexy singles come out in swarms to Noir, which is why we had to include it in our list of favorite hookup bars in Boston. You’ll know why once you go.
What Are Other People Saying About Noir Bar
Sportygoalie32 - Google Maps
“Normally I’m skeptical of bars in hotels…however Noir is officially the exception to the rule. Nice patio that offers good food and even better drinks! The staff have great banter as well. A solid spot in Cambridge!”
Cantab Lounge draws in an eclectic crowd
@cantablounge
If there’s one thing Bostonians love, it’s a place with history. Cantab Lounge has been around for generations, but that doesn’t mean it’s changed. It remains the quintessential dive bar in Central Square for live music, cheap drinks and a crowd of diverse ages and backgrounds. If you’re looking to mingle and more, this is where you can get laid in Boston.
Besides for bluegrass music on Tuesdays, you can check out open mic nights and even poetry slams. Whatever your taste in evening entertainment, you’ll find a lot to enjoy here and plenty of people who like to have fun. Come for the show and stay for the cozy company at one of our favorite Boston hookup bars.
What Are Other People Saying About Cantab Lounge
Johnny DuBose - Google Maps
“Super fun vibes and atmosphere here. Danced with a lovely old lady, Litty, and she taught me how to be a man. Love her and the cherished memories we made at the Cantab Lounge. Would highly recommend coming here and getting very drunk while enjoying the music.”
The Druid is for beer lovers in Cambridge
@TheDruidCambridge
It’s practically illegal to make a list of hookup bars and not include an Irish Pub. Good thing The Druid is a good enough spot to mention even without that law. This Cambridge bar offers a nice selection of rotating beers on tap, which you can enjoy at weekly Trivia Nights or during the nearly daily offering of live Irish music.
If you want more of a traditional club feel, Thursday nights involve a DJ spinning a wide range of musical offerings. People come here to get loose, have fun and meet somebody new. Show up ready to meet someone interesting and you could be heading home before the last record spins. This is what makes The Druid one of the best bars to get laid.
What Are Other People Saying About The Druid
Ethan Walshe - Google Maps
“My favorite pub in the area. Vibes are always great, food is tasty, beers are flowing. Highly recommend.”
The hookup apps in Boston dating coaches prefer
A huge number of hookups start online now. You don't have spend all day on the apps but spending 10-20 minutes a week sending messages can really pay off. These are the best hookup apps in the city right now:
| Site | Our Experience | Our Rating | Free Trial Link |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Hookup Site Right Now | Experience Highlights
| 9 | Try AFF For Free |
Great If You're Handsome | Tinder Highlights
| 8 | Try Tinder |
2nd Best For Most Guys | Experience Highlights
| 8 | Try Passion |
How to stay safe on hookup apps in Boston
Massachusetts is one of the most dangerous states for online romance scams. These are scenarios when an online companion (usually from dating apps or social media) fabricates a romantic connection and asks their victim for money.
These scammers are usually posing as an attractive member of the opposite sex. FBI figures suggest that more than $9.3 million dollars was lost to this scam in Massachusetts in 2022.
“The consequences of these scams are often financially and emotionally devastating to victims,” says Joseph R. Bonavolonta, FBI Boston special agent. “[They] rarely get their money back and may not have the ability to recover from the financial loss.”
Follow these tips to protect yourself from falling victim to this ruse.
- Look for verified profiles. Most dating apps allow members to go through a verification process to prove they are the person in their photos. So, look out for profiles that are verified. Don’t be afraid to ask an online match to verify their profile if they’re not already.
- Add your matches on social media. This can help you to learn more about them including whether they’ve been representing themselves accurately on the dating app.
- Engage in video calls before a date. This will help you out catfishes and test for real-life chemistry.
- Never send money to an online stranger. Promise to follow this rule and you’ll be safe from romance scammers. These scammers are experts at building bonds and fabricating reasons why they need urgent funds, but it’s up to you not to fall for their lies. “If your online sweetheart asks for money, you can expect it’s a scam,” says FTC consumer education specialist Aditi Jhaverib. “Don’t send money to someone you met online — for any reason.”
The best clubs for finding hookups in Boston
If you're higher energy and don't mind crowds check out these great spots:
Lots of single women seeking men head out to Royale
@RoyaleNightclubBoston
Royale Boston is one of the hottest nightclubs in the city. The club has several levels to it, all playing fun dance music and it's easily responsible for a ton of Boston hookups that are happening. Everyone in the club is always dancing and having a good time. In fact, some of the hottest DJs around often come to Royale to host. You can expect a mixed age group filled with both women who just graduated from college along with some young professionals.
We highly recommend grabbing a drink and then making your way to the dance floor. You don’t have to be a professional dancer to make it work here either. Just sway along to the music and ask someone gorgeous to join you. We guarantee you won’t spend the night alone here, cause we never have. So quit sulking in the corner and get to dancing on the dancefloor!
What Are Other People Saying About Royale
Tariq Wahab - Google Maps
“It is one of the best concert arena for EDM music.”
Middlesex Lounge is a great place to go for a late night Boston hook up
@middlesexlounge
We have to go with one more Cambridge hotspot for our list, but don’t worry, this place isn’t snooty. The Middlesex Lounge has been listed as the Best Dance Club and Best Bar almost too many times to count. Well, here’s another award: Middlesex Lounge is one of the best hookup bars in Boston. It's super similar to some of the top Buffalo hookup spots.
If you’ve heard of it and thought it’d be too crowded or too expensive to enjoy, don’t fear. This place is pure fun. For this city, the drinks are actually reasonably priced, but the best part is the music and the sexy crowds. People come to the Middlesex Lounge to get down in more ways than one. Wear something nice but light, because you’re going to sweat on the dance floor. Don’t worry, if the night goes right, you won’t be wearing your shirt for long.
What Are Other People Saying About Middlesex Lounge
John Sanders - Google Maps
“If you are looking for a place where you can have a legit good time this is it. You aren't going to get bottle girls with sparklers dancing around in almost nothing, but you will get a great place to dance and hang out.”
Best places to meet sexy Boston girls during the day
If your evening hours are full but you still want some company these are some great options that don't get mentioned a lot:
Urbanity Dance is perfect if you’re looking to meet single women from different backgrounds
@urbanitydance
There’s no better place to meet women than at your local dance studio. Dance classes are a great way to get to know new people in a short span of time. Everyone in the class is learning a new skill while mingling and having small talk.
Urbanity Dance features adult dance classes for all levels. So if you’ve never danced before, or have a set foundation, you’ll find a group to join. Swapping partners during dance classes means that you’ll be meeting a ton of single women seeking men. So don’t overlook Urbanity Dance as a great option.
What Are Other People Saying About Urbanity Dance
Nick Botchan - Google Maps
“I've been dancing at Urbanity in their adult 10-week sessions for a year and continue to be impressed and inspired by the organization. Instructors are top notch, both technically and in terms of fostering a great community within the classroom.”
Render Coffee is an awesome spot to grab a coffee and mingle with singles
@rendercoffee
Render Coffee is a lovely place to grab some coffee and meet some new people. Coffee shops are the perfect environment for meeting someone new. After all, unlike bars and nightclubs, women’s guards aren’t up as much. That means you’ll have much better luck striking up a conversation at Render Coffee.
This small local spot has a great outdoor patio that we love to take advantage of on warmer days. You’ll notice that the women who frequent this place are from all different ages. You’ll meet college girls studying for exams and older women on break from their high-powered jobs. No matter what you’re into, you’ll meet her here. So order a coffee and one of their breakfast dishes and introduce yourself to someone new.
What Are Other People Saying About Render Coffee
Emilia Bingham - Google Maps
“It's a good, standard coffee shop. Had some vegan breakfast options which was nice.”
Other great hookup spots to meet Boston girls
No list would be complete without these last options:
The Bebop will be music to your ears
@TheBebopBoston
Thanks to the presence of Berklee, this is one of the great music cities in America. There is always a show going on somewhere. Some of the best are at The Bebop off of Boylston. Whether it’s live jazz or a surprise drop in by Bruce Springsteen, people know this is the place to go for amazing music, delicious food, and a lot of people looking for Boston hookups.
For that reason, you’ll want to make a reservation or just pop into the bar and scout the talent. Believe me, there is talent to be seen. The atmosphere is amazing and people come to have a good time, which means if you play your cards right, you’ll be having a good time when you leave too. If your looking to find hook ups fast and easy this is a great place.
What Are Other People Saying About The Bebop
Jaime MG - Google Maps
“We went to have some beers since we saw that there was live music. The treatment was very good since they found us a table so we could have something to eat even though it was dinner time and they were full.”
Look good and have a blast on Tinder
A poll by Boston Magazine once found that only 5% of locals have never used a dating app. While the publication didn’t mention the demographics of their respondents, iIt’s pretty much impossible to live in town and not have heard of Tinder. This hookup option has around 75 million users across the world, gets referenced in songs, TV shows and movies etc. It can be a lot of fun, and a nice distraction when you’re bored at work, but Tinder can also disappoint if you are only looking for some casual sex in Boston. Far too many people have tried it only to delete it in frustration (and then download it again a month later).
The fact is, Tinder works best for good-looking men whose pictures help them stand out. Guys in the top 10% of looks have all kinds of success on Tinder. People between the ages of 18 and 28 do even better, which is why Tinder is so popular at BU and Harvard. Around 60% of the user base is under 35 years old, according to Business Of Apps.
Women on Tinder have even more fun because they have most of the control. The hottest women on Tinder rarely even use it to get laid in Boston, preferring to collect swipes from thirsty guys like they were collectible figurines. If that supermodel matched with you, don’t be shocked if she never responds to your charming “Hey.”
There are suggestions that Tinder is looking to rebrand more about dating than hooking up. That could make using it more complicated if all you want is a quick tryst. Still, for the hot and young, Tinder will always be one of the best hook up options.
What people are saying about Tinder
chestyCough94 - Reddit
Id say it's more a hookup app than a relationship app but for your average guy those hookups are once in a blue moon. You'll get them but they'll be once every few months to a year. An attractive guy (like top 10%) would have more frequency.
An attractive girl on the other hand...limitless willy lool. Even a conventionally average girl will have a similar amount of access to hookups as the top 10% of men. The only difference is women tend to be more selective, so despite having a wealth of options, they tend not to really act on it.
This all my anecdotal experience though based on my friend groups. May not be the same for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions on Hookups in Boston
What hookup sites are in Boston?
Pretty much every hookup site works pretty well in Boston, but the best ones you can go for are Tinder, OkCupid, and Bumble due to how popular they are.
“Almost everybody is on OkCupid, Tinder, and/or Grindr,” confirms local blogger Kim Prosise. “Observing OkCupid dates in the wild is practically a Cambridge-side spectator sport.”
But if you're looking for a higher success rate, then opting for AFF or eHarmony could be a better decision.
How to find singles in Boston?
The best way to find singles in Boston is through dating apps. Things like Tinder, Bumble, OkCupid, and many others can help you find like-minded singles looking for a relationship or just a hookup. Alternatively, you can always go to local bars and clubs on a Friday night.
“You need to make dating a priority and make a conscious effort to leave time in your schedule for online dating, meeting people IRL, and going on dates,” says dating coach and marriage counsellor Samantha Burns. “You get out of dating what you put into it. Aim to go on at least one date per week."
If you do go down the route of online dating, it’s important to put effort into your profile. Remember, you’re competing with hundreds of thousands of guys in this city, so it pays to think about what makes you unique.
“Own who you are in a way that’s loving and confident,” says Havard-trained psychologist Dr. Monica O’Neal. “The ideal number of photos is five or six, with three being the absolute minimum.”
Is it expensive to date in Boston?
The Bumble ‘Best Cities For Singles’ report found that a typical movie and dinner date would cost around $113 in Boston, making it one of the more expensive cities in the United States.
What bars are best for single people in Boston?
The best bars for singles in Boston are:
- Backbar
- The Patios
- Noir Bar
- The Druid
If you liked this check out these other great spots for hookups:
This article may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you.
References:
Borison, R. (2014) Here’s where you should live if you’re looking for a serious relationship. Business Insider.
Boston Magazine (2022) The hopeless romantic’s guide to dating in Boston.
Iqbal, M. (2023) Tinder revenue and usage statistics. Business of Apps.
Jhaveri, A. (2015) Faking it—Scammers’ tricks to steal your heart and money. Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advice.
King, K. (2024) 2024’s best hookup apps & hookup sites we’ve tried personally. Heart Insider.
Mahoney, S. (2024) 8 proven places to find casual hookups near you in 2024. Heart Insider.
Mahoney, S. (2024) The best spots for New York City hookups in 2024. Heart Insider.
Michaelson, R. (2017) 5 reasons why dating in Boston is the worst. NBC Boston.
Prosise, K. (2015) 17 ways dating in Boston is different than anywhere else. Thrillist.
Senkus, T. (2024) Adult FriendFinder review 2024 - Is this app worth it? Heart Insider.
Setera, K. (2021) FBI cautions public to beware of romance scammers looking for more than love. FBI.
United States Census Bureau (2022) QuickFacts Boston city, Massachusetts.
WBZ News (2021) Boston ranked as the second-best city for singles in America. CBS News.
White, J. (2017) 9 things you must know about dating someone in Boston. Only in Your State.
Wood, B. (2024) The best spots for Buffalo hookups in 2024. Heart Insider.
Contributing Authors:
Joe Elvin
Joe Elvin is an internationally known confidence and dating coach with nearly a decade of experience. He is the successful author of several dating and confidence books that have helped thousands of men find success. While traveling the world Joe consistently finds new and valuable ways to meet and attract women. Joe has a Bachelor’s Degree in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University and he has been featured in many large publications including AskMen, TSB Magazine and The Good Men Project.
As one of the most prolific writers on Heart Insider, Joe has reviewed over a hundred dating apps. He is the site’s foremost authority when it comes to selecting what dating app works for whom. From an app’s mechanics to its algorithm to telltale signs that a dating app is a scam, Joe’s is able to expertly discern between dating apps that provide value and those that don’t.
Tom Senkus
For more than two decades, Tom has dated extensively and studied behavioral psychology as a way of understanding the complexities of human nature until he became an expert. After traveling as a touring musician and living in more than 15 countries, Tom has cross-referenced his experience in seduction, dating, and interpersonal dynamics with the ever-changing landscape of 21st-century dating. His work as a writer has appeared in 500+ publications (digital and print). Tom is also the author of several books (available on Amazon). In his free time, you can find Tom recording music and cooking the best Cincinnati-style chili you’ve ever had.
If you liked this check out these other great spots for hookups:
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