Orpheum Theatre

The Orpheum opened in 1852 as the Boston Music Hall, which makes it one of the oldest theaters in the United States still hosting shows. It sits at 1 Hamilton Place, steps from Boston Common and Tremont Street, and over the decades it went from classical hall to vaudeville to one of the city's defining rock rooms. Aerosmith, U2, Bob Dylan, The Police, David Bowie: they've all stood on this stage.

Roughly 2,700 seats across orchestra, mezzanine, and balcony, and let's be honest, the aging interior is part of the deal. Steep balconies, narrow rows, a little wear on everything. It is not the comfiest room in Boston, and the sightlines from the upper tiers can get tight. For a big show, the floor is the smarter ticket.

But for the right band, the history in the walls more than makes up for the legroom you don't get. Standing where Dylan and Bowie once stood hits different than any shiny new arena ever could. You're right in downtown near Boston Common, surrounded by dinner options before doors, so build in time to eat and then go soak up a room that's been doing this for over 170 years. Find Orpheum Theatre tickets on Evil Tickets and pick your level.