Nightlife in Boston

Axis has high-energy music and space for more than 1,000 people. Theme nights include a Friday night techno session, and sometimes a Sunday "Gay Night," for which Axis and neighboring mega club Avalon combine and let dancers circulate between the two for one cover charge. Some nights are 18-plus; others are over-21 only. Dress creatively -- leave the suits, polo shirts, and khakis at home. Or play it safe and wear all black.

Bill's Bar (www.billsbar.com) has live music seven nights a week, including rock, reggae, alternative, funk, and punk. It's usually mellower than most of its Lansdowne neighbors. Don't miss the tributes to dead celebrities (Kurt Cobain and Bob Marley, among others) lining the walls. Although the club is open until 2 AM, the live music usually ends by midnight.

Buzz Boston/Europa stands just where the South End gives way to the Theater District. Known as Europa most nights, it attracts a well heeled, largely Euro crowd that bumps and grinds on the dance floor. On Saturday it becomes Buzz Boston, catering to a gay crowd. It's 21-plus every night.