Top Cities to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day (Because Who Doesn't Want to Drink Green Beer in Style?)

St. Patrick’s Day: it’s the holiday where everyone’s a little Irish, everyone’s a little tipsy, and everyone’s a little bit green. From parades to pints of Guinness, to the occasional leprechaun sighting (we don’t ask questions), St. Patrick’s Day has become a global celebration of all things Irish. But where are the best places to celebrate this boisterous holiday? Let’s rank the top cities around the world, where the green beer flows like… well, green beer.

1. Dublin, Ireland – The Holy Grail of St. Patrick’s Day

Let’s start with the obvious one: Dublin. If you’re not celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin, then you’re just pretending. Dublin turns into a sea of shamrocks, live music, and Guinness (the official drink of the Irish… and honestly, of humanity). The city goes all out with parades, festivals, and of course, more pubs than you can shake a shamrock at.

Why It’s #1: Because it’s where it all started. In fact, you should probably expect to find a Guinness statue or two in the middle of the street. If you're not singing "Danny Boy" by the end of the night, did you even celebrate?

Fun Fact: The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is so big, the crowds are practically a national holiday in themselves.

2. New York City, USA – Big Apple, Bigger Hangovers

New York City might not have the emerald hills of Ireland, but it makes up for it with an absolutely epic parade and a whole lot of Guinness. The NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the longest-running parade in the United States, and it’s practically a religion here.

Why It’s #2: Whether you’re marching along 5th Avenue or dodging the sea of drunk people in the Irish pubs, NYC is the ultimate spot for St. Patrick’s Day in America. Plus, where else can you celebrate by day and then dance it off in Times Square by night?

Fun Fact: NYC’s Irish pubs are legendary. And let’s be real – you’ll probably find someone trying to kiss you under a four-leaf clover.

3. Boston, USA – Because the Irish Are Practically the Mayor Here

Boston and St. Patrick’s Day go together like corned beef and cabbage. The Irish-American population in Boston is huge, so the city has been celebrating St. Patrick’s Day for centuries. The Boston Parade is practically a rite of passage. Plus, the city offers a staggering amount of Irish pubs, so you’ll never be without a place to sip on some Irish whiskey.

Why It’s #3: Boston’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities are legendary, with no shortage of Irish pubs and people passionately yelling about how “Boston is the best city in the world.” (It’s true, we don’t argue.) If you like being surrounded by people who truly care about their Irish roots, then this is the place for you.

Fun Fact: You can’t talk about St. Patrick’s Day in Boston without mentioning the "Boston Irish." The accent alone will have you questioning your life choices.

4. Chicago, USA – The Greenest River You’ve Ever Seen

Chicago is one of the only places where the river literally turns green for St. Patrick’s Day. Yes, it’s a big deal. The city also holds a massive parade, has an absolutely staggering number of Irish pubs, and hosts plenty of live music. Plus, let’s be real, Chicagoans know how to party – and that’s saying something when it comes to St. Patrick’s Day.

Why It’s #4: The city’s festivities are bold, with the green river being the highlight of the day. Bonus points if you get to witness the parade, which is one of the largest in the country. If you're ready to see Chicago at its loudest and most "festive," this is the place to be.

Fun Fact: Chicago has been dyeing the river green since 1962. I guess you could say they’ve really committed to this thing. Looking like the slime from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

5. Montreal, Canada – Pour Some Guinness, Eh?

Montreal’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration is a delightful mix of Irish traditions and a little Canadian flair. The parade here is one of the largest in Canada, and the city’s Irish heritage really shines through, with pubs, music, and a little maple syrup on the side (just kidding, sort of).

Why It’s #5: Montreal offers a unique twist on the holiday. You get the Irish vibe, but with that unmistakable French-Canadian charm. Plus, they really know how to throw a festival. Poutine after a pint of Guinness? Now that’s living the dream.

Fun Fact: You can enjoy both St. Patrick’s Day and the Montreal Canadiens game in the same weekend. Just prepare for the ultimate hangover.