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Born from many years of visits and extensive research, I’ve curated this list of the best things to do at night in Rome, sharing experiences that range from gastronomic delights to quiet historical encounters, ensuring your Roman nights are as memorable as the city itself.
Rome is a city that always delights, no matter the time of day.
As the sun makes its golden, orbed descent behind the dome of St. Peter’s and as the sky is streaked with amber and lilac, Roma presents itself in a different light. It’s a time that I find Rome to be particularly magical.
Some of Rome’s most iconic sites, like the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums find themselves devoid of tourists and it can be a great time to add to your Rome itinerary an after-hours special access tour to find yourself in relative solitude in these typically thronged hotspots.
Crowded piazzas empty out, as people move indoors to restaurants and a walking tour of Rome at night provides for a wonderful opportunity to take in the many fountains and architectural delights of the city, without bumping shoulders with other tourists.
If you’re a foodie, you can head to any one of the endless restaurants in Rome, to sample either traditional Roman fare, or visit somewhere contemporary and discover how young chefs are presenting old classics in inventive and exciting ways.
My extensive research and personal experiences have been woven into this guide, providing insights gleaned from a life-long fascination with this enchanting city.
Whether you’re after something glamorous, or something more cultural, discover what to do and where to go in Rome at night in this guide.
TOP 3 recommendationS
1 | VIP Colosseum At Night Tour
Explore the Colosseum after hours, witness the Underground and stand on the illuminated arena floor.
2 | VESPA Tour by Night
Embark on an enchanting Roman adventure aboard a classic Vespa with an experienced guide chauffeur.
3 | Food Tour at Night
Indulge in a delectable sunset walking tour. Savor local delicacies, uncover hidden gems, and glean culinary secrets.
The best things to do at night in Rome
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Rome, Italy! Whether you’re short on time or simply looking for the best nighttime experiences in the city, I’ve selected a list of exciting activities for you to enjoy after the sun sets.
- Things to do at night in rome for couples: Rome sunset walking tour
- Things to do at night in rome for first time visitor: Exclusive access nighttime Catacombs tour
- Things to do at night in rome for families: Legends & Criminals walking tour
- Things to do at night in rome for art enthusiasts: Vatican Museum tour at night
- Things to do at night in rome for solo travellers: VESPA Tour by Night
- Things to do at night in rome for history buffs: VIP Colosseum At Night Tour
Essential links for booking your trip to Rome
Top-rated Rome at night tours and experiences:
☆ VIP Colosseum At Night Tour With Underground & Arena Floor
☆ Rome Food Tour by Sunset around Prati District
☆ Evening pasta-making class
☆ Exclusive access nighttime Catacombs tour.
☆ Vintage Vespa night tour of Rome
Top places to stay in Rome: Kalos (luxury apartment where I stayed) // Palazzo Dama (a quirky 5*) // The Glam (with rooftop pool) // Casa Pietra (a “luxe for less” gem)
Don’t forget to pack: a coverup for entering churches // a powerbank for your phone // Universal travel adapter // these **fantastic** compression packing cubes
Top choice of what to do in Rome at night – visit Rome’s mighty Colosseum
Anyone who has visited the Colosseum before during the day, especially after spending a night in Rome, can attest to how busy it can get. Between the queues to get in and the struggle to look at everything in an unobstructed way, while absolutely worth visiting, the whole experience can be just a tad bit stressful.
Hands down, the Colosseum is one of the best places to visit in Rome at night. You can only visit by taking an organised Colosseum night tour, and outside of your own tour, it’s highly likely that there may be only one other group there around the same time as you.
That equates to around forty people being the Colosseum after dark, which is far less than you’ll ever encounter during the day.
I feel so strongly about visiting the Colosseum after-hours, that I’ve written a whole post dedicated to the question – is a Colosseum by night tour worth it?
During my last visit to Rome I took the VIP Colosseum At Night Tour With Underground & Arena Floor with Take Walks and would highly recommend it. We were also the only group in Colosseum at that time.
The underground, or hypogeum, of the Colosseum is immensely fascinating. Only recently opened up to visitors, it is a behind the scenes look at how the bloody spectacles that were gladiatorial battles were orchestrated, offering intriguing insights into Rome at night things to do.
During a Rome night tour, you have the opportunity to explore this hidden gem and get a real sense of what it might have been like in the underground cavern.
You get a real sense of what it might have been like in the underground cavern of heat, roaring animals, terrified prisoners and battle-nervous gladiators before they made their way onto the arena floor (and you’ll see how they did this, too).
It’s a highly worthwhile experience for those wondering what to do in Rome at night time.
RELATED READING | Best Colosseum by Night Tours: 9 Top Picks for 2024
The best things to do at night in Rome
Things to do in Rome at night for history lovers
Explore some of Rome’s historical sites on foot
Much of Rome itself is an open-air museum of sorts, with plenty to be discovered merely by wandering around. One of the best things to do in Rome in the evening is to take in some of its historical sites. Dust off your map (or open your iPhone), get your walking shoes on and take to the cobbled streets of Rome.
Points of historical interest include sites like the Pantheon, The Temple of Hadrian, Castel Sant’Angelo, the Altar of the Fatherland, the Capitoline Hill, the Roman Forum, and of course, the Colosseum, making them some of the best things to do in Rome at night.
While you won’t be able to enter many of these, it’s still well worth sizing them up from the outside.
If you’d prefer to learn a little more while making your way around these places to see in Rome at night, then I’d encourage you to consider a guided tour. On a well chosen, small group Rome by night walking tour, you won’t have to worry about figuring out a route and you’ll learn plenty from your expert guide.
In a smaller group, it will also be much easier to ask questions.
This Rome by night private walking tour is a fantastic option that will bring you to many of the best places in Rome at night, including the city’s top historical sites. With its stellar reputation and 5-star reviews from past customers, this tour ensures an exceptional experience.
Discover Rome’s Catacombs
For those who may be a little more steelier nerved than I, a trip to Rome’s Catacombs is a fantastic way to spend night time in Rome.
You’ll have to visit with a guide, and this exclusive access nighttime Catacombs tour. This semi-private tour is limited to a group of 6 people and takes visitors to the Catacombs of St. Agnes, the Capuchin Crypt and Santa Costanza Mausoleum from above ground.
The Capuchin Crypt is one of the intriguing things to do at night in Rome. It offers a bizarre yet fascinating posthumous arrangement of the bones of over 4,000 dead Capuchin monks.
While that may sounds rather macabre, if not a little chilling, there is actually a more upbeat reason behind the Capuchins’ decision and by the end of the visit you’ll understand why the Capuchins decided to honour their dead in this way.
When Christianity first came to Rome, its earliest supporters were persecuted and even martyred by the Romans and were forced underground in order to celebrate their religion and bury their dead.
On a trip to the catacombs, you’ll discover hundreds of underground hallways, lined with tombs, frescoes and inscriptions and learn about the plight of early Christians in Rome.
Finally, on this Rome by night tour, you’ll visit the Santa Costanza Mausoleum, in which two of the daughters of Emperor Constantine are buried. Their tombs have been heavily decorated with priceless 4th century mosaics and you’ll see early depictions of Jesus.
Presenting an alternative option to experiences that are typically skewed towards Ancient Rom a Catacombs night tour in Rome is a great way for history enthusiasts to pass an evening.
READ NEXT | 30+ Of The Best Gifts For History Buffs In 2024
Learn about the ghosts, myths and legends of Rome
If you fancy yourself as a bit of a history nerd and are looking for things to do in Rome tonight, then chances are that you may already know a decent amount about topics like the ancient, Renaissance or Baroque periods in Rome.
If you’re keen to see Rome from an alternative slant and see the city brought to life through some more personal, lurid tales then one of the best night activities in Rome that you could consider is a Legends & Criminals walking tour.
This Rome at night tour weaves a route around sites like Campo de’ Fiori, Castel Sant’Angelo and Palazzo Farnese and along the way you’ll be told about historical mysteries, myths and supernatural tales – offering a completely different perspective of Rome compared to your average walking tour.
By the end of the tour, you’ll look at popular landmarks in Rome, like the Castel Sant’Angelo and the Ponte Sisto in a totally different light.
What to do at night in Rome for art and culture lovers
Vatican Museums night tour with Sistine Chapel – Take Walks
One of the best things to do at night in Rome for culture lovers, is to do an after hours tour of the Vatican Museum.
Visiting the museums at night offer a much quieter, intimate way to experience the incredible art on show in the Vatican and to actually have the time and space to absorb it fully, without jostling with the throngs of tourists that visit during the day.
I highly recommend visiting the Vatican Museums with a guide, especially if it’s your first time, or if you’ve visited previously without a guide. When looking for unique things to do at night in Rome, this experience stands out.
The main reason for this is the sheer size of the various collections that are housed there. A guide makes the most efficient use of your time and knows how to utilise this quieter period of the day, whisking you around to some of the Vatican’s most important works.
This Take Walks Vatican Museums Night Tour includes the Sistine Chapel, along with other Vatican Museum highlights like the incredibly moving sculpture of Laocoön and His Sons, the Gallery of Tapestries, the Gallery of Maps and the Raphael Rooms.
You will also be one of a small few visiting the Sistine Chapel at the same time, which makes for a thoroughly unique and moving experience when considering what to see in Rome at night (take it from me, I actually cried when I visited and observed the frescoes in peace!).
If you decide to do something else in Rome at night, then I’d still strongly advise a visit to the Vatican Museums outside of regular hours. I myself took and can fully endorse this VIP Pristine Sistine Vatican Tour with Museum Breakfast tour.
Head to the opera in Rome
If you enjoy classical music, then a wonderful thing to do in the city at night it to head to the opera in Rome.
The Tetro dell’Opera di Roma is one of the more ornate opera houses that you will find around the world. Built in the 19th century, the interiors feature ornate stucco work and gilding, with seats in a plush, red velvet. It presents a wonderful chance to dress up for a romantic night, although formal dress is not required.
The opera house hosts several headline operas and ballets each year and boasts a talented orchestra in-house. It also presents an accessible way to attend an opera, as subtitles in both Italian and English are provided above the stage.
If you don’t mind having a slightly restricted view of the stage, you can also snare some box tickets for less than €50, which is a welcome departure from the often steep prices at other venues. Check the official website for further details on what’s scheduled for the upcoming season, as well as to purchase tickets.
Conduct your own walking tour of the fountains of Rome
Rome is home to many beautiful fountains, a lot of which are works of art in themselves. One of the best free things to do in Rome at night, is to take yourself on your own walking tour to view them in the quietness of nighttime and when they and their surroundings are lit up dramatically and artistically.
Below are some of Rome’s most beautiful fountains to include on your night time in Rome walking itinerary.
Fontana delle Naiadi | one of the newer fountains on this list, in that it was created in 1888. Located in Piazza della Repubblica, groups of nymphs surround a large round basin.
Fontana del Tritone | this baroque fountain is one of the great Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s and is located in the centre of Piazza Barberini. Highly elaborate, four dolphins hold aloft an open scallop shell, from which a triton blows on a conch.
Barcaccia | designed by Bernini’s father, Pietro, this unusual fountain is found at the foot of the Spanish Steps. Partially submerged below street level, this was an engineering solution to deal with water pressure issues that would have rendered jets of water impossible.
Fontana di Trevi | the great Trevi Fountain needs no introduction, entirely filling the little piazza that it occupies and famous the world over. It’s just as beautiful at night as it is during the day.
Fontana dei Fiumi | known otherwise as the Fountain of the Four Rivers, this Bernini design occupies the centre of Piazza Navona and is an exquisite collection of four figures, each to symbolize a different continent of the world that came under the footstep of the mighty Roman Empire.
Best Rome by night activities for foodies
Go on a sunset food tour in Rome around the Prati district
If you are a foodie, then one of the best Rome things to do at night is to go on a food tour, to learn more about Roman food culture and sample some of its culinary delights.
This sunset food tour in the Prati district is a fantastic choice, that is extremely highly reviewed by past customers.
Prati is an upscale district in Rome that borders the Vatican city, forming a more residential area where local Romans live and where fewer tourists frequent, offering the perfect opportunity for immersion into an authentic Roman food experience.
This tour is better than most, due to the variety of foods that you will sample – up to 20 (!) – so make sure you come hungry and eager to try a wide range of Roman and Italian food.
With an experienced guide, you’ll wander through the streets of Prati, stopping off at gourmet stores and meeting artisanal food makers, who are happy to share their knowledge and tips with you.
You’ll try cured meats and cheeses, sample some of the best pizza in Rome, as well as sampling delicacies like truffle, 30 year aged balsamic vinegar and enjoying fine Italian wines along the way.
Sample some Roman cuisine, either traditional or with a modern twist
It’s safe to say that you are rather spoilt for choice when it comes to finding places to eat in Rome. One of the best places to go in Rome at night is to head to one of its umpteen restaurants.
When visiting a city that’s so renowned for its amazing food, I think it’s important to explore both its older, more traditional restaurants to understand where the local cuisine finds its roots from, but also to pay a visit to newer kids on the block too, where you’ll find how traditions are being refined and revolutionised to appeal to a more modern audience.
I’ve outlined a longer list of places to eat in Rome in this Rome itinerary post, if you navigate to the relevant section once you’re on the page.
Some spots to get you started, however, include both Antica Trattoria Angelino and Trattoria Da Enzo al 29 for more traditional Roman fare, along with the atmospheric Casa Coppelle and female-led kitchen of Pianostrada for more modern, cool and creative takes on Roman and Italian cuisine.
Plan a foodie evening and learn how to make pasta from scratch
If you fancy yourself as a budding chef, want to pick up some useful tips to bring home with you, or even just want to enjoy an evening of food and wine, then this brilliant pasta-making class makes for one of the more fun things to do at night in Rome.
You’ll spend an enjoyable 3 hours as part of a small group, cooking, dining and drinking wine alongside an Italian chef. The evening starts off in a relaxed fashion, where you’ll be treated to a class of prosecco and some apperitivi on arrival to your location, which is in the heart of Rome’s rustic Trastevere district.
Once you’ve settled, you’ll roll up your sleeves and get to work, learning how to create and cook the tastiest pasta possible from scratch.
While you wait for your pasta to set a little, you’ll be treated to a gelato-making demonstration from your chef, before popping open some bottles of wine and sitting down to delight on the fruits of your labor.
Go for some rooftop cocktails…
Some would call it a lazy way of doing things (not me!), but if you’re looking for the best way to see Rome at night from above, you can do so in comfort while sipping a cocktail with views from a rooftop at one of Rome’s cocktail bars.
If you’re wondering where to go at night in Rome for a cocktail with a view, below are a few options to get you started.
Atlas Terrace Les Etoiles | Located on the rooftop of the Hotel Atlante Star, from this bar you’ll receive absolutely fantastic views of St. Peter’s Cathedral, along with 360 degree views of much of the rest of the Eternal City. Aperitivo time runs from 18.00 to 21.00 and drinks are accompanied by finger food.
Minerva Roof Garden | Probably one of the best known of Rome’s rooftop bars, boasting stunning views of the Pantheon – in fact, it’s located right beside it. Glamorous, if not a little pricey, this bar specialises in martinis, with more than a dozen options on the menu.
Zuma | You’ll find this trendy bar as part of an ultra-contemporary Japanese restaurant at the top of the Fendi Palace, complete with spectacular views. That’s probably enough to set the scene…
Head underground to one of Rome’s speakeasies…
If you’d prefer to take your Rome evening activities underground, then there is a choice selection of speakeasies to be found around the city center. I’ve included some of the best below.
Club Derriere | Whenever I see the word ‘derriere’ written, I automatically associate it with someone’s rear end, however in its most literal term, it means ‘behind’ and that is exactly where you’ll find this sophisticated speakeasy – by going through a white wardrobe behind Piazza delle Coppelle, which is located close to the Pantheon.
The Jerry Thomas Project | An internationally renowned speakeasy that is likely Rome’s best known. The Jerry Thomas speakeasy is a glamourous joint that comes with a fair bit of shine. Jazz music plays in the background, interiors are plush and the drinks list is very much in keeping with the prohibition era seen in the 1920’s.
The Race Club | This secret cocktail bar stands close to the Colosseum in the historical center of Rome. It’s open late – 10pm – 3am so is the perfect location if you’re looking for a late night tipple. To enter, you must be a ‘member’ (membership costs €5 at time of writing), but once you’re in, you can settle yourself on plump sofas and sip on a mix delectable cocktails.
…or simply take part in the art of aperitivo
As someone who very much classifies themselves as a foodie, I absolutely love the art of the aperitivo in Italy. Somewhat of a cultural ritual, before dinner in Italy comes the aperitivo, when a drink is had to ‘open’ the palate and the stomach before dinner.
Common drinks to have would be bitter, like Aperol Spritz, Negroni Campari or Vermouth, although you can have pretty much anything that takes your fancy – wine, beer and prosecco wouldn’t be uncommon. The best part about aperitivo, however, is that your drinks are often accompanied by snacks, which act as a wonderful stop gap before dinner.
You’ll find aperitivo served in a wonderful variety of places, including coffee shops before they close up for the evening before dinner. Wherever you go, your drinks will be punctuated with lively chatter, as people catch up after work, unwind and meet their friends and family.
Some places to grab an aperitif (or two) from in Rome, ranging from casual to fancy are as follows:
Caffè Perù | this wonderful little cafe is set around a street or two back from the River Tiber, close to Piazza Farnese. While also close to the busy Campo Dei Fiori, it’s set on a quiet street the cafe is buzzing with locals throughout the day. You’ll be able to grab an aperitif from here from their great cocktail menu.
Bar del Fico | Situated in a hip little piazza, this is a seriously busy little spot come aperitivo time. This place is busy, but that’s because it’s good – and you’ll find it full of Romans who come after work.
You’ll get plenty of snacks to go with your drinks here, which is a good thing, as you’ll likely find yourself lingering due to the lively atmosphere.
Stravinskij Bar – Hotel De Russie | This recommendation does not have the most affordable prices, but is oh-so glam. A veritable oasis in a busy but beautiful city, this bar is set in a majestic garden surrounding, placed in amongst mature trees and perfectly manicured hedge.
While there is no strict dress code per se, you’ll likely want to dress up, as the venue befits the effort.
Some more fun things to do in Rome at night
Explore Rome at night on the back of a Vespa
There are plenty of things to see in Rome at night, so no one will judge you if you’d prefer to make your way around Rome’s tourist attractions with a bit of mechanical assistance. An extremely fun way to explore the city is to embrace the spirit of la dolce vita, and hop on a vintage Vespa.
This Rome vespa tour by night 3-hour experience has to be one of the best night tours in Rome, as you’ll quite simply see it all in terms of Rome’s most iconic attractions.
You’ll take in the Colosseum, St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican, Piazza Navona, Piazza Venezia, look over what remains of the ancient city of Rome from the Palatine Hill and stop off at the Circus Maximus, the Mouth of Truth, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, while also getting to peep through the Aventine Keyhole – phew!
From the above, you will see that that’s quite a lot of Rome’s historic landmarks in one tour and that you most definitely need a vehicle to get around.
The best part of doing so on a Vespa, is that you can nip down cobblestone alleys and get yourself close to attractions like the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon in a relatively easy fashion.
Attend an outdoor movie in beautiful surroundings
In the summer months, one of the best places to go in Rome at night is to one of its open-air cinemas.
During the months of June and July, you can attend movies in some of Rome’s piazzas as part of an outdoor movie festival, ‘Il Cinema in Piazza‘.
You’ll have to bring your own seating, but screenings are free of charge – you just need to reserve a spot in advance. You can do so here. Also bear in mind that movies are shown in their original languages with Italian subtitles, so make sure to attend a movie that you can understand!
Another wonderful option that cinema and movie buffs will love, is the free outdoor film festival run by Casa del Cinema in the stunning surroundings at the Villa Borghese from July to September.
This festival is a little more niche, and features Italian and international films, as well as documentaries. The programme is extensive and varied and you can learn more about it here.
Definitely one of the best free things to do in Rome at night if you’re visiting in summer time.
Take part in an e-bike tour around Rome
If you don’t fancy driving a Vespa as per one of my earlier suggestions, then an alternative to this is to explore the city of Rome on an e-bike instead.
This 3-hour e-bike tour of Rome covers many of the same places to visit at night in Rome as the Vespa tour. Extremely well reviewed, this is also a more eco-friendly alternative and you’ll fit in lots of Rome’s most famous attractions, without battling the thousands of tourists that daytime usually brings in the process.
Go on a sunset walking tour of Rome
One of the best evening things to do in Rome is to embark on a simple walking tour. Exploring Rome by night on foot makes for a welcome alternative to discovering the city during the daytime. Crowds have subside, and Rome’s cultural and historic attractions present themselves in a different light.
This sunset walking tour takes you around to some of Rome’s most iconic squares and fountains, including the Piazza Navona and the Trevi Fountain. You’ll start your evening at the Piazza del Popolo, formerly a public execution spot and today, a popular and lively meeting point for Romans.
You’ll then view the sunset from the Pincio Terrace above, which is one of the best places to visit at night in Rome to watch the sun go down. You’ll then carry on your walking tour, stopping off at Piazza di Spagna to take in the Spanish Steps. Next is the Trevi Fountain, before moving on to the staggering Pantheon and the baroque fountains of the Piazza Navona.
You’ll finish your tour at the Campo dei Fiori, which you’ll find buzzing with activity at night time.
Hunt down some of the best nightlife in Rome and dance the night away
A visit to Rome is not all about art, culture, history and food (although they’re all pretty solid pillars)! Rome is home to some great nightlife and those seeking out evening activities in Rome that come with a well crafted cocktail or beer and a lively dancefloor will also find themselves pleased with what’s on offer.
Circolo Degli Illuminati | those looking for late night bars in Rome will find so much more than that here. Located in the centre of Rome, 100m from the Garbatella metro stop in the neighborhood of Ostiense is Circolo Degli Illuminati, a club and music venue where electronic music lovers will be more than happy with.
Featuring three rooms, each offering something different – electronic, R&B and a more chill room – this club also hosts live DJ performances from the likes of Skrillex.
Lanificio159 | Lanifico aims to deliver all musical performances in an artistic fashion. Open from September to May on Fridays and Saturdays, here you’ll find house, tech house, techno, electro, disco on offer.
In the summer months of May to September, the venue is one of the best night spots in Rome. It opens its 1,000sqm rooftop terrace from 18.30 pm to 2 am and features a barbecue area, cocktail bar, live & DJ sets, carousels and games. Learn more here.
Watch sunset from one of Rome’s viewpoints
One of the best things to see at night in Rome is the very onset of that night, by watching the sun set from one of Rome’s best vantage points. As the city is famously set on seven hills, the undulating nature of the city creates gives way to some wonderful spots from which to watch the sun go down.
Below are some of my favourites.
Ponte Umberto I | From this bridge, you can gaze down the River Tiber and watch the sun go down behind the dome of St. Peter’s Cathedral.
You’ll also get a dramatic view of the Ponte Sant’Angelo also and once darkness has fallen, Castel Sant’Angelo lit up is quite an iconic image, and one of the things to see at night in Rome that I would recommend.
Capitoline Hill | This grants a spectacular view of the ruins of the Roman Forum from above and what remains of the ancient city of Rome’s main administrative district. The approach to the top of the hill up the steps to the Piazza del Campidoglio is also rather special and adds to the drama!
Garden of Oranges | this lovely park sits on the Aventine Hill and is full of, you guessed it – orange trees. It also grants a spectacular view of the sun setting over the city of Rome and is the perfect spot to linger for a while and take it all in, before you toddle back down the hill for aperitivo time.
FAQ – common questions to have before commencing your evening in Rome
What to wear in Rome at night
What you should wear in Rome at night is completely dependant on both time of year, and the type of Rome night activities you have planned.
If you are doing a tour, make sure you are wearing comfortable shoes that you can walk or cycle in for a least a couple of hours. If you’re travelling in late autumn, winter and early spring, the evenings will be anywhere from a bit chilly to properly cold.
Make sure to prepare for this by wearing sufficient layers, that you can adjust accordingly depending on conditions.
If you’re evening will be based around more food and beverage related activities, then do feel free to dress up. Romans (and most Italians too, for that matter) tend to be very well dressed, so you won’t feel out of place in heels or a nice dress if you’re dining out.
More relaxed trattorias and bars will lend themselves to more casual attire, but I would by no means turn up anywhere wearing tracksuits or other sports gear.
Is it safe to walk around Rome at Night?
Like any big city, the question of is Rome safe at night depends on where you go. Personally, I’ve never felt unsafe in Rome, day or night.
Rome is a heavily touristic city that contains lots of footfall, both day and night, so there will likely be not too many place where you will find yourself alone in the city centre. As you’ll have noticed in this guide, there is lots to do in Rome at night, so that in itself brings out many other people who want to experience Rome by night also.
If you’re feeling a little nervous, stick to well-lit main streets and give any of the smaller, darker side streets a pass until daytime.
Is Rome busy at night
There is a great buzz around Rome at night. In a word – yes, it is busy at night but not in the same way that it is during the day. Piazzas are filled with relaxed chatter and the traffic of daytime also dissipates, leading to a slower level of busyness.
What part of Rome is best at night?
Whether you’re strolling along the narrow cobblestone streets, indulging in authentic Italian cuisine, or immersing yourself in the vibrant nightlife, for me, Trastevere is the perfect place to create unforgettable memories in the heart of Rome.
The combination of its romantic ambience and buzzing energy makes it my top recommendation for a memorable evening in the city.
Is the Trevi Fountain lit up at night?
Yes! The Trevi Fountain is lit up beautifully at night, and the later it gets the quieter the little piazza gets too, making it a choice time to view the Trevi Fountain. Even if you’ve already seen it during the day, I’d recommend passing by at night time too, especially if you’re in the vicinity.
Is it worth seeing the Colosseum at night?
It is highly worth visiting the Colosseum at night, and you can read my post about doing so here. In short, it’s a really special time to view the Colosseum as you’ll be amongst a very small number of visitors. I can highly recommend this Colosseum night tour.
READ NEXT | COLOSSEUM AT NIGHT TOURS
What places to avoid at night in Rome?
It’s best to avoid wandering into secluded or dimly lit areas at night, especially around Termini Station. Stick to well-populated streets and tourist areas for a safer and more enjoyable evening in Rome.
What time do places close at night in Rome?
From what I’ve seen, most shops and attractions in Rome close around 8 or 9 PM. However, restaurants tend to stay open later, allowing you to savour a leisurely dinner even into the night. It’s always a good idea to check specific opening hours to plan your activities accordingly.
Does it get cold at night in Rome?
While Rome generally enjoys mild weather, it can get chilly at night, particularly during the colder months. I recommend carrying a light jacket or sweater to stay comfortable as the temperatures drop. In the summer, evenings are often pleasant and warm, perfect for alfresco dining or strolling.
What time should I go for dinner in Rome?
As a local practice, Romans typically have dinner on the later side, starting around 8 PM or even later. You’ll find restaurants bustling around 9 PM. However, keep in mind that restaurants in tourist areas may cater to earlier dining times, so you can find options open earlier as well.
Do buses run all night in Rome?
Yes, Rome has a convenient night bus service called “Night Bus” (N lines), ensuring you can get around even after the regular bus and metro services have ended. While the frequency may be reduced compared to daytime, it’s still a reliable option for late-night transportation.
Are there any popular night markets in Rome?
One popular night market I’ve enjoyed in Rome is the Mercato Monti Night Market. Held on weekends in the charming Monti neighbourhood, it offers a delightful mix of vintage clothing, artisanal products, street food, and live music.
Are there any late-night tours or activities in Rome?
Certainly! I highly recommend joining a sunset walking tour to witness Rome’s landmarks bathed in the enchanting evening light. It’s a magical experience. Additionally, you can opt for private walking tours of Rome by night.
Heading to Rome? Related reading:
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