Alexander Meddings
Verified Writer4.912527 reviews
Verified WriterItalians have a different idea of night-time to us. Shortly after midday, they switch from saying buongiorno to buonasera — “good evening,” a cultural phenomenon that confuses expats and tourists alike. Then there’s the distinctly Mediterranean evening event of aperitivo, a social gathering which sees friends gather together in bars and squares to sip on an Aperol or Campari spritz (or two) and snack on hors d’oeuvres.
Visiting Rome during the day is great for going to museums and galleries, but exploring Rome at night is even more rewarding.
It’s the best time to beat the heat, especially in the summer months when temperatures can average 30°C (86°F). It’s the best time to avoid the crowds, especially the cruise-ship tourists who disembark for a day-trip to Rome from Civitavecchia to do the usual route of the Vatican, Trevi Fountain, and Colosseum. And it’s the best time to join the Romans in doing what they do best: eating out, eating well, and eating lots.
This article is packed full of the best things to do in Rome at night. Whether your idea of a dream Roman holiday sounds like visiting famous historical landmarks and dining in Rome’s best restaurants to meeting fun like-minded travellers on a Tipsy Tour or even taking a cooking class, there’s something on this list for everyone!
While Romans’ taste in music tends to be quite traditional, consisting of Italian artists you’ve never heard of or international acts whose heydays were in the 1970s and 80s, there’s lots going in Rome at night if you know where to look.
Romatoday is the most up-to-date website listing events in Rome, but it’s only in Italian.
English speakers should check out Wanted in Rome to see what’s happening in the capital after dark.
For live music, concerts, and DJ sets, download the DICE app and change your current position to Rome (while bearing in mind that Naples is not too far away either). Or just run a quick ‘Rome events this month’ into Google and see what comes up.
Popular events in Rome as shown on the Dice app
One of the best ways for small groups and solo travellers to orientate themselves around Rome is to join us on our famous Tipsy Tour. This experience blends the best elements of travel: sharing scandalous stories, learning the local history, and trying traditional drinks with fun-loving, like-minded people.
Meeting on a terrace overlooking the Colosseum, you’ll watch the sun setting behind the iconic amphitheatre while sipping on local beer or wine and enjoying an engaging, immersive whistle stop tour through Roman history.
Your group will then explore the trendy area of Monti and the Fori Imperiali, trying traditional drinks like caffè corretto, Aperol spritz and limoncello while being treated to all the most scandalous stories from Rome’s lurid history.
The Tipsy Tour is a must-try experience for anyone visiting Rome at night. But don't take our word for it. Check out these Tipsy Tour testimonials! ⬇️
Spaces are limited in the summer so book now to avoid disappointment!
Running along the west bank of Rome’s River Tiber, this medieval neighbourhood is one of the most authentic in the city centre. Its winding streets and spacious piazzas give the sense that you’re either wandering through a film set or have travelled back through time, and the centre of Trastevere is fully pedestrianised (so you can lose yourself among its cobbled streets without worrying about being taken out by a passing motorino or e-scooter).
But it’s really during the night that Trastevere comes to life. Rome’s young and beautiful flock to Bar San Calisto, a melting pot of cultures and nationalities that’s been going for decades, which entices its clientele with Rome’s cheapest beer (€2.50 for a large Peroni) and cocktails (€3.50 for a Spritz).
Turn left out of San Calisto and you’ll be on Via di San Francesco a Ripa, a bustling street lined with bars, gelaterie and some half-decent restaurants (though read on for better). Turn right out of San Calisto and you’ll come out on Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere, a meeting place for friends, strangers and — somewhere in the middle — Tinder dates and the start of most nights out in Trastevere.
If hanging out in the coolest (albeit most packed-out) piazza in Trastevere, head to Piazza Trilussa, right near the river. Connected to Campo de’ Fiori on the other side of the city by Sisto Bridge, Piazza Trilussa is nothing short of an experience — a cacophonous riot of underage drinking and impromptu open mics — where you’ll have to be careful not to lose your friends among the crowds (though if you do, you’ll end up making others).
If you're feeling brave enough for some eerie entertainment, be sure to check out the Haunted Rome Ghost Tour.
Starting in the centre of Campo de’ Fiori square, beneath the hooded statue of the monk Giordano Bruno, whose gruesome end you will hear all about, this tour will take you through the historic district of Campo Marzio, finishing under the illuminated lights of Castel Sant’Angelo — a place of condemnation and execution when Rome was ruled by popes.
You’ll meet some fascinating characters during the course of your ghost tour: the cruel but enterprising Pope Sixtus V, during whose reign there were more heads on spikes than melons in the market; Giulia Tofana, who rose to fame for producing a deadly beverage called Aqua Tofana which she sold to ladies with “marital issues”; and Beatrice Cenci, a Roman noblewoman accused of murdering her father, who faced a fate worse than death at the hands of Pope Clement VIII.
Not only does this Ghost Tour give you the chance to see parts of Rome at night you would never see during the day, but it gives you an entirely different perspective on Roman history which you wouldn’t get on a more standard walking tour.
If you’re looking for something to do in Rome at night that is focused less on tourism and more on enjoying the city like a local, go and see a movie!
Every year, Rome hosts Il Cinema in Piazza, a film festival that sees three centrally situated squares transform into open-air cinemas. This year, those squares are San Cosimato in Trastevere, Monte Ciocci in Testaccio and Cervelletta (which is too far outside the centre to recommend in this guide).
Open Air Cinema in Piazza San Cosimato. Photo from Romeing
Check out the festival’s website for the full summer programme. You’ll find plenty of movie classics, like the Blues Brothers, Back to the Future and Ghostbusters, as well as modern hits like Blade Runner 2049 and Dune, which will be showing in Trastevere.
If watching art house films in green, natural surroundings sounds more your thing, check out Caleidoscopio in the park of Villa Borghese. Although most of its screenings are in Italian, its programme also contains films from international music festivals.
When in Rome, eat where the Romans do on a tasty food tour around Trastevere! This fun foodie tour gives you and a maximum of 11 others the chance to try more than 12 different types of traditional food and wine.
Enjoy the sharp notes and subtleties of cheese like parmiggiano and pecorino, and feel a fresh slice of porchetta (roast pork) melt in your mouth, bite into a fried rice ball oozing with ragù and enjoy the light, crunchy crusts of thin and crispy Roman pizza.
Try traditional pasta dishes like cacio e pepe, amatriciana, gricia and carbonara, taste a traditional Roman meat dish from the time of Julius Caesar, and satisfy your sweet tooth with a few scoops of gelato — the creamy stuff that dreams are made of.
Prefer to treat yourself to a private tour? Book your Private Food Tour here!
Wind down the right way after a long day of sightseeing. This unique cooking class teaches you all the know-how you need to mix traditional Italian cocktails and perfect the art of making fresh pasta (and all the cocktails you need to forget everything you’ve learned).
@romeitalytravel We didn’t expect such a plot 🤣🤪🍾 Send us a message for a discount code for this experience 🤩💬👇 #viral #fyp #foryourpage #perte #perme #justforfun #traveltiktok #travelrome #new_trending #italia #traveltok #traveldiaries #italiancheck #wanderlust #parati ♬ Drink - Dirty - Lil Jon
Taking place in our sleek and stylish cooking school in the centre of Rome, this is the only experience of its kind in the capital. During the course of three fun-filled hours you’ll learn to make traditional pasta fettuccine and carbonara or cacio e pepe sauce from scratch — all while enjoying homemade cocktails of Aperol Spritz, Campari and limoncello.
So come join us and see what all the fuss is about!
There's so much to do and see in the Italian capital, that the prospect of visiting can be overwhelming. That's why it's best to visit with a tried and trusted tour company like Carpe Diem. Since starting in 2019, we have become one of Rome's best agencies, ranking among the top 3% of tour companies in Rome.
Our clients love us, and so will you — we can't wait to welcome you to Italy!
So seize the moment, book your Rome tour now, and get ready to discover the real side of Rome!
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Rome may well be the world’s most beautiful city, but after dark a more sinister side emerges. The ghosts of popes, emperors, and artists lurk on every corner, their lives claimed by tragedy and conspiracy across more than 2,000 years of history. Our Rome Ghost Tour is not for the faint hearted — you’ll hear the ghastly tales of beheadings and murder that are sure to keep you up late at night.
Your Rome Ghost Tour starts at Campo de’ Fiori, a central square, where you’ll be treated to the tale of Giordano Bruno, one of Rome’s greatest minds who got on the wrong side of the church. After learning about his grisly end, you’ll begin to explore the city. Venture through medieval backstreets; visit an ancient church adorned with skulls; and step inside the home to a mysterious order of monks. Discover the childhood home of one of Rome’s most infamous executioners; see the site of one of Rome’s most infamous prisons; and pass by a poisonous perfumery where cosmetics killed.
Your tour ends at the imposing Castel Sant’Angelo, where your guide will reveal the horror of Rome’s most disturbing executions. If you’re (un)lucky, you might even encounter a ghost or two.
No matter what, you’ll never see Rome the same way again.
5(910)
Join us on a journey through Roman history on our immersive Rome by Night Walking Tour. Your expert guide will share the city’s secrets, history, and fascinating tales—from antiquity through to the modern day, and at a pace to suit you.
Our tour starts in Rome’s most picturesque square, Piazza Navona, where the ancient Romans used to watch athletic contests (agones). Today’s piazza sits above the ancient stadium and boasts Gian Lorenzo Bernini‘s stunning Fountain of the Four Rivers as its centrepiece.
A five-minute walk from Piazza Navona takes us to the world-famous Pantheon. Constructed more than two-thousand years ago by the eccentric emperor Hadrian, the Pantheon was consecrated as a monument to all the pagan gods (pan theos, in Greek meaning all the gods). This second-century temple is one of the best-preserved monuments in the Roman Empire and its unreinforced concrete dome still perplexes architects.
Our next stop is the iconic Trevi Fountain. Immortalised by Anita Ekberg wading through its water in Federico Fellini’s iconic film La Dolce Vita, the Trevi Fountain one of the most romantic spots in the Eternal City. Snap your photos of the monument in the moonlight, listen to your guide decipher its symbols, and toss a coin over your shoulder to guarantee your return to Rome.
We emerge from Rome’s winding backstreets onto Piazza Venezia. Stretching from the foot of the Capitoline Hill, against the backdrop of the Altar of the Fatherland, Piazza Venezia is Rome’s most recognisable square, and a repository of history involving figures from Napoleon to Mussolini.
Your guide will lead you down the Via dei Fori Imperiali, the boulevard that cuts through ancient Rome, past Trajan’s Column and alongside the forums of Trajan, Augustus and Nerva. Your guide will feed your curiosity and nourish you with knowledge about ancient Rome and its empire as you make your way towards the most famous monument of all: the Colosseum.
The Colosseum is one of the most awe-inspiring attractions that has survived from antiquity. As a colossal feat of architecture and engineering, its form has been replicated throughout the ages, manifested in stadiums and sports venues around the world. But while its form is familiar to us, the spectacles it accommodated are entirely alien, and remind us of the violent nature of Roman culture.
Group sizes are 15 people maximum.
Book your spot now to avoid missing out!
5(567)
One of the best ways to meet people in a new city is to grab a drink together, and few city serve up more iconic drinks than Rome. Whether you’re travelling solo or with a group, for a long vacation or a short city break – our Rome Tipsy Tour is for you!
This unique nightlife experience combines all our favourite elements of travel: discovering new places, being immersed in different cultures, meeting fun people, and trying out a range of delicious drinks! It’s not a run-of-the-mill bar crawl. It’s a sociable tour that gives you a real taste of with Rome’s sights, stories, and signature drinks in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere with fun, local hosts. We also welcome sober travellers who want to join for a social experience but who want to forgo a hangover, so we’ll have non-alcoholic options available as well!
You’ll meet your guide and group at Piazza Madonna dei Monti, where we’ll break the ice with a warm Italian welcome – aka, a refreshing glass of local wine. After saying cheers—salute—we’ll head into Monti, an uber-trendy district filled with quirky bars and cobblestoned streets, and plenty to unpack. In ancient Rome, Monti was known as a suburra – the red-light district of Rome where prostitutes plied their trade and gangsters once roamed. As we wander through the cobblestone streets your guide will tell you scandalous stories of sex and bloodshed that you won’t hear on your typical walking tour.
After so much scandal, you’ll surely need a drink. So at our first stop on the Rome Tipsy Tour you’ll get an extra stiff one. The spotlight will be on Carpano Classico a venerable vermouth with a curious story! Unravel the history of the man who made it – Antonio Benedetto Carpano – back in 1786 whilst sharing some sips with your newfound friends.
We’ll keep the night going with some more saucy stories before trying a classic Italian Spritz. Indulge in the bitter flavours of Aperol or Campari Spritz while enjoying dolce far niente, the sweetness of doing nothing—apart from getting tipsy of course!
Our final stop is Rome’s most iconic road, the Via dei Fori Imperiali, leading down to the Colosseum. The views of the ancient city are best enjoyed after dark with an ice-cold Limoncello – trust us. Sip away as your guide tells shocking stories of the power-hungry Roman emperors who once ruled the known world.
At 11 p.m., the Tipsy Tour officially ends, but the night out begins! We will continue drinking with our new friends at some of Rome’s most popular bars!
Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience. We promise to make your night in Rome one you’ll never forget! Skip a boring walking tour, and come get tipsy with us.
Book your spot now!
4.94(2344)
Experience the Vatican like never before with an exclusive private tour, designed for those who want a deeper, more intimate journey through history, faith, and art. With a personal guide, explore the Vatican’s most breathtaking landmarks at your own pace, without the distractions of a larger group.
2025 marks the Holy Year of Jubilee, a once-in-50-years event that makes this the perfect time to visit. Your expert guide will tailor the experience to your interests as you follow in the footsteps of pilgrims who have come to Rome seeking spiritual enlightenment for centuries.
Marvel at the grandeur of Chiesa di Sant’Ignazio di Loyola, stroll through the iconic Piazza Navona, and uncover the secrets of Castel Sant’Angelo, once a fortress, papal refuge, and prison. Throughout the tour, you’ll gain a profound understanding of how faith and power have shaped Rome’s history.
Your journey concludes at Piazza Pia, offering a stunning view of Saint Peter’s Basilica and its Holy Door, a sacred gateway opened only during the Jubilee. From here, you decide what comes next—step through the Holy Door, explore St. Peter’s Basilica, or take a moment to reflect on the timeless legacy of Catholicism.
Whether you seek a spiritual experience or simply a deeper dive into the Vatican’s incredible past, this private tour offers an unparalleled way to witness the Eternal City.
5(202)
Take your Roman adventure to the next level with our semi-private tour of the Ancient City! With a small group of just 6 people, you’ll enjoy more personal attention from your guide as you explore the legendary Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum. This means more chances to ask questions, deeper dives into history, and the opportunity to truly engage with both your guide and your fellow explorers.
What are the holes that pockmark the ancient amphitheatre? Why is one side shorter than the other? And how much do we really know about the gladiators—and even emperors—who battled on the arena sands? (We promise the answers will surprise you!)
After exploring the Colosseum, we’ll climb the Palatine Hill to discover the birthplace of the ancient city. Here, your storyteller guide will recount the mythical foundation of Rome, the legend of Romulus and Remus, and the stories of the emperors who resided on the Palatine, like Augustus, Tiberius, and Caligula. Next, we’ll explore the ruins of some of the most luxurious palaces in Roman history, the emperor’s residences on the Palatine Hill, from which we get our word ‘palace.’
Last but not least, we’ll head into the Roman Forum, the heart of the ancient city. Discover what life was really like for everyday Romans as we explore the social, religious, and political hub of the Roman Empire. Marvel at the remains of towering temples, triumphal arches, sprawling basilicas, and the ancient senate house as you walk on the very same stones that the likes of Caesar and Cicero once did.
Prepare for a unique, unforgettable journey through Rome’s most famous landmarks with a small, friendly group that lets you explore at your own pace.
5(452)