The Complete Guide to Rome at Night: What to See and Where to Eat and Drink

As the sun sets on the Eternal City, something magical happens: the streetlights awaken and illuminate Rome’s ancient ruins. Bars and restaurants prepare for the evening crowds and people of all ages venture outdoors to shake off the day’s work and socialize. The streets, bars, and restaurants fill up with travelers and locals alike! Here’s how to spend an amazing night in Rome.

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Pro Tip: If you like this post, create a “Rome” folder in your browser and bookmark it. You’ll thank me when your travel partner looks at you and asks, “What should we do tonight?” We recommend things to do on your own as well as night tours in Rome you can take with us—mix in a bit of both for an amazing night in Rome!

Is It Safe to Walk Around Rome at Night?

Yes! Before we get into our list of things to do in Rome at night, let’s answer this important question: walking around Rome at night is completely safe.

All of the areas we mention here are full of character and very lively, even after the sun goes down. We do, however, recommend keeping a close eye on your belongings to avoid pickpockets.

Here are seven great ways to spend a lovely night in Rome:

1. Take a Colosseum Night Tour

Rome’s most iconic monument, the Colosseum, is an absolute must-see. The almost 2000-year-old amphitheater fascinates over 6.5 million visitors a year with its bloody history.

If you don’t feel like sharing your experience with millions of other people, take a Colosseum night tour. The VIP Colosseum at Night Tour is not just a way to explore the monument without the crowds (or the heat!), it also includes access to restricted areas, making it one of the city’s best night activities.

You’ll get to explore the Colosseum Underground and Arena Floor, two of the Colosseum’s most sought-after and exclusive-access areas.

2. Go For a Night Walk in Rome’s Historical Center

Rome’s monuments are impressive during the day, but at night they take on an entirely new persona. Make the Trevi Fountain your first place to visit and you’ll see what we mean.

Walking through the city at night, when it’s cooler outside, is often a more pleasant experience than covering the same ground during the heat of the day. Stick to the historical center for a nighttime walk packed with the best sightseeing and people-watching.

Top Colosseum Tours

3. Enjoy an Evening Rome Food Tour

One of the main reasons people visit Rome is for the food! And why waste any of your meals at a tourist trap restaurant with low-quality cuisine?

On our local food tour in Rome’s Trastevere, you can taste Rome’s authentic flavors with a local guide. On this tour, you’ll experience the best Roman food through a variety of street food vendors, a sit-down traditional Italian dinner, and of course, a gelato stop.

4. Visit the Vatican at Night

Are you looking for cool things to do in Rome? Most people make a point to visit the Vatican. However, the heat and crowds in summer are sometimes overwhelming. Why not tour the treasure trove of art and antiquities at night instead?

Especially if you aren’t a morning owl, our evening Vatican tour is the best way to experience the best collections in the Vatican Museums with fewer distractions.

5. Have Drinks with a View at a Rooftop Bar

As the city of seven hills, Rome boasts a number of scenic spots with spectacular views. So, as dusk approaches, get yourself to a rooftop bar or other swanky places to get a drink with a view.

For the best view of St. Peter’s and the Vatican, head to Les Etoiles Rooftop Garden, at the Hotel Atlante Star. The elegant setting, decorated with flowers and twinkly fairy lights, makes it a popular spot for couples looking for romance. Plus, the prices here are reasonable, which attracts both tourists and locals alike.

We much prefer to lounge here on a balmy summer evening, but you should also visit in cooler months because blankets are provided to keep out the chill and the views are still amazing.

Address: Via Giovanni Vitelleschi, 34

Popular Rome Tours

6. See A Film in An Outdoor Cinema

With the arrival of long, warm, and most importantly dry summer nights, open-air cinemas pop up across Rome. From summer blockbusters to cult classics and Italian titles you pretend you’ve already seen, there’s something for everyone.

L’Isola del Cinema Film Festival on Tiber Island begins in June and continues through September. Focusing on independent films across a range of genres, the films include both English and Italian language screenings.

Across the river, the free Festival Trastevere Rione del Cinema sets up camp in Piazza San Cosimato all of June and July. There’s also the Casa del Cinema in the Villa Borghese. Entrance is free but places are limited, so don’t be late. As with all our suggestions, double-check the showings and info before you go.

7. Hit Up a Speakeasy

Speakeasies are hidden behind the most ordinary-looking doors in Rome. The most famous of these joints, The Jerry Thomas Project, started the underground bar trend when it opened in 2010.

Both reservations and a password are required, but make it through the door and you’ll be transported to the roaring twenties. Make yourself comfortable on a Chesterfield leather sofa while the bartender prepares your favorite tipple.

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our guide to all things Rome as you plan your trip.

I Want More Italy!

• Check out our YouTube video and step-by-step guide about how to do Rome in a Day. If you’d rather let us guide you, check out our Rome tours.
• Not sure where to stay in Rome? Read this guide!
• Looking for awesome tips for cities all over Europe? Check out The Tour Guy Travel Blog!