Home » The Complete Guide to Rome at Night: What to See and Where to Eat and Drink
The Complete Guide to Rome at Night: What to See and Where to Eat and Drink
Sean Finelli
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.
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
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Semi-Private Colosseum Underground Tour with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
Only 2% of visitors to the Colosseum are able to see the Underground, making tours a rare, exclusive experience. Our tours give you access to the Underground, Arena Floor, and first and second tiers—areas most people never see. Skip the line and enjoy priority access, guided by an expert who brings the Colosseum’s rich history to life. These spots sell out quickly, so don’t wait—secure your place now for this unforgettable opportunity.
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Special Access Colosseum Arena Floor Tour Through the Gladiator’s Gate
Reaching the Colosseum’s Arena Floor is no easy feat; tickets sell out quickly, leaving most visitors stuck in crowded corridors with limited views. With us, bypass the lines and enter through the Gladiator’s Gate to stand on the Arena Floor, giving you a front-row view of Rome’s nearly 2,000-year-old symbol of power and glory. With your friendly guide, uncover the Colosseum’s brutal past, then continue to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill to explore the epicenter of ancient Roman life.
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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.
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.
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.
Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum and Vatican Museums
Seeing the best of Rome in a single day might seem like a big undertaking, but our expertly designed tour makes it effortless with skip-the-line tickets, included transportation, and engaging guides to lead the way. In just 7 hours, you’ll visit renowned sites like the Sistine Chapel, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Pantheon. With fascinating stories at every stop, you can skip the stress and immerse yourself in the vibrant heritage and culture of Rome all in one remarkable day.
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Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel
Without the right access, visiting the Vatican means fighting crowds, long waits, and missing the most significant rooms and works of art. Our privileged entrance tour offers more than just entry—it’s an immersive experience led by a storytelling guide who brings the Vatican to life. Skip the line and explore the Vatican Museums, including the Raphael Rooms and the Sistine Chapel, with engaging insights that make each moment memorable and meaningful.
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6. See A Film in An Outdoor Cinema
Photo courtesy of Il Cinema in Piazza
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.
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