9 Things to Do in Rome at Night
by Sully Montero | August 26, 2022
There’s no shortage of things to do in Rome at night. Whether you’re looking for a lively bar scene, a romantic dinner for two, or a fun night out with friends, you’ll find it all in Rome. I’ve narrowed it down to the 9 things to do in Rome at Night.
In March of 2019, I took a group of high school seniors to the Ancient Mediterranean. We spent 3 nights in Rome, and as a history teacher, I was so excited to be able to bring students to the places we had been studying in books. It was my chance to make history come alive!
One of the things I can’t recommend enough is visiting Rome at Night! Avoid the crowds, avoid the heat, and avoid the long lines, while still enjoying the rich history and culture of one of the most romantic and beautiful cities in the world.
Here are my recommendations for the 9 best things to do in Rome at night!
1. Visit the Vatican at Night
The Vatican is an absolute must when visiting Rome. To be honest, I’ve been there a few times and it still isn’t enough to see everything that it has to offer. My recommendation is that you do a day tour of the Vatican to visit some of the main attractions such as St. Peter’s Basilica. There are so many pieces of art and history in just that one location, you can fill the entire afternoon.
But, if you want to avoid crowds and visit the Vatican more in-depth, check it out at night! On Fridays and Saturdays, the Vatican is open until 10:30 p.m. If you plan your tour around dinner time you will avoid some serious lines and crowds! This is when you go see the Sistene Chapel and some of the more crowded areas!
2. Tour the Colosseum
No trip to Rome would be complete without checking out the Colosseum. It is quite literally breathtaking, and when you know the history of the building it’s even more spectacular. What is not spectacular are the crowds.
Avoid them by visiting the Colosseum at night! You walk directly in with no crowds and basically have the entire amphitheater to yourself! You can even gain access to the arena floor! Better yet, you can actually hear your tour guide explaining what you are looking at instead of the sounds of yelling tourists around you.
3. When in Rome, you drink wine!
There are so many places to eat and drink in Rome, and there are many restaurants that cater to a variety of cuisines. But before you make your dinner choice for the evening, why not start with wine and cheese?
A wine and cheese tour before dinner will allow you to explore the city (at its restaurants) whilst sipping on wine and cheeses from the regions. While on tour, decide which restaurant to enjoy dinner at! Don’t forget to note the gelato spots too!
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4. Roman Catacombs and Ghost Tours
This one was a big hit with the students. It is exactly what it sounds like, you go into the ancient Roman catacombs and see ancient burial sites. It’s moody and dark and a perfect setting for a fun night in the city.
With over 2,000 years of history, Rome is one of the best places to visit for a ghost tour! I always find ghost tours more of a learning tour as opposed to a paranormal tour, because a great tour guide will give you the history and lore of the location you are visiting. But if you see something…else…that’s fun too.
5. See the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum
While you are out touring the Colosseum, check out the Roman Forum a short distance away. The Forum was the location of important religious, political, and social activities. Some historians believe people first began publicly meeting in the open-air Forum around 500 B.C. when the Roman Republic was founded! Sorry, the history teacher in me came out…
The Roman Forum in the quiet of the night is wonderful, and seeing the temples lit up is magical. Keep in mind that the Via Sacra and its paths are difficult to walk through during the day and much less at night. Wear sensible shoes and bring a small flashlight (or your phone’s flashlight) to help you.
6. Make a wish on the Trevi Fountain
Most of the crowds we saw while visiting Rome were concentrated around the famous Trevi Fountain. There’s a reason…its beautiful and majestic. The legend is that if you turn your back to the fountain and throw a coin in you will return to Rome again. It works!
On my second trip to Rome, we went at night, and what a difference! Crowds were still there but definitely less dense. What we didn’t anticipate was how stunning the fountain looked light up at night. Definitely worth a trip here.
7. Basque in the Spanish Steps
Same goes for the famous Spanish Steps. Officially called the Scalinata della Trinità dei Monti, the lights at night of the Spanish Steps make it worth waiting until the sun goes down for a visit.
You can enjoy a gelato on the way up and take your time. Bonus: when you get to the top, you get an exceptional view of the city skyline. Bonus #2: It’s free and you can walk to it right from the Trevi Fountain (only 8 minutes away) for a 2-1 nightly adventure!
8. Party on a Rooftop Lounge
Depending on where you stay, a lot of hotels in Rome offer rooftop access to a bar or lounge. Like the Tiziano Terrace, the view alone is worth your time. Need a more upscale experience, make reservations at a restaurant that sits high atop the roofs of Rome for a glorious view.
In the mood for a specific cuisine, check out the menus at the various rooftop lounges! They range from Japanese to Mexican and of course Italian!
9. Get Into the Arts with a performance at the Opera
Make this a 2-1 special by choosing a rooftop lounge with a performance! Some of the exclusive lounges offer dinner and operatic performances. Others offer additional spirits or wines with their entertainment.
The highest-rated opera house is called the The Teatro dell’Opera di Roma. Check out their performance schedule and experience a real Roman treasure. Each season its program includes well-known opera classics as well as other more modern works.
Bonus Tips for Visiting Rome at Night
For a more romantic evening, try one of Rome’s many excellent restaurants. In order to make it a memorable and extra special meal, reserve a table at La Pergola, one of Rome’s most celebrated eateries. For something a bit more casual, try Da Enzo al 29 or Trattoria da Cesare.
Purchase the right suitcase! You’ll be glad that you can maneuver the ancient streets with this set here!
Introducing the new Crew Versapack. These Carry-Ons plus zip-in organizers allow you to personalize the way you pack!
Want a night on the town, start your evening at one of Rome’s many chic bars. The Skylark or Americano is perfect for people watching, while the Antica Enoteca or Il Goccetto offers a more intimate setting. If you’re looking to dance the night away, head to One Bridge or Checkmate.
Having been to Rome prior, I made sure that we participated in Roman nightlife, and we were not disappointed!
No matter what your plans are for the evening, you’re sure to find something to suit your taste in Rome. So get out there and explore the Eternal City, Rome after dark!
