20 Best Things to Do in Rome at Night (2025) – Tours, Nightlife, Food & Free Attractions

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When I visited Rome with my husband, my best friend, and her husband, we spent our days exploring ancient ruins and museums, but the real magic started after sunset.

We were all asking the same question: what are the best things to do in Rome at night?

The truth is that Rome comes alive in the evenings. Walking through the cobblestoned streets after dark feels completely different than during the day.

We discovered that the Eternal City has something for everyone at night.

You can take an evening Vatican tour where the crowds are smaller and the atmosphere feels more intimate. If history excites you, a Colosseum night tour is unforgettable because you see the arena glowing under the lights while hearing stories of gladiators.

Food lovers will find plenty of options too, from wine tastings and rooftop cooking classes to simply dining at some of the best restaurants in Rome at night.

Not every experience has to cost money either.

Some of my favorite memories include free things to do in Rome at night like tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain, strolling through Piazza Navona, or watching street performers on the Spanish Steps.

In this guide I will share the best night tours in Rome, free evening activities, romantic options for couples, and tips for where to eat and drink after dark.

The links in this post may be affiliate links.  That means that if you click them and make a purchase, this site makes a commission.  It will have no impact on the price you pay or the experience of your purchase.

By the end, you will know exactly how to plan your evenings in Rome and make the most of every moment in this incredible city.

Exploring Rome at Night

Sunset in Rome is magical at night, so Do Not go back to your hotel room. I repeat, Do Not go back to your hotel room. There is nothing like a late-night stroll on a summer evening in the Eternal City.

Once all the museums close, the city becomes quaint, intimate, and sexy, with its charmed, narrow, cobbled streets, cool Mediterranean climate, and delicious, authentic Italian food. 

Rome produces some of the best wine in Italy, making exploring it a one-of-a-kind culinary adventure. 

There are also a ton of free things to do in Rome at night, so no worries. I’ve got you covered, so you won’t have to worry about exceeding your budget.

Once you have checked off the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Trevi Fountain? It’s time to dig deeper into the many layers of Rome’s long and complex history, so here are some of my favorite things to do in Rome at night, including the following:

• Slow Down with an Aperitivo
• Go Shopping in Monti
• Have Dinner in Trastevere
• Explore Villa Borghese

🌙 Best Rome Night Tours

Tour	Highlights	Duration	Perfect For	👉 Book Here
Colosseum Night Tour with Underground Access	Explore the arena and underground chambers with no crowds, see the Colosseum lit up at night	2.5 hours	History lovers, first-time visitors	Book Colosseum Night Tour
Vatican Museums Evening Tour	Experience the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel after hours with fewer visitors	3 hours	Art lovers, couples	Book Vatican Evening Tour
Trastevere Food & Wine Night Walk	Taste Roman street food, pasta, and wine while exploring Trastevere’s nightlife	3 hours	Foodies, groups of friends	Book Trastevere Food Tour
Book the Rome Night Bus Tour	See the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Piazza Venezia, and St. Peter’s beautifully lit	2 hours	Families, travelers short on time	Book the Rome Night Golf Cart Tour
Rome Evening Walking Tour	Stroll past the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and Trevi Fountain with a local guide	2 hours	Solo travelers, first-timers	Book Evening Walking Tour

Planning your evenings in Rome is easier when you’re prepared. Be sure to check out my [Italy Packing List] so you know what to pack. if you’re still deciding where to stay, my guide to [Top Luxury Hotels in Rome] will help you pick the perfect base for your trip.

Best Neighborhoods for Nightlife in Rome

Rome has no shortage of bars, wine lounges, and late-night spots, but the atmosphere can feel very different depending on where you go.

If you’re trying to decide where to spend your evenings, here are the best neighborhoods for nightlife in Rome:

Trastevere
This is Rome’s most famous nightlife district, with cobblestoned streets full of wine bars, pubs, and trattorias. It’s perfect for wandering from dinner to drinks, and the atmosphere feels lively but laid-back.

Monti
Trendy and creative, Monti is the place for craft cocktails and stylish lounges like Drink Kong. It attracts a younger, fashionable crowd and is great if you want something a little more upscale than a casual pub.

Campo de’ Fiori
By day this square is a bustling market, but at night it turns into a lively gathering spot full of bars and people enjoying the open-air piazza. It’s popular with students and travelers, making it one of the most social areas of Rome.

Testaccio
If you’re looking for Rome’s club scene, head to Testaccio. Known for its late-night discos and DJ sets, it’s the neighborhood where the party continues well past midnight.

Pigneto
This bohemian neighborhood has a hip, artsy vibe and is often compared to Brooklyn. You’ll find craft beer bars, street art, and indie cocktail spots, making it ideal for a more alternative Rome nightlife experience.

The Perfect One-Night Itinerary in Rome

If you only have one evening to soak up the magic of the Eternal City, here’s how I’d plan it based on my own trip with my husband, my best friend, and her husband.

Start with Rooftop Aperitivo
Kick off your night at Otivm Roof Bar or Terrazza Les Étoiles with a spritz or prosecco as the sun sets over the city. The views of domes and piazzas glowing in the golden light set the mood for the evening.

Dinner in Trastevere
Head to Trastevere, Rome’s lively neighborhood of cobblestoned streets, trattorias, and wine bars. This is the place for classic Roman dishes like carbonara or cacio e pepe in a buzzing atmosphere.

Join a Night Tour
After dinner, book a Colosseum Night Tour or an Evening Vatican Tour. Seeing these iconic landmarks after dark without the daytime crowds feels completely different and unforgettable.

Sweet Ending with Gelato
Finish your night with a gelato at Giolitti or a late-night walk through Piazza Navona and the Trevi Fountain. Toss a coin to make sure you’ll return to Rome one day.

👉 Pro tip: Plan for comfortable shoes because you’ll be walking a lot on cobblestones, and this is not the time to be cute!

My [Italy Packing List] covers exactly what to bring so you’re prepared for rooftop cocktails, romantic piazza strolls, and late-night tours.

Things to Do in Rome at Night For Couples

If you are traveling to Rome on your honeymoon or anniversary, here are my top picks for the most romantic things to do in Rome at night for couples. 

From long strolls holding hands to sightseeing off the beaten path in the neighborhoods of Rome.

The hubby and I have uncovered some of the best things to do in Rome to make the best of your trip to Rome. 

1. Professional Photoshoot In Rome

Celebrate a special occasion with your loved one and take an unforgettable tour of the Eternal City.

This sightseeing tour is designed for couples and visits some of the most romantic places in Rome, including the Milvian Bridge, Trastevere, and the Colosseum at night.

Capture your romantic moments with included photo and video shoots and end your tour with a candlelit dinner complete with sparkling wine.  Read more about the Photoshoot in Rome here. 

2. Take a cruise tour on the Tiber River

Admire Rome from the water on a Tiber River cruise with a 4-course dinner. You’ll glide past landmarks like Castel Sant’Angelo and St Peter’s Basilica, illuminated against the nighttime sky.

Enjoy musical entertainment on board while you feast on Italian dishes like lasagna, gnocchi, and beef with pesto sauce, and finish with dessert and coffee. Read more about a cruise on the Tiber River here. 

3. Take a romantic stroll in Villa Borghese Garden

Take a tour of Rome’s third largest city garden, Villa Borghese, and enjoy a delicious picnic in the park during this half-day tour.

Stroll through the 80-hectare park and admire the pond, the statues, the terraces, and, of course, the beautiful plants.

Visit the Terrazza del Pincio and enjoy a delicious lunch while enjoying the park’s scenery. Read more about the Villa Borghese Gardens.

4. La Traviata: The Original Opera with Ballet

Travelers looking for a unique night out in Rome can look no further than this performance of La Traviata at St. Paul Within the Walls Church.

You’ll see one of Italy’s most popular operas performed in a remarkable setting.

For a fully planned evening out, you can also opt for a pre-performance dinner at a nearby restaurant in Piazza della Repubblica. Read more about La Traviata Ballet.

5. Rooftop Cooking Class and Dinner in Rome: Pasta, Gnocchi and Tiramisù

Learn to make fresh pasta and tiramisu, then dine on a private house near the Vatican City rooftop and watch the sun go down.

The relaxed Rome cooking experience includes a glass of prosecco, which you’ll sip as you learn to make classic pasta such as fettuccine and ravioli from scratch.

The class is suitable for all ages and can accommodate vegetarian requests.  Read more about Rooftop Cooking Class and Dinner in Rome: Pasta, Gnocchi and Tiramisù 2019 

6. Rome by Night with Pizza and Gelato

See the Eternal City come to life after dark on a 4-hour, small-group tour of Rome at night. Kick off your evening over pizza in a classic Roman restaurant, then see the ancient sites and monuments with dramatic illumination.

Take in the soaring arches of the Colosseum and the Pantheon’s shadowy pillars, then stroll through Piazza Navona to three picture-perfect fountains.

Pause to throw a coin into the Trevi fountain and savor a cup of local gelato before returning to your hotel. Read more about Rome by Night with Pizza and Gelato 2024

7. Night in Rome on a Vespa

Experience Rome after dark at your own pace on the back of a Vespa. During the 12-hour rental period, take in this ancient city’s sparkling lights and nightlife.

You can follow your itinerary or use the Official Guide to Rome to construct your tour, including Piazza del Popolo, Campo de Fiori, Piazza Navona, and the romantic Gianicolo lookout point.

Make a pit stop to enjoy your included ‘Rome Eat ‘n’ Run’ picnic. All safety equipment, anti-theft devices, and Vespa accessories are provided.  Click here for a Night in Rome on a Vespa 2025.

8. Monte Gelato Waterfalls Tour and Picnic

Discover Monte Gelato waterfalls, one of the fascinating places near Rome, and enjoy your lunch in the beautiful surrounding

Rome Rooftop Bar Crawl: One Perfect Night Out

If you only have one evening in Rome and want to experience the city from above, this rooftop bar crawl is a perfect mix of atmosphere, views, and cocktails.

Start at Otivm Roof Bar
Begin your evening around sunset with an aperitivo at Otivm Roof Bar, where you’ll have panoramic views over Piazza Venezia and the historic center. Order a spritz or prosecco and watch the city glow as the sun goes down.

📍 Address: Via d’Aracoeli, 11, 00186 Rome
📞 Phone: +39 06 6938 0747
🌐 Website: Otivm Hotel

Next, head to Terrazza Les Étoiles
From Otivm, make your way toward the Vatican to Terrazza Les Étoiles. This terrace offers breathtaking views of St. Peter’s Basilica, especially beautiful as it lights up after dark.

📍 Address: Via dei Bastioni, 1, 00193 Rome
📞 Phone: +39 06 686386
🌐 Website: Atlante Star Hotel

Move on to The Court
After dinner, continue your night at The Court, which sits directly across from the Colosseum. Few places in Rome rival sipping a crafted cocktail with the Colosseum glowing right in front of you.

📍 Address: Via Labicana, 125, 00184 Rome
📞 Phone: +39 06 6934 3420
🌐 Website: The Court – Palazzo Manfredi

Finish at Jerry Thomas Speakeasy
Close out the night at the legendary Jerry Thomas Speakeasy. With its vintage vibe, password-protected entry, and some of the best mixology in Rome, it’s the perfect final stop for a night you’ll never forget.

📍 Address: Vicolo Cellini, 30, 00186 Rome
📞 Phone: +39 06 9684 5937
🌐 Website: Jerry Thomas Project

The Best Restaurant in Rome After Dark!!

You can’t travel to Italy without indulging in some of the world’s most delicious pasta.  I was in Italy for 10 days and I had some of my best meals in Rome.

The culinary scene in Rome at night is nothing short of amazing. 

There are a ton of old favorites you must try if you are visiting Rome, along with a few new cutting-edge restaurants that should also be on your list of restaurants to try in Rome, especially for dinner. 

There are new up-and-coming chefs who are putting a modern twist on Italy’s classic dishes at contemporary trattorias all over the capital.

Prepare your taste buds to be blown away by authentic Italian classic dishes on your next trip to Rome.

Restaurants You Need To Try In 2025

1. Altrove

Altrove is a restaurant with a mission to promote inclusivity by working with a multicultural staff and offering not only authentic Italian dishes but also other international dishes. 

Open from morning to night, it boasts a café, a pasticceria, and a restaurant that combines Mediterranean flavors with the native cuisines of its employees – order a buffet plate at lunch or dishes like tempura, ceviche, couscous, and kofta à la carte at dinner.

2. Adesso Vineria-bistrot

Adesso is a small and cozy restaurant run by a motivated team of young people who are fully dedicated to pleasing their customers.

The structure of the menu is different from typical Italian restaurants, which is why explaining the concept when handing out the menu would be helpful and a safe time to make your choice.

The food is a mixture of dishes that are quite classical in taste and presentation and more innovative.

We enjoyed everything we had but noted that most dishes were a bit on the bland side and would have benefited from a pinch of salt.

They have a nice choice of wines, also by the glass. The staff takes great care in recommending wines to match the selected food.

Prices are reasonable for what is being offered and the service is excellent.

Adesso is a solid recommendation for a nice evening with good food in a stylish, lively, and pleasant ambiance.

So, is the No. 1 rating on TA deserved? In most cities, the top spot on TA goes to the place with the highest customer satisfaction, not the place with the best food in town.

3. Fratelli Mori

Osteria Fratelli Mori is named for Alessandro and Francesco Mori, two brothers who love cooking and serve honest Roman fare in a relaxed environment.

The menu isn’t exactly surprising, but everything is executed to perfection, from the fritti to the desserts.

Classics like Gricia with artichokes and woodfire pizzas that cross between Roman and Neapolitan styles.

Ingredients are sourced from the nearby Testaccio Market and local suppliers and the wine list is primarily focused on the Lazio region.

4. Imàgo

Set within the storied Hotel Hassler at the top of the Spanish Steps, the Michelin-starred Imàgo was the first rooftop restaurant to open in the 1950s and pairs iconic views with high-end dining. 

Imàgo remains one of Rome’s most exclusive restaurants thanks to its innovative cuisine and old-world charm. Try the capellini aglio, olio e peperoncino (olive oil, garlic and red chili pepper) with smoked eel.

5. Moma

Moma is the latest restaurant to receive a Michelin star in Rome and was recognized for its quality ingredients, distinctive flavors and consistently high standards.

It has been a perennial favorite of Rome’s business crowd who flock to its coffee bar at all hours of the day. Located opposite the US Embassy, the restaurant is named after New York City’s Museum of Modern Art and was conceived as a “gastronomic showcase” for artistic dishes and unusual combinations.

Look out for dishes like persimmon with blue cheese and walnuts and grilled calamari with fresh strawberries and foie gras mousse.

6. SantoPalato

One of the buzziest openings of the past year, Santo Palato is a retro trattoria that has become exceedingly popular with the city’s tastemakers who appreciate the nuance that chef Sarah Cicolini brings out of traditional dishes.

The menu appeals to those with more carnivorous appetites; in fact, the restaurant is part of a larger cultural revival that is seeing offal grace menus across the capital.

At Santo Palato, tripe, sweetbread and tongue make an appearance alongside more palatable classics like Amatriciana and Genovese. Book well in advance because it’s a popular spot.

 7.  Faciolaro 

I stumbled upon this little restaurant name of Faciolaro accidentally while waiting on reservations at the restaurant across the street.

I don’t even remember the name of the restaurant we were waiting on, but it was over an hour, and I was starving after a long day sightseeing. So we decided to try Faciolaro, and it was the best decision I ever made while exploring Rome.

From the time we walked up to be seated through the entire meal, I felt nothing but warmth and kindness from the old gentleman, whom I think was the owner.

My husband called him our granddad because he cared for us like his grandchildren. The pasta was so good that it melted in my mouth like butter, and the clams were so tender and juicy that I thought I had died and gone to heaven. 

Simply delicious!! We ate entirely too much pasta, but as the old saying goes, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”

Things Not To Miss In Rome at Night:

• Tossing Coins into the Trevi fountain only!!
• Walk through Ancient Rome
• Enjoy a cup of coffee
• Italian pizza followed by gelato
• Explore Vatican City
• Grab a bite to eat or enjoy a bottle of wine outside

When to go to Rome:

Most people travel to Rome in the summer but keep in mind that it gets really hot in the afternoons. Therefore, the best time to travel is either spring or fall. 

March- May or September -November is best for sightseeing in mild temperatures.

Tourist Alert:  Things NOT to do when in Rome:

• Hold on to your stuff!! Do not keep money or electronics easily accessible in your backpacks or pockets because Roman pickpockets love this and will spot you immediately.   Be smart and keep your documents and money in separate bags and check on them once a day. Do not put valuables in an external pocket. Do not leave anything lying around, even for a few minutes. I-phones and iPads are now the most stolen items when traveling because people are preoccupied with sightseeing and don’t realize someone has stolen them until it is too late.
• Fountains are not for washing your feet! Rome is extremely hot in the summer, and you will be tired of walking and your feet will need a break but you cannot dip your feet in any of the fountains because Romans find this very disrespectful.
• Always beware of pickpockets, especially when traveling on buses, metros and public transport, but also when in line for gelato or pizza because pickpockets’ are always waiting and watching.
•   Please do not enter a church or museum in spaghetti straps or skimpy attire.  Save that for a date with your significant other.   It is a good idea to keep a big scarf in your backpack so you can quickly wrap it around your shoulders when entering a church or museum.
•  Do not accept flowers!!! I have never been offered so many flowers and selfie sticks in my life but firmly say No and keep walking.  You will  meet people who will try to scam you by offering you a rose as free gift or because you are so beautiful but when you accept they will ask for money and then harass you for money and or corner you if you refuse so a firm NO and keep walking and make sure you watch your surroundings.

Stay Safe in Rome at Night

Rome is generally safe at night, especially in busy areas like Trastevere, Piazza Navona, and the Spanish Steps where both locals and tourists gather late into the evening.

Like any major city, it is wise to stay alert, keep an eye on your belongings, and avoid poorly lit side streets if you are walking back to your hotel after midnight.

Pickpocketing is the most common issue in Rome, so crossbody bags, money belts, and a little awareness go a long way.

If you want more peace of mind, I put together a detailed Safety Guide with practical tips for staying safe on trains, avoiding scams, and confidently navigating Italian cities.

It’s the resource I wish I had before my first trip, and it will help you feel prepared so you can focus on enjoying every moment in Rome.

1. Italian emergency numbers.
   • General Emergency: 113
   • Police (Carabinieri): 112
   • Fire (Vigili del fuoco): 115
2. Sign up for the US STEP:Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. The Embassy will know how to contact you in case of an emergency. 
3. Don’t travel in unfamiliar areas alone. travel with a friend and keep an eye out for each other.  
4. Don’t accept drinks from people you don’t know and don’t leave your drink unattended. This is true no matter the destination, and staying safe while traveling, especially for ladies.  
5. Be aware of your surroundings. Rome is notorious for pickpockets who will snatch your panties right off your behind so be very careful.  
6. Don’t leave valuables in plain sight. Practice common sense
7. Have copies of your important documents stored electronically or left with family at home to ensure you can easily replace anything that is stolen and quickly cancel stolen cards.
8. Pick secure accommodation. Make sure the hotel you decide to make home in Rome is safe.  I have a list of my top boutique hotels in Rome.  Book your reservation now for Rome.

FAQ: Things to Do in Rome at Night

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Thank you for reading my guide on the best things to do in Rome at night. I hope it helps you plan evenings filled with history, great food, and unforgettable moments in the Eternal City.

If you’d like to support the work I do here at Passports and Grub, you can [donate here]—every contribution helps me keep creating detailed travel guides for you.

Additional Articles on Exploring Italy

• Best Pompeii Tours
• Top Luxury Hotels in Rome
• 7 Day Amalfi Coast Itinerary

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