If you’re planning your trip and wondering about the best things to do in Rome at night, you’ll find countless options here.
The city is indeed an open air museum, and when you’re traveling to Rome for the first time, you’ll find yourself blown away.
The delicious Italian breakfast.
The stunning maritozzi, to be found in some of the most secret Roman bakeries.
The secret gardens and beautiful architecture…
Blown away – over and over again.
From the best rooftop restaurants in Rome to the secret Quartiere Coppedè, you’ll discover here amazing things to do in Rome at night – and obviously, even during the day!
The Best Things to Do in Rome at Night – Travel Guide
To make your travel planning easier, I have split this guide into two parts:
- the best things to do in Rome at night
- the best restaurants in Rome for delicious food and rooftops
I’ve tried to include a few cool places to visit in Rome for every taste, so whether you’re looking for romantic date ideas or family activities, you’ll have plenty of choice here.
Enjoy and… Buona serata!
Best Things to do in Rome at night: Watch the Opera
Do you know the great ballets and operas that fill opera houses all over the globe?
La Boheme, The Barber of Seville, Madame Butterfly… are all available to see at the magnificent Teatro dell’Opera di Roma.
This is such an unusual thing to do in Rome that really, if you don’t know what to do during the evening, you should book a ticket.
The Teatro dell’Opera di Roma opened in 1880, and it is a majestic building with outstanding acoustics.
World-class ballet, opera performances – Italy birthed opera, so if you’re willing to spend a romantic evening, that’s a great option.
We’re close to the Termini station here, which allows you to go on the best day trips from Rome, as well as really good restaurants.
If you happen to pop by Termini in the morning, you’ll be able to have the tastiest breakfast there with caffè latte, cornetti and pasticciotti at Martinucci Laboratory.
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Best Things to do in Rome at night: See the light show at the Imperial forums
One of the best things to do in Rome at night is to see the lights – oh my, the lights are incredible in this city.
Come alone, with friends, family, or your partner and enjoy the light show at the Imperial Forums, pillars of Ancient Rome, and built by Caesar Augustus and Julius Caesar.
The Imperial Forums, also called Forum of Caesar and the Forum of Augustus, host 50-mn shows from June to October, and is perfect if you’re planning to travel with kids.
Yet, something tells me that adults, too, will be dumbfounded.
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Best Things to do in Rome at night: Evening pasta class
You’ll find many different workshops and evening classes in town, but if I had to choose only one of the best things to do in Rome at night, it would be a fun pasta workshop.
Think pizza, ravioli, spaghetti – which you’ll soon know how to make yourself!
Grab your friends and go for a pasta-making class around Piazza Navona, a workshop located in a slightly famous apartment in the heart of Rome.
The class starts with a glass of Prosecco and continues on the rooftop terrace, where you’ll learn how to make Italian pasta with a view of domes and churches.
After cooking it, everyone can enjoy their homemade pasta, and you even get a certificate of achievement and recipes to take home!
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Best Things to do in Rome at night: Visit the Colosseum at night
Is there anything more romantic and epic than visiting the prestigious Colosseum at night?
You don’t get as many crowds, and you get a whole new perspective of the when the sun sets.
Actually, the Colosseum is one of the best places to see the sunset in Rome, and provides a magical feeling once it’s dark outside.
You can visit the underground and the Arena where once gladiators fought – it’s not all about the outside of the landmark!
The Night Tours of the Colosseum start around 9 pm and take almost two hours, but worry not, there’s no being bored there.
Open skies and one of the oldest places in Rome?
Yes, please!
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Free things to do in Rome: Walk along the River
Go down to the Tevere, walk along the river, and I promise you that even if it’s completely free, you’ll have a blast.
This is probably one of the best things to do in Rome at night for young adults and couples looking for romantic spots.
After a good pasta restaurant and, of course, a delicious gelato, a stroll along the Tiber River makes for the perfect call-it-a-night moment.
A local favorite spot for the best tiramisu in Rome, Tiramisu Trastevere, is located about 10/15 mn on foot and closes quite late – add it to your stroll, and it’s nirvana.
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Free things to do in Rome: Relax in the Park in front of the Colosseum
Another great activity – better yet, one of the best free things to do in Rome: a simple relaxing momenti in the park facing the Colosseum!
If you can afford it, perhaps include a night tour of the Colosseum, but if not, even just sitting in the Parco del Colosseo eating some street food makes for the perfect evening.
I find comfort in majestic historical places, and the Colosseum certainly has a certain magic that makes it look extra mysterious and romantic in the evening.
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Free things to do in Rome: Go check the lights at Coppedè neighborhood
There is no ‘right’ way to visit the Coppedè neighborhood, but one thing’s for sure, this is one of the best hidden gems in Rome.
Made of several streets, the Quartiere Coppedè offers jewels of architecture that range from Art Nouveau to Baroque and Medieval architectures.
The Fountain of the Frogs is a must see there, and if you arrive before sunset, I’d also recommend popping by Villa Torlonia.
Villa Torlonia and its fairytale house is easily one of the most magical places in Rome, perfect to visit before heading over to the Quartiere Coppedè.
This is the kind of secret spot that will definitely add some spice to your trip to Rome!
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best things to do in Rome at night: Romantic walks with your partner
Well, this one walks hand in hand with my previous Tevere topic – but well, the Tiber River is not the only romantic spot to have a walk in town!
There are plenty of pretty neighborhoods in Rome that deserve a walk around, from Trastevere to Prati.
A bit of street food, a fancy restaurant maybe, and off you go, roaming the beautiful streets around.
Rome tends to be quite well-lit in most parts, so indeed, if you’re looking for free things to do in Rome at night, that’s a good option.
Another good place to visit in Rome after dark is Via del Corso, one of the most famous shopping streets in Rome, and Piazza di Spagna.
It’s still very lively after dark, but you get a totally different perspective from the area!
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best things to do in Rome at night: See a football match
Come on, if you’re from around Europe, you know how much of a thing soccer is – especially in Italy!
The AS Roma team plays at home in their stadium, and if you’re looking for unusual things to do in Rome at night, that’s certainly not touristy!
You get to feel the chills and thrills of teams competing, and if you’re traveling to Rome with friends, it’s a really cool moment to share.
The great news is that tickets for AS Roma matches are quite affordable, around 10 to 20 euros on average.
Good thing to keep in mind if you’re traveling on a budget!
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Best things to do in Rome at night: Enjoy live jazz music at the Alexanderplatz, Prati
Who told you bars need only be made for monotonous drinking?
In the Prati neighborhood, you’ll find Alexanderplatz, one of the most famous bars in Rome, perfect for a live show and a bite!
Fairly good drinks, and a popular spot for live music, Alexanderplatz is known amongst locals, but tourists?
Not so much.
You can find live shows and singers all around town come evening, but for an unusual romantic date, it’s pretty solid.
You have to pay a 10 euro fee as a one-time membership fee before you enter, and after that, you can enjoy classic drinks, juicy steaks and incredible shows!
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Best things to do in Rome at Night: Take a Night photography tour
Now, this one is my department!
Taking a photography tour at night is one of the coolest things to do in Rome at night if you love wandering around with your camera!
Capture Rome’s magical vibes without the hustle and bustle of people hurrying to and fro, and enjoy the expertise of a photographer to help you craft stunning pictures.
Composition, lighting, one-on-one guidance to coach you on how to get dreamy photos of romantic Rome – you’ll learn solid basics with a photography tour!
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Best Things to do in Rome at night: Watch a church/cathedral evening concert
You can often find free concerts inside chapels and beautiful churches for you to enjoy – if you’re saving money, you’ll love these concerts!
Churches that offer free concerts are located all over Rome, but the most breathtaking are found at the San Gioacchino church in Prati.
I had the chance of hearing one of these concerts in a chapel at night, and I can tell you it’s a crazy experience – and all you have to do is book online.
Organ recitals echoing through the night, grand operas and beautiful choirs, that’s an activity that will bring you goosebumps!
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Best Things to do in Rome at night: Take a food tour
When you’re visiting Rome, you’ll find lots of free walking tours of the city, after which you can basically pay what you want to thank the tour guide.
Well, food tours in Rome are not free, but some offer up to five courses with typical Roman dishes and desserts, so you really can’t miss out on that.
Yes indeed, if you’re only looking for free things to do in Rome at night, that’s not the one – but you have to eat at some point anyway, right?
Tours often take place around Campo de’ Fiori and Trastevere, where you’ll find some of the best food spots in Rome.
Pizza, cheese, gelato shops – prepare to be fully stomach-satisfied!
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Best Things to do in Rome at night: Get down on one knee
Ah, yes. A classic here, am I right?
There is no denying how often these things tend to happen – Rome is one of the most romantic cities in Europe, after all, and proposals are plenty there.
Surprise your other half late at night in front of the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, or maybe at the Pincio in Villa Borghese?
Villa Borghese is one of the most beautiful parks in Rome, and the Pincio offers quiet and some of the prettiest views of Rome – so why not, if you’re ready?
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Best Things to do in Rome at night: Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
One of the most magical things to do in Rome at night is visiting the Vatican after hours.
You can indeed get exclusive night admission to both the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel every day except on Sundays.
Right after the Vatican closes, people do visit this beautiful Roman landmark, and the ticket allows you to explore over 50 galleries.
All golden, structured, carefully-crafted, the galleries are some of the most beautiful you’ll ever see in your life.
Mind you, there are plenty of beautiful churches in Rome, and more gorgeous basilicas than we can count, but clearly, if you’re looking for unusual things to do in Rome at night, that’s a first pick.
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Best Restaurants in Rome for Dinner
Things to do in Rome at night: Go to Trapizzino
Let us start in the best way possible – with food.
It’s getting late and you wish to enjoy the nightlife of Rome with a warm and very traditional bite?
Then go to Trapizzino in Trastevere, on Piazza Trilussa, to taste the incredible trapizzino recipes this quaint restaurant offers.
Whoever is on the hunt for cheap eats and street food should try this place at least one – and from their pizza sandwiches to classic Roman suppli, you’re sure to be satisfied!
You’ll find some really cool things to do in Trastevere both at night and during the day.
Yet, with the tiny streets illuminated as soon as the sun sets, the neighborhood provides the best setting for a romantic date.
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Best Things to do in Rome at night: Aroma Rooftop Restaurant
If you’re on the hunt for affordable rooftop restaurants, we’ll think again when it comes to Aroma – the prices follow the gorgeous view of the Colosseum.
Take your date here, enjoy classic Roman dishes prepared by, yes, Roman-born Chef Di Lorio.
Most importantly, make sure to book in advance to be able to enjoy a fancy evening there.
I can count a handful of good restaurants near the Colosseum, either posh rooftops or classic trattorie, but none offer such an amazing view.
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Best Things to do in Rome at night: La Pergola
Do you wish to impress that someone – somehow?
Then a visit to the rooftop restaurant La Pergola should be more than enough.
La Pergola is located at the top of the Roma Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria Hotel and overlooks the phenomenal night sky in Rome – can you really find a more romantic restaurant?
Three Michelin stars have been awarded to La Pergola, in which you will be served the best Mediterranean and Italian cuisine in the city, along with gorgeous views.
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Best Things to do in Rome at night: Retrobottega
One of the best things to do in Rome at night is to visit a cozy, rustic restaurant and eat that one meal you’ve been craving for months.
You might find plenty of amazing, quaint restaurants in Trastevere and near the Vatican, but Retrobottega offers that extra bit of poshness.
And that, if you ask me, is perfect if you’re looking for romantic restaurants for a date.
Traditional pasta, an open kitchen that creates the dishes before the patron’s eyes, and beautiful decor – definitely a must visit!
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The Best Things to Do in Rome at Night – Travel Guide
There you have them, the best things to do in Rome at night alone, on a romantic date, or with friends and family!
Obviously, if you want to pop by some of Rome’s free museums, you’ll have to wait for the sun to rise.
However, even during the evening and at night, you’ll find plenty of cool neighborhoods to discover – Prati for posh walks, and places like Trastevere, San Lorenzo or Pigneto for incredible street art!
Until next time!
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