An Evening in Rome: Top 10 Nightlife Destinations

By Moon Travel Guides

Looking for the perfect night out in Rome? From al fresco dining and trendy cocktail bars to live music and theater, these ten nightlife spots promise an unforgettable evening.

Image of cobblestone street with diners eating outdoors at night — Trastevere at night. Photo © Ekaterinabelova/Dreamstime.

Have a late dinner at Santo in Trastevere

Santo is off the beaten track and stands out due to the sturdy lights above the terrace and the urban jungle vibe. The interior is full of personality—robust and cozy. The dishes on the menu are based on Italian cuisine but always have an exciting twist. Every Wednesday there is live music, and on weekends around midnight the restaurant becomes a cocktail bar. Come here and you’re guaranteed a great night out.

Via della Paglia 40, tel. 333-380-7008, santotrastevere.it, open Tue-Sat 6pm-2am, €24, Tram 8 Trastevere/Mastai

Dance at Emerald’s Independent Bar’s unplugged sessions

This is a unique bar; it’s like visiting an art-collecting explorer from days gone by. Emerald’s Independent Bar is open from aperitivo time until the last cocktail, often with live music. They also serve small bites.

Via Crescenzio 91c, tel. 06-88654275, emeraldsbar.it, open daily 6:30pm-2am, cocktail €15, Metro to Ottaviano, Tram 19 Risorgimento/S. Pietro

Drinks start at 7pm at Piazza della Madonna dei Monti

The heart of Monti belongs to the Madonna. The little square Piazza della Madonna dei Monti is named after the adjacent church (the Santa Maria ai Monti), and it is always vibrant and cozy. In terms of terraces, you have plenty to choose from here, but you can also take a seat by the fountain.

Piazza della Madonna dei Monti, Metro B, B1 Cavour, Tram 8 Venezia

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See a show in the old slaughterhouse Mattatoio di Roma

The Mattatoio di Roma is Rome’s old slaughterhouse in Testaccio. It was built around 1890 by architect Gioacchino Ersoch and is a special and important industrial heritage site. In 2006 restorations of the complex started, and it’s now a cultural center where you can see exhibitions and displays. The grounds are also worth exploring. Check out all the crazy corners for the most beautiful murals.

Piazza Orazio Giustiniani 4, mattatoioroma.it, open Tue-Sun 11am-8pm, free, Metro B, B1 Piramide, Tram 8 Marmorata/Galvani

Sip cocktails on the terrace of Campo de’ Fiori

Image of a tall statue with a metal figure on it in the center of a plaza lined with pastel-hued buildings softly illuminated at dawn — Campo de’ Fiori. Photo © Sean Pavone/Dreamstime.

Campo de’ Fiori is one of the most vibrant squares in Rome. Stroll through the market during the day or come for aperitivo at one of the eateries with tables on the plaza. Overlooking the square is an imposing statue of Giordano Bruno, the philosopher and cosmologist who was sentenced to death for heresy here in 1600.

Piazza Campo de’ Fiori, Bus to Corso Vittorio Emanuele/Navona

Savor an age-old wine tradition at Ai Tre Scalini

Romans have been quenching their thirst for wine at Ai Tre Scalini since 1895, and it is still just as popular today. Choose one of their great wines and order something regional to snack on, such as cicoria or porchetta.

Via Panisperna 251, tel. 06-48907495, aitrescalini.org, open daily 12:30pm-1am, glass of wine €6, Metro B, B1 Cavour, Tram 8 Venezia

Enjoy cocktails at Blackmarket Hall

Blackmarket Hall has the vibes and looks of a speakeasy from the 1920s. Dark antique furniture, dark red walls, romantic lighting, velvet curtains, and vintage decoration on the walls. The tastiest cocktails are here, along with the most flavorful food and fine music.

Via de’ Ciancaleoni 31, tel. 349-199-5295, blackmarkethall.com, open Mon-Sat 6pm- 2am, Sun 6pm-1am, cocktail €14, Metro B, B1 Cavour, Tram 5, 14 Farini

Have an Aperol spritz at Camillo dal 1890

Close-up image of two glasses of aperol spritz — Aperol spritz. Photo © Anatoly Repin/Dreamstime.

When Romans go to Piazza Navona, they stop at Camillo dal 1890 for a drink. The bar was opened by the last generation’s great-grandfather, but recently the menu was given a contemporary twist, and the interior was updated to its current pink splendor. You won’t find any waiters standing outside to lure you in; just get a drink at the bar and enjoy.

Piazza Navona 79-81, tel. 06-56558161, camillopiazzanavona.it, open Mon-Thu 10- 1am, Fri-Sat 9-3am, Sun 9-1:30am, spritz €9, pasta €15, Bus to Senato

Visit the Musei Vaticani on Friday night

It all started with the private collection of Pope Julius II, the Renaissance Pope, who wanted to reinstate Rome as the center of the art world. Each pope thereafter expanded the collection, and new galleries were built to house all the artwork. To this day the Musei Vaticani (Vatican Museums) comprise the largest, richest, and most impressive museum complex in the world. There are more than fourteen hundred rooms filled with paintings, Greek and Roman sculptures, and Egyptian and Etruscan art.

Viale Vaticano, museivaticani.va, open Mon-Sat 9am-6pm (admittance until 4pm), May-Oct Fri 9am-10:30pm (admittance until 8:30pm) & Sat 9am-8pm (admittance until 6pm), last Sun of the month 9am-2pm (admittance until 12:30pm), €17 + reservation costs (obligatory), last Sun of the month free, Metro to Ottaviano, Tram 19 Risorgimento/S. Pietro

Listen to live music on the square at Bar San Calisto

Bar San Calisto is a household name in Rome. During the day the terrace is the ideal place for a coffee, notably the caffè con panna—coffee with freshly whisked cream. At night you can have a drink and enjoy it on the square while listening to the live music.

Piazza di S. Calisto 3, tel. 06-5835869, open Mon-Sat 6-2am, Sun 7am-midnight, coffee €0.90, Tram 8 Trastevere/Mastai