Rome is the capital of Italy and arguably its most famous city and number one tourist destination. Rome has it all, from classic restaurants and historic architecture to ancient ruins and world-class museums. It also has an exciting nightlife scene, with options ranging from opera and classical music to modern night clubs and lively pubs.
There is lots to do in Rome, but it can pay to save some energy for after-dark excursions as well. Here are the best nightlife venues in Rome.
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Harry’s Bar, arguably the most famous drinking spot in Rome, is found on one of the city’s the main thoroughfares, Via Veneto. The bar was featured in the film La Dolce Vita, which was made by famed Italian auteur Federico Fellini. Food is served both indoors and on the open air patio throughout the day, and the bar and piano bar are open until well after midnight. This is not the cheapest place to drink the night away, but it is a required stop for those seeking a classy place to enjoy a cocktail.
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Campo de’ Fiori has after-dark party spots that draw a younger clientele. Sloppy Sam’s and the Drunken Ship are two famous venues located here. These places draw a college-age crowd. Sam’s pours draft beer into plastic cups, while the Drunken Ship allows patrons to play drinking games like beer pong. This is hardly classic Rome, but isn’t a bad place to let your hair down.
Trastavere is another place for cheap drinks. However, it has a decidedly more mature vibe and draws more locals than the Campo de’ Fiori’s party spots. Trastavere’s plazas are filled with locals and tourists relaxing after sun-down, and the pubs offer good draught beer and cheap wines as well as a laid-back atmosphere.
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Testaccio is an area that features some amazing clubs and lounges. The district’s headliner is Radio Londra, a club that draws an extremely colorful crowd and features DJs and live music. A pub sits above the dance floor for those who would rather people-watch. Caruso Cafe de Oriente is another Testaccio dance club. It has a Latin theme and salsa is the dominant dance style.
Rome has more than its share of Irish Pubs. The area around Santa Maria Maggiore has some of the city’s best Irish-themed drinking spots. It might seem odd that this kind of drinking establishment is found in Rome. However, if you are in search of good beer and warm atmosphere, these pubs are definitely worth a look.
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Alien is one of Rome’s longest-running dance spots. Its Asian-themed design and ambient music make it an interesting nightspot if you like a little bit of class to go along with your dancing excursions. Supperclub is another classy hotspot. It boasts a clean design and hip clientele to go along with good music. Gilda is yet another dance emporium. It draws Rome’s moneyed scene-makers as well as B-list celebrities and athletes.
San Lorenzo is an area that is mainly populated by university students in the evenings, although lots of people from other demographics head there as well. The atmosphere here is a bit more informal than the clubs mentioned above, but still quite lively and interesting.
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Revelers seeking a place fuel up on some caffeine before hitting the town for some dancing might try Antico Caffe Greco. This centuries-old coffee shop is infused with a historic atmosphere and is a wonderful place to introduce yourself to Rome’s world-famous coffee culture.
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The Teatro Olimpico is a venue for those seeking a bit of high-brow entertainment. Though classical singers and chamber music groups are regulars on the performance calendar, pop acts and more contemporary vocalists also take the stage at Olimpico.
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Roof Garden Bar at Grand Hotel De La Minerve is an ideal spot for enjoying a cocktail and taking in some of Rome’s most-famous sites. The bar’s location affords guests a great view of the Pantheon and other nearby landmarks. A pianist plays classic rock and ’70′s pop favorites later in the evening.
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Rome’s after-dark scene is not all about dancing and drinking. The Parco della Musica hosts concerts in three separate concert halls designed specifically to give the audience the perfect acoustic experience. With multiple stages, visitors have a chance to select exactly the type of performance that they want to see even if they are only staying the the Eternal City for a few days.
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Teatro dell’Opera di Roma is dedicated to Italy’s most revered art form, opera. Performances are held regularly, with the opera troupe also performing outdoors sometimes during the warmer months.
Rome’s ruins, architecture, art, and museums draw many tourists, but visiting these mainly-daytime attractions only gives visitors a part of the whole picture. Rome’s after-dark entertainment scene is also a quintessential part of a true Roman vacation experience.
