Evenings in Rome are great for sightseeing, especially in summer, when attractions have special late openings and summer events take place. I am from Rome and this is my list of the best things to do in Rome at night for all types of visitors! [Updated January 2026]
Late evenings are a wonderful time to go sightseeing around Rome. In summer especially, when the hot daytime hours make strolling an unpleasant and sticky affair, Roman nights come to the rescue and offer unparalleled views of the city all lit up, as well as the chance to visit attractions otherwise closed to the public.
I am from Rome and while I love this city not matter the time of day, I can tell you: there is nothing quite like Rome at night. The city is fascinating at all times but Rome at night is enchanting, magical and captivating.
As the bright light of day slowly fades into the darker hues of the night, the chaotic city you may have experienced during the days seems to transform and you get a glimpse of that open-air-museum that has so many of us say ‘Rome is the most beautiful city in the world!’
If you find yourself in Rome in the evening and you are wondering what to do in Rome at night, this guide is for you.
Whether you like sightseeing, eating out, going out or just take a stroll in the quietest time, you will find something to do in The Eternal city after the sun goes down!
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Please note: this post contains affiliate links and, should you make a purchase through them, we might make a small commission.
Take a night tour of the Colosseum (seasonal)
The Colosseum regularly hosts night tours that allow to see its magnificent architecture in a truly unusual and fascinating way.
The tours are guides, lead you to the underground and the arena of the Colosseum and offer the opportunity to see this unique building without the maddening crowds of more traditional daytime hours.
The visual impact of the Colosseum at night is exceptional: the lighting is expertly positioned to make you appreciate the size and complexity of its architecture and the chance of walking the ‘underground’ area is fantastic to get an understanding of how the amphitheater worked, and how fights and shows truly came to life.
You can see here >>> our review of the night tour of the Colosseum (with photos)
The night tours are seasonal and dates change every year. You can find info on times and tickets on the official site for Colosseum tickets here.
Need to know: at present, the night tour is offered by the Colosseum management direct ONLY. Buy from the direct site only.
Visit Passetto di Borgo
Passetto di Borgo is the secret, protected walkaway between Vatican City and Castel Sant’Angelo that allowed the Pope to escape to their fortified palace in case of attack.
The walkaway has only recently reopened to the public and it is wonderful to see. You start your tour from just beside St Peter’s Square (and excellent opportunity to also take a stroll here!) and the tour leads you along the passetto all the way to Castel Sant’Angelo, offering you stunning views in the process!
The passetto is open at night only, at present, and only at weekends. You can choose between a guided or accompanies tour (this last one comes with no live explanation) and I highly recommend a guided one as the info is fascinating and a true deep dive into the history of Rome, not just the castle!
You can get tickets direct from Coopculture (the concession) or from GetYourGuide which is a more straightforward website to use, in terms of ease of purchase.
Admire a light show in the Forum of Caesar (not currently announced for 2026, usually in summer)
Mild summer nights bring back to Rome of the city’s most exciting event, the light show called ‘Viaggio nei Fori’ (Lit. Journey Through the Fora).
The light shows happens in the Forum of Caesar, and is wonderful way to see the forum as is used to be and learn about it in a fascinating, original, and captivating way .
While sitting outdoors in front of some of the most beautiful ancient Roman ruins in the world, lights and narration transport you back to the time when the Fora were first built: a fabulous way to learn about ancient Rome and enjoy the city’s mild summer evening.
You can read here >>> our review of Viaggio nei Fori (Journey Through the Forum)
See the Trevi fountain without the crowds
In the past, I would advise to see Fontana di Trevi (Trevi fountain) early in the evening but this is not the east advice anymore!
Now, to avoid crowds you want to go as late in the night as possible: the reward is magnificent photo ops but more importantly, the chance to admire its sculptures, brought to life by beautiful lighting.
A stop at the Trevi fountain appears a suggested evening stop in all my Rome itineraries: it is truly magical!
See Rome’s at your feet the top of the Spanish steps
Another iconic site in Rome are the Spanish Steps: my favorite way to visit is to wait until late evening (after 9 p.m., it doesn’t need to be the middle of the night) and climb to the top to Trinita’ dei Monti.
From there, the view over Piazza di Spagna and the rest of Rome at your feet is truly special.
See the lit up facade of the Pantheon
The Pantheon is closed at night but it overlooks a wonderful square worth seeing (Piazza della Rotonda or Piazza del Pantheon).
During the day this square is jam packed with visitors and large groups of tourists waiting to enter the church make it sometimes hard to take but in the evening, it becomes one of the most romantic and charming corners of the whole of Rome.
If you were to ask me what is the best piazza to visit in Rome at night, this would probably be my pick!
Take a stroll in Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona is stunning at night for a couple of reasons. One is the wonderful fountain in its center, La Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi,, made even more impressive at night by a masterful use of light beams.
The other is that just beside this piazza you have several nice restaurants and wine bars, buzzing with locals.
This is the perfect place to mix evening sightseeing and a wonderful meal!
Visit Vatican City at night without the crowds
The Vatican Museums are one of the best museums in the world but crowds are an issue during the day: not so much later in the day!
Since the Vatican gets many day trippers, if you are staying in Rome and can visit after they’ve gone, you will have the museums not quite for yourself but definitely in a much quieter, less overwhelming and more pleasant version of themselves.
To make the most of them I recommend getting a tour: this is the one place in Rome where I believe a live guide truly makes a difference as there is so much to see, so many options and the museums are so big, alone you get easily lost and may miss important pieces.
My favorite tour for the Vatican at night is this one by LivTours, great in all seasons.
Take a golf cart tour with drinks to see Rome’s highlights at night without effort
A really fun way to experience Rome at night is by joining a golf cart tour with drinks, a great way to see a lot, enjoy all the beautiful Rome buildings lit up and also have a taste (literally!) of Rome’s nightlife.
I love golf cart tours also during the day but the night one is lovely for summer evenings or any time when you want to make the most of all your time in Rome. I find it a cool thing to do also if you happen to be in Rome on your own and want to do something social and fun at night, without having to brave going out alone!
My favorite one is this one
Take a cooking class
I love cooking classes and I find that taking one at night is a great way to spend an evening, have an amazing dinner and meet people for a chat and, if you get on, maybe a drink afterwards!
I have several cooking classes in Rome I love and recommend:
>>> Pasta and Tiramisu making class
>> Pizza making for families with kids – We did this as a shared activities and met a lovely other family there!
>> Pizza making with a pizza chef (private experience) This is fantastic if you want to have a class just for your family or friends with no external people
>> Pasta and gelato (pasta is hands on, gelato is a demo) – Really fun, social class with a good size group (about 10 when we went)
>> Pasta (small group and private) @Lucillacookingclass on Instagram or Facebook – suitable for all ages (private class for toddlers; group class or private class for families with school age kids)
See the Vittoriano in its true magnificence
The Vittoriano aka Altar to the Fatherland is hard to miss no matter the time of day but at night, it acquires a truly unique appearance.
This tall, imposing, neoclassical building is only occasionally opened for night visits but it is always stunning to see even just from the outside.
The lighting of its colonnade helps appreciate the intricacies of its architecture and the winged statues on top are like a vision, against the backdrop of Rome’s night sky! Occasionally the Vittoriano is open at night for special visits, you can keep an eye on the calendar here but even if it isn’t: walking beside it at night is incredibly impressive!
Go on a food tour
You can enjoy Rome at night simply going to a restaurant and having a scrumptious dinner but you can also tap into the city’s culinary wealth by joining a food tour.
They are highly enjoyable, and perfect if you want to learn about food, taste many things or just do not want to eat alone. You can choose between several. Some I like are:
This night food tour in Trastevere.
Trastevere is probably the most famous neighborhood in Rome for food (along with Testaccio) and a lively area at night.
Or this one which is private (As for AJ As a guide, she’s a fabulous guide!!) and focuses on the center and the Jewish Ghetto, famous for its unique and outstanding cuisine
With a night food tour, you can have an authentic dinner and see it in full swing – perfect Roman night!
Enjoy Rome’s wine bars
Rome has lovely wine bars, perfect for a late night drink in cozy atmospheres. In Italian, they are called ‘enoteche’: you find them anywhere in the city and they serve wine (glass and bottle) and earthy dishes and platters.
Nice ones you may enjoy are Sul de Sac in Piazza Pasquino (near Piazza Navona), Fafiuche (Monti), Romessa Roscioili (city center).
Enjoy a drink on a rooftop terrace
Rome has wonderful rooftop bars and restaurants perfect for a break or a meal with a view.
Some of our favorite are the rooftop terrace of the Iconic Pantheon Hotel, which has both a bar and a restaurant, the cozy yet wonderful terrace of the Eitch Borromini hotel and the wonderful terrace of the Otivm hotel, with views over the Synagogues on one side and the Campidoglio on the other.
You can find our selection of the best rooftop bars in Rome here.
Look at my photo below of the Divinity Terrace: I am sure you’ll agree they are among best sunset spots in Rome (and an incredible choice for a romantic night in Rome!)
Listen to jazz in one of Rome’s most famous jazz venues
Rome has several jazz venues, both indoors and outdoors.
In summer, Rome hosts the Villa Celimontana jazz festival and great outdoor concerts in nearby Parco del Celio (wonderful music and location).
Several night clubs have good sessions all year round. La casa del jazz, Big mama and Alexanderplatz are the most traditional venues
Take a stroll in Trastevere
Trastevere is one of the most popular areas for nightlife in Rome. In summer, people come here to take a stroll and enjoy the street sellers and al fresco dining but all year round you can find here amazing food.
I already mentioned this area for a food tour but even without one, you are sure you have a good night here. Depending on your tolerance for loud crowds, you may go to Piazza Trilussua (very busy, very loud, this is where you see the videos of crowds singing, often)or prefer to stay well away from it – in this second case, the area towards Santa Cecilia will be your favorite as significantly quieter and with all the. charm of old Trastevere.
You can find our tips for visiting Trastevere and out recommended Trastevere itinerary here.
Go to the open air cinema (Summer)
In summer, several spaces in Rome turn into open air cinemas with an interesting and varied program. Ex Forlanini, Arena Nuovo Sacher and Isola Tiberina (Tibernina island) are traditional spots, some with English programming too.
Go to the opera (summer)
In summer, Roman nights offer something special to opera lovers: outdoor concerts in the outstanding Baths of Caracalla or Circo Massimo,
The baths have immense proportions and work as an exceptional backdrop for classic opera productions especially, while the Circus is a large open space particularly conducive to large events. On both cases, a good opportunity to listen to music in a truly Roman backdrop!
For current events, I follow Wanted in Rome
Go to Lungo il Tevere summer festival
Rome in summer hosts several fairs, open-air events where bookstalls, cafes, bars and food joints come together to make the most of Rome’s mild summer evening.
The most impressive is Lungo il Tevere (lit. along the Tiber) which, as the name suggests is on the riverbanks of the Tiber.
Here, the stalls are nice and diverse, the atmosphere jolly and family-friendly – you find music, food, stalls and table tennis stations and vast spaces to run around means even small children can enjoy the place – yes, Italian children do go to bed much later during school holidays!
Catch a view of the Forum from the Campidoglio hill
The Roman Forum is closed at night but you can catch a view of this ancient marvel from the Capitoline Hill and, at night, it is just magical!
This is a wonderful addition to what was, already, one of the most beautiful piazzas in Rome.
Lights in the Roman forum bring to life the standing columns and ancient temples and the result is romantic, breathtaking and awe-inspiring.
I hope you enjoyed this article and it gave you ideas on what to do in Rome at night and make the most of your stay in my stunning city!
Safe travels!