9 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Rome
Where to Go in Rome at Night?
This guide to the best things to do after dinner in Rome will help you discover the best late-night activities the city has to offer. While the capital of Italy attracts millions of visitors every year with its incredible architecture and historical buildings, it’s often best to leave some of your sightseeing until night has fallen.
The city’s many attractions can often be crowded during the day, with the cooler nights offering a much quieter time to enjoy places like the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps. However, it’s not just the wonderful history that makes the Italian city an attractive place to visit. You can also find beautiful rooftop bars, vibrant piazzas full of life, and LGBTQ+-friendly clubs.
1. Teatro dell’Opera di Roma
Live opera at this stunning 19th-century theater
Good for: Couples, History, Nightlife
Teatro dell’Opera di Roma is one of the most well-known opera houses in Italy. Opened in 1880, the venue was financed by Domenico Costanzi and boasts Neo-Renaissance-style architecture. It’s seen quite a few re-modellings and improvements, including in 1926 and 1958 by Marcello Piacentini. Teatro dell’Opera di Roma can accommodate around 1,600 people in a stunning interior that’s as luxurious and beautiful as the exterior.
This opera house showcases some of the world’s finest live opera and ballet performances. It has hosted renowned performers like Caruso, Pavarotti, Domingo, Maria Callas, and Renata Tebaldi. Besides opera, its year-round program consists of a variety of classical and contemporary performances. Read more
Location: Piazza Beniamino Gigli, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Open: Hours vary by event
Phone: +39 06 481601
Teatro dell’Opera di Roma
2. Piazza Navona
An evening of people-watching in this famous square
Good for: Budget, History, Nightlife
Piazza Navona is a famous public square dating back to the 1st century AD. It played an important part in Rome’s history, being the site of a stadium built during Emperor Domitian’s rule. Today, the square is renowned for its stunning, Baroque-style buildings, the classic Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (fountain), and vast ancient obelisk.
While Piazza Navona is often crowded with people during the day, it’s an excellent spot to sit and relax in the evening. The buildings around the square are lit up at night, resulting in a lovely atmosphere. It’s known as one of the best meeting places in the city, thanks to the bars surrounding its perimeter. Read more
Location: Piazza Navona, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Piazza Navona
3. Trevi Fountain
The iconic fountain illuminated
Good for: History, Nightlife, Photo
The Trevi Fountain is one of the most famous water features in the world. The aqueduct-fed fountain was designed by Nicola Salvi and completed by Giuseppe Pannini in 1762. It stands over 26 meters tall and is nearly 50 meters wide, with numerous intricately carved statues of ancient gods.
While the fountain and surrounding piazza can see thousands of visitors per day in summer, it’s much quieter at night. You’ll more easily find a spot to throw your coin over your shoulder for luck. It’s also the best time to see it completely lit up, which is a lovely sight. There are also some nice gelaterias around the Trevi Fountain for your post-dinner dessert. Read more
Location: Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Trevi Fountain
4. Catacombs Night Tours
Rome’s ancient burial sites after dark
Good for: History, Nightlife, Unusual
For a completely different after-dinner excursion in Rome, there are catacomb night tours that offer after-hours access with a guide. The city has many catacombs and crypts dating back to the Roman Empire. The catacombs were built and decorated by the first Christians who buried their dead in underground chambers to avoid persecution by the Roman rulers. Today, the catacombs scattered throughout the city are still very well preserved and a popular tourist attraction.
Rome’s catacomb night tours include a visit to the Capuchin Crypts, Catacombs of Priscilla, and Catacombs of St Agnes. Although it may sound spooky, the tours are informative visits, where you can learn about the ancient burial practices and admire Roman-era frescoes.
Location: Museo e Cripta dei Cappuccini, Via Vittorio Veneto, 27, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Catacombs Night Tours
5. Castel Sant’Angelo
A different perspective of the ancient castle and bridge
Good for: History, Nightlife, Photo
Castel Sant’Angelo is a circular fortress also known as Hadrian’s Tomb. The distinctive circular structure was built AD 135 as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian and his family. It was later converted into a military fortress and then used by the Pope as a castle and refuge during the 16th century.
The building stands on the right bank of the Tiber River across the Ponte Sant’Angelo, which is one of the more impressive Roman bridges in the city. Today, Castel Sant’Angelo is a museum displaying beautiful old furniture and paintings. The illuminated fortress is especially beautiful at night and you can enjoy the best view from the bridge. Read more
Location: Lungotevere Castello, 50, 00193 Roma RM, Italy
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 9 am to 7.30 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +39 06 681 9111
Castel Sant'Angelo
6. Rome Rooftop Bars
Wonderful city views at dusk
Good for: Couples, Food, Nightlife
Rome has many great rooftop bars to enjoy late-night beverages with beautiful views of the city lit up as night. While some of these rooftop lounges and bars tend to be a bit on the pricey side, they can be worth it for a special occasion or first-time visit to Rome.
Popular rooftop bars offer views across some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Tiziano Terrace has an open-air terrace overlooking the mighty Colosseum, while La Limonaia’s outdoor and indoor sections offer views across the Baths of Diocletian.
7. Trastevere
A pretty neighborhood with excellent nightlife
Good for: Budget, Food, Nightlife
Trastevere is known as Rome’s charming, bohemian neighborhood. It was once a working-class district but is now popular for its vibrant nightlife scene and beautiful streets. The cobblestone sideroads throughout the district are picturesque any time of the day, but they are particularly atmospheric when illuminated at night.
You’ll find traditional trattorias, craft-beer pubs, and buzzing piazzas in Trastevere. The center of the action is around Piazza di Santa Maria, where you can see the beautiful Basilica of Our Lady lit up at night. From there, it’s easy to explore streets leading off from the square to find excellent bars and restaurants. Read more
Location: Trastevere, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
Trastevere
8. Via di San Giovanni in Laterano
A lively pedestrian area known as Gay Street
Good for: Food, Nightlife
Via di San Giovanni in Laterano is a 300-metre-long shopping and nightlife street leading to the eastern edge of the Colosseum in Rome. Since the 1960s, it has been the meeting place of the LGBTQ+ community. It was officially designated as Rome’s Gay Street in 2007. This is also one of the main locations for activity during the Rome Gay Pride event each year.
The main stretch of road is a pedestrian area with shops, gay-friendly bars, and restaurants. Via San Giovanni is one of the best parts of Rome to head to for a night out. Famous bars and clubs in the neighborhood include Coming Out and The Race Club. Read more
Location: Via di San Giovanni in Laterano, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Via di San Giovanni in Laterano
9. Spanish Steps
The popular attraction without the crowds
Good for: Budget, History, Nightlife
The Spanish Steps were built in the 18th century between the Piazza di Spagna and the Piazza Trinita dei Monti. The steep staircase was designed by Francesco De Sanctis and funded by a French diplomat, Stefano Gueffier, in 1723. The area has been well-known over the years for attracting artists, painters, and poets.
While the 135 steps form one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rome, it’s much better to visit the steps at night as there are generally fewer people there. The steps, church at the top, and piazza at the base are all illuminated with beautiful lights. They offer wonderful people-watching spots to sit back and enjoy the atmosphere of the city in the cooler evenings. Read more
Location: Piazza di Spagna, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Spanish Steps
This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.