There’s still plenty more to explore in Rome after the sun sets 🌃
Many establishments stay open, and monuments are well-lit enough to enjoy the sights in the evening. Whether you’ve only got one night or you’re easing into a week-long trip, this guide will help you make the most of Rome at night.
First time here? Don’t worry. The city’s pretty easy to figure out once you get moving. Most major sights are walkable from each other, and if your feet get tired, you can find interesting experiences just near metro stops. Plus, did we mention that there’s a gelato shop seemingly every 5 minutes? 😋
We’ve got you covered with the essentials for this itinerary: the city’s highlights and how to get there, either on foot or by public transport. Keep reading and let the Roman holiday begin.
1. See the Colosseum under the lights
Photo by Alexander Voronov on Unsplash
Let’s start off strong with a Roman classic: The Colosseum. Popular both day and night, it’s located at Piazza del Colosseo, right off the Colosseo stop on Metro Line B.
Regular hours of the Colosseum vary depending on the time of year, but it’s open roughly between 8:30 AM – 7:15 PM every day (except for 25 December and 1 January). Some night walking tours get you inside until 10 PM, though! These include the underground and arena floor, which are way less crowded in the evening.
Klook Tip: Bring your camera—it’s lit beautifully. If you're not taking a tour, just walking around the exterior is worth it.
2. Visit the Piazza del Popolo for the sunset view
Photo by Dmitry Tomashek on Unsplash
Piazza del Popolo is a must-visit if you find yourself near the Spanish Steps or Villa Borghese during the evening. Climb up to the Pincian Terrace for a clean skyline view, and it’s especially nice when the fountains and churches are all lit up below.
To get there, just take the Metro Line A to Flaminio, and exit into Piazza del Popolo. It’s open 24/7, and just a 10-minute walk away from the Spanish Steps.
Klook Tip: There's often live music in the square in the summer months. It’s safe and full of locals hanging out.
3. Explore the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain
Photo by Zul Ahadi on Unsplash
Loop back toward the city center and hit up the Pantheon, just a quick 15-minute walk away from the Spanish Steps. It closes at 7:00 PM (last entry at 6:45), but the piazza outside stays open all night. People gather here to wine and dine, or just to chill and listen to street musicians.
Photo by Marcos Llerena on Unsplash
Just 650 meters away from the Pantheon is the iconic Trevi Fountain, which stays lit all night. By 10:30 PM, the crowds thin out and you’ll have a bit more space. If you want to make the most out of your visits here, we recommend having a local guide — to learn more about its history, or even just the best places to eat nearby.
Klook Tip: Don’t forget to toss a coin with your right hand over your left shoulder. Legend says it guarantees a return to Rome.
4. Take a gelato walk through Centro Storico
Photo by Alana Harris on Unsplash
Savor the night with something sweet. From the Trevi Fountain, it’s a short walk to Campo de' Fiori, Piazza Navona, and Largo di Torre Argentina. All are within a 10-minute walk of each other.
Gelato shops here stay open until 11:00 PM or later. Pop into multiple spots if you feel like it—some of the best ones are tucked away down side streets.
Klook Tip: If the gelato is neon-colored, it’s probably full of artificial stuff. Go to places where pistachio is more brown than green.
5. Have a cozy dinner in Trastevere
Photo from Italy Perfect
Head across the river to Trastevere—arguably one of the best places to eat in Rome at night. From the Pantheon, it’s a 15-minute walk via Ponte Sisto, or you can take bus H to Sonnino/S. Gallicano.
Try a traditional Roman pasta like cacio e pepe or amatriciana on Via della Lungaretta or near Piazza Santa Maria. Dinner service usually starts around 7:30 PM and runs until midnight in some spots. There are also lots of bars and speakeasies here for a chill night out.
6. Explore the Catacombe di San Callisto
If you’re free earlier in the day, squeeze in the Catacombe di San Callisto on Via Appia Antica. From Termini, take Metro Line A to San Giovanni, then bus 218 to Fosse Ardeatine. It’s a 5-minute walk from there.
They’re usually open from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM. Some guided evening tours use flashlights, which makes it a bit more dramatic. Here, you’ll get to tour underground catacombs and visit the Bone Chapel, where the remains of monks are laid to rest. If you don’t mind tight spaces and are interested in an eerier part of Roman history, this is a tour you shouldn’t miss.
7. Walk along the Tiber River
Photo by Alexis Magnone on Unsplash
Want something slower-paced? A walk along the Tiber River may be right up your alley. Start at Ponte Sisto and walk toward Castel Sant’Angelo. It’s about 25 minutes at a stroll. The closest tram stop is Arenula/Cairoli.
The riverside path is open all night. During summer, there’s a seasonal night market and small bars under the bridges. We recommend coming just before golden hour, so you can watch the sunset and enjoy the view in the early evening before dinner.
8. Attend a nighttime concert or opera
Teatro dell'Opera di Roma, Photo from Opera Charm
Feeling fancy? Check out Teatro dell'Opera di Roma or St. Paul’s Within the Walls for classical concerts. Both are near Repubblica Metro and a short walk from Termini.
Shows usually start at 8:30 PM and last around 90 minutes. Tickets can be booked in advance online.
Klook Tip: You can purchase tickets on the official websites of St. Paul’s Within the Walls and Teatro dell'Opera di Roma.
There’s really something special about exploring a new city at night. It might be because of the lights, but we know it’s pure magic. Our last tip? Go slow, stay curious, and let Rome show you what it’s like after hours.
FAQs
Can I walk around Rome at night?
Yes! Rome at night is full of people, especially in popular spots like Trastevere, the historic city center, and the Vatican area. There are also often well-lit, so we recommend sticking to those places at night.
What can you do in Rome at night?
You can walk along the Tiber, visit the Colosseum in Rome at night on a tour, eat in Trastevere, check out the view from Piazza del Popolo, grab gelato, or listen to live music. There are plenty of options for any kind of visitor, and most of them are within walking distance.
What is lit up in Rome at night?
Major landmarks like the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Castel Sant’Angelo, and St. Peter’s Basilica are all lit up. Don’t forget to charge your cameras!
What time is nightlife in Rome?
Dinner starts around 8:00 PM. Bars pick up after 10:00 PM. Clubs don’t really get going until midnight. In summer, the streets stay lively until 1:00 or 2:00 AM.
Does it get cold at night in Rome?
From November to March, evenings can dip below 10°C (50°F). Even in summer, bring a light jacket—stone streets and open spaces cool down fast.
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