10 unmissable things to do in Rome at night

Your adventures in Rome don't have to stop when the sun sets. At night, you'll see a completely different side of the Eternal City. The most famous landmarks and monuments look completely different, dramatically lit up. Take a stroll around the city to make the most of seasonal holiday activities or head to a terrace to dine out for a romantic date.

The best things to do in Rome at night include great places to eat, fun night tours, and even some spooky options. Enjoy the glorious Colosseum all lit up, or head underground to spend the evening in a haunted crypt. The choice is yours.

1. See the sights by moonlight on a night tour

On a warm summer night, there's nothing better than taking a stroll around town. The Rome Under the Moonlight walking tour will take you to all the best landmarks, with a guide on hand to explain everything.

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2. Hit the bars on a foodie tour of Trastevere

Romans love their food, and as the saying goes, when in Rome... One of the hottest neighborhoods for a great evening out is Trastevere. This Secret Food Tour is led by a local expert, who'll lead you from bar to bar. Slurp down a supplí, pig out on pizza, and wash it all down with refreshing Prosecco.

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Every bar has its own specialty, so ask your guide for advice about what to order. The same is true for gelato. At each different gelateria, locals will go for a particular flavor.

3. Have a spine-tingling night looking for ghosts in the streets

Rome has been a major city for more than 2,000 years, so it's no surprise that its streets are filled with dark legends. The Dark Heart of Rome Walking Tour is ideal for lovers of ghost stories. Learn about the dark side of the Romans, as well as the most notorious Popes in history. With bloodthirsty murders, executions, and ghosts, you may have trouble sleeping back at your hotel.

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This evening tour will show you another side of Rome as you explore the secret alleyways and dark streets hidden in the city center. Keep your eyes peeled, as you might even catch a glimpse of one of the city's ghosts.

4. Spook yourself out with a trip to the Bone Chapel

Rome's Capuchin Crypt is also known as the Bone Chapel, as its walls are lined with the remains of 4,000 monks. It's scary enough by day, but an After Closing Bone Chapel Tour is sure to send a shiver down your spine.

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When you're walking through the crypt, the soil you're standing on is actually imported from the Holy Land. It was brought here so the friars would rest for eternity in holy soil.

5. Scoot around the city streets on a Segway

A Rome by Night: 3-Hour Segway Tour is one of the most fun ways to get around the city. Don't feel like walking? Just hop onto a two-wheeler and see all the best sights.

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This tour is suitable for teens aged 14 and up, as well as adults. If you've never ridden a Segway before, don't worry. You'll have a little bit of time to get used to it before the tour starts.

6. Learn to make pasta from scratch at a boozy cooking class

You'll love being in the kitchen when you take a Traditional Pasta with Cocktails Drunken Cooking Class. Get your hands dirty as you make pasta from scratch, and enjoy some classic Italian cocktails at the same time.

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This cooking class is a great way to make friends and let your hair down. You'll eat what you make, so go easy on the cocktails until your pasta is ready.

7. Enjoy a classical concert in an unbeatable location

The Four Seasons by Vivaldi at the Caravita Church is a must for all culture vultures. Sit back and relax while violinist Elvin Dhimitri whisks you away into the Baroque world of Vivaldi.

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The music is the main attraction, but take your time to admire the stunning church, too. The Baroque Caravita Church has been a top concert venue for centuries, and even Mozart performed here as a teenager.

8. See the Sistine Chapel without the crowds

For an intimate view of Michelangelo's masterpiece, try the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel night tour. With a maximum of ten participants, this is your chance to have the Sistine Chapel all to yourself.

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You may be chomping at the bit to get to the Sistine Chapel, but be sure to enjoy the Vatican Museums along the way. With no one else around, this is the perfect chance to admire the incredible works of art collected by Popes through the centuries. Don't miss the fascinating room of historical maps.

9. Get the party started with a pub crawl

Looking for a wild night in Rome? Try the Pub Crawl and Nightlife Experience. Sip local beers, knock back shots, and make new friends as you go from bar to bar.

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Let your guide recommend the best local beers and other drinks to try. You might just find a new favorite.

10. Explore the Colosseum after hours

By day, the Colosseum is beautiful. By night, it takes on an eerie atmosphere as you join the Colosseum by night tour. You'll head deep underground, where the wild animals were kept before being unleashed in the combat arena, then follow in the gladiators' footsteps through the Gate of Death.

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The underground dungeons, where gladiators waited before their fights to the death, are far more thrilling and atmospheric by night.

FAQs

What are some of the top nighttime attractions in Rome?

Some of Rome's major attractions, like the Colosseum and the Sistine Chapel, are open at night for reduced groups. This is a great way to see them without the crowds.

What are the best areas for a nighttime stroll in Rome?

The city center is always popular, thanks to its beautiful squares and sights like the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. If you're feeling peckish, head to Trastevere, where you're guaranteed a good meal.

What are the most popular night tours in Rome?

Foodie tours are among the top things to do in Rome at night, accompanied by local food and drink. There are also ghost tours, which will show you the darker side of Rome's history. If you prefer something lighter, you can also choose a walking tour, Segway tour, or e-bike tour of the major monuments.

What are some fun activities to do with kids in Rome at night?

Italians tend to dine late, so don't be surprised to see kids out way past bedtime. Take the family for pizza and gelato to celebrate a great trip to Rome.

What are the best spots for a romantic night out in Rome?

Rome is full of romantic hotspots. Dine at a fabulous bar, or stroll around the central squares. For a great date, start by taking in the sunset from Castel Sant'Angelo, then walk along the Tiber hand in hand.