A guide to nightlife in Rome
The party starts late in Rome, with locals meeting for dinner as late as 10pm before settling into one of the numerous bars surrounding the city’s famed piazzas. Outdoor terrace bars are widely popular with locals who like to make the most of the Mediterranean climate, much like its visitors. Whether you join the crowds in Piazza Navona, head to a late-night club in Travestere or simply find a chic bar to nestle in for the night, holidays to Italy come with a range of options.
Straight out of Pittsburgh at La Botticella
Nestled in one of Rome’s prettiest areas along a cobblestone street and close to Piazza Navona, this American sports bar is a great place to catch all major sporting events with a focus on NFL and the owner’s favourite team, the Steelers. Adorned with American football memorabilia, jerseys and rolling rock posters, this cosy and hospitable bar offers a great mixture of local beers on tap as well as plenty of American and European microbrews. Expect a warm welcome every night of the week, as well as an excellent selection of drinks.
Speakeasy at The Jerry Thomas Project
Like a 1920’s speakeasy, you’ll have to find out the password to enter this small and distinguished bar. Once you’ve cracked the code, experienced mixologists will blow you away with their superb alcoholic concoctions presented in bespoke glassware and containers from behind the wood-panelled bar. Relax on the vintage leather sofa, surrounded by red walls adorned with ancient bottles and related paraphernalia, and experience times gone by.
Great wine at Ai Tre Scalini
Located in the heart of Rione Monti, this cosy and relaxed bar is one of the best places to enjoy a glass of wine or speciality beer in Rome. While offering over 100 different varieties of wine, the atmosphere is informal and the service is excellent. Ivy hangs from the rustic exterior and the bar’s warm glow gently lights up the cobblestone street, enticing would-be guests into the endearing and traditional interior.
Hang out with the cool kids at Bar del Fico
This institutional bar in the charming Piazza del Fico is one of the trendiest watering holes in Rome, attracting an eclectic crowd. Grab a table and a negroni on the outdoor terrace and watch locals play chess under the plaza’s namesake fig tree. Or, you can always step inside and watch bohemian performances on the little circus stage. From mix and match chairs to bare light bulbs and timber tables, the bar oozes shabby-chic and serves up a selection of cool, classic Italian cocktails.
Best sound system in Europe at Room 26
Complete with marble columns and stunning architecture, once you’ve climbed the impressive stone steps to this vibrant venue, a true Roman clubbing experience awaits. Referred to as the Global Room, the main room is covered by a massive LED lighting system and projectors radiating interesting visuals to dance under. While the smaller Purple Room offers more ambient sounds under the watchful eye of painted murals. With several raised VIP areas and an elegant round bar, Room 26 has all the allure of Italian glamour and boasts one of the best sound systems in Europe.