Rome nightlife guide: Where to party in Rome

Ready to explore Rome’s nightlife? Start with our list of the best cocktail bars, live music venues, LGBTQI+ spots and nightclubs in Rome!

Angelina

6 minute read

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Updated on 18 Oct 2024

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Living

Even at night, Rome continues to be full of life. Already from 7 PM on, you see squares and streets filling up with people and crowds slowly flowing from bar to bar. If you’re thinking you want to explore homes for rent in Rome, you’ll also need to know where to head for a party in Rome! In this article, we’ll walk you through all there is to know about Rome nightlife and share some of the best bars and clubs in Rome.

A typical night out in Rome kicks off with an aperitivo around 7 PM. This consists of a glass of wine or cocktail accompanied by small plates or snacks. After your aperitivo, you’ll probably head to a late dinner before heading to a nightclub or cocktail bar.

A party in Rome usually kicks off around 11 PM or 12 AM, and people will often spend their night in Rome dancing until dawn.

Summertime is when Rome's nightlife scene is at its finest, and you can experience all the city has to offer. When the streets empty in the evening and refill with partiers, you’ll see people dancing on terraces and rooftops all across Rome.

Many clubs and cocktail bars in Rome also serve dinner, so you won’t have to move around!

Where to party in Rome

Rome’s nightlife scene is concentrated around the historic city centre. You can get around the nightlife areas in Rome easily by foot or bike, but if you live a little outside the city centre, don’t worry! Rome’s public transport has services which run right up until 5:30 AM so you can always get home safely at night.

Piazza Navona and Campo dei Fiori are where you’ll find some of the most popular bars in Rome. These areas are also super popular with tourists, so it may seem a bit crowded, but it’s worth exploring the hidden wine cellars and chic restaurants in these areas.

Trastevere bars and restaurants have a more relaxed, bohemian atmosphere and are popular with both locals and internationals. Trastevere is one of the best places in Rome to enjoy an after-work aperitivo.

San Lorenzo is a popular nightlife spot in Rome for students as it’s close to the University of La Sapienza, one of the best universities in Rome. This popular neighbourhood in Rome has plenty of affordable pubs, bars and cultural centres with a chill atmosphere.

If you want to party till sunrise, the areas of Monte, Testaccio and Ostiense are where you’ll find the best nightclubs in Rome.

Pigneto has more alternative nightlife scene, with some pretty unique bars in an up-and-coming area. This is the place to be if you want to escape the crowds of tourists in Rome.

Now that you’ve got an idea of where to go for a party in Rome and what the nightlife in Rome is truly like, let’s look at the best bars in Rome.

1. Best summer bar in Rome: The Magick Bar

The Magick Bar is an atmospheric cocktail bar in Rome’s Prati neighbourhood. It’s a real hidden gem and a perfect summer escape in the middle of the city.

It’s the perfect spot to enjoy an early evening ambient DJ set on a living room style terrace above the Tiber River. It’s not a typically touristy bar, you’ll see a mostly local and pretty hip crowd here.

The Magick Bar is open only from May to September from 6 PM to 2 AM.

2. Best secret bar in Rome: Jerry Thomas Speakeasy

© Jerry Thomas Speakeasy

Jerry Thomas Speakeasy is a private social club in the Ponte neighbourhood. From the outside it looks like an ordinary house and you’ll need a secret password to get inside! You’ll have to make a reservation to go here and they’ll give you some hints about the secret password when you reserve. Make sure to book in advance as it fills up quickly.

The vibe here is very New York during the prohibition era. You’ll see vintage decor, amazing and unique cocktails and a diverse crowd.

Jerry Thomas Speakeasy is open Tuesday to Saturday from 9 PM to 4:30 AM.

3. Best gay bar in Rome: 101 Club Rome

101 Club is the best spot to enjoy Rome's LGBTQI+ scene scene. It’s a private gay club located in the Monti neighbourhood. Here, you’ll dance the night away, sing along with your favourite tunes and hang out with like-minded people.

101 Club is a safe haven where you’ll feel free to express yourself, plus members get free access to the events.

101 Club is open 11 PM to 4 AM from Monday to Thursday and 11 PM to 5 AM Friday to Saturday.

Live music is plentiful in Rome, it can be hard to decide which spot to head to for live music. Let’s take a look at the best live music spots in Rome.

1. Best jazz club in Rome: Alcazar Live

© Alcazar Live

Alcazar Live is an old cinema which became a vibrant hub for plenty of cultural events in Trastevere. Alcazar hosts live events almost every evening. From arts exhibitions to pop-up markets, art-house cinema, theatre, funk and jazz bands. There’s a little bit of everything.

Alcazar also has a sleek bistro upstairs where you can enjoy a drink or something from a locally-sourced dinner menu while you look upon the stage.

Alcazar Live is open every day from 7 PM to 2 AM.

2. Best experimental music bar in Rome: Klang Roma

Klang Roma is an underground space in the Pigneto neighbourhood where you’ll find some really unique performances. It’s one of kind in the Rome nightlife scene. You can hear anything here from a clubby DJ set to an experimental live jazz concert. Admission here is free so even on a budget you can enjoy some live music.

This Berlin-style pub attracts a diverse international crowd and offers a selection of great tap beers, delicious food and snacks.

Klang Roma is open Wednesday to Friday from 7 PM to 2 AM.

3. Best family-friendly venue in Rome: MONK Roma

MONK is an oasis in the Tiburtino quarter of Rome that spreads over 2 indoor venues and a large green area used for outdoor activities in the warmer months. Intimate events like readings and stand-up comedy take place in the Living Room space. The Theatre hosts live shows, ranging from jazz to experimental strains of electronic music. There’re also a variety of workshops, panels, markets and even a summer camp for kids.

MONK is a perfect meeting point, welcoming all age groups. It ‘s got good vices, tasty food and a great events for the whole family.

MONK is open Sunday to Thursday from 7:30 PM to 2 AM.

4. Best community events in Rome: Angelo Mai

Angelo Mai is an underground cultural centre where music, theatre and art meet through experimentation. It’s housed in an abandoned school in the Monti neighbourhood. Angelo Mai hosts plenty of queer events, karaoke nights and other community events, so you’ll be able to get to know your neighbours just by showing up.

If you want to get in touch with art or dance and mingle with open-minded people, this is the place to go.

Angelo Mai is open every day from 6 PM to 1 AM.

Rome comes alive at night, offering exciting clubs where you can dance and enjoy great music. Let’s take a look at some of Rome’s best nightclubs.

1. Best techno club in Rome: Rashomon Club

© Rashomon Club

Rashomon Club is where you’ll find the best electronic music in Rome. Over the past 15 years major acts like Adam Beyer and Dixon played in DJ sets in Rashomon club for a very international audience.

There’re 2 main rooms here as well as a cocktail bar, and you can enjoy the unique electronic sounds from 11 PM to 5 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.

2. The cosiest nightclub in Rome: Lanificio 159

Lanificio 159 is another unusual cultural venue in Rome. It’s located in a former woollen mill and hosts a range of events from club nights and live gigs to Sunday markets and art expos. There’s really something for everyone here, no matter what your interests are.

You can sip cocktails on the rooftop bar or enjoy the diverse night program that Lanificio 159 offers.

Lanificio 159 is open everyday from 7:30 PM to 11 PM, but the hours of the club nights and events vary depending on the event.

3. Best bottle-service nightclub in Rome: Room 26

© Room 26

Room 26 is a trendy club popular for its excellent sound system and marble interior— it looks a bit like a palace. It offers 2 rooms; Global Room which plays popular electronic music and the smaller Purple Room where you can enjoy 90s and 2000s hits.

Room 26 offers an exclusive experience. You can book a VIP table and enjoy being part of Rome’s chicest crowds.

Room 26 is open Thursday 11 PM to 4:30 AM, Friday to 9 PM to 5 AM and Saturday from 11 PM to 5 AM.

Is partying what you’re looking for the most during your adventure abroad? Then maybe it’s a good idea to explore homes for rent in Rome’s popular nightlife areas.

And while the areas like Trastevere, Testaccio and Prati might be hard to fit into your budget, you can explore up-and-coming neighbourhoods like Pigneto. Not only you’ll be surrounded by some of the most interesting of Rome’s aperitivo bars and LGBTQI+ spots but also have the chance to mingle with the city’s creative scene!