Rome nightlife guide: The best clubs and bars in Rome
Angelina
Updated on May 15 • 6 minute read
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 moving to the Eternal City, you’ll quickly realise that Rome’s nightlife is full of vibrant colours and adventures waiting to be lived.
To give you a headstart, we made a selection of the best Roman bars and night clubs in Rome that you cannot miss. We’ll walk you through the finest of Rome’s live music venues, gay-friendly spaces and a few hidden gems!
So, tell us, are you ready to get a taste of Rome’s nightlife?
Rome's nightlife culture
The typical Roman evening starts with an aperitif around 7 pm. That’s when you can enjoy a cocktail or a glass of wine with delicious snacks or even a whole buffet.
Then comes the dinner, which Italians prefer having late in the evening. It often lasts until 10 pm. Almost all the nightclubs and cocktail bars in Rome we’re about to mention have great dinner menus you can enjoy before heading to the dance floor.
Parties usually don’t begin until 11-12 pm. The steamy dancefloors and lively summer terraces quickly get crowded and dancing continues until dawn.
We gotta say that summer is the best time to experience all this city has to offer. That's when all the bustle is taken to the streets and you can meet the sunrise while dancing on one of the terraces or rooftop venues!
Rome’s nightlife districts
Rome’s nightlife is mainly concentrated around the city’s historic centre. So you can hop from one place to another by foot or bike. But don’t worry if you live far away from the action. Rome’s public transport offers night buses that run until 5.30 am!
Piazza Navona and Campo dei Fiori are where you’ll find some of the most popular establishments in Rome. They’re teeming with tourists, but take a closer look and you might find some hidden wine cellars and chic restaurants!
“Irish Pubs in Rome are pretty good too. So if you feel like having a good pint sometime, visit Abbey Theatre.
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Trastevere bars and restaurants offer a bohemian atmosphere, swarming with locals and international alike. It might be the best area to explore when looking for a quality aperitif in Rome.
San Lorenzo is where most of the students hang out. Home to the University of La Sapienza, this neighbourhood holds many affordable pubs, bars and cultural centres with a casual and young atmosphere.
The areas of Monte, Testaccio and Ostiense are where Romans go to party ‘till sunrise. The trendiest nightclubs in Rome are here!
But where can I escape the tourist crowds? Glad you asked! Head to the Pigneto neighbourhood to get a taste of the alternative Rome. This is an up-and-coming and off-the-beaten-path area where you’ll find some of the coolest bars in Rome!
Best bars in Rome
1. Best summer bar in Rome: The Magick Bar
What? An atmospheric cocktail bar in Rome’s Prati neighbourhood. The Magick Bar is a real hidden gem and a perfect summer escape in the middle of the city.
Why? Enjoy an early evening ambient DJ set on a living room style terrace above Tiber River. This isn’t your typical touristy aperitivo bar; expect a mostly local and hip crowd here!
Opening times: every day from June to September 6 pm - 2 am
Address: Lungotevere Guglielmo Oberdan, 2, 00195 Roma RM, Italy
2. Best secret bar in Rome: Jerry Thomas Speakeasy
What? A private social club hidden in the Ponte neighbourhood of Rome. From the outside, it’s an ordinary house, so only those in the know will get in. Just make sure you make a reservation first and find out their secret password. Our tip: search their website!
Why? You’ll have the chance to go back in time and experience New York during the Prohibition era. Expect vintage decor, amazing cocktails and a diverse crowd.
Opening times: Wednesday - Thursday 9 pm - 3:30 am; Friday - Saturday 9 pm - 4:30 am; Sunday 9 pm – 2:30 am
Address: Vicolo Cellini, 30, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
3. Best gay bar in Rome: 101 Club Rome
What? 101 Club is a crown jewel of Rome's LGBTQI+ scene. This private gay club is located in the Monti neighbourhood. Here you come to dance the night away, sing along to your favourite tunes and meet like-minded people.
Why? If you’re looking for a safe haven where you’ll feel free to express yourself, 101 Club is your place! Plus, members get free access to the events!
Opening times: Monday - Thursday 11 pm - 4 am; Friday - Saturday 11 pm - 5 am
Address: Via Panisperna, 101, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Best bars for live music in Rome
1. Best jazz club in Rome: Alcazar Live
What? What used to be an old cinema, became a vibrant hub for all sorts of cultural events in Trastevere. Alcazar hosts live events almost every evening; art exhibitions, popup markets, art-house cinema, theatre, funk and jazz bands, you name it!
Why? Alcazar has something for everyone, despite taste and preferences. In the sleek bistro upstairs you can have a drink or enjoy a locally-sourced dinner menu with a view on the stage.
Opening times: every day 7 pm - 2 am
Address: Via Cardinale Merry del Val, 14, 00153 Roma
2. Best experimental music bar in Rome: Klang Roma
What? An underground space for cutting edge sounds that aren't easily found in Rome's nightlife scene. Expect anything from noise to experimental jazz live concerts or a clubby DJ set - all free admission! You’ll find Klang in the alternative Pigneto neighbourhood.
Why? Whether you love experimental sounds or wish to expand your music horizons, Klang is the place to be. The Berlin-style pub brings a diverse international crowd and offers a great selection of tap beers, accompanied by delicious food and snacks.
Opening times: Wednesday - Friday 7 pm - 2 am
Address: Via Stefano Colonna, 9, 00176 Roma RM, Italy
3. Best family-friendly venue in Rome: MONK Roma
What? An oasis in the Tiburtino quarter of Rome. It spreads over two indoor event venues and a large green area used for outdoor activities in warmer months. More intimate events like readings and stand-up comedy take place in the Living Room space. The Theatre hosts live shows ranging from jazz, ethnic and author music to experimental strains of electronic music. Additionally, MONK holds a variety of workshops, panels, markets and even a summer camp for kids!
Why? It’s a perfect meeting point, welcoming all age groups. Good vibes, tasty food and interesting seasonal programming await you in MONK Roma.
Opening times: Saturday 12 pm - 12 am; Sunday 12 pm - 8 pm; some events go on until 5 am.
Address: Via Giuseppe Mirri, 35, 00159 Roma RM, Italy
4. Best DIY events in Rome: Angelo Mai
What? An underground cultural centre where music, theatre and art meet through experimentation. Angelo Mai is housed in an abandoned school in the Monti neighbourhood of Rome which was occupied to help creatives and families in need of emergency housing.
Why? Get in touch with art or dance, mingle with open-minded people, or just enjoy a drink in the garden.
Opening times: Thursday - Saturday 9 pm - 4 am (depending on events)
Address: Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, 55, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
Best nightclubs in Rome
1. Best techno club in Rome: Rashomon Club
What? Rashomon Club is the place to check out the big names in the electronic music scene. Over the past 15 years, the venue saw the likes of Adam Beyer, Dixon, Varg and VTSS perform their DJ sets for an international crowd.
Why? Escape from the daily routine while enjoying forward-thinking sounds in one of the two rooms and a cocktail bar.
Opening times: Friday – Saturday 11 pm – 4 am
Address: Via degli Argonauti, 16, 00154 Rome, Italy
2. The cosiest nightclub in Rome: Lanificio 159
© Lanificio159
What? Lanificio 159 is a cultural venue housed in a former woollen mill. From hot clubbing action to live gigs and from Sunday markets to art expos; there’s something for everyone here.
Why? Sip cocktails in one of the best rooftop bars in Rome or enjoy a diverse night program. Names such as Brodinski, Mount Kimbie and Trentemøller, all have been featured on the lineups of Lanificio 159 in the past years!
Opening times: every day 7:30 pm – 11 am and club nights 11 pm - 4:30 am
Address: Via delle Cave di Pietralata 159/1, Rome, Italy
3. Best bottle-service nightclub in Rome: Room 26
What? Room 26 is a trendy club known for its excellent sound system and marble interior reminiscent of a palace. It offers two rooms; Global Room plays popular electronic music, while the smaller Purple Room will treat you to 90’s and 2000's hits.
Why? If you seek an exclusive experience, book a VIP table in Room26 and enjoy being part of the Rome's chicest crowd!
Opening times: Fri – Sat 11 pm – 4 am
Address: Piazza Guglielmo Marconi, 31, 00144 Rome, Italy
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 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!
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