The nightlife in Rome usually consists of a late dinner and a lively conversation over free-flowing wine. Diners typically don't show up at the local restaurants until well past nine, and the leisurely pace of the servers can keep you here until the wee hours. Sidewalk tables provide ample opportunities for people-watching, whether you choose a restaurant facing a busy square, like Piazza Navona, or a narrow, winding side street lined with hundreds of tiny white Christmas lights. The most economical way to enjoy some wine is to order a liter or half liter of the house wine - rosso or blanco (red or white) - depending on your preference. Generally, there are three types of restaurants in Italy. A ristorante is a formal, elegant restaurant with linened tablecloths and fine food. A trattoria is a more casual, family restaurant that serves hearty meals with less pretense. An osteria is a small tavern-like establishment serving simple pasta dishes and wine.
For something more casual than an osteria or ristorante, try one of the numerous bars and cafes. Serving sandwiches, espresso, and gelato during the day, most are open late into the night, serving wine and light food. Ordering at the bar will save money, but spending a little extra to sit at a table may prove more relaxing. Many bars have outdoor seating, perfect for people watching into the morning.
Likewise, many pizzerias offer an inexpensive place to grab a bite to eat and a glass of wine well into the night. Don’t be surprised by the unique Roman-style pizza served here. The crust is thin and flaky, and the pies rarely have much sauce. Instead, expect exotic toppings like tuna, artichokes, and prosciutto. Pizza Margherita is a staple in these places and also the least adventurous option, usually including fresh tomatoes, herbs, and cheese.
Club hoppers will not be disappointed either. Rome has a number of trendy nightclubs (discoteche) for all kinds of interests. Most of these clubs vary the type of music they play from night to night. A given club may feature techno music one night and 80's new wave music the next. The best way for tourists to stay on top of the club scene is to pick up one of the local papers, like Time Out Roma, Roma C’è, or Wanted in Rome. Word of mouth works too, and a stroll around Piazza Navona or Campo De Fiore should provide a number of fliers, passes, and deals.
Some nightclubs in Rome require membership to get in (membership passes can usually be purchased at the front door), and almost all charge a cover. A typical cover charge includes the cost of one drink, but expect to pay a premium after that for subsequent drinks. More exclusive clubs may require you to name-drop to get in; increase your chances by dressing stylishly, but not too outrageously. Most clubs frown upon groups of single men.
Nightclubs are especially prevalent in the Testaccio neighborhood of Rome. During the summer, many of the clubs close, but the party moves into the streets and out to the coast. The street in Testaccio closes during the summer for a festival of outdoor music and entertainment.
With the influx of Americans over the last 50 years, plenty of jazz and blues clubs have popped up all over Rome. The most well-known and respected jazz club in Rome is Alexanderplatz in the Prati neighborhood, near the Vatican. Big Mama, located in Trastevere, is also popular.
A few clubs are open all night, but most close around 3 a.m. If you aren't ready to call it a night by then, visit one of Rome’s numerous all-night bars where you can grab a bite to eat or a nightcap. Irish pub-style bars are growing increasingly popular, especially for students from the UK, Australia, and the United States. Hundreds of these pubs have popped up all over Italy, and they are a great place to meet English-speaking tourists, locals, and students.
Sometimes, the best times to be had in Rome occur just while walking around. Piazza Navona, a large pedestrian-only piazza that used to host chariot races, is a popular place for art shows and street performers. This bustling square is home to three large marble fountains, a cathedral, and numerous cafes. Another popular nighttime neighborhood is Campo De Fiore. Home to a large farmer’s market during the day, the streets come alive at night with crowds of bar hoppers.
Rome is not the place for all-night club hopping the way many European cities are. Travelers looking for crowded dance floors and thumping music would be better off in Barcelona, Paris, or Amsterdam. Instead, Rome is the perfect place for casual people-watching, lazy strolls, and a good glass of wine.
