December 11th, 2023

How to spend an unforgettable evening in Rome

In daylight, Rome dazzles with vibrant piazzas, historic ruins and dancing fountains. But as night falls, Rome’s illuminated Colosseum and buzzy cobbled streets transform into ethereal scenes. As the stars emerge over the River Tiber, you’ll fall in love with a more playful side to the Eternal City.

Discover the Roman food scene, immerse yourself in the local culture at a football match, gain exclusive access to some of the city’s most recognisable landmarks or fall in love with Italian opera: there’s no shortage of ways to spend an unforgettable evening in Rome.  

Watch the sunset from a romantic rooftop bar

Indulge in aromatic cocktails on one of Rome’s rooftop bars as the sun sets, setting the stage for a romantic night under a starlit sky. 

Cielo, the bar and restaurant on Hotel de la Ville’s rooftop, is the best address in town to watch the sunset. Sweeping views of the Eternal City’s rooftops extend before you, further beautified by the amber hues cast by the setting sun. Alongside its creative cocktail menu, Cielo serves up a delicious food menu of Mediterranean dishes packed with fresh, seasonal ingredients. 

Dine at Le Jardin de Russie

With soft fragrances wafting from the citrus trees, verdant flora overflowing the terrace and a sublimely decorated dining room, Le Jardin de Russie is a tranquil oasis in the heart of the busy city. The beauty of the surroundings is matched by an impressive menu of simple yet flavourful and refined Italian cuisine, thoughtfully designed by Michelin-starred chef Fulvio Pierangelini. 

Cap off your meal with a digestif at the Stranvinisij Bar, nestled at the base of the hidden garden—an idyllic conclusion to an amazing evening.

Visit one of Rome’s landmarks after hours

After the daytime crowds disperse, enjoy unparalleled access to some of Rome’s most iconic landmarks. Marvel at the frescos on the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling, explore the dramatic arena floor of the Colosseum or wander through the eerie catacombs of Rome at night, all without navigating through throngs of people. 

Italian wine and food tour

Explore the buzzing neighbourhood of Trastevere at twilight with a food and wine tour that will gain you exclusive access to some of the area’s most sought-after establishments. Taste Julius Ceasar’s favourite dish at an award-winning eatery, sip on delicious wine in a wine cellar older than the Colosseum and finish with gourmet gelato, courtesy of one of Rome’s finest parlours. 

See an opera at the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma

From Monteverdi’s L’Orfeo to Mozart’s Don Giovanni, Italian opera has left an enduring impact on the world of music. Spend a night at the opera in Italy’s capital and be left mesmerised by the operatic talent of the city. 

During the winter, the performances take place within the majestic opera house, while attendees during the summer will enjoy an enchanting night of opera under the stars at the charming Terme di Caracalla, or Baths of Caracalla, a wonderfully unique operatic stage.

Catch an A.S Roma match

Unique as it is passionate, there’s nothing quite like Roman football culture to amp up an evening of excitement. Join the roaring sea of orange and red at an A.S Roma match in the Stadio Olimpico, situated in the north of the city.  To acquire tickets, head to the official A.S Roma website, and make sure to get them in good time, as their matches are hugely popular. 

Take an evening pasta-making class

No trip to Rome would be complete without a pasta-making class to learn how to create Italy’s most famous dishes for yourself. 

In this class, you’ll learn to make the very best of Italian cuisine under expert guidance in a classical Roman building off Piazza Navona. Learn to roll and cut fettuccine without a machine, parcel fresh, delicious ravioli and layer the famous Tiramisu. At the end, enjoy the rewards of your work with a hearty glass of good wine and finish off with a hot coffee or limoncello. 

Image credits: Rome by Sean Pavone © Shutterstock; Colosseum in Rome by Belt944 © Shutterstock; Trastevere by Catarina Belova © Shutterstock.