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What to Do in Rome at Night: Monti, Trastevere, Testaccio and Ostiense
If you are wondering what to do in Rome at night and have not decided how to spend your nights in the Capital yet, in this article you will find some useful tips on places, immersed in historic and full of life neighbourhoods, you should visit at night.
What to Do in Rome at Night
Rome is not just nightlife, but a magical place to take a walk and let yourself be carried away in past times. Here we propose three night options in three different districts, where you can find hidden corners, typical specialties to taste and artists to appreciate.
One night in Monti
The Rione Monti is one of the most beautiful districts of Rome, with its narrow lanes, old buildings and old taverns’ signs that give it its own vintage charm. Once a popular neighborhood, today it is a destination not only for tourists, but also a meeting point for Romans, who meet in the typical Piazza Madonna dei Monti for an aperitif or dinner in one of the many unconventional places scattered around the neighborhood. Another feature of this neighbourhood is the presence of painters, antique dealers and artisans who still use old tools, giving the district its “time has never passed here” look.
The district’s main attraction is its lanes. Among the most beautiful is via Panisperna, with its picturesque ivy-covered buildings, which split the neighborhood in two, having Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in the background.
If you love vintage clothes, you can stop by Via Leonina, a street full of clothing and accessory shops.
Going down via Panisperna, you can reach the Salita del Grillo, which ends in the square having the same name, where you will find Palazzo dei Del Grillo, the building that inspired the character of the famous Marchese interpreted by Alberto Sordi, in Mario Monicelli’s film. Again for cinema lovers, a few meters away from the Cavour Metro stop is Piazza degli Zingari: the space now occupied by a famous ice cream shop corresponds to the Typography where Totò and Peppino printed fake banknotes in the film “The Band of Honest Men“.
However, the heart of this neighbourhood is Piazza Madonna dei Monti, a meeting point for tourists and Romans who love spending time sitting on the steps of the fountain, designed by Della Porta, located in the center of the square.
Walking towards Via Cavour, you cannot but notice a steep stairway covered by ivy – the Salita dei Borgia– dominated by the Palace where Vannozza Cattanei – Pope Alexander VI’s lover and Lucrezia’s mother – and Juan and Cesare Borgia used to live. Legend also has it that beneath the balcony there was a trap door where Lucrezia’s (undesired) lovers ended up.
Walking along Via Cavour, you can reach Via dei Fori Imperiali, where a night selfie among the imperial forums is a must-do.
One night in Trastevere
If you’re still wondering what to do in Rome at night, Trastevere will be one of your inevitable options. Located on the west bank of the Tiber River, it is considered the symbol district of Rome. While Monti is characteristic for its lanes, Trastevere is peculiar for its squares. The most famous is Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere, where the homonymous church is, and where street artists are often surrounded by crowds of tourists enjoying their show.
Nearby is Piazza San Calisto, the centre of Trastevere’s nightlife. In addition to the numerous pubs and clubs, there are many typical Roman restaurants and taverns where you can taste traditional dishes.
Leaving Trastevere’s lanes, towards Lungotevere Raffaello, there is Piazza Trilussa: dedicated to the Roman poet, this is another meeting point for young people who crowd the staircase of the Fontana dei Cento Frati– once supplied by the Paola water. If you look up, in the distance you can see the Fontanone del Gianicolo. If you look out on Ponte Garibaldi, you can instead appreciate the spectacle of the Tiber Island.
One night between Testaccio and Ostiense
Two neighbourhoods well known for their nightlife. In particular, Testaccio district is located on the east bank of the Tiber and was, in the past, mainly dedicated to industrial and service activities, such as railways, slaughterhouse and markets.
A place where you can find events anytime during the year is the Ex Mattatoio, home to many performing arts festivals, along with Città dell’Altra Economia, only a few steps away. This neighbourhood is characteristic for its bars open until late at night where you can have a meal and listen to music.
If you are still not satisfied, you can move towards Ostiense district, where the stream of bars and taverns continues up to Parco Schuster, in front of the Basilica di San Paolo fuori le Mura, where in the summer many events and concerts take place. Along the way, you cannot fail to notice an excellent example of industrial archeology, the old Gazometro, which during the summer is the setting for numerous cultural events and outdoor music festivals. Now you can definitely no longer wonder what to do in Rome at night!
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