If you’re planning a trip to Rome and want a more relaxing experience, then exploring the Eternal City after the sun goes down is a great idea. Rome night tours allow you to see the best bits of the city without the crowds and the hot weather - plus the darkness allows you to see another side of Rome, too!
Visiting the Colosseum at night
On a Colosseum night tour you will explore the Roman amphitheater in all its glory: a gloomy sky behind it, dramatic lighting all around, closed to the public. The tour begins at Capitoline Hill which offers an incredible view of the Roman Forum - it stands empty at night, which gives the whole scene a more eerie feeling. You will then go on to visit the Forum itself, walking around the place that played such an important part in the daily life of the ancient Romans.
Next it will be time to head inside the Colosseum. Warm lighting enhances its beauty, and with no need to queue you’ll have the amphitheater to yourself. Expert guides bring ancient scenes to life, and you can even go underground to explore areas of the Colosseum that most people don’t see…
Visiting the Vatican at night
Another iconic area of Rome is the Vatican City - it’s on everyone’s bucket list, and rightly so. Steeped in history and beautiful to look at, the Vatican is just as special after sunset. Seeing St. Peter’s Square lit up and without the hordes of people trying to get the perfect picture is incredible. Stop for a moment and appreciate how vast the square is, and how beautiful the surroundings are.
Our Vatican night tour takes you through selected parts of the Vatican Museums - while it would be impossible to explore all 9 miles of museum’s space in one evening, your expert guide will show you the very best bits without you having to wrestle for space. See the stunning Raphael Rooms, the Galleries of the Tapestries and the Candelabra as well as the Hall of Maps. The tour will take you back out into the Octagonal Courtyard where peace and quiet beneath the stars will astound you.
Last but certainly not least, the tour will head back inside - this time into the Sistine Chapel. Without the crowds and the noise, you will be able to experience the perfect atmosphere. Admire the frescoes and spend time looking for the hidden jokes painted within them!
Explore the city in the evening
A Rome night walking tour is a brilliant way to explore the city in a different way. Everything looks different without the harsh sunlight bouncing off the windows, and you’ll be able to see a softer side to the Eternal City. With the majority of tourists back at their hotels and apartments, or on the hunt for the best bars and restaurants in the city, you’ll have more space to admire the most iconic spots in Rome.
Starting with some appetizers and a glass of wine - a traditional Italian aperitivo - you can watch as the locals socialize around you before heading to the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon and Piazza Navona, the location of Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers. With an expert guide to tell you stories of the city, you’ll be in awe of the beauty that envelopes Rome when the sun goes down. And best of all, you can go at your own pace and not have to jostle for space when it comes to admiring the beautiful sights…
See a spookier side of Rome
Visiting the famous landmarks across the city is one thing, but after sunset is the perfect time to explore the metaphorically dark side of the city. If you love scary stories and a bit of horrible history then a ghost tour of Rome is the perfect way to spend the later part of an evening. With haunted bridges and houses that were owned by the deadliest killers, this tour explores parts of Rome that you likely won’t find in a guidebook.
Let your imagination run wild as your expert guide spills secrets about the city’s iconic landmarks, hidden buildings and open spaces! Visiting Castel Sant’Angelo, Corso Vittorio Emanuele II and Piazza Farnese among others, you’ll find this tour will pique your interest despite the relaxed pace. Rome has a colorful past, and it’s there to explore in the latter part of the day…
Enjoy your surroundings
After one of our Rome night tours, take the time to enjoy the atmosphere in Rome of an evening. Depending on what you’re looking for, you’re bound to find the perfect place to go. There are clubs in various areas of the city - Shari Vari Playhouse is highly recommended in the city center - and of course, there are bars absolutely everywhere. For a laid-back and bohemian vibe head to one of the bars in Trastevere, and if you’re after glitz, glamor and stunning views then the central bars and those in the piazzas are perfect. Rooftop bars, such as the Roof Garden Les Étoiles, are the perfect place to unwind and admire the views.
Dinner in Rome tends to be at around 9pm - they are laid-back and lengthy occasions and are to be enjoyed to the fullest with plenty of courses and a lot of wine. Take your time, try some new flavors and leave feeling totally satisfied!
There are plenty of other things to do in Rome of an evening or at night. Watch an Italian opera at Teatro dell’Opera - this is something many tourists miss out, but it’s a beautiful way to spend a couple of hours. Rome also has open air cinemas, ten pin bowling, escape rooms and so much more. The Eternal City is not one that can only be enjoyed in the light of day, it is somewhere that offers perfect after-hours exploration too.
