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Twilight Activities in the Eternal City: 6 Things to do at night this summer in Rome
22 July 2019

Hot summer days make for sweet summer nights in Rome. While you’re escaping the heat by ducking into churches, air conditioned restaurants, and all the shade in site, during the evening it’s pleasant to walk around the city or dine al fresco in some light clothes. Locals know that during the summer many activities become nocturnal, providing an altogether different experience given the dramatic lunar and incandescent lighting that illuminates the city. So here is a list of six things to do at night this summer in Rome, taking advantage of the cooler temperatures and twilight scenery.

6 Things to do at Night this Summer in Rome

1. Notte sul Tevere

The banks of the Tiber River come alive each year with dozens of stands, outdoor restaurants and bars, carnival games and outdoor clubs. From Piazza Trilussa all the way to Porta Portese, you can walk down by the river among the various stands, stopping for a drink or bite along the way. The map above shows all of the stands, including food stalls, bathrooms, and exhibition areas.

Open from June through August. Visit the official website for more information.

2. Colosseum at Night Tour

Visiting the Colosseum is a humanistic experience regardless of the time of day. But during the evening you’ll not only beat the heat but the crowds too. During the summer tours are offered from 8pm till midnight with tickets purchased in advance. Navigate the interior corridors, stadium seating, and views from the various rings with your guide who will bring Rome’s most iconic monument to life.

Visit the official website to book your tour or for more information.

3. “Viaggio nei Fori” Night Shows in the Ancient Forums

A few years ago a new light show came to the ancient Forum of Augustus that reconstructs and teaches what this area once looked like. Created in collaboration with and narrated by famous Italian historian, Piero Angelo, the light show illuminates the importance of this space, reconstructing the temples and buildings, explaining their importance, and how they came to be the ruins that lie before you now. After the success of the Forum of Augustus, the Forum of Caesar was introduced the following year. Now the forum light shows, called “Viaggio nei Fori” (Trip through the Forums), are a staple of the forum’s nighttime activity, igniting a trend of light shows across the Eternal City.

Visit the official website to book your tour or for more information.

4. Twilight Tour by Scooteroma

Why walk when you can Vespa? The iconic scooter is the preferred mode of transportation by Romans for over half a century. Now Scooteroma can take you on the ride of your life through the city from dusk till night. Zip past Rome’s monuments all lit up in their nighttime glory while learning their history as well as their cultural context from your Roman drivers and guide.

Visit the official website to book your tour or for more information.

5. Ghost tour

A city with a history that spans multiple millenia is full of mysterious stories and scandals, which are all the better told at night. Take a ghost tour of Rome and hear about the scandalous Popes and their mistresses, the mysterious lives of nobles, and Roman ghost stories that have been told for centuries. The sweet summer nights make for the perfect setting for walking around Rome’s piazzas and narrow streets hearing chilling stories from expert storytellers!

Visit the official website to book your tour or for more information.

6. Outdoor cinema under the stars

L’isola Tiberina, the small island in the Tiber that plays host to one of the city’s main hospitals, a church, and 2 restaurants, transforms into an outdoor cinema every summer. The lineup is made up of Italian films, international blockbusters, and a few cult classics with the schedule offered online to plan your movie night dates. For schedules, tickets and more information visit the official website.

Another project, Il Cinema in Piazza, also offers free movie nights in three different locations (San Cosimato in Trastevere, Casale del Cerveletto in the east of Rome, and Porto Turistico di Ostia in Ostia, Rome’s ancient port city on the water.) For schedules and more information visit the official website.

Looking for a vacation rental in Rome?

AP31 Baullari I apartment by ROMAC accommodates 15 guests in 5 bedrooms and 4 baths.

After exploring the Eternal City by night, sneak home to the comfort of your own vacation rental. ROMAC is a leading vacation rental management company welcoming international travelers to Rome for over 15 years. All of our vacation rentals are strictly in the center of Rome and characteristically Roman with all the modern conveniences of home, like complimentary wifi, air conditioning*, washing machines and modern baths. We offer several large vacation rentals for bigger groups, like the AP31 Baullari I apartment featured above, which can accommodate up to 15 guests with 5 bedrooms and 4 baths. Browse over 40 vacation rentals and use filters to narrow your search by neighborhood, nightly rate, number of guests, and amenities. Don’t forget to check out our special offers for the best rates online guaranteed!

*Available in most apartments, where permitted.

Have you visited Rome during the summer? What twilight activities have you participated in? Share your experiences in the comments below!

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