Rome is known all over the world over for its extensive historical and artistic heritage but the capital city of Italy is also host to an active nightlife especially in the many student areas of the city. Rome offers something to suit all tastes and budgets from restaurants, bars and nightclubs to concerts and small casinos.
Nightlife in Rome
Disco pubs (called discoteche in Italian) are basically pubs that play music, often with a DJ, and have small areas where people can dance. They are popular in Rome and a vast variety can be found throughout the city.
In the area near Termini Station the Twinx is a popular choice and if you're in the centre Trinity College (located off a side street on Via Del Corso) and The Drunken Ship (in Campo Dei Fiori) are worth checking out.
The University area of San Lorenzo is packed full of different kinds of bars and pubs and as a student neighbourhood the prices tend to be slightly lower than in some other parts of the city. The area is also home to numerous pizzerie and kebab outlets.
Another student area is Trastevere (the John Cabot University is located here). Again you will find a broad range of bars, pubs and disco pubs at reasonable prices.
For upscale pubs and clubs try Alpheus or il 45 Giri in Ostiense or il Giba near Piazza Di Spagna. You will need to be dressed well in order to get in here and entrance costs around €30. Caffè de Paris is frequented by some of the most famous people in the world so if you fancy doing some VIP spotting this is the place to go but be prepared to pay high prices.
Nightclubs can be found throughout the city although, in most cases, in the centre you need to know where they are to be able to find them as big neon signs are not allowed on the ancient buildings and many have just a regular doorway at the entrance. Most are located in the area surrounding Campo dei Fiori and just behind Piazza Navona (pictured to the right).
The area of Testaccio is home to most of the larger and popular nightclubs. Radio Londra, il Coyote and L'Alibi for main stream and dance music and il Caruso for Latin American.
There are also several bars and nightclubs particularly for the gay, lesbian and trans community. Coming Out, which is a pub located near the coliseum, is one of the most famous. Some nightclubs also offer special evenings e.g. L'Alibi has 'La Domenica Trans' (Trans Sunday).
In the Summer months the main action moves towards the beach as many city nightclubs close and the masses flock to Ostia, Torvajanica and Fregene. These seaside towns become packed with nightlife and nightclubs on the beach are very popular.
If you don't fancy heading that far out, Capanelle is a must visit. Open both day and night, the structure is full of market stalls, restaurants, snack bars, pubs, clubs and music of all sorts. It also hosts concerts from both Italian and international stars.
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