Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Rome After Dark
Rome, like most cities, is a collection of districts, each with its own character. Different
areas attract differing types of people as night falls. The
centro storico
and Trastevere pull
in a mix of locals and tourists. Ostiense and Testaccio are popular with a younger,
nightclubbing crowd. Northern Rome spots, such as Parioli and Ponte Milvio, tend to-
wards a right-wing, bourgeois milieu, while places such as San Lorenzo and Pigneto, to
the south, are popular with more leftist, alternative types.
The
bella figura
(loosely translated as 'looking good') is important. The majority of
locals spend evenings looking beautiful, checking each other out, partaking in gelato, and
not getting particularly drunk - that would be unseemly. However, this is changing and
certain areas - those popular with a younger crowd - can get rowdy with tipsy teens (for
example, Campo de' Fiori and parts of Trastevere).
Although the city is no Berlin or London, there's still plenty of after-dark fun to be had.
Up-for-it Romans tend to eat late, then drink at bars before heading off to a club at around
1am. It can be difficult to get around as some of the best nightclubs are far-flung. Despite
drink-and-drive rules, most locals drive, which partly explains the alarming road-accident
statistics.
