Night Life
Fellini's
La Dolce Vita highlighted a lifestyle in which entertainment
meant savoring the city's sidewalk cafes and nightclubs -
and we think this is still very much true today. You'll find
the locals strolling around the city at night, stopping for
a cappuccino or an ice cream, encouraged even in winter by
Rome's mild climate.
Caffe' Latino. Live music (mostly
blues and African-American) accompanies a good, buffet-style
supper. Late at night a deejay transforms the place into a
rock disco for dancing. Membership required, but it can be
purchased easily at the door. Tuesday-Sunday from 10 pm into
the morning hours. Via Monte Testaccio 96.
Gilda. This remains one of
the most hopping places in Rome. Famous local artists come
to be seen, but there's also great dancing for common mortals
to enjoy. The only drawback: The fun rarely starts before
midnight; it lasts until 4 am. Via Mario de' Fiori 97.
Enoteca Campo de' Fiori. Smoky
enclave of a bohemian set: Walls are lined with shelves of
wine bottles, and the floor is scattered with sawdust. In
warmer months, sit outside and admire the statue of Giordano
Bruno and his hooded cowl. Open Monday-Saturday 10 am-2 pm
and 6 pm-midnight. No credit cards. Campo de' Fiori. During
mild weekends, don't be surprised if you're caught in traffic
jams at 1 am. The Trastevere is great fun for those who enjoy
a nice drink at a pub after dinner. But there's more to Rome
nightlife than pubs: Adventurous night owls will find everything
from South American music to karaoke clubs to jazz. What follows
is a partial list of local hot spots; consult Wanted in Rome,
an English-language entertainment guide sold at all newspaper
stands, to find out who's playing where. Most bars don't accept
credit cards, so be prepared with cash for an evening's entertainment.
Jazz Cafe. A cocktail bar with
a sleek interior offering live music. Open noon-3 am, closed
Sunday. Major credit cards. Via Zanardelli 12 (Piazza Navona).
The Drunken Ship. Because you're
tired of meeting Italians. Because you feel the need to have
an emotion-free fling with a kindred spirit. Because you're
proud to be an American, dammit. Nightly themes 8-10pm; Happy
hour daily 5-8pm. W 9-10pm power hour with all you can drink
for €6. Open daily 11am-2am. AmEx/MC/V.
Campo dei Fiori, 20-21
Hostaria dell'Orso. If you
don't care to dance, you can still enjoy the view of the Tiber
River from the windows. This spot above a restaurant provides
a great dancing area surrounded by comfortable sofas. Open
for dancing 10:30 pm-3:30 am. Disco Thursday-Saturday, piano
bar Monday-Saturday. Via dei Soldati 25.
Bar della Pace. Elegant, 19th-century
interior and charming hanging-ivy exterior. A bit on the expensive
side, but splurge for a drink at one of the outdoor tables:
The view of the narrow piazza and the Church of Santa Maria
della Pace is well worth it. Open all week 9 am-2 am. No credit
cards. Via della Pace 4.
Alpheus. Cutting-edge club
that stages special events, including nights dedicated to
jazz, ethnic music, cabaret and theme parties. Cover 10,000
lire. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10 pm-3 am. Via del Commercio 36.
Jackie O'. Named after Jacqueline
Kennedy Onassis, this is an old standby. Once a favorite with
the Romans of La Dolce Vita, this club is now experiencing
a revival, as once again it's beloved by the locals. We think
this is probably one of those places here to stay. There's
a lively piano bar, disco dancing and even a restaurant. On
Friday and Saturday nights there's a live band. Via Boncompagni
11.
Alexanderplatz. Well-appointed
jazz club for a slightly more sedate evening. Dinner available.
Open Monday-Saturday 11 pm-3 am. Via Ostia 9.
Alien. Underground disco with
two large dance floors, futuristic decor and a VIP room. Open
Tuesday-Sunday 11 pm-5 am. Cover 35,000 lire. Via Velletri
13.
Bossanova. Home of Brazilian
music in Rome. Big-name bands and musicians frequently play
there. No cover. Via degli Orti di Trastevere 43.
L'Alibi. The best known and
most elegant gay and lesbian gathering place in Rome. Deejay
spins dance music. Tuesday-Sunday 11 pm-5 am. Via Monte Testaccio
39.
Angelo Azzurro. Gay-friendly
place with a huge dance floor. Enjoy the nouveau art, the
mirrors and statuettes. Friday is women-only night. Cover:
20,000 lire. Friday-Sunday 11 pm-4 am. Via Cardinal Merry
del Val 44 (in Trastevere).