Exploring Rome at night is one of the best ways to enjoy the Italian capital — it allows you to see the city without the tremendous crowds and lines you’re likely to encounter during the day! Plus, there’s simply something magical about seeing the Eternal City lit up in all its glory. This guide to the absolute best Rome by night tours covers a wide range of interests and activities, such as food tasting, biking, photography, and wine tasting. So, get ready to taste the best Italian cheese and discover some of Rome’s most incredible sights with these once-in-a-lifetime guided tours!
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🛵 Rome for 3 Days: The Best Rome Itinerary + Tips From a Local
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The Best Rome by Night Tours in 2021
| TOUR | DURATION | TYPE | SITES | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ⭐ Top Pick: Evening Walking Tour | 3 hrs | History, culture | Historic center | |
| 🍷 Wine Tasting & Food Tour | 4 hrs | Dinner, wine, culture | Trastevere | |
| 🖼️ Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel | 3 hrs | History, art | Vatican | |
| 👻 Dark Legends & Mystery Tour | 1.5 hrs | Spooky, myths | Hidden spots | |
| 🚲 Evening E-Bike Tour | 3 hrs | History, culture | Historic center | |
| 🍝 Food Tour by Night | 4 hrs | Tastings, food tips, culture | Historic center | |
| 📸 Night Photo Tour | 4.5 hrs | Photo tricks | Historic center | |
| 💀 Catacombs & Bone Chapel | 2.5 hrs | History, art, spooky | Catacombs | |
| 🍕 Night Tour w/Pizza & Gelato | 4 hrs | History, food, *by car | Historic center, Vatican | |
| 🛴 Evening Segway Tour | 2 hrs | History, culture | Historic center, Vatican | |
| 🧀 Wine and Cheese Tasting | 1 hr | Cheese, wine, snacks | Historic center | |
| 🚙 Private Night Tour | 2 hrs | Romantic, history *by limo | Historic center, Vatican |
Companies Providing Night Tours of Rome
There are many travel agencies out there providing tours of Rome at night, but the best two by far are Get Your Guide and Viator, whose night tours in Rome are featured in this article. Both of these companies have amazing ratings on Trustpilot, excellent customer service, and offer lots of affordable tours with a very smooth booking experience.
Get Your Guide has the largest selection of Rome at night tours out of all the tour agencies out there. This company has been providing top-notch tours and excursions all over the world for more than 12 years and is known for its highly professional and friendly tour guides. Click here to see all the night Rome tours offered by Get Your Guide
Viator is a part of TripAdvisor and offers 200,000+ affordable tours all over the world. They have an awesome 24-hour cancellation policy and excellent 24/7 multilingual customer service. Click here to see all the Rome guided tours offered by Viator
⭐ Our Top Pick: 3-Hour Evening Walking Tour ⭐
This 3-Hour Evening Walking Tour of Rome is by far the most comprehensive and well-priced Rome by night walking tour out there. It covers the most breathtaking fountains and squares in the city, such as the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, and Piazza Navona. What really makes it stand out, though, is that it also takes you to the Pincio Terrace, where you’ll be watching a spectacular sunset over the rooftops of Rome. This is definitely one of the most beautiful sights in the city and is an unmissable activity during your time in Rome!
Tour Highlights:
- Watch a breathtaking sunset from the Pincio Terrace
- Explore the famous Spanish Steps and its beautiful Barcaccia Fountain
- Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain (the largest Baroque fountain in Rome)
- Admire the stunning Pantheon, the resting place of many major Renaissance artists
- Stroll through the iconic Piazza Navona, where street artists and musicians gather
- End the evening tour in Campo de’ Fiori, the center of nightlife in Rome
Why take this tour?
- It offers excellent value for money and is very affordable
- You’ll learn a lot of Roman history and culture from a professional guide
- You’ll get to see the most beautiful fountains and squares in Rome lit up at night
- Start the tour watching an incredible sunset and end it at a square with tons of bars and restaurants, where you can continue enjoying the evening!
4-Hour Traditional Wine Tasting & Food Tour
If you want to sit down at a local restaurant with an expert foodie guide, then this 4-Hour Rome Traditional Wine Tasting & Food Tour is the one for you. This Rome evening food tour takes you from Campo de’ Fiori to Trastevere, one of the most renowned foodie neighborhoods in the city. You’ll be stopping by unique local eateries to sample the best of the Roman cuisine, and then enjoying a meal at a cozy restaurant, where you’ll be pairing your food with some exquisite wine. This is one of the best Rome wine tasting tours that also includes a proper sit-down dinner!
Tour Highlights:
- Enjoy authentic Roman specialties such as baccalà fritto (fried salted cod), pizza “by the slice”, and supplì (rice balls)
- Taste delicious Italian artisanal salamis and cheese paired with the country’s finest wines
- Soak up the vibrant atmosphere of the bustling cafés and street musicians at Campo de’ Fiori
- Sit down for dinner and wine at one of the coziest restaurants in Trastevere, home to the best restaurants in Rome
- Enjoy some authentic gelato at a famous gelateria
- Learn about the history of Rome as you stroll through the city center
Why take this tour?
- This is the most comprehensive food and wine tour in Rome — it includes all the most important staples of the Italian cuisine: cheese, salami, pizza, gelato, wine, and other local specialties
- You’ll be having dinner at a top restaurant in Trastevere, the #1 foodie neighborhood of Rome
- This tour introduces you to a vast selection of Roman specialities that would otherwise be hard to discover
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel 3-Hour Night Tour
If you’re looking for the best Rome Vatican tours, skip the line with this incredible Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel 3-Hour Night Tour. The Vatican Museums are infamous for their long entry lines (which can sometimes take hours even if you’ve booked your ticket in advance). This expert-guided night tour allows you to admire the Vatican’s stunning paintings, ancient sculptures, medieval maps, and the breathtaking Sistine Chapel without having to wait in any line. It’s definitely one of the most fantastic Rome night tours out there.
Tour Highlights:
- Admire the vast collection of art inside the Vatican Museums
- See centuries of statues, frescoes, and paintings from ancient Rome
- Step inside the incredible Sistine Chapel to see The Last Judgment and The Creation of Adam, two of Michelangelo’s masterpieces
- Visit the the Gallery of Maps, the Gallery of the Candelabra, the Gallery of Tapestries, and the famous Raphael Rooms
Why take this tour?
- The Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel are absolute must-see attractions of Rome
- With an expert guide, you’ll be able to better understand the art inside the museums
- This tour guarantees a skip-the-ticket-line admission and includes all admission fees
- There are fewer crowds inside the Vatican Museums at night than during the day
Read my 3 days in Rome itinerary for all the best things to do and top insider tips for your time in the Eternal City!
Dark Heart of Rome – Legends & Mystery Walking Tour
Dark Rome tours are a great way to experience a different and unusual side of the Eternal City. This Dark Heart of Rome – Legends & Mystery Walking Tour takes you on a mysterious 1.5-hour journey through Rome’s hidden attractions — pairing interesting sites with spooky myths and mysterious legends. If you’re into supernatural vibes, hidden gems, and are keen on hearing stories you wouldn’t normally hear on a traditional tourist tour, look no further than this tour.
Tour Highlights:
- Visit lesser-known and less touristy places in Rome such as Piazza Farnese, Sant’Andrea della Valle, and Via del Governo Vecchio
- Listen to supernatural legends and tales to learn about a different side of Rome’s history
- See the beautiful Castel Sant’Angelo, Campo de’ Fiori, and Corso Vittorio Emanuele II lit up in the dark
- Experience an incredibly spooky, enthralling, and entertaining night walk in Rome
Why take this tour?
- It’s completely different from your usual Rome city tour
- You’ll discover hidden places you otherwise wouldn’t have known about
- You’ll hear stories and legends you wouldn’t hear on other Rome walking tours
- You’ll be highly entertained and kept on your toes the entire time
Rome by Night E-Bike Tour
If you want to spend an evening in Rome doing something more active, this Rome by Night E-Bike Tour is definitely worth your buck. It’s considered one of the best Rome bike tours thanks to its wonderful and entertaining guide, who will take you to the most stunning sights of the Eternal City as you ride along on an electric bike. This relaxing and easy ride will allow you to admire the most important monuments of Rome at twilight while learning about Roman history from an expert local!
Tour Highlights:
- See the iconic Trevi Fountain, Roman Forum, Colosseum, and Pantheon beautifully lit up
- Admire the 3 most magnificent squares in Rome at dusk: Piazza di Spagna, Piazza Venezia, and Piazza Navona
- Enjoy a breathtaking sunset from the best viewpoints as you ride through the historical center
- Learn interesting facts about ancient Roman monuments from your entertaining tour guide
Why take this tour?
- Thanks to the speed of e-bikes, you’ll get to see all the most iconic monuments and squares in Rome in one evening
- This tour provides great value for money; it includes a high-quality e-bike and helmet
- Riding on an e-bike through Rome makes this tour especially fun and relaxing
4-Hour Food Tour by Night
Can’t get enough of Italian food? Satisfy your taste buds with this 4-Hour Rome Food Tour by Night — one of the best Rome food tours there is. An expert foodie guide will be taking you to the most-loved pizzerias, gelaterias, food shops, and restaurants in town, giving you the chance to enjoy over 20 exquisite tastings of the local cuisine and wine! You’ll also get to meet the wonderful families running these food establishments and learn useful tricks from them, such as how to distinguish real artisanal gelato from regular ice cream.
Tour Highlights:
- 20+ delicious food tastings including cheese, prosciutto, pizza, pasta, pesto, wine, and gelato
- Experience the local cuisine at authentic places most loved and frequented by locals
- Learn secrets and insider tips from the families running the best food establishments in town
- Enjoy pizza at Pizzarium, the #1 pizzeria in Rome
- Taste the most expensive ham in the world, rare truffles, and a 25-year-aged balsamic vinegar
- Learn to spot authentic artisanal gelato from regular ice cream
Why take this tour?
- With so many restaurants and pizzerias in Rome, it can be hard to tell which places are actually authentic. This tour will take you to the most authentic and locals-approved food establishments
- You’ll learn a lot about the Italian culture along with secrets of the local cuisine
- The foodie experiences on this tour are unique and hard to come by on your own
Rome Night Photo Tour
If you’re a fan of photography, then you’d love this Rome Night Photo Tour led by Marco Bulgarelli, an award-winning professional photographer. The historic center of Rome is truly a photographer’s dream, and at twilight, it’s even more magnificent. On this tour, Marco will be teaching you all the best photo techniques, from visual perception to special effects, so that you can capture some truly spectacular and unique shots of Rome at dusk. Thanks to Marco’s patience and expertise, this is definitely one of the best Rome photography tours you can take.
Tour Highlights:
- Capture magnificent and unique photos of Rome’s most beautiful attractions at twilight
- Learn expert photography skills from an award-winning professional photographer
- Practice special effects tricks and learn how to move and interact with your subject
- Get personalized guidance and feedback in this small-group tour (max 4 people per tour)
Why take this tour?
- Your photographer guide is a local who knows all the best (and secret) spots to capture the beauty of Rome
- You’ll learn expert photography tricks from an award-winning photographer
- This tour is suited for beginners, amateurs, and advanced photographers
- Your guide is extremely patient, encouraging, and dedicated to helping you improve your photography skills
- You can have a partner or friend accompany you for free (without camera)
Catacombs of Rome After Hours & Bone Chapel Tour
For an evening of spookiness and unusual sights, this Catacombs of Rome Exclusive After Hours & Bone Chapel Tour will give you exclusive after-hours access to Rome’s most important cities of the dead. The Catacombs of Rome are underground burial chambers used by Christians and Jews from the 2nd to the 5th centuries. Of all the Rome Catacombs tours, this is the best one thanks to its very engaging tour guides. Among the most fascinating things you’ll see on this tour is the Capuchin Crypt, where the bones of 4,000 monks were made into wall decorations.
Tour Highlights:
- Get exclusive after-hours access to the mystical Catacombs of Rome
- Explore the “Bone Chapel”, where walls are decorated with bones of 4,000 monks and learn about why it was created
- Walk the passageways of the Catacombs without the crowds that swarm them during the day
- Become one of the first people to visit the Catacombs after it was closed since the era of Imperial Rome
- Learn about the darker side of the birth of Christianity from an expert Catacombs guide
Why take this tour?
- The Catacombs of Rome are some of the longest and the oldest underground burial chambers in the world; it holds an incredible history
- With the explanations of your expert Catacombs guide, you’ll be able to truly appreciate and understand what you’re seeing
- The Catacombs are usually very busy during the day, so getting exclusive after-hours entrance will give you a much more peaceful experience
Rome Night Tour with Pizza and Gelato
This 4-hour Rome Night Tour with Pizza and Gelato is the perfect guided tour to take if you want to combine sightseeing with some exquisite food. Your expert guide will take you around the Eternal City in a minivan, stopping at all the most important monuments such as the Trevi Fountain, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Colosseum. During the tour, you’ll also be treated to some delicious pizza from an authentic restaurant and the finest gelato in Italy!
Tour Highlights:
- Experience the beauty of Rome at dusk and get a better understanding of the phrase, “All Roads Lead to Rome”
- See the iconic Trevi Fountain, Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica, and Pantheon lit up at night
- Stroll the magnificent Piazza Navona and admire its 3 famous fountains
- Taste some of the most delicious pizza and gelato in Italy
Why take this tour?
- You will be taken around in a minivan, meaning less walking and more relaxation
- This tour covers all the most iconic places in Rome, including both the Colosseum and the St. Peter’s Basilica
- This tour combines sightseeing with authentic local food — your guide will make sure you experience the best on both fronts!
2-Hour Evening Segway Tour
If you enjoy riding Segways, this 2-Hour Evening Segway Tour of Rome might just be the perfect way to explore the Eternal City at dusk. Being one of the best Rome Segway tours out there, you’ll be gliding down the historic streets of the city and admiring the most stunning monuments in town. See the iconic Castel Sant’ Angelo, Pantheon, Piazza Venezia, Piazza Navona, St. Peter’s Basilica beautifully lit up in the dark, and of course — no guided tour in Rome is complete without a stop at the Trevi Fountain for a coin toss.
Tour Highlights:
- Glide through the historic center of Rome to see its most stunning monuments lit up in the dark
- Explore the magnificent squares of Piazza Venezia, Piazza Navona, and Campo de’ Fiori
- Climb up the Capitoline Hill for beautiful panoramic views
- Admire the illuminated façade of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City
- Toss a coin into the gorgeous Trevi Fountain and visit the Pantheon — the temple of all gods
- See the breathtaking reflection of Castel Sant’Angelo in the Tiber River
Why take this tour?
- You’ll get to explore Rome by night in a fun and relaxing way
- Your professional guide can tailor this trip to your personal interests as this is a small-group tour (maximum 6 people)
- You’ll be seeing the most iconic monuments of ancient Rome and will have a guide to tell you all about its incredible history
Wine and Cheese Tasting in Rome
This Wine and Cheese Tasting in Rome tour is guaranteed to satisfy your Italian food and wine cravings. Enjoy a relaxing evening with multiple exquisite wine and cheese pairings and experience the Italian way of life in the heart of Rome! This is one of the best Rome wine tours as it takes place inside an enoteca (a traditional Italian wine bar), where you’ll be learning how to distinguish the different colors and aromas of the wines from the region.
Tour Highlights:
- Relax with delicious cheese and wine pairings at a traditional family-run wine bar with over 50 years of history
- Taste a wide selection of regional cheeses like the ricotta and pecorino Romano
- Pair regional wines with premium salami and hams such as coppiette and porchetta
- Learn how to properly drink and taste the wines of the region and distinguish between their different colors and aromas
Why take this tour?
- It’s hard to come by an authentic experience like this one on your own
- You’ll be gaining expert insights into wine tasting and pairing
- This tour provides great value for money and an escape from the buzz of the city
Rome by Night Private 2-Hour Sightseeing Tour
This Rome by Night Private 2-Hour Sightseeing Tour is one of the best Rome private tours out there if you prefer a more intimate and romantic experience. Your guide will be taking you around in a limousine/minivan as you explore the panoramic sights of the Eternal City after dark. You’ll not only be visiting the iconic fountains, squares, and monuments of ancient Rome; you’ll also be driven to the Janiculum Hill, one of the most romantic spots in town thanks to the 360° views of the city it offers! If you’re interested in private Rome tours, look no further than this one.
Tour Highlights:
- See the beautifully lit-up Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and St. Peter’s Basilica
- Get a romantic 360° view of Rome from the Janiculum Hill, where all the local couples hang
- Enjoy a glass of sparkling Prosecco as you take in the breathtaking view from the Janiculum Hill
- Watch the stunning lights and reflections of the bridges on the Tiber River
Why take this tour?
- You’ll get to enjoy an intimate and romantic tour of one of the most romantic cities on earth
- You’ll be driven around in a limousine/minivan and will be treated to a bottle of sparkling wine
- Your driver can tailor your itinerary to your personal preferences
- This tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off from the city center
Planning Your Trip to Rome, Italy
- ✈️ Find the best flights to Rome with Expedia
- 📑 Get your Italy visa through iVisa if you don’t want to fill out the forms yourself
- 💸 Get reliable travel insurance from World Nomads
- 🚖 Book your private transfer from the airport to your hotel with Expedia or Get Your Guide
- 🏨 Find the best accommodations on Booking.com, Expedia, or Airbnb
- 🍕 If you love pizza and wine, join the best Rome wine-tasting & food tour
- 🚗 To rent a car to visit places outside of Rome, get great deals on Rentalcars.com
- 🎒 Pack an anti-theft backpack, a universal adapter, and a power bank
- 📚 Read SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome and the Lonely Planet guide on Rome
- 📸 Bring the best photography gear (including these must-have Sony lenses!)
I hope this guide on the best Rome by night tours was helpful!
For further reading on Italy, discover:
🛵 Rome for 3 Days: The Best Rome Itinerary + Tips From a Local
🏡 22 Gorgeous Rome Airbnbs That Will Blow You Away
🇮🇹 36 Famous Landmarks in Italy That Will Take Your Breath Away
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10 Comments
I couldn’t agree more about the night tours. I’m taking my Dad next year and we are definitely going for the night tours.
I love going on food tours. The evening ones are always especially fun, but I haven’t been on any in Rome yet!
You sold me on the Dark heart of Rome tour!!! Had no idea this type of tour was offered in a city like Rome. Once again, thanks for your super detailed post and info.
Never been on any of these tours in Rome, but would love to visit the timeless city sometime again. I am sure a lot has changed in the last ten odd years!
Rome is such a beautiful city with so much to see and do! I love the idea of taking a night tour. I’ll keep that in mind for next time I visit 🙂
I’m getting all sentimental since I just came back from Rome. However, since I took Italian classes every day, I hardly ever went out in the evening. Hence, this is something I’m bookmarking for my next trip since I absolutely want to go to the Janiculum Hill at night!
Wow, this is a solid guide for Rome tours! I wish you had this out when I went a few years back. Obviously, that would not be possible lol but yea hopefully if and when I go again, this guide is perfect for it.
A great choice for night tours around Rome. I didn’t know there were so many. As a wine lover, I would like to book 4-Hour Rome Traditional Wine Tasting & Food Tour. It’s perfect for me. Dark Heart of Rome – Legends & Mystery Walking Tour seems perfect too. Such a mystery!
This is such a great list! I have been working on planning a trip to Italy (when we can again of course) and Rome is definitely on the itinerary. I would love to take the 4 hour food tour and the photography tour.
What complete and full list of different tours to take through Rome! I think the idea of exploring at night is a lot of fun and gives a different (but great) experience than if you went out during the day