Where To Go For A Unique Night Out In Rome

Rome isn’t just cultural heritage and art museums, though it certainly has much to offer in those realms. The Italian capital is also home to an increasing number of alternative cultural venues that offer the opportunity for a unique night out in the city. These bars, clubs, and musical bistros have an extensive calendar of events covering all types of entertainment and boast a great atmosphere to see you through the early hours of the morning.

Il Baffo della Gioconda

Theater

This intimate cultural association is ironically named ‘Mona Lisa’s Mustache,’ a nod to the famous Dadaist painting by Marcel Duchamp. Frequented by hip and intellectual types residing in the pulsing San Lorenzo neighborhood, Il Baffo della Gioconda offers a variety of nightly events to a largely local crowd. There are plenty of live music shows, with Brazilian choro on Thursdays and samba on Sundays, as well as cultural events ranging from book presentations and wine tastings to theater and art exhibitions. http://instagram.com/p/BE3Z7rkIpKB/

'Na Cosetta

Bistro

Another cozy spot to enjoy live music is ‘Na Cosetta, which means ‘The Little Thing.’ With its small stage, wide array of events, and modern gourmet bistro, it is a New York-inspired cocktail and music club that is a perfect choice for a multicultural evening. ‘Na Cosetta has live music almost daily, ranging from Canadian folk and jazz jam sessions to electroswing and new indie wave. The food is delicious and beautifully presented — you’ll find everything from beef tartar and pumpkin hummus to mini tangerine cheesecakes and handmade dessert truffles of all flavors.

Monk Club

Concert Hall, Music Venue

Monk Club is not only one of Rome’s premiere music halls; it is also a large garden where shows are held in the summer and where young, old, and families all gather for a relaxing evening on its deck chairs. This multi-recreational spot draws international musicians specializing in indie rock, psychedelic, and all manner of alternative sounds. The venue also boasts an eclectic program of events including film screenings, lectures, and a number of festivals including Rome Psych Fest, Think Green Eco Festival, and RomeEuropa Festival.

Lian Club

Bistro

Located on the Tiber River, this boat-club is a fun alternative to traditional watering holes or concert venues in the city. Lian Club hosts live music shows, DJ sets, parties, and theater shows, and it has a bistro to boot. Stop by for its aperitivo starting at 7pm to take in the sunset from the water and stick around to soak in the atmosphere until 3am. The club also offers burgers and hot dogs at midnight to satisfy your late-night munchies.

Escopazzo

Bar, Cocktail Bar, Pub

This self-styled disco pub and cocktail bar is one of the few places for karaoke in Rome — and given that it’s situated right beside Piazza Venezia, it could not be more central. Escopazzo (which means ‘I leave crazy’) caters to a young crowd who partake in drinking, dancing, and theme nights. The festive atmosphere will appeal to partygoers, as it offers DJ sets and cover bands as well as karaoke and drinking games. It’s also one of the only places open until 5am in the city center. Check it out for festivities surrounding Halloween or Carnevale. http://instagram.com/p/BBahJKnsT96/

About the author

Livia Hengel

Livia Hengel is an Italian-American writer, photographer and traveler with a penchant for la dolce vita and a severe case of wanderlust. Originally born in Rome, she spent her life living around the world in Peru, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Turkey and the US before moving back to her city of birth. She is passionate about all things cultural, existential, stirring and beautiful and is happiest when she is contemplating human nature over a glass of wine or wandering off-the-beaten-path in a new city. When she's not traveling around Italy, you can find Livia eating her way through the best restaurants in Rome or keeping up with Instagram. Livia is the author of The HUNT Guide for Rome and also contributes to Spotted by Locals.

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