Ok, so Rome isn’t exactly world famous for its night clubs and the average visitor comes here in search of history rather than hedonism, but that’s not to say that Rome’s younger generation don’t go out and have a good time. If you want to join them, here are some tips on where to go to see what’s on in Rome when the museums close and the sun goes down over the Vatican……

There isn’t any one particular area of Rome where all of the nightlife is concentrated; it’s spread all over the city so your best bet is to read up on each area and decide which best suits your taste. There are plenty of hostels in Rome where you can meet like-minded young travellers and go exploring Rome by night together if you are feeling shy or are a lone female traveller feeling slightly intimidated by all the Italian male attention (although it’s normally just harmless fun).

If you want to mingle with the city’s student population, the San Lorenzo neighbourhood is always a good bet for a cheap bed, cheap pizza and plenty of bars where you can soak up the friendly, informal atmosphere. Many people end up spilling out of the bars and on to the streets, especially in summer, sitting on steps and chatting, which is a great option if you have little or no money to spend.

If, on the contrary, your wallet is full – head to the chic Parioli neighbourhood by taxi (or befriend someone with a car) or to the EUR district for some sophisticated dining and high class discos. But remember to dress up!

Most of the late night clubs (don’t even think about going out before 11pm!) are dotted around the Testaccio and Ostiense areas and particularly on Via di Monte Testaccio where you will find well-known joints such as Caruso Cafe de Oriente, Acab Cave and Fake. Check their web sites or local guides to find out what’s on.

If you need to be among the foreign crowd in town to feel comfortable, Campo De’ Fiori is your place. When the market place has closed for the day, all of the local bars fill up with tourists and Romans looking to meet tourists.

The most authentic and “alternative” part of the city as far as nightlife is concerned is Trastevere where you can find some really nice wine bars and cafes if you want to end your night with a glass of good wine and not necessarily go on to a club.

Rome, like all European cities, has plenty to offer in the way of entertainment. You just need to do your research.

You may come to Rome expecting to find a kind of open-air museum full of historical monuments and picturesque photo opportunities, and you would be absolutely right; what a lot of visitors don’t bargain for however is how all of those famous historical sights are dotted around a sprawling, modern metropolis, absorbed by busy streets full of department stores, hotels and cars. The noise of Vespa’s whizzing by at an illegal speed and the heat of Rome on a summer’s day may have you feeling rather exhausted and after walking several kilometres or navigating the city’s metro system to reach the Trevi Fountain, and you are not likely to have much energy left to really enjoy it once you get there. That is why I highly recommend choosing your accommodation in Rome with the main places of interest in mind if you plan on doing some sightseeing.
The Historic Centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is full of famous places and monuments, so staying here is always a safe bet. The best way to see them and really make the most of the city’s places of interest is by contracting a guide to give you a walking tour and explain the sights as you pass them. This tour guide’s nearly always have funny little anecdotes to tell that really add to your experience and understanding of the city.
There are some very important places of interest in Rome though that are a little further removed from the historical nucleus and, if they are what you are really interested in, it may be worth booking a hotel near to that sight and moving from there by public transport to the rest of the city.
Accommodation near to the Colosseum is naturally a little more expensive than certain other areas, but the feeling of waking up in the morning and just strolling to this world famous historical sight is priceless. You have to do a fair bit of walking around the Colosseum itself, so you will be glad to arrive there fresh and ready. If it is the Vatican that interests you, you really should look for accommodation near to the Vatican City as it covers an enormous terrain and is set apart from the rest of the city (although connected to it by road and public transport).
Rome is a wonderful city to visit at ay time of year but come prepared with a good pair of walking shoes, a map and a realistic itinery to make the most of your time in the Italian capital.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do and don’t be drawn into the city’s many tourist traps which will blow your modest budget and not enhance your Rome experience at all. Although Rome is a very grand city, the Romans know how to enjoy life’s simple pleasures like walking, eating and socialising, so here are some tips on how to do just that.
As far as accommodation is concerned, you are spoiled for choice in Rome! You will find a wide range of cheap hotels in Rome near to Termini Train Station, although this is not the city’s most glamorous area, it is conveniently located for public transport links. B&B’s and guesthouses in Rome are very popular with tourists, more so than hotels, as they are usually small, cosy and homely, offering visitors the chance to stay in a local house and, usually, a very friendly atmosphere. Something you should be aware of is that hotels in Rome tend to be rather generous with star ratings; so what is a 3-star hotel in Rome may be considered a 1-star hotel elsewhere.
Once your accommodation is sorted, after enjoying apartments in rome, et your walking shoes on and explore this incredible historical city on foot. Don’t flock to the major indoor tourist attractions like the Sistine Chapel, make the most of the public architectural gems like the Spanish Steps and St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City which are free to visit, not to mention the pretty buildings and less famous historical monuments which adorn nearly every public square and street corner.
When you are out and about, exploring the city, don’t keep popping into cafes for refreshments as this is a great sap on your funds; use the many drinking fountains you will find dotted around the city as Rome boasts excellent drinking water and you’ll need it during those hot summer months! As you may imagine, pasta and pizza is readily available and relatively inexpensive. I found there to be little difference in terms of quality between pizza served in a restaurant and that sold in take away shops; the latter is obviously the cheaper option, so buy your slices and find a bench with a picturesque view to enjoy them on. If you do go out for an evening meal, bare in mind the Mediterranean meal times, most people don’t eat dinner before 9pm. Your best bet for a cheap meal out is to look for a low-key neighbourhood trattoria which is the kind of small, local restaurant where Italian families eat out.
And last but not least, if you do want to move around quite a bit and visit more than one major museum/attraction, look into getting a pass which combines public transport and tourist discounts, such as Roma Pass.
Rome is like no other city and with so much to see out on the streets, who needs to pay for meals in expensive restaurants or pricey museum admission fees to experience the Italian capital?
Rome Hotels : Site Selection of charming hotels in Italy.