Rome After Dark, Fountains and Piazzas
A self-guided walk in Rome.
2h. 1.3 miles. From Campo de' Fiori to Trevi Fountain.
The historic centre after dinner: lit fountains, a coffee at the bar that never closes, and the Trevi with the day tourists gone.
The local move
Start after dinner, around 9:30pm. Everything is open air and free; the two bars are the only stops that cost anything.
Best time to go
Any evening from 9:30pm
When to avoid it
Rainy nights: the cobbles are slippery and the fountains are switched off in storms
The stops
Campo de' Fiori
The market square turns into an open air bar at night.
Tip: Walk through, do not stop: the bars here are the tourist ones.
Bar del Fico
Chess players under a fig tree, drinks until late.
Tip: Order at the bar and take the table by the tree.
Piazza Navona
Bernini's fountain of the four rivers lit from below, street painters packing up.
Tip: Stand at the south end and look north: the whole stadium shape appears.
Sant'Eustachio Il Caffè
The whipped gran caffè, served sweet unless you say otherwise.
Tip: Open until 1am on weekends. Say 'amaro' for no sugar.
Pantheon and Piazza della Rotonda
The Pantheon's columns at night, the fountain and obelisk in front.
Tip: The portico is lit until late. Touch the columns; they are single blocks of Egyptian granite.
Salotto 42
Sofas facing the columns of the Temple of Hadrian.
Tip: Sit outside and face the temple. One cocktail, then move on.
Trevi Fountain
The fountain at night, lit and finally quiet after 10:30pm.
Tip: Throw the coin from the right side of the basin, fewer people.
About these walks
Explore our self-guided routes by city, with useful stops and practical notes from Chic Trip. Explore the destinations we plan.
