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Rome Nightlife

It might not be New York or Berlin, but Rome has its party scene. Romans go out late and the fun only really commences after dinner. The wine bars and cafés around Piazza Navona and Via della Pace tend to be the chicest.

The biggest concentration of nightclubs in Rome lies in the Testaccio and Ostiense districts. One of the main drags in Testaccio, Via di Monte Testaccio. There's a small gay scene too.

On the cultural side, the city has high profile and innovative international performing arts festivals, a cutting-edge auditorium that attracts international talent, and RomaEstate – a full programme of summer events.

Orbis (tel: 06 474 4776) provides tickets for concerts, theatre and sporting events, as does Hello Ticket (tel: 06 4807 8400; www.helloticket.it). The weekly Roma C'è published on Wednesdays (www.romace.it) and TrovaRoma published on Thursdays with the La Repubblica newspaper, and 2night (www.2night.it) have good nightlife information.

Bars in Rome

Antico Caffè della Pace

The refined Antico Caffè della Pace, situated close to Piazza Navona, has been the favourite haunt of artists, writers, poets and comedians since the 18th century. The cosy interior is adorned with gilded antiques and mismatched tables while the ivy-clad facade backs a quintessential summer terrace. Come early for aperitivo with Campari.

Via della Pace 5
Tel: (06) 686 1216.
www.caffedellapace.it

Freni e Frizioni

For an after-dinner digestivo and good-value people-watching look no further than the hip Freni & Frizioni, a bar housed in a former car workshop (hence the name - Brakes and Clutches) in Trastevere. In fine weather, crowds spill out the doors into a piazza near the Lungotevere. It’s open all day, is a great weekend brunch spot and it even showcases artworks by local artists.

Via del Politeama 4-6
Tel: (06) 5833 4210.
www.freniefrizioni.com

Société Lutece

For something even more artsy, with regular DJs, head to Societe Lutece, near Piazza Navona. This is one of Rome’s most stylish bars with a warm, wood-panelled bar and pillared interior. The music is alternative, the aperitivo generous and the atmosphere suitably studied and bohemian.

Piazza Montevecchio 17
Tel: (06) 6830 1472.
www.societe-lutece.it

Clubs in Rome

Distillerie Clandestine

The glam, vaguely 1930s-themed Distillerie Clandestine has a restaurant, club, disco, and expertly mixed cocktails. The heaving dance floor is surrounded by intimate lounge booths and there’s even a smoking room.

Via Libetta 7
Tel: (06) 5730 5102.
www.distillerieclandestine.com

Goa

Some of Europe's best DJs play at Goa, which is located close to Mercati Generali in the post-industrial landscape of the up-and-coming Ostiense area. House, jungle and techno music predominate amid a sophisticated ethnic and industrial setting of wood combined with wrought iron. The crowd is sophisticated so dress accordingly if you don’t want to feel out of place. Claudio Coccoluto, Rome’s top DJ, hosts the Thursday night session.

Via Libetta 13
Tel: (06) 574 8277.

L’Alibi

Testaccio’s cavernous L’Alibi attracts a mixed gay and straight crowd who come for the predominantly house music. It’s a huge space spread over three floors, the exposed brick walls and vaulted ceilings giving it a gritty, urban feel. There’s a big outdoor terrace that opens up in summer.

Via di Monte Testaccio 44
Tel: (06) 574 3448.
www.lalibi.it

Live Music in Rome

La Casa del Jazz

The Casa del Jazz is housed in the former 1920s villa of a Mafia boss, seized by the council. Spread over three-storeys, the complex includes a 150-seat auditorium, a café and restaurant. Come here for jazz-related concerts (some by internationally renowned jazz stars) and talks followed by brunch or a meal at the restaurant.

Viale di Porta Ardeatina 55
Tel: (06) 704 731.
www.casajazz.it

Micca

For jazz, blues, funk and retro sounds, and even occasional burlesque nights, head to the fabulous Micca Club. These pop-art decorated cellars celebrate the glam rock and sounds of the sixties. Aperitivo (drinks served with food) runs from 1900-2200. They also hold a vintage flea market on Sunday.

Via Pietro Micca 7a
Tel: (06) 8744 0079.
www.miccaclub.com

Villaggio Globale

For something different, visit the squatter arts centres that are often a little out of the centre. The long-established Villaggio Globale is located in the old abattoir (ex-Mattatoio) in the heart of Testaccio's clubbing district. There are regular big name concerts here, especially of reggae, dancehall, hip-hop and techno. In summer, bands play in the huge circus tent in the courtyard.

Lungotevere Testaccio 22
Tel: 334 179 0006.
www.vglobale.biz

Classical Music in Rome

Auditorium Parco della Musica

Rome's state-of-the-art auditorium, designed by Genoese architect Renzo Piano, features three space-age halls with remarkable acoustics and a large outdoor amphitheatre used for concerts and events. Everything from pop and jazz to dance and symphonic orchestras are hosted here, and the venue is the official home of Rome's most prestigious classical music academy, the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia.

Viale Pietro de Coubertin 30
Tel: (06) 9024 1281.
www.auditorium.com

Opera in Rome

Teatro dell’Opera di Roma

Rome’s opera season runs from November to May, and the Teatro dell’Opera is the premiere venue for performances. In summer, the theatre hosts opera outdoors, set amidst the ruined Baths of Caracalla. Free concerts (choral, chamber and organ recitals) are held in churches year-round by the Associazione Internazionale Amici di Musica Sacra. The Rome Opera Ballet also performs at the same venue and offers a diet of classical ballet enriched with guest performances.

Piazza Beniamino Gigli 1
Tel: (06) 481 601.
www.operaroma.it

Dance in Rome

Teatro Olimpico

The Teatro Olimpico has a strong dance season, ranging from classical to contemporary. It also stages world-class productions featuring big name dancers, choreographers and companies. The repertoire ranges from classical and contemporary to ethnic.

Piazza Gentile de Fabriano 17
Tel: (06) 326 5991.
www.teatroolimpico.it

Theatre in Rome

Teatro Argentina

The theatre season runs from October to May. The city's official troupe, the Teatro di Roma, is based in two locations: at the prestigious Teatro Argentina, which hosts lavish and often highbrow productions directed by renowned directors, and at the Teatro India, a renovated former soap factory with three stages which puts on rather more experimental and multi-disciplinary offerings, also in summer. Dance performances are also staged at the Teatro Argentina.

Largo di Torre Argentina 52
Tel: (06) 684 0001.
www.teatrodiroma.net

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