14 Best Rome Night Tours in 2023
Rome, Italy is a magnificent capital city- it is full of history, amazing food, and beautiful views. You can spend weeks in this city and still discover new favorite places beyond the most famous iconic sights. Rome is especially beautiful at night when the monuments light up, and the crowds have diminished. A Rome night tour is a fantastic way to see another side of this stunning city.
Rome has a lovely temperate climate- which makes visiting any time of year a great idea. However, in the summer, it can be quite hot, and taking advantage of the cool evenings to tour Rome at night is a great way to explore the Eternal City. During the cooler Fall and Winter months, the sun sets earlier and an evening tour of Rome is a great activity before dinner.
We spent six weeks in Italy during our Family Year Out, when our kids were 5 and 7. We loved exploring Rome, from touring the Colosseum to eating as much pizza and pasta as possible.
A night tour of Rome also provides peace of mind when venturing out after dark. While Rome is a very safe city, many people feel more comfortable being out late with a group than on their own.
In this post, we’ll cover the best night tours of Rome- from night walking tours to Vespa tours, tours of the Vatican, and other specialized tours. There’s sure to be a night tour of Rome that will be the highlight of your next trip to Rome!
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Best Rome Night Tour
In a Hurry?
Book our Top Pick:
Vatican Museums by Night Tour
Why Take a Tour of Rome at Night?
Here are a few of the top reasons to take a tour of Rome at night!
Less Heat
Rome can get hot. In the evenings, you’ll watch the sky fade to a beautiful sunset, and then the city will light up around you and you’ll enjoy cool evening breezes. And winter, when the sun sets earlier, even families with young kids can take a night tour to experience the magic of Rome at night and still not be out too late.
Fewer Crowds
In every season, the evening and night hours are less crowded than the daytime. Don’t worry though, Rome is still a lively place at night! Take advantage of after-hours to see major sites like the Colosseum, or enjoy a delicious food tour of Rome.
Making Friends
There are private tours available if you’d like to customize your night tour of Rome, but we always enjoy meeting new people on small group tours.
Expertise of a Local Guide
All of these tours provide background on Rome and the history of the city so you’ll learn something and get context for what you are seeing. In such a large city, it’s tempting to DIY your visit, but with a local guide, you’ll really appreciate the history of Rome, and know that you aren’t missing any details!
Safety at Night
Rome is a very safe city, and you should be safe walking around at night in the tourist districts. However, we always appreciate the added safety that numbers bring, and being on a tour means you don’t have to worry about where you are, or how you are getting home (and whether your cell phone is charged).
Exteriors Only
Most night tours of Rome will take you to see the outside of churches and monuments, as well as to viewpoints around the city. While many tours stop at the Colosseum for photos and to talk about the UNESCO World Heritage Site, most tours do not enter the Colosseum. The same holds true for the Roman Forum and other major sites.
Atmosphere
Rome is magical, lit up at night- the monuments that Rome is famous for, from the Pantheon to the Trevi Fountain, all look different at night. Evening is also a great time to take a walking tour focused on the darker side of the city, or to explore the Roman catacombs and learn about hidden religious practices.
Quick Guide: The Best Night Tours of Rome, Italy
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Fewer Crowds, Sistine Chapel
Roman Colosseum After-Hours Tour
After-Hours Access
Includes Lower Level and Arena Floor
Ride a Vespa through Rome
3 Hour City Tour
14 Best Rome Night Tours
These are the best night tours of Rome for every traveler- from those who want a fun new way to explore the city, like on a Vespa, a Segway, or in a cool vintage Fiat, to those interested in a special night photography tour, a food tour, or an after-hours tours of the Colosseum or Vatican. All of these Rome night tours are a great way to avoid the crowds in any season!
1. Vatican Museums by Night Tour
🌟 Rating: 5 Stars ⏳ 2 1/2 Hours ✅ Small Group, Sistine Chapel 🔎 Check Rates
This is a small group tour of the Vatican Museums with no more than six people. This tour includes the Gallery of Maps, the Hall of Animals, the Gallery of Tapestries, the Pinecone Courtyard, Raphael’s Rooms, the Sistine Chapel, and more.
You’ll end the tour in St. Peter’s Square, where you can explore and take pictures of St. Peter’s Basilica lit up at night.
“Tour was phenomenal, with a perfect balance of Renaissance, Roman, and Modern history combined with both informative facts and some historical gossip.”
dennis_a (Read more reviews)
This tour includes skip-the-line access and is usually scheduled for Friday, as that is when the Vatican Museums stay open later. You can view the collection with fewer crowds, and less noise throughout the museums. The dress code for the Sistine Chapel requires that shoulders and knees be covered, regardless of gender. Photography and video are forbidden in the Sistine Chapel.
Book Now: Vatican Museum by Night Tour
The Vatican Museums can get incredibly crowded- when we visited during the day Waker lasted only a few minutes before deciding the crush of bodies just wasn’t worth it, and the girls and I continued on without him.
In our guide to visiting the Vatican, we recommend a family tour, which is an alternative to this night tour. Whichever you prefer, a guide and small group are essential to really enjoying these massive museum collections which can be overwhelming even without the massive crowds.
2. Roman Colosseum After-Hours Night Tour
🌟 Rating: 4 Stars ⏳ 1 1/2 Hours ✅ After Hours, Underground Access 🔎 Check Rates
This after-hours tour of the Roman Colosseum includes the tunnels and chambers of the underground level as well as the arena floor level. This is not a long tour but offers a unique experience that is different than seeing the Colosseum during the day. You’ll get great photos of the Colosseum lit up at night, and have a guide to explain the details of what you are seeing.
“This is definitely a very unique experience to see the Colosseum at night away from the crowds. I would highly recommend as this was a true bucket list item.“
raea_C (Read more reviews)
The Colosseum is one of the 7 New Wonders of the World- a UNESCO World Heritage Site you don’t want to miss! I visited the Colosseum without a guide (mistake), and on a “kid-friendly tour” as a family, which was better, but not amazing.
The great thing about this night tour is you get the ambiance of the Colosseum at night, fewer crowds, and access to the lower level, which is one of the cooler parts of the Colosseum.
This tour does not include the upper levels of the Colosseum, you’ll need to visit during the day to see those. The group can accommodate up to 25 travelers.
Book Now: Roman Colosseum After-Hours Night Tour
A visit to the Colosseum is part of our suggested itinerary for 4 days in Rome. You shouldn’t visit Rome and miss this amazing piece of history!
3. Rome at Night by Vespa
🌟 Rating: 5 Stars ⏳ 3 Hours ✅ Ride a Vespa, Private Tour 🔎 Check Rates
This Vespa Tour of Rome starts in the Piazza Venezia and includes the Colosseum, Baths of Caracalla, Pyramid of Cestius, and more before heading across the river to Trastevere, where you’ll stop for a treat.
You’ll love buzzing around Rome on these classic Italian scooters. There will be plenty of stops to take photos and enjoy your night tour of Rome.
“The Vespas can get where other tours can’t and the sidecars give a whole different view of the city. Stefan is a great guide who adds a real experienced view to the stops on the tour. Cannot recommend it enough.“
rachel_G (Read more reviews)
Each Vespa holds one driver and two guests- one behind the driver, and one in the sidecar. Helmets are provided; children must be at least 5 years old to join this tour.
Book Now: Rome at Night by Vespa
4. Trastevere Evening Food Tour
🌟 Rating: 5 Stars ⏳ 4 Hours ✅ Food Tour, Visits 7 Locations 🔎 Check Rates
This evening food tour explores the hip neighborhood of Trastevere, just across the river from Central Rome. With 1400+ 5-star reviews, this is a very popular food tour.
You’ll start with a glass of Prosecco (beer and wine are also included in the tour), and then taste local specialties from rice balls to pork shoulder, to pasta. You’ll end the night with gelato from one of Rome’s most famous gelaterias.
“Rich, our guide was truly remarkable… making all of us feel like we were part of his family and part of the neighborhood. Lots of tastings and sit down meal to give you a feel for the authentic Roman cuisine.“
Troy_D (Read more reviews)
This is a small group tour, with a maximum of 12 travelers. There is some walking involved, though it’s not strenuous. Some tastings are at sit-down restaurants, and many others are street food vendors where you will eat standing up. This is quite a long tour, so plan your start time accordingly!
Book Now: Trastevere Evening Food Tour
Trastevere is one of our favorite neighborhoods in Rome- and we love eating at many of the restaurants here! Consider staying in this neighborhood- we’ve rounded up the best hotels in Trastevere. Visiting in the summer? Consider a hotel in Rome with a pool.
5. Fiat 500 Night Tour of Rome
🌟 Rating: 5 Stars ⏳ 3 Hours ✅ Vintage Fiat, Private Tour 🔎 Check Rates
This Rome night tour revolves around the Fiat 500- a classic Italian car. In fact, Lonely Planet called it one of the “Top 10 Classic Car Rides in the World.” You can cruise around Rome in style while taking in major sites including the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, and St Peter’s Square.
“Delightful and surprising. We saw parts of Rome that weren’t on our check list, and that made it all the more outstanding. Our guide was a real character and he brought Rome and its history to life.“
tom_N (Read more reviews)
This is a private tour using a vintage Italian car. Each car holds 3 guests and the driver. Please note that Fiat’s do not have seatbelts in the backseat.
This is a fantastic car for those who love vintage cars, want amazing photos of Rome, or just want to re-create their own Roman Holiday with a 1960s vibe vehicle.
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We watched three Fiat 500s waving Italian flags roll through the Piazza Sant’Eustachio while we were enjoying coffee at ZeroOttoNove Cafe. These vehicles look very fun!
6. Evening Food Tour of Rome via Golf Cart
🌟 Rating: 5 Stars ⏳ 4 Hours ✅ Includes Tastings and Wine 🔎 Check Rates
This evening food tour of Rome also includes the major sites of the city such as Saint Peter’s Basilica, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, the Circus Maximus, Castel Sant’ Angelo, and the breathtaking Gianicolo Hill Lookout Point.
You’ll zip between locations in a golf cart (no need to walk), try several street foods, and finally dine at a rooftop restaurant.
“This was absolutely the BEST way to start our trip in Rome. If you are looking for a fun experience, not a tour, Luca (and Daniele) were amazing. Very knowledgeable about the food portion, but also gave lots of information about the city.“
colette_H (Read more reviews)
Run by Eating Europe, one of the top food tour companies in Europe, you’ll try 5 different classic Roman dishes along with wine and beer. This tour can be adapted to be vegetarian, gluten-free, or for specific allergies, please advise on booking.
Families should be aware that the minimum age for this tour is 8 years old. The evening tours sell out quickly, so plan ahead!
Book Now: VIP Food Tour of Rome via Golf Cart
Golf carts tours of Rome are a great way to see more of Rome with less walking. From food tours to sightseeing tours, there are lots of fun ways to explore Rome in these open-air vehicles. These tours are fantastic for mixed-generation family trips!
7. VIP Rome at Night by Car
🌟 Rating: 5 Stars ⏳ 2 Hours ✅ Private Tour, Mercedes Benz 🔎 Check Rates
If a private tour of Rome in a Mercedes Benz is more your style, this may be the Rome night tour for you! This VIP tour begins with a stop at the Roman Colosseum and then moves on to the Circus Maximus.
You’ll see the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, St. Peter’s Square, and more, including some lovely viewpoints above the city center.
“Highly recommend this enchanting tour of Rome’s iconic landmarks with an exceptional guide. We had Fabrizio, who breathed life into the history, architecture and unique culture of Rome.“
sheila_B (Read more reviews)
This is an easy and comfortable way to move around Rome. Since this is a private tour, the itinerary can be altered as much as you wish. Travelers give this tour exceptionally high marks!
Book Now: VIP Rome at Night by Car
8. Rome by Night Walking Tour
🌟 Rating: 5 Stars ⏳ Up to 3 Hours ✅ City Tour, Small Group 🔎 Check Rates
This classic walking tour of Rome includes all the major monuments. It starts at the Colosseum and ends at the Spanish Steps. Along the way, you’ll see the Pantheon, Piazza Venezia, and Piazza Navona.
“Isuf is the best! Very friendly and knowledgeable, unlike other guides he incorporates a learning game to keep everyone engaged and entertained along the way. Highly recommend this tour!“
jeanette_B (Read more reviews)
This tour is run by Isuf, who gets fantastic reviews from travelers. This is a great tour for the beginning of your visit to Rome. This tour has a maximum group size of 12 people. You must be at least 11 years old to join this tour.
Book Now: Rome by Night Walking Tour
9. Rome Catacombs Night Tour with Exclusive Access
🌟 Rating: 5 Stars ⏳ 2 1/2 Hours ✅ Exclusive Rooms, Small Group 🔎 Check Rates
This Roman Catacombs tour is limited to six people at a time and has access to parts of the St. Agnes catacombs that are off-limits to most groups. You’ll start this catacombs tour at 5 p.m. with a visit to the Capuchin Monk Bone Chapel, which is famous for its bone art.
You’ll then head to the Basilica of St. Agnes where you’ll see the interior and then descend into the St. Agnes catacombs.
“Out of the beaten track tour! Our guide …knew sooo much about every single detail and her enthusiasm was contagious! We felt that we were in another era!“
dolly_E (Read more reviews)
After the catacombs, you’ll visit the Mausoleo di Costanza behind the Basilica, where Emperor Constantine’s daughters are buried. There are impressive 4th-century mosaics here.
The exclusive nature of this small group tour, combined with the evening time creates a very special evening to learn about the underside of Rome.
The catacombs of Rome are well worth a visit- not so much for seeing bones, but for the history there, and the artwork deep in the tunnels. We’ve got the best catacombs tours of Rome whether you want to visit at night, on a bike, or on a more traditional tour.
Keep in mind that photos are not allowed in the catacombs, and the catacombs may be chilly, so bring a sweater.
10. Rome at Night by Segway
🌟 Rating: 5 Stars ⏳ 3 Hours ✅ Segway City Tour, Small Group 🔎 Check Rates
This small group tour takes you around the city on motorized Segways. The Segway, a helmet, and some instructions are included with the tour. Your guide will make sure you are comfortable on the Segway before you head out.
These self-balancing vehicles are easy to use, allow you to move comfortably through narrow streets, get up close to monuments, and quickly cover a lot of ground.
“The most fun we had in Italy! …It was nice and cool riding at night. We were able to cover so much distance using the Segways. We saw so many sights in the three hours zipping around through the back streets.”
nina_S (Read more reviews)
On this night tour, you’ll see many major monuments including the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and more. This tour has a maximum of 8 travelers. This tour is restricted to those between the ages of 14 and 75, who are at least 4.5 feet tall.
In the case of light rain, ponchos are provided, and in the case of heavy rain, the tour will be rescheduled. You can book either a small group or a private version of this tour.
Book Now: Rome at Night by Segway
11. Rome by Night with Pizza and Gelato
🌟 Rating: 4 1/2 Stars ⏳ 4 Hours ✅ City Tour, Accessible 🔎 Check Rates
This tour of Rome at night includes stops for pizza and gelato! This is a small-group, 4-hour tour that moves around via minibus. You’ll start with dinner in a Roman restaurant (choose pizza or pasta), and then begin your tour.
Next, you’ll see the classic monuments including the Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Castel Sant’Angelo, and St. Peter’s Square. The tour will finish off with some traditional Italian gelato.
“A great way to see all of the sites in Rome. They were beautiful at night and a lot less crowded. Our tour guide was excellent.“
jessica_S (Read more reviews)
There is very little walking involved in this tour- it is accessible for both wheelchairs and strollers. There are a maximum of 15 travelers on this tour.
Book Now: Rome by Night with Pizza and Gelato
Don’t miss our list of the best places to eat in Rome– these are all tried and tested by our own picky kids!
12. Rome at Night by E-Bike
🌟 Rating: 5 Stars ⏳ 3 Hours ✅ Electric Bike Tour, Small Group 🔎 Check Rates
On this night cycling tour, you’ll ride electric bikes to tour the city, stopping to discuss the history of each place and of course to take photos.
An electric bike lets you bike farther using less energy, so you won’t get too tired on Rome’s famous hills! This tour includes stops at the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Piazza Venezia, and Capitoline Hill among others.
“This is a great way of seeing the sights & beating the summer heat. Fabrizio was a great guide, very knowledgeable. The bikes were extremely easy to ride & we felt safe navigating the streets with Fabrizio.“
kristina_M (Read more reviews)
This is a small group tour, with a maximum of 12 travelers. Traffic in Rome can be intense, so this tour is best for travelers who are comfortable riding a bike in some traffic.
Kids who are less than 4’7″ (140 cm) can ride behind an adult on a trailer bike. Kids taller than this must ride an adult bike and be comfortable with the traffic. Helmets are provided for all travelers.
Book Now: Rome at Night by E-Bike
13. Rome at Night Photo Tour
🌟 Rating: 5 Stars ⏳ 4 1/2 Hours ✅ Very Small Group, Photography 🔎 Check Rates
This night photography tour will move around Rome so you can practice various photographic techniques at the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Arch of Constantine, Castel Sant’Angelo, and more. You’ll depart at twilight to take advantage of the “blue hour” as the sun sets.
A tripod is provided to help you shoot at night. You do not need fancy equipment to take this tour- many travelers use an iPhone!
“This was an experience of a lifetime for my son and I. Marco was fantastic, guiding us around Rome and explaining the thoughts behind all the photographs. Marco’s passion for photography is infectious. I can’t thank him enough for a truly awesome experience.“
michael_M (Read more reviews)
This Rome tour has a maximum of 4 participants, though you are welcome to bring a friend who is not shooting. The minimum age for the tour is 12 years old. The tour may move to different locations depending on the wishes of the travelers.
There is a bit of walking, so please wear comfortable shoes. This tour is suitable for all photographic levels and is taught by a local professional photographer.
Book Now: Rome at Night Photo Tour
14. Haunted Rome Ghost Tour
🌟 Rating: 5 Stars ⏳ 2 Hours ✅ Small Group, Great Reviews 🔎 Check Rates
Explore the center of Rome on this haunted Rome walking tour that focuses on the history of the ghostly and the gruesome. You’ll learn about the deaths of popes, emperors, and artists. It’s a great way to learn about Rome from a different perspective.
“Great evening in Rome. Bruce was an excellent guide. He did an excellent job of recreating the ghostly stories surrounding Rome. At one point i was genuinely spooked and was looking over my shoulder!! I recommend this tour for a different and unique experience in Rome.“
hatim_A (Read more reviews)
This is a small group Rome tour with a maximum of 8 travelers. This is a fantastic tour for families, as it will keep the kids more entertained than a traditional walking tour.
Book Now: Haunted Rome Ghost Tour
FAQ: Rome Night Tours
Yes, you can tour the Colosseum at night. Your best option is to join a Colosseum Night Tour. You can buy tickets online from the official Colosseum ticket seller 30 days in advance. However, these tickets are very hard to get, as bots usually buy them as soon as they are available. Try your luck here.
Yes, you can walk around Rome at night very safely in all the touristy areas. Please take normal precautions and keep an eye on your wallet and phone.
Yes, there is a lot of activity in Rome at night. After the heat of the day, the evening is a great time to stroll around and experience the amazing food and nightlife of Rome.
Yes, most of the monuments, churches, and fountains of Rome are lit up at night, so the city looks very different than during the day.
There You Have it: Best Rome Night Tours
There are so many wonderful tours to explore Rome, Italy at night. Whether you want to drive around in a vintage Fiat, explore the Vatican Museums without crowds, or take an evening food tour, there’s a Rome night tour for everyone!
Our Top Pick for Culture: Vatican Museums by Night Tour
Our Top Pick for Night City Tour: Rome at Night by Vespa
