Rome: The City That Never Stops Surprising You

They used to say New York never sleeps. Well, it might be time to update that phrase—because Rome, too, has become a city that never sleeps, never rests, and never stops amazing.

Vibrant, clean, and full of life, Rome today is a treasure that shines by day and sparkles by night, with monuments and attractions open late, welcoming visitors into its timeless charm long after sunset.

Let us take you through a regular Saturday night in the Eternal City—on foot, starting from Piazza della Repubblica, right at the edge of the historic center. From there, we begin our walk along the lively Via Nazionale.

Our first stop? The hidden early Christian gem of San Vitale, a 5th-century church nestled below street level. You descend a staircase to step into another world, where ancient frescoes line the walls, including a striking crucifixion scene where a curious devil appears to be assisting the suffering Christ—an image that stays with you long after.

A few hundred meters ahead, we turn right and ascend to the Quirinale Hill. This quiet corner of the city is beautifully lit at night, offering breathtaking views over Rome. In the center of the square stands the magnificent sculptural group of the Dioscuri, with an Egyptian obelisk between them. These Roman imperial statues celebrate the myth of Castor and Pollux, immortalized in Ovid’s Metamorphoses.

We descend the opposite side of the piazza into Vicolo Scanderbeg, a narrow alleyway frozen in time, lined with noble palaces and cozy local trattorias. At the end of the alley, we are suddenly thrust back into the city’s vibrant nightlife, standing before the iconic Trevi Fountain.

Right now, a light show illuminates the fountain every ten minutes, delighting the thousands of visitors who fill this magical square even at night. From here, we continue through charming backstreets lined with elegant five-star hotels like Umiltà 36 and the lavish Six Senses, whose rooftop bar on Via del Corso offers the perfect spot for a glamorous drink.

Next, we head to Piazza di Sant’Ignazio, where the baroque Church of Saint Ignatius of Loyola stays open until 11:30 PM. Inside, we’re mesmerized by the spectacular ceiling fresco by Andrea Pozzo—an optical illusion that creates the appearance of a majestic dome soaring toward heaven, even though the church has no real dome at all.

A short walk brings us to the majestic Pantheon, a 2,000-year-old masterpiece once dedicated to all gods, now a Catholic church. Its perfect dome and oculus are breathtaking in the moonlight.

In just five more minutes, we reach Piazza Navona, home to Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers. This grand square, once a Roman stadium, has been a center of public life for centuries—its beauty at night is truly unforgettable.

We continue to Campo de’ Fiori, once a medieval market, now a lively square filled with cafés, street performers, and nightlife. Just steps away is Piazza Farnese, one of Rome’s hidden gems. Here stands Palazzo Farnese, a Renaissance masterpiece partially designed by Michelangelo, and two granite fountains crafted from enormous basins taken from the Baths of Diocletian, dating back to the 3rd century.

It’s almost midnight, but Rome isn’t even close to calling it a night. In just a few minutes, we reach the Tiber River, cross Ponte Sisto, and enter the heart of the city’s nightlife: Trastevere.

Here, traditional Roman cuisine and street food never shut down. The neighborhood bursts with music, languages from all over the world, and a festive spirit. We head straight to Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere, where the golden mosaics of the basilica glow in the darkness. Tonight, we’re lucky enough to stumble upon a live folk music performance from southern Italy—a perfect way to end the evening.

It’s time to head home. Yes, Uber works perfectly in Rome, and we catch a ride back to where we started, in Piazza della Repubblica. Before we sleep, we take one last scenic drive: Teatro Marcello, the Mouth of Truth, Piazza Venezia, and the Colosseum, all lit up in their eternal splendor.

Goodnight, Rome. You are simply unforgettable.