The bar scene in Rome has never been more exciting – from trendy speakeasies to traditional enotecas and cosy wine bars, there’s a watering hole for every mood.
We’ve rounded up the best bars in the city so all you have to do is order an Aperol Spritz and live la dolce vita…
Best bars in Rome
How do these rankings work?
1. Il Goccetto
This dark and cosy wine bar is quintessentially Roman, with delicious small plates of meats and cheese to go with your vino. Open since 1983, iL Gocetta was one of the first proper wine shops in Rome. Housed in an ancient Roman building , it’s a must-see bar for Italian wine and food lovers.
2. Ma Che Siete Venuti a FÃ Â
Known as ‘Macche’ to locals, this teenchy-tiny pub in Rome’s Trastevere neighborhood is made for beer lovers. With a great range of local and international brews, it’s the soccer mad crowd and fun staff who make this extra special.
3. The Jerry Thomas Project
One of the world’s best speakeasies, The Jerry Thomas Project started Rome’s ‘secret bar’ revolution when it opened in 2010. The password changes regularly and you have to book to enter – find the question hidden on their homepage and answer it to receive the password.
4. Bar del FicoÂ
This trendy-yet-retro bar is a solid place to come for early evening cocktails that go late into the night. The cocktails are good and there’s a restaurant in the inner courtyard with a woodburning pizza oven.
5. Terrazza Borromini
This slick hotel bar has a panoramic terrace with views of Piazza Navona, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Pantheon that makes it a foolproof place for an Aperitivo for sunset. Reservations are pretty much essential, so plan ahead.
6. Apt
You’ll find this hidden little cocktail bar in Rome’s Monti neighbourhood, packed full of a young ‘n’ cool crowd. Low ceilings and dim lighting add to the secretive vibe, while craft cocktails are inspired by literature. The 1930s swing music is an extra bonus.
7. Salotto 42
This beautiful bar has views of the ancient Temple of Hadrian and is an ideal place to come for a pre-dinner drink. They do a nightly aperitivo spread of delicious snacks while the buzz continues until 2am with style.