Nightlife in Rome is invariably a slow bleed. Once denizens finish indulging in aperitivo and those who haven’t filled up on finger-foods have relaxed over a slow-paced dinner, the scene shifts outside to the streets and piazzas as the ever-fashionable partiers wander from bar to bar to indulge in their favorite pastime – animated conversation with friends against a picturesque backdrop of ancient walls and fountains.

And while the piazza hanging culture satisfies the party appetite for much of the population, those looking for a bit more action can take refuge in the small but energetic expanse of bars and clubs in Rome, which is centered on a few venues scattered around the city, as well as in a section of Testaccio that is fully dedicated to late-night clubs. On one winding street, Testaccio features lounges, live music venues, and bars that provide differing styles and sounds, from mainstream to edgy and from posh to rowdy.

Although some of the clubs close their doors during the summer, many others move operations to the banks of the Tiber River, where makeshift bars and clubs pop up to give partygoers a reprieve from the inner-city heat and yet another reason to dance the night away under the stars...read less