Gilda Club

Piazza di Spagna, Rome –

One of the premier clubs in the historic center since the mid-80s, Gilda is still a forerunner in Rome’s nightlife scene, serving as the place to party for the city’s chic, famous, and well-to-do crowd.

VIP Sundays see the poshest crowd, with jet-setters, football players, TV celebs, and aspiring socialites beginning to trickle in around 1am, along with a mix of young and vivacious locals and savvy foreigners.

The club is equally packed on other nights when the venue’s musical lineup of pop, hip-hop, R&B, and house draws stylish crowds eager to throw themselves into the fun-loving dance scene.

Most of the action takes place in the large main room, which consists of a spacious dance floor surrounded by gray couches, raised VIP seating, and a bar, all lit by artsy chandeliers, revolving lights, and disco balls.

A staircase leads patrons to the mezzanine where a handful of tables offer a view of the action below and of the DJ spinning tunes from one corner of the balcony.

Although the décor has seen better days, the animated clientele doesn’t seem to notice the frayed couches and 80s vibe – at Gilda, it’s all about seeing and being seen, and the stylish patrons take full advantage of it by strutting their stuff on the dance floor.