The mild climate in Rome gives museum directors freedom to offer visits that show some of the city’s best known landmarks in a different light – one that’s artificial, that is! Locals as well as visitors appreciate the chance to visit such impressive monuments in the evenings, when fewer visitors are around, making the most of the city’s quiet atmosphere after sunset.

If you’re planning your trip to Rome for the next few weeks, you’re in luck, because a series of night events is taking place currently, or will be starting soon: it’s one of the best things to do in Rome at this time of the year!

What follows is a selection of some of the most important events, with information to book your visit.

La luna sul Colosseo (“Moon on the Colosseum”)

Until the start of January, 2020, this recurring event will allow visitors to enter the Colosseum at night. The calendar includes visits from 8PM to midnight until the month of October, and from 6PM to 10PM in November and December. You can read more about it here.

Vatican Museums by Night

Now in its tenth year in a row, this special event only happens on Fridays, between 7PM and 11PM (last entrance is at 9PM, though). It is scheduled to continue until October, 25. More information, including all available options, is here.

Viaggio nei Fori (“Journeys through Ancient Rome”)

Back by popular demand, this spectacular double initiative (one visit passes through the Forum of Augustus, one focuses on the Forum of Caesar) uses the knowledge of famed science journalist Piero Angela and the expertise of scientist Paco Lanciano to bring both fora back to life. Site in English at this address.

Notte dei Musei (“Museum Night”)

A one-night only event, scheduled for May 18, it will run between 8PM and 2AM (with last entrances at 1AM) and will involve all museums belonging to the city of Rome. Participating sites include:

• The Capitoline Museums
• Museo di Roma in Trastevere (Piazza Sant’Egidio)
• Museo Centrale Montemartini (on Via Ostiense)
• The Ara Pacis Museum
• Trajan’s Markets Museum
• The Villa Torlonia Museums

and many other sites.

Access will be regulated by a symbolic fee of 1 EUR, and many museums that night will offer entertainment on top of their usual offering. More info is here.