Best Bars for Aperitivo in Rome

By Megan Hills

Forget your regular happy hours, here's where to enjoy aperitivo in Rome

Aperitivo in Rome is a cultural pastime, with people all over the capital spilling out of offices and into trendy bars and restaurants. With affordably priced drinks and lush buffets piled high with Roman dishes, there's no end of places that put their own distinctive spin on aperitivo from jazzing things up with an extensive cocktail list or stepping up their recipe game. If you're travelling to the city, it's worth joining in the tradition at some of the best places for aperitivo in Rome below.

Image via Freni e Frizoni

Freni e Frizoni

Converted from an old mechanic's garage, this effortlessly trendy aperitivo bar in the heart of the hip and happening Trastevere Neighbourhood. With a young eclectic crowd that spills out onto the piazza outside, it derives its name 'brakes and clutches' from its past life. Its team of mixologists make a mean cocktail and it has a large buffet serving up couscous, pizzas, bruschetta and vegetarian dishes.

Salotto42

Specialising in aperitivo, Salotto42 is a great bar within throwing distance of the Piazza di Pietra. Founded by a Swedish supermodel, the entire space is filled with Swedish design touches and its shelves are stacked with curated art magazines and indie books, making it an Instagram goldmine for those looking for their next great shot. Curl up on one of its cosy couches with a sophisticated cocktail and blend in with its stylish clientele as the bar comes to life during aperitivo hour. While it's a little strapped for room, as the night draws on people spill onto the piazza with wine glasses and bar snacks in hand.

Friday night. #photooftheday

A post shared by Simone Bottaro (@simonebottaro) on Mar 24, 2017 at 4:43pm PDT

Doppio Zeroo

This welcoming bar and restaurant has a killer aperitivo offer for those on a budget - for just €10-12 you can snag yourself an alcoholic drink and pile your plate high at their all you can eat buffet. Think couscous, pasta, grilled vegetables and even a cheeky nutella pizza for dessert. Converted from an old bakery, it's a popular choice for locals and packs up quick so it's worth making a reservation if you don't want to hang around for half an hour.

Image via Momart facebook

Momart

It's impossible not to fall in love with Momart's romantic design, from its moody dark flooring to its sprawling veranda, but particularly its aperitivo offering that starts from 6pm. People from all over Rome come here for its buffet which includes pizzas served fresh out of their wood fire ovens, pasta, salads and naturally its selection of alcoholic offerings. Popular with students from nearby universities, it generally caters to a younger crowd.

Gusto

Gusto is all things to all people: a wine bar, a restaurant, a pizzeria, a bookshop and an awesome place for aperitivo. This trendy joint with its exposed brick walls and industrial details is always filled with customers and its unlimited aperitivo buffet is particularly high in demand, serving up pizzette, arancini and more. Affordably priced, there's also a great selection of cocktails and an extensive wine list to enjoy.

Continue reading

Blog

Explore the City: Our Guide to the Best Piazzas in Rome

Take things easy with our guide to the top piazzas in Rome There's a sculpture, church and pasta place on every corner in Rome - and the same rings true for its many piazzas. Lined with restaurants and filled with fountains, there's a number scattered around the capital nearby some of the biggest tourist attractions or in quieter areas perfect for city break. Here's our guide to the top piazzas in Rome. This town 💜#balconyview #sunset #rome #travel A post shared by miia 💋 (@minttumanttu) on Jun 5, 2017 at 11:33am PDT Piazza Campo de'Fiori This atmospheric piazza thrives with energy and culture. This rectangular square is home to one of the best street markets in Rome, where you'll be able to grab everything from fresh produce to street food. In the evenings, it becomes a massive hang out area for people from all walks of life and there's a number of fantastic restaurants for ideal date nights. City of many fountains. #rome #vsco #latergram A post shared by Armi (@armi_h) on Jun 19, 2017 at 4:50pm PDT Piazza Navona An ancient Roman stadium once stood where this piazza does now. This large area retains the general shape of the arena and is filled with interesting statues and architectural marvels, including the Fountain of the Four Rivers and the Obelisk of Domition. With restaurants and benches scattered around the piazza, it's a fantastic place to chill out with a cold glass of white wine. Пьяцца дель Пополо или «Народная площадь" В центре площади стоит обелиск Фламиния – 24-х метровая каменная колонна возрастом 3400 лет, которая была вывезена из Египта как военный трофей. Вначале колонну поставили в Большом цирке. Там он простоял долгие годы, разрушился и рухнул. Архитектор Доменико Фонтана по распоряжению Папы соединил обломки, и установил восстановленный обелиск посреди Пьяцца дель Пополо. Каждый шаг в Риме - это возможность увидеть своими глазами историю, прикоснуться к прекрасному. Единственное, что меня под конец стало раздражать - это торговцы цветами, подходят предлагают цветы и говорят, что это бесплатно. Начинаешь отказываться, пытаются всунуть их тебе в руки, в платье, вообщем лишь бы цветы оказались у тебя 😤 Настырные такие, слов не понимают, так и хотелось им уже 👊🏼 А так Рим прекрасен💓 Ставьте 💗, вам несложно, мне приятно😊 #travelnotes_Mfamily A post shared by Натали • Медякова (@iamname_) on Jun 16, 2017 at 1:53am PDT Piazza del Popolo As one of the larger squares in Rome, this piazza is named after the nearby church Santa Maria del Popolo. Located within throwing distance of the Borghese Gardens which houses the Borghese Gallery, it draws on neoclassical elements while incorporating fun sculptures such as an Egyptian obelisk and a tall arched gateway into the central area. A number of fountains add natural elements to the square and it's worth dipping into the three churches ringing the piazza. #wedding #boda 1 año y 7 meses después #instagood #instapic #roma #rome #roma🇮🇹 A post shared by Fʀᴀɴᴄᴇsᴄᴏ Cʜɪᴀʀɪ (@masterfrenc) on Jun 19, 2017 at 4:47am PDT Piazza del Campidoglio This breathtaking square was designed by the Italian master himself - Michelangelo. Trace the charcoal and cream oval pattern on the ground and pose alongside the intimidating bronze statue of Marcus Aurelius, a former Roman Emperor. Once you've finished basking in the sun, head into the Capitoline Museums nearby to get your fill of ancient Roman art and architecture. Mijn buitenverblijfje. #vaticaan #vatican #vaticano #vaticancity #basilica #italy #rome #zweten A post shared by Esteban (@estetollen) on Jun 20, 2017 at 2:41am PDT Piazza San Pietro If you're keen on seeing the pope, this large Vatican City piazza is the place to be. On select dates, the pope appears in a window of St Peter's Basilica - the gigantic cathedral that dominates the square - and addresses those below with blessings. It functions as the spiritual heart of the deeply religious state and it's worth passing through on your way to the rest of the Vatican's attractions. Spanish Steps 👣 #Rome #italy #NasaEuropeSia #europalma #europetraveldiaries #beautifuldestinations A post shared by CZARLINE S. P. (@itsczzzarline) on Jun 16, 2017 at 8:00pm PDT Piazza di Spagna Channel your inner Audrey Hepburn and head to the Spanish Steps on your Roman holiday. Piazza di Spagna, the large square at the base of the famous staircase, is a charming place to cool off and grab an espresso after running round the sights. Grab a picture of Bernini's ivory fountain before heading into the English poet John Keats' former home, where he and his fellow literary celebrity Percy Shelley are celebrated.
Megan Hills
Blog

How to Celebrate New Year’s in Rome

New Year’s is a cause for celebration across the globe and most people like to enjoy themselves with copious amounts of food, drink and merriment. In Rome, it’s no different. For Capodanno and the Festa di San Silvestro on the 31st December, Romans celebrate a culmination of the past year, their achievements and milestones and they look forward to what the New Year may bring. Traditionally families and friends get together for a big feast of lentils and cotechino, a large spiced sausage, all washed down with spumante and Prosecco. Nowadays, as well as this longstanding tradition, people flock to the streets of Rome where musicians play, people dance and traditional processions take place for everyone to enjoy. At the stroke of midnight firework displays will fill the sky to mark the height of the celebrations. Piazza del Popolo holds the biggest party, where tourists and locals gather to hear the sounds of Italian rock bands and to celebrate in style. The Roman Forum up to the Coliseum hosts a free concert where many go to take in the breath-taking views of the famous landmarks lit up in the Christmas lights, not to mention to enjoy a slap up meal at one of the area’s local restaurants beforehand. St Peter’s Square and Villa Borghese are also go-to destinations for the best local traditions and alternative concerts, staged over the evening of the 31st December. If you really want to make your experience all the more memorable, make sure you’ve had enough rest before you set out to celebrate the Festa di San Silvestro, as Romans are notorious for staying up well into the early hours of New Year’s Day!
Go City Expert
Blog

Plan Your Trip to Rome

Planning a trip to Rome is no mean feat; it’s a city of great cultural and historic importance and the thought of trying to fit everything into just a few short days can seem impossible. Whether you’re a veteran tourist, or a first-timer, it’s hard to prioritise your favourite monuments and landmarks when you really want to see them all! How to do it? With the OMNIA Vatican & Rome card it’s easy. For three consecutive days, the card acts as your complete sightseeing package while on holiday. Giving you free entry to the Vatican Museums and tours, including Michelangelo’s famous Sistine Chapel, you can skip the queues and save up to four hours in the busy months. If anyone is planning on traveling to the city in the summer, not having to wait in line is a definite added bonus. When in Rome... The Coliseum, Roman Forum and Capitoline Museums are also high on people’s itineraries, as is the Villa Borghese Gallery and the National Museum of Castel Sant’angelo; so it’s just as well the card gives you free entry to two out of those five must-not-miss landmarks, as well as discounted entry to a further 30 top attractions. If you fancy something a little different and want to put your feet up and see the city through a different perspective, why not try the hop-on, hop-off bus tour. The perfect way to see the sights – and give yourself a much needed break! Included in the OMNIA Vatican & Rome Card is a free bus tour ticket, valid for three consecutive days, giving you a bit of extra flexibility to plan your itinerary just how you want it. Many tourists who visit Rome like the independence and to explore things the local way. If this sounds like you, there’s a travelcard valid for the entire duration of your three days, allowing you access to Rome’s extensive transport system; including the Metro, buses and rail service. Explore Rome the Roman way and don’t worry about having to carry any spare change to flag down taxis. Hassle-free holiday The run up to any holiday is both exciting and stressful. What the OMNIA Vatican & Rome card does is minimises the stress, but allows you time to plan and think about what you want to see and where you want to go. Free with the Card is a detailed guidebook about the city and its monuments – providing you will all the information you need to start to work out what you want to see. It’s hassle free and saves you lots of time and money and you can order online and pick it up whenever you’re in Rome from one of three central collection points. If you haven’t got a date in the diary yet, the card is valid for 12 months from purchase, so you can start planning and thinking ahead with the free guidebook. There’s really no easier option; this package is the perfect travel companion and will make your trip to Rome that bit easier, cheaper and definitely more fulfilling!
Go City Expert

Dreaming of that Rome city break?

Sign up to receive top travel tips

Thick check Icon