Entertainment

Rome's beauty is accessible both day and night and the same is to be said for its vast range of entertainment, including theaters, cinemas, operas, discos; the list is (almost) endless.

Theater

The theatrical season lasts from October to May and it can often continue through the summer months. Most theaters offer a range of plays and productions, but there is one special exception; the Sistina is the undisputed home of musicals. There are numerous private, experimental and avant-garde theaters often hosting young artists and offering stimulating, thought-provoking works. The Abraxa Teatro, is home to an innovative company, who seek to express themselves and their ideas by using their bodies rather than speech. If your tastes are a little more traditional, historic theaters such as Teatro Argentina, Valle and the Nazionale offer high quality performances by famous actors and theater companies. The Teatro della Cometa and the Teatro Flaiano offer light comedies.

Cinema

The cinemas in Rome have greatly improved over the past few years. Many new multiplexes have been built and other cinemas have been completely restored. The cinema scene in Rome today is characterized by a fair amount of small, independent cinemas and many large, modern multi-screen cinemas; these cinemas almost exclusively show commercial films. Some of the better known independent cinemas such as the Greenwich, the Intrastevere, and the Labirinto have united to form Circuito Cinema, a society interested in promoting innovative films, created in an attempt to confront the supremacy of the large distribution companies. Summer is definitely the most romantic time to enjoy a film. Many outdoor cinemas are set up from July to September, and show popular re-releases. The most famous outdoor cinema is Cineporto, near the Olympic Stadium. Of course, real cinema buffs will probably want to stop in at the famous Cinecittà, where many famous films have been made and where visitors can enjoy exhibitions and viewings.

Live Music

There are an increasing number of venues in Rome offering live music by international artists from all over the world. Many high-quality performances by internationally recognized musicians take place at Auditorium Parco della Musica. The Trastevere quarter is the home of the historic Big Mama blues club. If you enjoy jazz music, the municipal Casa del Jazz and Alexanderplatz jazz club in Trionfale are recommended. If you're a young music lover, check out who's playing at Circolo degli Artisti, which hosts experimental pop groups like Animal Collective and Italian rock favorites. The most successful venues and clubs are concentrated in certain areas such as the Testaccio quarter, including places like Akab and Radio Londra.

Classical Music

Classical music lovers will be pleased with Rome's varied concert season. There is chamber music at the Accademia di Santa Cecilia and the Gonfalone organizes delightful baroque music concerts. The elegantly furnished and imposing Teatro dell'Opera offers the most important operatic season of the city, and in summer, performances are held outdoors in the enchanting Terme di Caracalla, and some of their shows are held in the Teatro Nazionale. Teatro dell'Opera's symphony season also takes place at the Terme di Caracalla during the summer, while the Associazione Il Tempietto offers concerts throughout the year.

Discotheques

Discos are very popular among the glamorous Romans; the elegant, formal crowd, (politicians, actors and VIPs), often like to go to 1980s style clubs. The more "serious" clubbers frequent the Locale, which hosts live, new-wave, Roman bands. The no-holds barred Muccassassina night is at the Alpheus club. During the summer months, many discos relocate to the beaches of Fregene and Ostia, and where they go, the people follow!

Pubs & Bars

Discos aren't the only places that are popular on the weekend; pubs, beer gardens, restaurants and bars all teem with life. Many of these locali perform more than one function. For example, a cocktail bar may sell beer or allow you to surf the Internet before you hit the dance floor. Many cafes stay open late. The most popular and lively cafes are in the splendid Trastevere district in Via Veneto and Piazza Navona like the classic Caffe della Pace. Wine bars tend to be laid-back, informal and welcoming. These are great places to have a snack while sipping some excellent wine. Try the Trimani il Wine Bar. Pubs and beer gardens in Rome tend to have a British theme. They serve many different beers, and true to the good old "Brit" style, you can enjoy a game of darts with your pint! A good place to be "seen" is the Fiddler's Elbow.