The 10 best clubs in Rome

This ex-movie theatre-turned-club in Trastevere is one of Rome’s most popular venues. Come by on Thursdays to listen to live music jam sessions, and don’t miss out on Friday tribute nights, led by the resident band. On Saturdays, strut your stuff on the dance floor while Italian and international artists play R&B, soul, funk and jazz. Alcazar also has a restaurant, so fill up on creative Italian dishes before the dancing begins. 

Located on a side street off the famous Via Veneto, Jackie O’ is an absolute classic. It’s one of those clubs that used to be around when your parents went dancing, and it’ll be around when your kids will go dancing, too. This exclusive pianobar attracts an elegant crowd of all ages — mainly locals — and the music is pure Italian classics. Inspired by Jackie Kennedy’s timeless style, it is an upscale place with thoughtful details like candlesticks, red leather furniture and stamped ice cubes in your cocktails.

Located inside a redeveloped wool mill in Rome's Pietralata neighborhood, Lanificio is a vast, industrial space spanning 3,500 sq m, with a hell of a lot going on. First opened in 2007, it includes shabby-chic restaurant, vintage furniture showroom, rooftop bar and Lanificio 159, a nightclub and concert venue. Lanificio 159 hosts themed nights like Shaky Shaky (Reggaeton, Hip Hop and R&B) and Club Tropicana (New Wave, Electropop and Italo Disco), along with concerts by Italian and international artists. Digitalism, Mount Kimbie and 2manydjs have all played here.

A green oasis just footsteps from the hip Monti area, the Sanctuary Eco Retreat is inspired by the tropical lifestyle of Mexico and Thailand. Open Thursday-Saturday from 6pm to 4am and Sundays for brunch, it's a hip hangout that will make you feel far away from the traffic and noise of Italy's buzzing capital. Come by for Asian-inspired dishes, rituals like tarot reading and fire shows, and of course, live music. You can enjoy vinyl sets in the garden area, electronic music in the Club room and good vibes from aperitivo time until late into the night.

A Roman mainstay first opened in 1965, Piper Club is an intimate discoteca and concert venue located across from the upscale Coppedè neighborhood, not far from Villa Borghese. Historically popular with VIPs, it’s a small space and perpetually crowded so show up early to avoid a long queue. The club specialises in house, techno and indie music from the 70s to 90s. Just bare in mind that smoking is allowed inside, if you hate ciggies. 

This restaurant and club in the north of the city is the it-place for a night out with the locals. With an indoor and outdoor space surrounded by a vast candlelit garden, Profumo Spazio Sensoriale is the perfect venue year-round. Sing your lungs out to ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s Italian and international songs, followed by contemporary DJ sets. In the summertime, the party moves outside, and there’s no going home until the wee hours.

This gigantic palazzo in the EUR district boasting stunning terraces and a huge dance floor serves as a conference centre during the day and turns into a nightclub on special occasions. It’s the go-to place for international DJs playing minimal techno and house music. Paul Kalkbrenner, Loco Dice and Chris Liebing are just some of the artists that have performed here. Spazio’s sound system is top-notch, and don’t get us started on the brilliant light shows.

A queer nightclub in east Rome, Qube is set upon three floors with a number of themed rooms. Every night is a party here with live performances, disco music, drag shows and non-stop dancing. The crowd goes all out so come dressed to impress and express yourself. Since the 90s, every Friday is ‘Muccassassina’ night dedicated to celebrating queer culture. Special guests over the years have included Amanda Lepore, David Lachapelle and Alexander McQueen.

From London and Los Angeles to Dubai and Istanbul, Toy Room is an internationally renowned club that has taken the Eternal City by storm. The eclectic and modern design (pink neon lights!) is animated by resident DJ James Da Cruz, who plays the moment’s hits on a 360-degree console next to Frank, the iconic teddy bear mascot that everyone loves to dance with. If you get hungry, revel in the on-premise popcorn maker.