Rome Entertainment

Dance, Theater, and Music

Terme di Caracalla

"Majestic ruins of ancient Roman baths provide a dramatic open-air venue for summer performances of Rome's Teatro dell'Opera."—Ann Natanson, Rome-based journalist and critic. Among the world's most magnificent outdoor stages; used for concerts and outdoor performances. Viale Terme di Caracalla 52.

Teatro Nazionale

"Sister theater to the Opera Theater; smaller productions, including ballet performances by Italian prima ballerina Carla Fracci."—Ann Wise, Rome-based journalist. Rome's National Theater, managed by the Italian theater board; known for musical theater and comedies; the regional Lazio orchestra performs Thursdays. Via del Viminale 51; 39 06 481 601.

Teatro dell'Opera

"Classic opera theater—velvet seats, gilt decorations; balcony seats offer a special experience."—Ann Wise. Performances of Carmen, Don Giovanni, and other major operas; also ballets and symphonies performed by Teatro dell'Opera's own orchestra. Reasonably priced tickets start at 17 euros for the opera, 9 euros for the symphony. Piazza Beniamino Gigli 8; 39 06 481 601. www.operaroma.it

Parco della Musica Auditorium

Three theaters, designed by renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano; as famous for the performances inside as for the architecture outside; from above, the Auditorium resembles three tortoises drinking from a fountain. Plays, classical and jazz concerts, dance performances, films, contemporary art exhibits. Viale Pietro de Coubertin 15, Lazio; 39 06 8024 1350. www.musicaperroma.it

Nightlife

Freni E Frizioni

"Old-garage décor, reflected in the name, which translates to 'brakes and clutches'; topnotch caipirinhas; drinks come with great free antipasti."—Clark Bentson, Rome-based TV news producer. Hot, hot, hot venue for carousing with young Romans; sparsely decorated, perpetually crowded bar/club with huge outdoor patio; free nightly buffet-style appetizers, salads, pastas. Via del Politeama 4-6; 39 06 5833 4210.

Societe Lutece

"Very hip and always packed; wide variety of small plates."—Clark Bentson. Lively, off-the-beaten-track bar that locals claim as their own; simple wooden tables and red-velvet banquettes teem with beautiful people quaffing mojitos; by midnight, patrons spill out into Piazza Montevecchio. Piazza Montevecchio 17; 39 06 6830 1472.

Piazza delle Coppelle

"One of my favorite piazzas in Rome, a popular hangout in summer."—Ann Wise. Trendy little piazza lined with bars; short walk from Piazza Navona. Late at night, outdoor tables fill with twenty-and thirtysomethings who come to party till sunrise.

Enoteca Ferrazza

In the San Lorenzo neighborhood, by Italy's largest university; intimate enoteca (wine bar) with encyclopedic wine list and soft lighting; popular with the polished set. Via de' Volsci 59; 39 06 490 506.

Supper Club

"Unusual club for Rome: You eat lying down, either in beds or on cushions; a little over the top, but a fun experience."—Clark Bentson, Rome. One of Rome's trendiest nightclubs (branch of a chain born in Amsterdam), steps from the Pantheon; part bar, part restaurant, part disco in a modern venue with playful décor. Via de'Nari 14; 39 06 6880 7207. www.supperclub.com

Crudo

Spacious, edgy bar/lounge/restaurant that feels like the inside of a spaceship. As its name suggests, most food served is raw—sushi, crudités, carpaccio. Whimsical lighting; videos play on the walls. Open for dinner, but really gets hopping around midnight. Via degli Specchi 6; 39 06 683 8989.

Festivals

Easter (Pasqua)

Rome blooms with flowers and festivities for this major Catholic holiday; places to visit include the flower-trimmed Spanish Steps and, of course, St. Peter's Basilica.

Estate Romana

June-September. Rome's celebration of summer, or "estate" (eh-STAH-teh); multiple events, including classical concerts, theater performances, special archaeological tours, outdoor movie screenings. www.estateromana.comune.roma.it

Festa del Cinema di Roma

Mid-October. Festival of cinema in Rome; screenings of films from up-and-coming global filmmakers at different venues throughout the city. www.romacinemafest.org