5 Fascinating Reasons Why Rome Is A Perfect Location For A Nighttime Walking Tour
Self guide walking tours are the ideal way to see the sights of many cities for first time visitors. They provide a quick overview of the interesting sights and provide a reference of the city’s layout, setting the stage for further exploration on one’s own. But some cities offer another layer of interest. That of walking the city in the evening after the sun goes down.
Eternal Rome is a perfect example:
Here are some reasons why you should try a self tour after dark…
- Beautiful Lighting. The architecture comes alive with beautiful lighting effects, gas street lamps and other visual effects that add visual interest to both classical style and modern style architecture.
- Street life comes alive. People who are normally work during the day come at night to dine, meet friends or just to stroll the areas. This enlivenment by the locals creates a magical atmosphere of action and interest, not to mention “people watching.”
- Romance is in the air. Walking tours such as SelfTour’s Rome Eternal GPS guided app leads you to some of Rome’s most romantic nighttime locations such as the views from atop the Spanish Steps and Piazza Navona with it’s three gorgeous fountains all aglow.
Three coins in the fountain. An evening in Rome must include a visit to the famous Trevi Fountain. This aqueduct-fed Rococo fountain, designed by Nicola Salvi and completed in 1762 is considered the most beautifully lighted fountain in Rome. It is also the number one evening location for those in love. As explained in the Rome Eternal SelfTour, this fountain has the tradition of using your right hand to throw three coins over your left shoulder into the fountain for new or continued good luck in love. The tradition began with a scene in the 1954 Academy Award winning movie Three Coins in the Fountain and re-enforced by its hit theme song with the same title.
Fine restaurants, cafes and fun. As with many European cities the evenings in Rome come alive until late in the night. The fine restaurants open and present their finest traditional cuisine. Cafes and bars fill with a mix of young and old friends and family all sharing the stories of the day, sipping wine and having fun. In many the cafes music begins and in the piazzas colorful street performers entertain in a dazzling variety of ways.
Also be warned about exploring cities at night, where dangers can lurk in the shadows. Always, in any strange city, stay where the crowds are and where it is well lighted. Dark streets and back alleys are a no-no!
Learn more about our Rome Eternal Walking Tour
