If Rome is known for two things, it’s the city’s historic landmarks and world-class dining and drinking culture. The two actually go hand in hand. In a city as attraction-dense as Rome, sightseeing is both exhilarating and exhausting, and there’s no better way to end the day than drink in hand — negroni, prosecco, Campari soda, Frascati wine, you name it. Luckily for sightseers, there are quite a few fun bars within walking distance of the Colosseum. Many are just a few minutes away. Here are seven bars near the Colosseum that make for the perfect places to end your tour.
Photo: RossHelen/Shutterstock
Where to Drink Wine, Aperitivi, and Cocktails by the Colosseum in Rome
The Race Club
About a half-mile from the Colosseum, The Race Club is a speakeasy-style cocktail bar and member’s club hidden on one of the most trafficked streets in Rome. Push past the nondescript exterior and you’ll find an intimate, cave-like space where you can drink classic, modern, and signature cocktails on plush, stylishly mismatched furniture. You’ll need a digital membership “license” to drink at The Race Club, which only costs five euros and can be granted on the spot. Not your average speakeasy, the bar is committed to doing good work, not only by crafting excellent drinks but also by donating a portion of profits to charitable organizations.
Where: Via Labicana, 52, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Divin Ostilia
A small but mighty wine bar that also serves excellent food, Divin Ostilia is the perfect place to wrap a visit to the Colosseum. In addition to pouring a wide variety of Italian wines at a very reasonable price point, the bar also whips up classic Roman fare such as bruschetta and cacio e pepe. There’s no better word to describe Divin Ostilia than cozy, from the intimate interior and the quaint outdoor seating to the inviting ambiance and the hospitable staff who’re always game to recommend a glass of vino or an antipasti pairing.
Where: Via Ostilia, 4, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
The Court
This refined cocktail bar belongs to the Palazzo Manfredi hotel located a stone’s throw from the Colosseum, overlooking the ruins of the Ludus Magnus where gladiators once trained. The bar is managed by Matteo Zed, an amaro expert and renowned Italian bartender who brings a cosmopolitan flair to The Court. But it’s not just the bar’s decor and drinks menu that are stylish and sophisticated — guests are also expected to dress smart casual.
Where: Via Labicana, 125, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Blackmarket Hall
Blackmarket Hall is something of a choose-your-own-adventure bar about 15 minutes from the Colosseum on foot. Spread across two floors, it has four different indoor spaces and two gardens where you can either sip cocktails made by a master mixologist or enjoy a full meal. Free drinks are served with aperitivo bites until 8 PM, and the kitchen stays open until midnight. The unifying theme is the Roaring Twenties-esque decor. Live music is often part of the experience, as well, with a range of visiting musicians, from swing bands to indie rock groups.
Where: Via de’ Ciancaleoni, 31, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
La Terrazza Bar
A few minutes from the Colosseum, and even closer to the medieval Santi Quattro Coronati Basilica, La Terrazza is the rooftop terrace bar of the Hotel Capo d’Africa. It actually consists of two terraces, which together are effortlessly romantic with their candlelight, comfortable outdoor furniture, and lush landscaping. Come at sunset for a particularly memorable cocktail hour.
Where: Via Capo d’Africa, 54, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Shamrock
When in Rome, do as the Irish do? If you’ve had your fill of fine wine and Aperol spritzes, and all you want to do after a long day of sightseeing at landmarks like the Colosseum and Roman Forum is kick back with a cold one, this good old-fashioned pub is for you. It has everything you expect of an Irish pub — beer and whiskey, bar bites, 10-plus TVs playing live sports, and a crew of friendly and familiar staff who treat all come come like regulars.
Where: Via del Colosseo, 1c, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Drop
Drop is a popular bar in the Monti neighborhood of central Rome, about 10 minutes from the Colosseum near Blackmarket Hall. Exciting and eccentric, it’s known for more than just serving drinks — events ranging from live shows and DJ sets to mixology masterclasses and photography workshops are regular occurrences. Even if you just stop by for a quick drink and some charcuterie, you’re bound to walk away with a few good stories at Drop.
Where: Via Cavour, 183, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Where to stay near the Colosseum
If you want to see Rome’s top sights but not feel like a total tourist, you’re probably going to want to find an Airbnb near the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, or other major sites in the city center. If you do, you’re also guaranteed to be well-located near countless cafes, restaurants, gelaterias, and bars. However, if you’re specifically looking for watering holes near the top attractions in Rome, you might as well stay in a hotel where there’s a bar built in. Consider these lovely Roman hotels with excellent bars near the Colosseum.
We hope you love these hotels with nice bars near the Colosseum! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Palazzo Manfredi
Photo: Hotels.com
The 17th-century building that houses Palazzo Manfredi is not only supremely well-located but also quite grand, a perfect fit for what’s now a luxury hotel. The intimate hotel has just 21 rooms and suites — book a Grand View Suite to get front-row seats to the Colosseum.
Where: Via Labicana, 125, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Price per night: From $360
Hotel Capo d’Africa
Photo: Hotels.com
Hotel Capo d’Africa is a modern, comfortable bar in the heart of Rome, a stone’s throw from the Colosseum. It’s equipped with all the amenities you might need during your stay — a restaurant, gym, meeting rooms, etc. — but La Terrazza Bar is a for sure highlight of the property. 
Where: Via Labicana, 125, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Price per night: From $360