Best Live Music in Rome

If you find yourself wandering the streets of Trastevere, one of the most romantic neighborhoods of Rome and you're looking for a place to go out a night, check out Big Mama. It's a cool little club that's been around in Rome since the 80s where locals have been going to rock out or jam to the tunes of some pretty darn good bands play. While the locale specializes in blues music, from time to time you might find some groups playing rock, jazz and swing music here too. If you didn't get a chance to eat before heading over here, never fret. Big Mama also has a small dinner menu with some items to choose from. BUS: H. TRAM: 8

For more than 30 years, Piper has been a magnet for the young, 'Roma per bene' crowd. This place is particularly happening on Friday nights. Piper was a real big hit in the 60s and 70s when it first opened and attracted all sorts of big Italian music artists to play during its heyday. Since then, the decor has been updated and the music has changed slightly. Though they tend to still play general disco, Piper also features a bit of house and Top 40. The club also organizes fun gay nights and afternoon discos for teenagers. They've also recently started playing live music concerts and hosting battle of the bands type competitions. BUS: 86

Who takes you to dance in the shadow of the Colosseum? Rome Tram Tracks that's who! You will no doubt see all the sights and main attractions in Rome but never have you seen them on board a vintage tram with live music, wine and aperitivo snacks. The energy on board is electric and as Domenico and his band belt out tracks by the Rolling Stones, Elvis and Italian artists like Antonello Venditti and Lucio Battisti, you just can't help but be on your feet and dancing. The ride runs for about an hour and 45 minutes and is one of the most unique ways to spend a night in Rome. The total price is �40 and includes all food, beverage and entertainment. Shows are currently running twice a month (generally Monday evenings). Visit website for details. BUS TRAM: Porta Maggiore.

Alexanderplatz is perhaps one of Rome's most famous places to go to, to listen to some really good music live. The club which is located underground in a basement-like locale is the most popular place to go to for jazz and blues music livers. Since it opened nearly 28 years, ago it has been attracting big venue Italian and American artists. The club hold nightly performances and there's also a restaurant if you wish to order some food. The club has a nice collection of photos and other memorabilia hanging on the walls from artists who have performed here in the past. BUS: 492, 495 METRO: Cipro, Ottaviano.

The Place is the perfect spot to go to if you're looking to listen to some good ole' fashioned live music. Locals who appreciate good music are faithful customers here. Just about every night of the week, one can come here and listen to live bands performing a wide range of music from country, folk, jazz, blues and good ole' fashioned rock'n'roll. The music tends to be cover band music and only on occasion do bands play original music. The Place caters to a slightly older crowd between the ages 30s-50s. On the weekends, this place gets packed, therefore, if you want to guarantee yourself a seat, you must absolutely reserve! BUS: 492, 40.

Fonclea offers a variety of great live music every night: jazz, country, rhythm and blues, swing and cover band rock music. The pub is located in the cellar of a Roman building which attracts all walks of life. For those who wish to munch on something while listening to the music, Fonclea also serves some pretty decent pub food like hamburgers, fries, sandwiches and crepes. The pub is open daily from 7pm to 2am. Concerts typically start around 9:30pm. The pub is closed in July and August when it moves to its outdoor summer location along the banks of the Tiber River. BUS: 492, 40.

Scholar's lounge may not be the oldest one on the block, but it's certainly one of the most popular especially with Americans in Rome. Indeed, Scholar's Irish Lounge is pretty much a newbee on the pub scene in the Eternal City as it was only founded in 2005. Yet the owners who are 100% Irish knew exactly what draws in a cool crowd: pub quizzes, live cover-band rock and Irish music, and a wide-range of American and British sports games featured nightly on their TV screens. The food at Scholar's is also pretty decent for those who wish to munch on some snacks or sit down for a proper meal to go with your pints of beer. Aside from Italian pizza and pasta, they also serve a typical Irish breakfast, Tex-Mex Nachos, Baked potatoes, chicken nuggets and wings. Talk about comfort food!

The Nag's Head is a popular Scottish pub located around the corner from Piazza Venezia. On any given night, you can find this pub packed with English-speaking tourists and locals. As soon as you walk into the pub, you are greeted by kitschy knights in armor and swords. Though, once inside the pub, the atmosphere is that of your typical neighborhood pub. For those that are hungry, Nag's Head serves great salads, burgers, pizza and believe it or not, tiramis?. Stick around for dinner and show your best moves on the dance floor here or sit back and relax while listening to bands playing live music. Tram: 8, METRO: Vittorio Emanuele.

Fairy Tales is a historic Irish pub located in the heart of Prati, a neighborhood that borders Vatican City. This Irish Pub isn't very known to tourists, rather it's frequented mainly by locals. The pub is a fun place to hang out with a group of friends. If you're lucky, they'll seat you in booths that look like big beer barrels. If you get hungry, you can try one of their pizzas, crepes, sandwiches or burger with fries. Fairy Tales is also a cool place to come for those looking to listen to a little live music. Most nights, they feature cover band music. However, at least one night a week, you can come to listen to some traditional Irish music. METRO: Cipro, Ottaviano

For some of the best live music around town, you will never be disappointed at Circolo degli Artisti. The centro sociale (underground bar) is situated between San Lorenzo and another hip, bohemian part of town called Pigneto, an area that is up and coming with great places to eat and a few cool cocktail bars. Plenty of big name indie rock bands (both Italian and international) have played here such as Pete Doherty, Billy Corgan, Sonic Youth and others. The club is rather big and has various rooms full of activities such as movie screenings, makeshift picnics and art galleries.