Rome is breathtaking by day, alive with scents, sounds and movement. At night the Eternal City is shrouded in mystery, its iconic sights confined by modern floodlights. Viewed this way does not distract from their historical significance, rather it highlights the juxtaposition of the ancient with the modern.
One of the best ways for a tourist to see these sights at night is from atop a double decker bus. The height gives you a different perspective then you would see from street level and the distance allows you to see the ruins in their entirety. I will never forget coming around the corner, catching sight of the Coliseum glowing in the dark as it was lit by dozens of floodlights from below.
As you drive through the city continue to look up at the buildings you pass. Their architecture ranges through many eras and styles, but all are adorned with statues, decorative facades and balconies overflowing with flowers and greenery.
You will want to capture all that you see but it is hard to do so from atop a moving bus. Put your cameras away and enjoy the rich smell of the night air, the hushed sounds of a big city, and the shadowy intrigue of the ruins.
If you are interested in a night tour next time you are in Rome we would recommend Big Bus Tours. This company offers bus tours in a number of large European cities and did not disappoint here. You can book your tickets in advance and print them at home, saving you time when in Rome. The tickets are good for 6 months from date of purchase.
There are two available times for the night tours. We chose the earlier one which filled up fast. Since the first bus was full they brought out a 
second one for the 8.30 tour. You want the top of the bus so be sure to show up early enough to guarantee a good seat. One couple were upset that even though they had bought tickets in advance they were not able to jump the line. Also the earlier tour offered live English commentary.
I would also caution that since many of the streets around Rome’s most popular sites are now pedestrian friendly the big buses cannot go there. We were not able to see the Trevi Fountain or Spanish Steps so be sure to have them on your agenda at another time, and the bus was not allowed to cross into Vatican City. This is not a hop-on hop-off tour as many of the Big Bus Tours are during the day, and takes about an hour round trip from Termini Station.
If you, like us, plan to return to Rome often, finding new and interesting ways to see various parts of the city can be challenging. See it at night for a completely different appreciation of the Eternal City.
More information about Big Bus Tours in Rome can be found at https://www.bigbustours.com/en/rome/night-tour-route-rome/.