Lots of spooky fun in the capital

The ghoulish festival of Halloween, still a slightly foreign concept in Rome, is becoming increasingly popular with younger Italians.

If you are looking for the perfect Halloween costume, masks, make-up and accessories head to Studio 13 on Piazza Cavour, but don't leave it until the last minute as you will have to queue down the street just to get in.

There are always fancy dress parties on the night of 31 October at many of the city’s expat pubs such as the Abbey Theatre on Via del Governo Vecchio 51, Fiddler's Elbow on Via dell'Olmata 43, and Scholars Lounge on Via del Plebiscito 101/b.

Finnegan’s on Via Leonina 66 is holding its annual kids' Halloween party from 18.00, followed by a fancy dress party for the adults later on.

Also worth checking out is the special Hallowe'en show by Rome's Comedy Club at Skené Risto-Teatro in the Piramide area. The popular show features a selection of regulars and newcomers who encourage the audience to dress up. Doors open at 20.30 but it is advisable to book in advance. There is also a fun Halloween special called La notte dei conigli viventi at Teatro Olimpico in Piazza Gentile da Fabriano.

Clubs such as Atlantico, Micca, Circolo degli Artisti, Room 26 and La Cabala are all holding Halloween events. American-style diners such as the Hard Rock Cafe on Via Veneto 62 and the Perfect Bun are also getting in on the spooky atmosphere.

If you are looking for something for the kids, Zoohalloween returns this year with ghoulish games, challenges and workshops during Halloween weekend. Those aged nine to 12 can sign up for Museo da paura (Museum of fear) and embark on a torchlight adventure around the darker areas of the Museum of Zoology.

As an ancient city, Rome also has some authentically scary sites to check out, such as a bone-chilling visit to Via Veneto's Capuchin crypt, constructed from the bones of 4,000 monks.