The city of Rome is built on a landscape of 7 famous hills. This hilly landscape has created plenty of spots for mesmerizing panoramic views featuring roofscapes, piazzas, and world famous monuments. And quite frankly, nothing says springtime or summer in Rome than a delicious lunch, dinner, or aperitivo overlooking the city.
We’ve made a list of the 5 best terraces in Rome, that not only deliver some of the city’s most breathtaking views but also places that are perfect for any special moment that might just require the perfect spot 😉
View of Rome from the Piazzale Garibaldi on Gianicolo Hill (Credit: Wikimedia)
1. Eitch Borromini
Via di Santa Maria dell’Anima, 30 | Website
If it’s 360 degree views you’re after, then the rooftop bar at Eitch Borromini is the place to go. You’ll need to make a reservation ahead of time (and make sure you clarify “rooftop” vs. “terrace” as the terrace refers to the indoor restaurant a floor below). But once you leave the elevator and walk up the last flight of stairs, you’ll enter into what seems like a secret world where you can witness Rome with a bird’s eye view. Hugging one of the massive domes of the Church Sant’Agnese in Agone, the rooftop overlooks Piazza Navona but the views stretch as far as the Olympic park in northern Rome and EUR in the south.
Naturally cocktails and food are pricy considering the view and limited occupancy, but stick to a bottle of wine with a group of family or friends and the split price isn’t too bad.
2. Rooftop at the Pantheon Iconic Rome Hotel
Via di S. Chiara, 4/A | Website
A hidden gem among the narrow streets that surround the Pantheon, the new Pantheon Iconic Rome Hotel opened its doors in 2017 and set a new standard for boutique hotels in the neighborhood. The rooftop terrace is long and mostly faces away from the Pantheon, but head to the far end for a lovely view of Piazza Sant’Eustacchio and an uninhibited view of the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome.
3. Up Bar at La Rinascente
Via del Tritone, 61 | Website
La Rinascente is one of Italy’s few department stores, and the one on Via del Tritone which opened in 2017 after a massive renovation, is one of its flagships. Peruse each of its nine floors (including the basement where an ancient aqueduct and exhibit are on display) and then head to the top floor and rooftop terrace. Grab a coffee in the morning or a spritz in the afternoon and enjoy the sun-kissed rooftops of Rome.
4. Sofitel, La Terasse
Via Lombardia, 47 | Website
The perfect place for an afternoon cocktail, spritz, or prosecco, the rooftop bar and restaurant at the Sofitel, La Terrasse Cuisine & Lounge. Right off the famous street of La Dolce Vita, Via Veneto, the Sofitel offers fabulous views of the historic center as well as Villa Borghese from the open air terrace and the glassed-in area.
5. Hotel de la Minerve
Piazza della Minerva, 69 | Website
Much like the Pantheon Iconic Rome Hotel, you can have dinner or even Sunday Brunch with one of the best views of the famous dome of the Pantheon from the Minerva Roof Garden at the Grand Hotel de la Minerve. The Pantheon is so close you can practically reach out your hand and touch it!
6. Gianicolo
Piazzale Garibaldi
If you can make it to the top of the Gianicolo Hill by foot (or by taxi) you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the city, particularly lovely at dusk but beautiful at any time of day. If you arrive at noon, you can witness a single shot of a canon to mark the exact time, a tradition that dates back to the 19th century. If you’re travelling with kids, there is also a historic marionette theatre that has entertained children for decades.
Sunset at the Giardino degli Aranci (Credit: Flickr/Francois Terrier)
7. Giardino degli Aranci
Piazza Pietro d’Illiria
Known for it’s lovely public gardens and sweet smelling citrus trees (which gives it its name), the Giardino degli Aranci is also a popular spot for newlyweds and romantics looking to capture a kiss with a stunning view of St. Peter’s and Rome’s roofscape as the backdrop.
8. Hotel Hassler
Piazza Trinità dei Monti 6 | Website
For a true 5-star experience, the views from the Hotel Hassler terraces are hard to beat. One of the most famous photographs of Audrey Hepburn in Rome is one of her reading a telegram announcing her best actress award for The Nun’s Story in 1960, sitting in one of the Hassler’s posh terraces overlooking the city of Rome from the top of the Spanish Steps. If you’re feeling go-big-or-go-home, the hotel’s Michelin starred restaurant Imàgo on the 6th floor will not only win you over with an exceptional meal but the view will stay in your heart forever.
Read about our other favorite fine dining experiences in Rome in this post.
9. Villa Medici
Viale della Trinità dei Monti, 1 | Website
Now owned by the country of France and hosts the French Academy, Villa Medici prominently sits atop the Pincio Hill just adjacent the Spanish Steps. Take a tour of Villa Medici and then spend some time admiring the city view from it’s expansive terraced garden. The best time to go is in the late afternoon so you can catch the sunset from the privileged position.
10. Rooftop at the First Roma Arte Hotel
Via del Vantaggio, 14 | Website
The boutique hotel is just a stone’s throw from Piazza del Popolo and located in the heart of the Tridente area, an area between Piazza del Popolo and Piazza Venezia that’s split by three main streets: Via Babuino, Via del Corso, and Via di Ripetta. Take the elevator to the roof for stunning views of the historic center while you sip on a sprits or a craft cocktail and enjoy some delicious local seafood (one of the city’s only Michelin-starred seafood restaurants is located on the ground floor).
Looking for a room with a view?
Terrace overlooking the Spanish Steps | Piazza di Spagna II Apartment by ROMAC
ROMAC offers vacation apartments in all corners of the city with great terraces designed for outdoor enjoyment.
From the beautiful terrace of your vacation rental at Piazza di Spagna overlook the beautiful Trinità dei Monti while you dine al fresco on the terrace of this 3 bedroom, 2 bath vacation rental in the heart of Rome.
For a romantic getaway for two, stay in this charming 1 bedroom vacation apartment near the Colosseum located on the 7th floor, with sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding rooftops.
Enjoy the best San Saba vacation in this 5 bedroom, 3 bath apartment conveniently located near the Piramide train station, with several private terraces overlooking this historic neighborhood in Rome.
Traveling in a large group? Stay in the heart of Campo Marzio in a house with 6 bedrooms and 5 baths and a dreamy, private roof terrace – perfect for that afternoon aperitivo or evening dinner with family and friends.
Looking for a vacation apartment near Piazza Navona? The Coronari apartment by ROMAC has 3 bedrooms and 3 baths, with unique private access to the interior courtyard garden, that’s so quiet and tranquil, you’d never guess you were just steps away from Piazza Navona!
Find all the best deals by checking out our special offers. Book direct and save!
What’s your favorite view of Rome? Let us know in the comments below!
