These are some of the best rooftops in Rome. They’re perfect for anyone looking to experience Aperitivo or watch the sunset at one of the best bars in Rome with a view.
Best Rooftops in Rome + FREE Scenic lookouts
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You’ve spent all day enjoying museums and monuments, throwing coins into fountains, and eating gelato. Now, you’re ready to sit down, relax, and have a glass of wine. What better place to do this than one of the popular rooftop bars Rome has to offer!
Visiting a rooftop bar can give you an entirely new perspective on a city. It’s something you won’t typically see if you’re sightseeing Rome. You’ll peer over miles of rooftops and escape the crowds. Rooftop views can also enhance the scale of a place — see the vast expanse of Rome and the flow of the city.
Aperitivo
When in Rome, you must do as the Romans do! One of the best Italian customs to enjoy is the pre-dinner happy hour also known as the aperitivo. The aperitivo is a drink and small snack that is traditionally enjoyed before dinner. Especially, if you are planning to have dinner at one of the best rooftop restaurants Rome has to offer.
This is meant to stimulate your appetite and prepare you for the meal ahead. Italians enjoy their aperitivo between 7 and 9 PM. Yes, that means a late dinner! Typical aperitivo drinks include the Negroni, the Spritz, the Americano. Yes, of course, and wine!
The accompanied snacks could be anything, but you’ll see a lot of chips, nuts, and popcorn. The aperitivo started as a northern Italian tradition, but you can now experience this cultural trend in other popular cities like Milan, Rome, Florence, and Naples.
Best Rooftops in Rome
Here are included some of the best rooftop bars in Rome Italy on this guide. Many of them are part of private hotels, and some of them offer restaurants. So, many of the best rooftop bars Rome has to offer aren’t cheap.
For travelers seeking out cheap rooftop bars, Rome has several free and cheap scenic lookouts to take advantage of. Create a DIY date night in Rome and bring a bottle of wine to one of these amazing spots.
Hotel Raphael
This 5-star hotel is located in the heart of Rome a few steps away from the Piazza Novona. It offers one of the best rooftop restaurants in Rome! It’s definitely not one of the cheap rooftop bars. Rome doesn’t have many of those!
Of all the Rome hotels with rooftop bars, Hotel Raphael really stands out. The façade of the hotel is breathtaking—completely covered in flowers and vines. The building behind the glorious facade has its own unique history to share.
Originally established in the 1960s, this stunning hotel is a treasure trove of art and artifacts. As you walk through the lobby to reach the elevator, you’ll discover ceramics, paintings, and sculptures. Its unique artistry is what makes Hotel Raphael one of the best hotels in Rome with rooftop terrace amenities.
The terrace restaurant at the Hotel Raphael provides first-class service, expansive views, and impressive cuisine. It’s one of the best hotels in Rome with rooftop bars,
Minerva Roof Garden
This rooftop garden is located at another 5-star hotel –the Grand Hotel de la Minerve. It’s the best rooftop restaurant –Rome’s best neighborhood is where you’ll find it. Steps away from the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and Navona Square.
Grand Hotel de la Minerve is an impressive luxury accommodation in the city center. It was built in an artfully remastered 17th Century mansion. This mansion stayed in the hands of a noble family for over 200 years until it was sold.
In the 19th Century, it was first developed into a hotel. Over the years, many noble people, intellectuals, and aristocrats have stayed at the Grand Hotel de la Minerve. It’s one of the most famous hotels, and one of the top hotels in Rome with rooftop terrace amenities.
Minerva Roof Garden is one of the coolest bars in Rome because it offers 360-degree unobstructed views of Rome. Unlike many other rooftop bars in Rome, the Minerva Roof Garden is quite spacious. There’s room to breathe.
From the Minerva Roof Garden, guests can catch views of the Pantheon’s impressive dome. This is one of the best bars in Rome for enjoying the sunset. Oftentimes, you’ll be able to enjoy live music from local performers. It’s an utterly romantic Rome rooftop bar.
Hotel Forum
The Hotel Forum offers one of the best hotel views in Rome. You can enjoy them from the Roof Garden Restaurant. Also, you can enjoy some views of Rome at the Hotel Forum’s other outdoor venue: the American Bar.
Hotel Forum is a 4-star vintage hotel with an air of charm and sophistication. The hotel is situated in a historic 18th Century building. It’s maintained some of its original design elements including wood paneling, antique tile flooring, and Persian rugs.
Besides being beautiful and historic, this is one of the hotels with a view in Rome unlike any other! From the American Bar, guests cozy up next to the bell tower of a nearby church. How romantic is that for a Rome view?
The Roof Garden Restaurant is one of the best rooftop restaurants in Rome Italy. The unique feature of this rooftop is that it has a covered patio. So, you can enjoy some of the best views over Rome rain or shine!
Ristorante Angelina a Testaccio
By, Ucman from BrownBoyTravels
Located in the Testaccio neighborhood close to the curl of River Tiber, this restaurant offers a view of Rome unlike any other! It’s a relaxed place for a great meal no matter what the occasion. Also, it offers some of the best aperitivo in Rome.
Ristorante Angelina offers some of the best dining in Rome with some of the best views of Rome. It has a beautiful interior with luxury touches.
Ristorante Angelina is a busy place and despite being quite spacious. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for the rooftop. That’s because it’s one of the places to catch the best sunset view in Rome.
The rooftop is the most amazing part of the restaurant and it is divided into smaller sections by plants to provide a cozy, intimate, ambiance Enjoy an Aperol Spritz on a summer evening. Follow this with absolutely delicious food. It’s the ultimate luxury and a truly Roman experience.
The food is as good as you’d expect considering it’s arguably the best viewpoint in Rome. Besides small modern touches, you should expect proper Roman food: flavorful, delicately balanced, and just the right amount to satisfy all your senses.
The menu is carefully selected and the service is immaculate (or as good as it can be in Rome Italy).
Castel Sant’ Angelo
By, Violeta from Violeta Matei Blog
Even if you’re in Rome for a short stay, you’ll want to spend a few hours in Castel Sant’ Angelo, the impressive mausoleum where Pope Clement VI found refuge during times of trouble. Originally built to be the tomb of Emperor Hadrian, Castel Sant’ Angelo has also served as a military fortress and papal prison. It’s worth checking out if you’re visiting Rome for the first time.
Built on the right bank of the Tiber river, the castle is connected to the Vatican through a secret passageway that leads to the church of Illumination. If you have read Angels and Demons by Dan Brown, you know what I’m talking about. It’s a legendary spot in the city of Rome Italy.
There’s a café-restaurant inside the castle. The top terrace offers some of the best views in Rome! These panoramas change with every floor you climb. The lower floors will offer you some great aerial views of Rome Italy’s Tiber River and the Sant’ Angelo bridge.
You’ll find the best views Rome has to offer on the top terrace of the tower. You’ll have the opportunity to take photos of St. Peter’s Basilica and of the Tiber River with its stone bridges and green banks. Make sure you get to the top of Castel Sant’ Angelo by late afternoon, if possible, to enjoy the lovely light of the golden hour.
Terrazza delle Quadrighe
By Martina & Jürgen from Places of Juma
One of the most beautiful attractions and the best views in Rome can be found at Il Vittoriano – the roof terrace Terrazza delle Quadrighe at Piazza Venezia. This snow-white monument is nicknamed “the typewriter” and one of the most famous buildings in the historical center.
Many don’t realize it’s also one of the best rooftops in Rome! Once the Monument II Vittoriano was built for King Vittorio Emanuele II, but today it can be visited by tourists.
The highlight here is the amazing view from the approximately 65-meter-high viewing terrace. From up here, you will enjoy a Rome view unlike any other– spectacular 360° views of the city’s most beautiful sights, buildings, and monuments. The ride up is already cool with the glass elevator, which is a little hidden at the edge of the building.
The entrance to this viewing platform including the ride with the elevator is subject to a fee. Nevertheless, you should not miss one of the best views of Rome.
After, the Caffetteria Italia invites you to take a break here, where you can enjoy a wonderful view over the rooftops of Rome with an espresso – one of the best drinks in Rome.
Best Free Scenic Lookouts in Rome
If you don’t care as much about visiting the best rooftops Rome has to offer, consider a cheaper scenic viewpoint. Some of these parks and gardens offer romantic and charming views that are completely free. It’s a great alternative to some of the best nightlife in Rome.
Orange Garden
Bilyana, Owl Over The World
Giardino Degli Aranci (Parco Savello) aka the Orange Garden is a city park in Rome. The beautiful park covers about 7, 800 square meters and is one of the city’s most beloved green areas. It’s one of the best gardens in Rome.
Visiting the Orange Garden has become one of the top things to do in Rome. That’s because some of the best views of Rome at night are here!
Located on Aventin Hill, the Orange Garden Rome offers a gorgeous panoramic view over the eternal city. From there, you can see the Vatican, Piazza Venezia, and a vast part of the entire city. It definitely should not be missed!
And although you’ll probably be most interested and impressed by the panoramic view, there is more to be seen. At the garden’s entrance, there is a fountain with a long history that has been made of two separate pieces: a Roman thermal bath and a monumental mask.
When leaving from the Orange Garden, turn right and you will find one of Rome’s best-kept secrets – the Aventine Keyhole. While sometimes there might be lots of people waiting to look through it, it’s worth the wait. Have a peek at one of the best views over Rome of St. Peter’s Basilica. It’s the best terrace in Rome that’s completely free to visit!
Pincio Terrace
By Anda from Travel for a While
One of the best panoramic views of Rome is at Pincio Terrace. Pincian Hill is one of the famous seven hills where Ancient Rome developed. Important figures of Ancient Rome, like Julius Caesar, for example, had properties on this hill on the outskirts of the old city. They built villas here to enjoy the quiet life outside the city and the magnificent views as well.
These days, the Pincian Terrace is connected to the gardens of Villa Borghese. The terrace opens above the ample Piazza del Popolo, one of the largest squares in Rome. From Pincio Terrace you can find outstanding views of ancient Rome. Also, you’ll see the obelisk at the center of Piazza del Popoli.
Above all, the terrace is the perfect spot to watch one of the most incredible sunsets over Rome. Do your best to get there before sunset for some of the best views in Rome Italy!
And while we’re on the subject, you can get there walking through Villa Borghese park and following the Pincio signs. The other way is to come from Piazza del Popoli and climb the stairs to the left of the fountain to the terrace. All in all, the Pincio terrace must be on your (free) things to do in Rome list.
Aventine Hill
By Rai from A Rai of Light
Aventine Hill is one of the seven hills on which much of ancient Rome was built. The site has a long history, serving as the location of the Temple of Diana. It also played a part in the Battle of the Hills. During which, Remus chose Aventino hill and Romulus chose Palatine Hill on which to found the new city of Rome.
To this day, it remains an important part of the city comprising unique streets, churches, and some great views of the surrounding metropolis. Found close to the city center, it is easily accessible on a short walk from the Colosseum.
Alternatively, it is also possible to arrive by metro or tram, stopping at Massimo or Piramide station. Highlights of a visit include Roseto Comunale and Giardino Degli Aranci. The former is a garden known for its variety of roses while the latter is a terrace on the highest part of the hill, offering unobstructed views over the Tiber River, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the city below.
The Santa Sabina Church, a well-preserved basilica daring back to the 5th century, can also be found here. The best time to visit would be just before sunset to watch the city come alive after dark.
Altar of the Fatherland
By, Rachel from Earth’s Magical Places
One of the more underrated attractions in Rome is the stunning Altare Della Patria, which translates to ‘Altar of the Fatherland’ in English. The striking marble monument was built in honor of Victor Emmanuel II, who unified Italy and then became its first king in 1861. This is where you can catch some of the best views in Rome!
The monument can be found in Piazza Venezia, however, it’s difficult to miss since it commands the skyline from many of Rome’s other vantage points. This is largely thanks to the gleaming white of its marble, which is a stark contrast to the array of earth-colored buildings that make up the rest of the city.
Topped by a bronze sculpture of Victor Emmanuel in two chariots driven by the goddess Victoria, the altar is breathtaking to see from the ground. This said, if you climb its grand staircase, you’ll also be treated to magnificent views of Rome Italy.
Even though the views you can see for free are no doubt spectacular (and arguably some of the best in the city) you can also pay a few euros to visit the Terrazza delle Quadrighe (mentioned above). This can only be accessed via an elevator in the cafe… While this may seem a little pricey, the uninterrupted panoramic views you get of the colosseum are more than worth the few extra Euros. Catch some of the best sunset views in Rome from here!
