One of the best ways to escape the busy city of Rome is to visit one the many parks and gardens within the city! You can finally take a rest from visiting all of the highlights of Rome and put your feet up in one of the parks. With there being so many parks and gardens in Rome there is a place for everyone whether you’re looking for a quick escape or want to spend all day visiting some of the historic sights within the gardens and parks. But with Rome being such a big city you don’t just want to walk around all day and miss out on visiting the best parks in Rome, so the big question is where are the best parks Rome? What is there to do there? How do you get there?
#1 Villa Doria Pamphili Garden | Few Tram Stops From Trastevere
Villa Doria Pamphili Park, located behind the popular neighborhood Trastevere is famous for its huge public garden spanning over 184 hectares and the 17th century Villa (Villa Doria Pamphili). This huge park in Rome is much quieter than other parks and is mostly visited by locals so you can take a book and have a quiet read in the park ground without the rush of tourists around you. The garden space consists of three areas the ‘Urban Part’ , ‘Pars Fractuaria and ‘Rustic Pars’ which hosts the beautiful Villa Doria Pamphili building, the Villa’s gardens and open space to take a walk around. In between all of the beautiful open space is an unmissable lake – make sure to look out for the turtles in and around the lake.
Location: Located a few metro stops from Trastevere, a neighborhood opposite the Tibre river.
Main Entrance points: Via di San Pancrazio, Via Aurelia Antica, Via della Nocetta, Piazzetta del Bel Respiro & Via Vitellia
Opening hours: October – February: 7AM-6PM ; March & September 7AM-8PM; April -August 7AM-9PM
Driving to Villa Doria Pamphili
- Trastevere: 10 minute drive
- Termini station: 25 minutes drive
- The Colosseum: 15 minutes drive
- The Vatican: 8 minute drive
Public transport to Villa Doria Pamphili:
- Termini station to Villa Doria Pamphili- 25 minutes by public transport:
– Metro A (Battistini) to Valle Aurelia and take bus 31 or 33 to Leone Xiii/Villa Pamphili.
– Bus H to Gianicolense/Casaletto and walk 500 meters - Colosseum to Villa Doria Pamphili- 35 minutes by public transport.
-Bus 75 (Poerio/Marino) to Carini/Bonnet and take bus 870 (Trullo) to Gianicolense/Casaletto. - Vatican to Villa Doria Pamphili- 15 minutes by public transport.
– Bus 982 from stop Cavalleggeri/S.Pietro to Leone Xiii/Villa Pamphili - Trastevere to Villa Doria Pamphili- 20 minutes by public transport.
– Bus H to Gianicolense/Casaletto and walk 500 meters.
– Tram 8 to Casaletto and walk 500 meters
Things to see in Villa Doria Pamphili Garden and Park:
- Visit Lake Belvedere
Location: 00164 Rome.
When visiting Villa Doria Pamphili park, the lake is a must! The lake is located right in the middle of the park so you cannot miss it. Overlooking the park and trees this is the perfect spot to stop for a picnic or a break mid run. - Villa Doria Pamphili
Location Via di S. Pancrazio, 00152
One of the unique aspects of this park is the 17th century Villa. Although you cannot visit the Villa itself, there are beautifully sculpted gardens full of perfect hedges and trees that you can see. - Villino Corsini Library
Location: Largo Ill Giugno 1849, 00164 Rome.
Opening Hours: June to August Tue-Sat 10AM-6PM ; Sept to May Tue-Sat 10AM- 5PM
If you haven’t brought a book with you on holiday and want to grab one for your stay in the park then this is the place for you! Although many of the books are in Italian, there is a rich collection of different papers to keep you busy. - Eat at Vivi Bistrot
Location: Via Vitellia, 102, 00152.
Opening Hours: Nov-Feb; 8AM-5PM ; Mar & April & October 8AM -6PM; May & Sept 8AM-8PM ; June – Aug 8AM-12AM.
After being in the park a couple of hours, you’re bound to get hungry and luckily the park has it’s own bistrot inside!
#2 Appian Way Regional Park| Historic Park close to the center of Rome
The 3,400 acre park surrounded by history is one that you do not want to miss out on when you’re visiting Rome. Appia Antica park, located just behind Circo Massimo, is an ancient park located on one of the oldest roads used in Rome, dating back to Napoleonic times. While the center of Rome may be characteristic with busy streets, the Roman Appia Antica is the opposite. The park is particular with a mix of quiet historic gardens, tombs and underground Catacombs scattered all over the area. You can easily spend all day wondering around this beautiful area discovering lesser-known areas.
Location: Via Appia Antica
Main entrance point: Via Appia Antica, 42; Via di Porta San Sebastiano,
Opening Hours: 9:30AM-6:30PM
Driving to Appia Antica
- Termini station: 15 minutes drive
- The Colosseum: 10 minutes drive
- The Vatican: 20 minute drive
- Trastevere: 25 minute drive
Public transport to Appia Antica
- From Termini station – 15 minutes
Take the Metro B (Laurentina) to Colosseo and then take the bus 118 from Colosseo to Appia Antica/Travicella. - The Colosseum – 10 minutes
– Take bus 118 from Colosseo to Appia Antica/Travicella. - The Vatican – 35 minutes
– Take the 64 (Termini) bus from Cavalleggeri/Fornacia to Ara Coel/Piazza Venezia and then take bus 118 to Appia Antica/Travicella - Trastevere: 25 minutes by public transport.
Take tram 8 from Trastevere to Piazza Venezia and then take bus 118 from Ara Coeli/P.za Venezia to Appia Antia/ Travicella
Things to do in Appia Antica Park
- Visit The Church Domine Quo Vadis
Location: Via Appia Antica, 51, 00179
Opening Hours: Daily 8AM–6PM (7PM in summer).
This quint little church is one that is full of history. The church, located just on the outskirts of the Appian Way, is said to be the spot where Jesus and Saint Peter met. - Take a tour of the Catacomb of San Callisto
Location: Via Appia Antica, 110/126, 00179
The catacombs of San Callisto are ones that you do not want to miss out on! If you want to discover some of the oldest secrets behind the city dating back over 2000 years then this is the tour for you. - Bike rental
As the park is so big it can be difficult to see all of the ground in one day without walking miles. But if you want to cut down the time then you can pick up a bike throughout the park and get to bike to all of the spots. - Villa of Maxentius
Location: Via Appia Antica, 153, 00179 Roma RM
Hours: Tue-Sun 10AM-4PM – Monday closed
This is one of the ancient structures that sits within the 2nd-3rd mile of the park, a must see if you want to imagine what the ancient road was once like. The complex structures are said to be dated back to the to 300AD with visible towers and walls still standing. - Visit the aqueducts
Location: Via Lemonia, 221, 00174
Now if you really want to go back in time, the Appia Antica park homes one of Rome’s oldest aqueducts. With 6 of the aqueducts still standing, you will be able to see exactly what made up the complex water system. - Eat at Hostaria Antica Roma
Location: Via Appia Antica, 176, 00178.
Hours: 12:15PM – 2:45PM ; 7:30PM-10:45PM – Closed on Monday
Now if you plan to spend the day in the park you will need to find somewhere to grab something to eat. This restaurant boasts some great views of the ancient ruins giving a perfect backdrop to your meal. - Eat at Trattoria Da Priscilla
Location: Via Appia Antica, 68, 00178 Roma RM
Hours: 12PM–3PM, 7PM–11:30PM – Closed on Sunday
Located beside the Priscilla catacombs, this restaurant focuses on traditional Roman dishes that will give you a taste of what Italian’s ate in the past.
#3 Villa Borghese Park | Central Park in the heart of Rome
Located in the heart of Rome, Villa Borghese is the perfect place if you want a quick break while you’re walking through the city. Due to its location, this park is one of Rome’s more popular parks with tourists and locals visiting every day. The park and gardens are full of luscious green trees covering the walk ways, a perfect place to hide from the sun. The park and garden has a huge variety of activities, giving you something to make everyone happy, including; renting bikes for you to cycle around the park, boats to paddle across the lake or visit the Borghese Gallery to see art work by Bernini and Raphael.
Location: Piazzale Napoleone 1
Main Entrance: Porta Pinciana, Piazzale Flaminio (Piazza del Popolo), Viale delle Belle Arti, Via Raimondi and Via Mercadant
Opening hours: Dusk to Dawn
Driving to Villa Borghese Garden
- Termini station: 12 minutes drive
- The Colosseum: 15 minutes drive
- The Vatican: 8 minute drive
- Trastevere: 10 minute drive
Public transport to Villa Borghese Gardens
- From Termini station – 12 minutes.
– Take bus 92 ; 23 ; 910; 360 to beside Villa Borghese - The Colosseum – 25 minutes
-Take Metro B (Rebibbia) to Termini, then take bus 92, 23, 910, 360.
– Take bus 51/85 to L.go Chigi then take bus 52/53/63/83. - The Vatican – 28 minutes
– From bus stop Ottaviano take bus 490 to S Paolo Del Brasile. - Trastevere: 35 minutes by public transport.
– Walk to LGT Testaccio and take bus 83 to Puccini.
Activities: Running, Rowing boat rental and bike and segway rental.
Things to do in Villa Borghese Gardens:
- #1 Walk around Villa Borghese gardens and the lake.
Location: Piazzale Napoleone 1, 00197
Opening hours: Dusk to Dawn
Located in the center of the city, the park lets you escape the busy streets into a quiet park. The park has a huge range of different things to see including a lake that you can rent rowing boats to take around. Although the main pathways may be a little busy during the warm days, if you go off the path there are places to get some food and drinks to have a picnic. - #2 Visit Villa Borghese Gallery
Location: Piazzale Scipione Borghese, 5, 00197
Opening Hours: Tue to Sun from 8:30AM -7:30PM
Home to some of the most famous art work by Bernini, Caravaggio and Raphael, the Borghese Gallery is a must! With only 300 people being allowed in the gallery at one time, it will let you see the beautiful art work without busy crowds. - #3 Watch the teatre at The Globe Theatre
Location: Via Vittoria Colonna, 39, 00193, Rome.
Opening hours: Depending on show
Tickets: Range from € 10,00 – € 30,00
If you’re an opera fan and want to watch a show while in Rome then the Globe Theatre is the place to visit. With different performances on throughout the year, there is something for every opera lover to see. - #4 Visit the Biopark Zoo
Location: Piazzale del Giardino Zoologico, 1, 00197 Rome
Opening Time: January 1 – March: 9.30AM-5PM; April-October: 9.30AM-6PM ; November – December 31: 9.30AM-5PM
Tickets: Full price: € 16, Children 0-10 €13, Disabled €10
If you’re planning to bring your family to Rome then visiting the Biopark Zoo is the perfect escape from seeing the historic sites. With over 1000 animals in the park and different events running throughout the year there’s always different activities for everyone. - #5 Watch a movie in the open air cinema -Casa Del Cinema
Location: Largo Marcello Mastroianni, 1, 00197 Rome
Starting time: 9PM
Tickets: Free
In the summer months when the weather is warm enough to sit outside, the open air cinema’s in Rome open to the public. With a variety of different movies including classic movies and Disney movies there is always something to see. - #6 See all of Rome from the Pincio Viewpoint
Location: Viale Gabriele D’Annunzio, Rome.
Now who doesn’t love a good sunset? The Pincio viewpoint, located right above Piazza Del Popolo is one of the best view points in Rome with a view over the whole city.
#4 Villa Torlonia Park | Unique garden and park that was home to Mussolini
If you’re looking to visit an off the beaten path park with unusual plants and trees then Villa Torlonia is the one for you! This unique space is unique in its history as the villa used to be home to the former Italian dictator, Mussolini, who resided there between 1925-1943. You are able to visit the villas and the house of the owls, a beautiful art nouveau building (don’t worry there aren’t any owls living there).
Location:Via Nomentana, 70, 00161 Roma RM
Main Entrance points: Via Lazzaro Spallanzani, Via Nomentana, Via Alessandro Torliana and Viale di Villa Massimo
Opening hours: Dusk to Dawn
Driving to Villa Doria Pamphili :
- Termini station: 12 minutes drive
- The Colosseum: 17 minutes drive
- The Vatican: 8 minute drive
- Trastevere: 30 minute drive
Public transport to Villa Doria Pamphili:
- From Termini station – 15 minutes.
– Take bus 66 or 83 from Termini bus station to Nomentana/trieste. - The Colosseum – 20 minutes
– Take the metro B (Ribibbia) from the Colosseum to Policlinico and walk 12 minutes.
– Take the bus 85 (Termini) from the Colosseum to Corso/ss. Apostoli and then take bus 62 to Nomentana/trieste - The Vatican – 35 minutes
– Walk 7 minutes to bus stop Traspontina and take bus 62 to Nomentana/trieste - Trastevere: 35 minutes by public transport.
– Take tram H to Piazza Venezia, from Piazza Venezia take bus 62 to Nomentana/trieste
Things to do in Villa Torlonia
- #1 Walk around the beautiful garden.
The gardens of Villa Torlonia are some of the most unique in Rome. Home to many different types of trees and plants including palm trees and bamboo trees, this park is a mix of quirky areas that shouldn’t be missed. The park is a little off the normal tourist path and is visited mostly by locals but with every turn there is another unique aspect of the park. - #2 Visit the bunker of Villa Torlonia
Location: Via nomentana, Viale Sergio Lenci, 70
Opening hours: Only open on Saturday and Sunday at 9:30AM -5PM.
Created by Mussolini in 1942-1943, his bunker is now open for people to visit. With so much history surrounding Mussolini, this is the perfect place to visit and learn about what he used for shelter. - #3 Visit Casa Della Civette – The House of the owls:
Location: Via Nomentana, 70.
Opening hours: Tue-Sunday; 9AM-7PM – Closed on Mondays.
Another unique aspect about this park is the architecture in the house of the owls. Dating back to 1840, this building has undergone lots of renovations from different artists to make it a collection of different styles. - #5 Visit Casino Nobile | The home of Mussolini
Ofcourse one of the biggest attractions about this park is the fact that Mussolini lived here for 20 years so you wouldn’t want to miss out on visiting his home. The striking building has a range of themed rooms with different decorations to fit the theme and two connecting bunkers downstairs for you to see! - #6 Visit Casino dei Principi | Designed by Giuseppe Valadier
This neo-18th century building is full of traditional decorations. The building has a decorative interior with marble floor, columns and paintings. - #7 Eat at Villa La Limonaia
Location: Via Lazzaro Spallanzani, 1/A, 00161
Opening hours: Tue-Sunday : 9AM – 11PM – Closed on Monday.
If you’re feeling hungry after walking around the part and visiting all of the sites then lucky for your there is an open restaurant where you can grab something to eat.
*All prices mentioned are subject to change and we will try to update accordingly.