Rome from above: the most beautiful rooftop terraces with breathtaking views

Falling in love with Rome is easy, you just need to walk through the streets of the historic center paved with cobblestones, get lost in the alleys admiring the ancient buildings and the splendid squares, among the most beautiful in the world. But for the most memorable views of the city, you need to scrutinise it from above and to caress its silhouette with your eyes.

 

You can test your knowledge by identifying monuments and churches from afar, marveling at the sight of St Peter’s Dom and tasting Rome’s finest cuisine, better if refreshed by the Ponentino summer breeze.

 

The panoramic venues – with or without terrace – are mostly hosted by hotels and museums located in the historic center. The proposal is varied: from the spectacular starred restaurants to the more informal venues with a fusion proposal, from the elegant rooftops to modern lounge bars perfect for aperitifs and cocktails under the stars.

 

Here are the best terraces with a view to choose from.

HI-Res High Restaurant and Terrace lounge

In the center of Rome, between the Spanish Steps and Piazza del Popolo, the HI-Res High Restaurant and Terrace lounge is located on the top floor of the Hotel Valadier and offers an enchanting backdrop of monuments, roofs, domes and terraces. The contemporary style of design and the privileged point of view on the historic center make HI-Res an exclusive restaurant in central Rome, where colors and atmosphere are transformed with the passing of the hours.

 

The terrace is truly impressive, immersed in the unmistakable style of the center of Rome. An equally varied and refined breakfast, continental by vocation, and international by choice, in order to make the stay or experience of tourists and patrons reassuring and complete (Hotel Valadier).

HI-Res High Restaurant and Terrace lounge
HI-Res High Restaurant and Terrace lounge

Caffe' Ciampini

We are on Piazza Trinità dei Monti. Heart of Fellini’s Dolce Vita. A decidedly 50s rooftop where the usual postmodern decoration gives way to the most absolute classicism of a combed and elegant service. Pellicci’s London-style uniforms, dominating green and a truly cordial and reasonably priced all day proposal. With full breakfast menu costing 10.50 euros, coffee 3.50, prices are on the higher end but with such a view, the location must at least affect. Classicism in the cup and in the eyes (Caffe’ Ciampini).

Terrazza Caffarelli, Capitoline Museums

Turning your gaze from one of its panoramic points towards the roofs of the houses and the domes emerging from the city is one of the opportunities that only Rome can offer. The Caffarelli Terrace, located on the top floor of the building that houses the Capitoline Museums, offers a breathtaking view of the historic center of the capital.

 

It differs from the other panoramic points because of its proximity to the roofs, being located at a lower level than the Janiculum and the Pincio. Just the roofs, from which the typical domes of the Roman skyline emerge here and there, offer incredible colors that change with the changing seasons and times of day.

Terrazza Caffarelli, Capitoline Museums
Terrazza Caffarelli, Capitoline Museums

Terrazza Borromini, Palazzo Pamphilj

The Borromini Terrace stands out on the fifth and sixth floors, bordering the sacristy of the church of Sant’Agnese in Agone and giving the visitor one of the most beautiful views of Rome. The interior has a simple and clean cut distribution of spaces. An eulogy to the purest classicism of which the affordable prices make it a huge attraction for tourists, patrons and locals who yearn to enjoy a moment of relaxation (Terrazza Borromini).

Terrazza Borromini, Palazzo Pamphilj
Terrazza Borromini, Palazzo Pamphilj

Aroma Restaurant at Palazzo Manfredi

Those on the hunt for strong emotions will not be able to resist the views from the Aroma Restaurant, a Michelin star on the top floor of the Palazzo Manfredi hotel in via Labicana. Here you can literally touch the Colosseum with your finger, while enjoying the intelligent cuisine of chef Giuseppe Di Iorio who, in addition to “conventional” dishes, also offers an entire gourmet menu for celiacs (Aroma Restaurant).

Aroma Restaurant at Palazzo Manfredi
Aroma Restaurant at Palazzo Manfredi

Roof Garden Les Étoiles

Just a few steps from the Vatican, the Atlante Star Hotel offers a luxurious and elegant restaurant on the roof top, a tribute to the beauty of the city and the taste of the guests who choose it as an exclusive location. From 18 to 21 it offers an aperitif: cocktails and wines are accompanied by a triptych of fingers served from the kitchen (Roof Garden Les Étoiles).

Roof Garden Les Étoiles
Roof Garden Les Étoiles

Horti Farnesiani

If, so far, the views of Rome did not completely satisfy you, just go to the top of the Palatine Hill and look out from the panoramic terraces of the Farnese Gardens.

 

The noble Roman family did not randomly choose this place to build their residence. On one side you can admire all the charm of the palaces and buildings that are located right at the foot of the Capitol and the Victorian Hills, on the other side you cover the entire area of  the Forums up to the Colosseum and Colle Oppio.