The best parks in Rome
Last Updated on October 7, 2026 by admin
It may not seem like it in certain areas, but 24% of the city of Rome is classified as green space. That’s right – the Eternal City is home to 63 public parks, with many of them containing ruins and other sights that are definitely worth seeing.
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Given the arrival of the bella stagione (i.e. spring and summer), I thought it would be useful to write a post on the best parks in Rome, because some of them are truly spectacular.
All of the parks are free to enter, but individual points of interest may have a charge (noted or linked under the appropriate section).
Want some time off from sightseeing? No problem – you can picnic, play, walk and run in all of these parks, some of them offer bike rentals, too.
Without further rambling, let’s get to it. Here’s my list of Rome’s best parks!
Villa Borghese
Stretching over 80 hectares in the Pinciano district, Villa Borghese is so named for Cardinale Scipione Borghese, whose residence was built there in the early 17th century.
In the 20th century, the residence was transformed into Galleria Borghese, one of the city’s most beautiful museums. It contains works by Bernini, Titian, Raphael and Caravaggio, among others.
Villa Borghese encompasses much more than the Galleria. Within its borders, there’s a zoo, several other small museums, and even a replica of London’s Globe Theatre where Shakespeare’s plays are put on in the summer and fall.
How to reach Villa Borghese
The easiest way to get to Villa Borghese is by metro line A – you can walk to the park from both the Spagna and Flaminio stops.
Multiple buses also stop in and around the park (119, 160, 490, 495, 628), or you can take trams 3 or 19.
Entrances to the park
Piazzale Napoleone I, Piazza San Paolo del Brasile, Piazzale Flaminio, Via di Porta Pinciana, Via Raimondi, Via di Valle Giulia, Via Ulisse Aldrovandi
Opening hours
Villa Borghese doesn’t close. It’s probably best to avoid entering the park after dark, especially if you’re alone. I’m not sure how well it’s lit after sunset.
What to see and do in Villa Borghese
View the art at Galleria Borghese
One of my favorite museums in Rome, Galleria Borghese houses an impressive collection in a stunning building.
Book your tickets here.
If you’re an art lover, just across the street from Villa Borghese you’ll find another great museum.
Rent a boat at the lago
Paddle around the Temple of Aesculapius, built in 1786 in the Ionic style. I’ve never done this myself – it’s probably very touristy – but I love how romantic it seems (someone tell my husband).
The boat rental is here.
Watch the sunset at the Terrazza del Pincio
Rome has a lot of places to take in beautiful views for free, and Villa Borghese has its own – la passeggiata e terrazza del Pincio.
This list barely scratches the surface of what you can do in Villa Borghese – click here for more.
Villa Borghese with kids
Now that I have a baby, I’m seeing Rome in a completely different light! As in, I’m griping about having to bump over the sidewalks with my stroller, wondering why the hell there are no changing tables anywhere, and thinking about what kind of outdoor activities I’ll be able to do with my daughter when she’s a little older.
I’m adding a section on what to do with kids in each park for you (and for me, in a year or two).
Playgrounds
There are a couple of play areas in Villa Borghese. There’s one on Viale Goethe, one near Via Pinciana, and there’s one for babies and toddlers at the Casina di Raffaello, which also has a gift/book shop.
Rent a rickshaw
If you want to cover a lot of ground and have slightly older children, renting a rickshaw might be a fun way to see the park. Note that they don’t have seatbelts, so pedal at your own risk!
My husband and I spent a warm winter afternoon cycling around VB on a rickshaw, and it was pretty fun (especially because he did most of the pedaling).
You can rent at Ascol bike, Bici Pincio (first location), or Bici Pincio (second location).
Exercising in Villa Borghese
There’s no outdoor gym in Villa Borghese, but owing to its large size, you can definitely get in a good walk, run, or jog.
Villa Pamphili
Coming in at 184 hectares, Villa Pamphili is in the Monteverde neighborhood.
Similarly to Villa Borghese, Villa Pamphili is named for the noble family who once upon a time owned the property, which includes three parts: the palace, which is called il Casino del Bel Respiro, and its gardens, known as the pars urbana, the pine forest, or pars fructuaria, and the agricultural land, pars rustica.
The palace was built to house some of the Pamphili family’s art collection; however, it isn’t a museum like Galleria Borghese is – you can only visit it upon request.
How to reach Villa Pamphili
Several buses stop in or near the park’s multiple entrances (31, 33, 791, 982, C6). You can also take the tram 8 to the final stop at Casaletto (and book lunch or dinner at da Cesare nearby).
Entrances to the park
Via Aurelia Antica, Via Vitellia, Via della Nocetta, Largo Martin Luther King, Via Leone XIII (Olimpica), Piazza di San Pancrazio, Largo 3 giugno 1849
Opening hours
October to February: 7am to 6pm
March: 7am to 8pm
April to August: 7am to 9pm
September: 7am to 8pm
What to see and do in Villa Pamphili
The sights to see in Villa Pamphili are unfortunately not as accessible as other sights in other parks, but it’s still a great place to take a relaxing stroll or a jog and see what you can see.
There are a number of interesting fountains and a little lake, as well as the few notable buildings I’ve mentioned below.
Il Casino del Bel Respiro and the secret garden
As I mentioned above, il Casino del Bel Respiro can only be visited upon request, but you can view the exterior and gardens.
The Doria Pamphili Chapel
This neogothic chapel was built between 1896 and 1902 to house the remains of some of the deceased members of the Doria Pamphili family.
The chapel was abandoned for several years before being renovated in 2006; however, it was only open to visitors for a single day. After that, a fence was put up and it was closed to the public. That said, its colorful facade can be viewed from the outside.
Il Giardino del Teatro
Built for theater performances and concerts, the garden theater is a semi-circular structure that was selected for renovation and restoration in 2024. For this reason, I’m not sure how much of it is visible, but it’s beautiful and worth a gander if you’re in the park and can see it.
L’arco dei Quattro Venti
Designed by Andrea Busiri Vici, who also designed the garden theater, the pinky-orange Arch of the Four Winds can be found near the Porta San Pancrazio entrance to the park.
For more on what to see in Villa Pamphili, click here.
Villa Pamphili with kids
Playground
Villa Pamphili’s playground is here.
Visit the ducks
Villa Pamphili has its own little lake. Take the kids past to visit the ducks and other birds.
Exercising in Villa Pamphili
There’s a small open-air gym in Villa Pamphili, if you feel like doing more than running or walking.
Parco degli Acquedotti
I’m a fan of all the parks on this list, but Parco degli Acquedotti in the Appio Claudio area is my very favorite.
I love the long grass, I love the red and purple flowers that grow in the springtime, and I love the aqueducts that rise like dinosaurs in the distance.
How to reach Parco degli Acquedotti
You can reach Parco degli Acquedotti easily from the A line metro stops Lucio Sestio and Subaugusta.
You can also take buses 118, 664, 765, 654 or 663.
Entrances to the park
Via Lemonia 256, Vicolo dell’Acquedotto Felice, Viale Appio Claudio
Opening hours
The park is open 24 hours, but again, I’d avoid it after dark, especially if you’re alone. I’d guess that lighting is scarce.
What to see and do in Parco degli Acquedotti
The remains of seven aqueducts are the main attraction in the park. One of them – l’acquedotto felice – is still functional.
Here’s more on the park and the aqueducts.
Parco degli Acquedotti with kids
There’s a small playground on Via Lemonia.
You can also take your kids to the Parco Giochi San Policarpo, which has a bunch of children’s rides.
Exercising in Parco degli Acquedotti
You can, of course, walk and run in Parco degli Acquedotti. In addition, last year, a new fitness area was installed.
Villa Torlonia
Villa Torlonia is the park closest to my house, and since having my daughter, I’ve really loved strolling there.
The park itself isn’t very big compared to those above, but it’s got nice shady lawns and a playground, and it’s full of quirky things to see.
Recently featured in the New York Times’ 36 Hours in Rome guide, the park is in Rome’s Nomentano neighborhood, which is not typically frequented by tourists.
How to reach Villa Torlonia
You can get to Villa Torlonia from the Policlinico and Bologna line B metro stops, or on the tram 3 or 19. Lots of buses – 60, 66, 62, 82, 90, 490, 495, 649, 61 – will get you there too.
Entrances to the park
Via Nomentana 70, Via Siracusa, Via Lazzaro Spallanzani
Opening hours
October 1 – March 31: 7am – 7:30pm
April 1 – September 30: 7am – 8:30pm
Closed December 25 and January 1.
What to see and do in Villa Torlonia
Note: If you want to see a couple of the sights in Villa Torlonia, you should purchase a combined ticket that gets you access to the Casino Nobile, Casina Delle Civette and the Serra Moresca.
The cost of these tickets varies depending on the season. They can be purchased at the ticket office in the park.
La Casina delle Civette
The so-called House of the Owls looks like something out of Alice in Wonderland.
It was originally the residence of Prince Alessandro Torlonia, and then, after a series of changes, it was altered to its current form and became the residence of Prince Giovanni Torlonia, who lived there until he died in 1938.
Admire the house’s various architectural features from the outside, then pay the admission fee and visit the interior, which is now a museum containing several stained glass windows and other decorative works, as well as the occasional exhibition.
Non-residents: Tickets are €12 for an adult, with a reduced fee of €8.50 for visitors aged 6-25 (children under six are free), Italian public school teachers, those with a membership to city libraries, those with an annual public transportation pass, those who have purchased a 72-hour RomaPass, and for groups of 20 or more.
Rome residents: €8.50 for a full-priced ticket or €7.50 for the reduced fee (see who’s eligible above).
La Serra Moresca
Built in 1840 and subsequently modified over the next 80 years, the Moorish greenhouse is striking for its unique appearance, which was inspired by the Alhambra palace in Spain.
After a period of restoration, the greenhouse was reopened to the public in 2021.
Full-fee tickets are €8; reduced-fee are €5 (see above for reduced fee eligibility).
Il Casino Nobile
Originally designed by Giuseppe Valadier, today, the Casino Nobile houses Il Museo della Scuola Romana (the Museum of the Roman School), an artistic movement that occurred between the two World Wars.
In addition to the Casino’s original frescoes, paintings and three works by Antonio Canova, the museum also contains pieces by Antonio Donghi, Mafai, Antonietta Rafael, Fausto Pirandello, Renato Guttuso, and Renzo Vespignani.
The Casino can be rented for private events.
Non-residents: €11 for adults, with a reduced fee of €6.50 (see information under Casina delle Civette for who qualifies for a reduced ticket).
Residents: adults €6.50, reduced fee €5.50.
Mussolini’s Bunker
Like many buildings, Rome, the Casino Nobile has a layered history. Generally, the more ancient layers are found underneath some of the city’s buildings, however, the Casino Nobile is an exception: its underground houses a bunker and air-raid shelter built for Benito Mussolini.
Read more about visiting the bunker here.
Adults: €12, reduced fee €6. School groups can visit for €70, while non-school groups of 20 people can visit for €90.
Advanced booking is required.
La Limonaia
After your busy day touring all there is to see in Villa Torlonia, cool off or warm up with some food and drink at the park’s cafe, La Limonaia, which is open Sunday through Tuesday from 9am to 10:30pm (closed Mondays).
Villa Torlonia with kids
Just a few years ago, the playground in Villa Torlonia was given a refresh.
Exercising in Villa Torlonia
Villa Torlonia isn’t as large as some of the other parks on this list, but I’ve seen people running in a loop there. There is no outdoor gym equipment.
Parco della Caffarella
Part of the Parco Regionale dell’Appia Antica, Parco della Caffarella stretches between two ancient Roman roads: Via Latina and Via Appia.
How to reach Parco della Caffarella
Metro A: Furio Camillo, Colli Albani, Arco di Travertino
Bus: 85, 87, 118, 409, 657, 660, 663, 664, 671
Entrances to the park
Given its dimensions, Parco della Caffarella has many entrances. The main ones can be found on Via della Caffarella, Via Latina, Largo Tacchi Venturi, Via De Bildt, Via Macedonia, Via Centuripe, Via Cilicia, and Via dell’Almone.
Opening hours
Parco della Caffarella is open from 8am – 9pm daily.
What to see and do in Parco della Caffarella
In addition to being able to lounge on the grass, walk, run, jog, or cycle through the park, there’s a lot to see. Check out the park’s website for details.
There are also picnic tables here and there, and at least one playground that I know of near the Furio Camillo metro stop (see below).
Parco della Caffarella with kids
Playground
As mentioned above, there’s a playground off of Via Latina.
Visit the rabbits
Parco della Caffarella has something the other parks on this list don’t – bunnies! You can visit them here.
Just note that, according to a few Google reviews, when the park is crowded the bunnies like to hide, so try going at an off time for your best chance at spotting some.
Exercising in Parco della Caffarella
Given its huge size, walking, cycling and running in Parco della Caffarella are all possible.
You’ll also find an open-air gym here.
Villa Celimontana
On the Caelian Hill, not far from the Colosseum, is Villa Celimontana, a quiet park that’s great to pop into after fighting the crowds near the monuments.
If you have kids, this is a great stop to make on a busy day of touring – there’s a playground if they have extra energy (see below), or you can take a quiet stroll to relax.
Once the site of buildings from the Flavian and Trajan periods, the area that makes up Villa Celimontana was subsequently utilized as a garden and vineyard before being purchased by Ciriaco Mattei, a nobleman and art collector, in the mid-16th century.
With the help of artists, he embellished the gardens with ancient sculptures and fountains, and even an Egyptian obelisk. Many of these have since been lost or moved.
The main building, known as the Casino Mattei or Palazzetto Mattei was built by Jacopo Del Duca, who studied under Michelangelo. Today it’s the headquarters of the Italian Geographic Society.
In the 19th century, the family converted the grounds into an English garden, and it was sold to the city of Rome in 1925, when it became a park.
How to reach Villa Celimontana
You can take buses 671, 81, 117 or 714, or you can walk from the Colosseo metro stop on the B line.
Entrances to the park
Opening hours
From dawn to dusk.
What to see and do in Villa Celimontana
The obelisk of Ramses II
There are 13 ancient obelisks around the city, and Villa Celimontana has one of them. This one was made under Ramses II and brought to Rome in the fifteenth century.
The obelisk was originally intended for a temple to the goddess Isis, and it was gifted to Ciriaco Mattei as a thank you from the Roman senate for his support for the Capitoline Museum.
Sculptures, fountains and ruins
Despite the fact that many of the adornments placed in the Villa by Mattei have disappeared, there are still a number of sculptures and fountains that can be seen today. In addition, the ruins of some ancient Roman walls are visible.
Stroll the grounds and check them out.
Villa Celimontana with kids
Check out the playground here.
Exercising in Villa Celimontana
There’s no gym equipment, but you can run and walk in the park.
What’s your favorite park in Rome? Share in the comments!
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