Rome’s parks: the best ones to visit

Villa Borghese is one of the most famous and beloved parks in Rome, located in the city center, just a few steps from Piazza di Spagna and Via Veneto. This enchanting public park covers an area of about 80 hectares and offers visitors an oasis of peace and tranquility away from the chaos of the city.

The park was originally created in the 16th century as a private garden for the powerful Borghese family, but over the centuries, it was expanded and turned into a public park.

One of the main attractions of Villa Borghese is undoubtedly the Borghese Gallery, one of the most important art collections in the world. Inside this splendid Baroque villa, visitors can admire artworks by artists such as Caravaggio, Raffaello, Bernini, and Canova, among others.

We recommend booking tickets well in advance, as entry is limited and in high demand.

Other than the Borghese Gallery, Villa Borghese features other points of interest, such as the Bioparco, one of the oldest zoos in Italy, which hosts a wide range of animals from all over the world.

Nature lovers can also visit the Lake Garden, an enchanting little lake surrounded by ancient trees where you can take a romantic boat ride.

For those who wish to play sports outdoors, Villa Borghese offers many tennis, soccer, and bocce courts, as well as trails for jogging or biking.

Also, the park hosts cultural events and theatrical performances throughout the year, attracting visitors from all over the world.

Villa Doria Pamphili is one of the largest historical villas in Rome and one of the most beautiful parks of the city.

Located in the Monteverde neighborhood, the villa extends over an area of about 180 hectares and offers visitors an oasis of tranquility and beauty in the heart of the chaotic metropolis.

The villa was built in the 17th century, and in 1970 it became the property of the Municipality of Rome, thus opening to the public.

The heart of the villa consists of the palace, a majestic Baroque residence with a white and gold facade, surrounded by Italian-style gardens. Around the palace extends a large park characterized by large green areas, ancient trees, fountains, small lakes, and monumental statues.

One of the main attractions of the villa is the Doria Pamphili Gallery, which houses a rich collection of 17th-century artworks, including masterpieces by artists such as Velázquez, Caravaggio, Raffaello, and Tiziano. The gallery is open to the public and offers the opportunity to admire these works in an evocative and well-kept context.

Inside the park, you can play sports such as jogging, biking, and horseback riding, or take a walk among the tree-lined paths and flower gardens. There are also areas equipped for picnics, playgrounds, and spaces for cultural events and shows.

Villa Ada is one of the largest parks in Rome and one of the most beloved places by Romans for a moment of relaxation surrounded by nature.

Located in the Parioli neighborhood, the villa offers visitors the opportunity to take long walks, play sports outdoors, enjoy a picnic, or simply relax lying on the grass.

The park extends over an area of over 180 hectares and is characterized by a great variety of trees, shrubs, and plants that offer an oasis of coolness and tranquility amidst the frantic city. Inside the park, you can admire various little lakes, artificial waterfalls, charming tree-lined paths, and many areas equipped for children.

The main entrance to Villa Ada is on Via Salaria, where you can also find the manor house that once belonged to the Savoy family.

Today, the villa is owned by the Municipality of Rome and hosts cultural events, concerts, exhibitions, and theatrical performances throughout the year.

One of the main attractions of Villa Ada is the so-called ‘Rose Garden’, an area of ​​the park dedicated to the cultivation of many varieties of roses from all over the world.

The garden is particularly charming during the flowering season, when the roses offer an explosion of colors and scents that enchant the visitors.

For sports enthusiasts, Villa Ada offers the opportunity to engage in various outdoor activities such as jogging, biking, tennis, soccer, and even horseback riding. The park is equipped with many tennis courts, five-a-side football pitches, bike paths, and a riding stable for horseback riding.

Villa Ada is also an ideal place to organize outdoor events and parties thanks to the many areas equipped with tables, chairs, barbecues, and picnic zones. During spring and summer, the park is frequented by families, groups of friends, and tourists who want to spend a day relaxing and socializing.

If you do not want to stray too far from the center of Rome, we recommend Colle Oppio Park, one of the oldest parks in the capital.

With its area of 11 hectares, the park is on the hill overlooking the Roman Forum, and offers a breathtaking view over the eternal city.

Inside, you will find the remains of ancient Roman baths and the Domus Aurea, the sumptuous residence of Emperor Nero.

The park is equipped with playgrounds, jogging paths, and a dedicated area for dogs. It is also an ideal place to do yoga or Pilates outdoors, surrounded by nature and away from the city’s chaos.

During the summer, Colle Oppio Park becomes the perfect place to organize outdoor events and shows. Concerts, theatrical performances, and film screenings are just some of the activities that take place in the park during the warmer months.

The Park of the Aqueducts is one of the most evocative green areas in Rome, located within the Appia Antica Regional Park. The park spans approximately 15 square kilometers (5.8 square miles) and features a series of ancient Roman aqueducts, which are still visible and well-preserved today. This green area is highly appreciated by residents and tourists alike, as it is an oasis of tranquility and nature in the heart of the city.

The Park of the Aqueducts owes its name to the imposing Claudio aqueduct, which runs through it for about one and a half kilometers (1 mile). This aqueduct dates back to the Roman Empire period and was used to bring water to the city of Rome. In addition to Claudio, you can also admire other Roman aqueducts in the park, including Felice, Marcio, and Traiano.

The Park of the Aqueducts is also rich in vegetation and native flora, which offers a pleasant natural setting for walks, jogging, or picnics. Many trails cross the park, allowing visitors to explore its beauties and archaeological treasures on foot or by bike.

The park is particularly charming at dawn or sunset, when the ancient aqueduct structures take on warm colors and are embraced by golden light. In spring, the park is filled with wildflowers and scents that make the atmosphere even more magical.

The Park of the Aqueducts is also an ideal place for outdoor sports activities such as jogging, biking, yoga, or Pilates. Additionally, the park often hosts cultural events, art exhibitions, concerts, and theatrical performances, making the visiting experience even more interesting and engaging.

If you are looking for a hotel in an ideal position to quickly reach Rome’s green areas, you cannot choose a better location than the FH55 Grand Hotel Palatino.

The Colle Oppio Park, the Orange Garden, and the Celio Park are all just a few minutes from the hotel, offering you the opportunity to take a relaxing walk in nature, away from the chaos of the city.

Our luxurious hotel is in the heart of the Monti neighborhood, one of the city’s most fascinating areas, with its cobblestone streets, ancient buildings, and trendy cafes.

Just a few meters from the Cavour metro station, the hotel is easily accessible from anywhere in the city.

In other words, if you are looking for a hotel that is luxurious, comfortable, and centrally located all at the same time, do not hesitate: book your stay now at FH55 Grand Hotel Palatino.