Heading to Rome but unsure about which museums to visit or what to see other than Villa Borghese?
Things guide will list Rome’s largest and most famous parks and how you can reach them. It will even lead to more articles on attractions inside each park. Enjoy!
What this article covers
Top 7 Museums in Rome
Top 14 Monuments & Attractions
6 Must-See Gardens & Parks
Absolutely Free Things to Do in Rome
Foods to Try in Rome
Rome’s 6 Must-See Gardens & Parks
1. Villa Doria Pamphili
If you ask any visitor to Rome what the best park or garden is in Rome, they’ll undoubtedly say Villa Borghese and for good reason. If you ask any Roman what their favorite park in Rome is, you’ll probably hear Villa Pamphili.
Villa Doria Pamphili is the third largest park in Rome behind Parco degli Acquedotti and Villa Ada weighing in at 450 acres. It is part of multiple Roman neighborhoods but most notably Monteverde or the green hill. This area is heavily populated by locals and ex-pats. Villa Pamphili is a massive draw to living in this area.
Do you want to visit it as a tourist? Maybe. It’s a great place to go for a morning jog if you are an exercise enthusiast. I wouldn’t recommend it for the general visitor who wants to see places of interest. There is an amazing palace and garden, featured above, but beyond that, it is simply a massive sprawling garden with lots of green space and fresh air.
If you are planning a longer stay in Rome and want to get to know the city, this is a spot you want to get on your list early on as you will make some return trips. I used to live right next to this park and really enjoyed evening jogs through the park. They have exercise equipment scattered throughout like pull-up bars etc. Very cool.
Address: Via. di S. Pancrazio
2. Villa Borghese
Yes, this is the number 1 pick for visitors who want to visit areas of importance. Villa Borghese was the literal residence of Cardinal Scipione Borghese. He developed it into a sort of secret garden with peacocks and exotic animals running around.
It is home to the Borghese Galleria, the cardinal’s former residence, and other points of interest you’ll want to check out.
- Il Pincio (mentioned above)
- Museo e Galleria Borghese
- Laghetto di Villa Borghese & Temple of Asclepius
- Bioparco di Roma (Zoo – great for kids)
- Casina Valadier – great to see from outside or dinner
- Valle dei Cani (Dog Valley for dog lovers – I used to take my dog here daily)
Some great reads for more things to do in Villa Borghese
Address: Villa Borghese
3. Park of the Aqueducts
Park of the Aqueducts or Parco degli Acquedotti in Italian is part of the Appian Way Park and Rome’s largest greenspace. It is a very peaceful place that can be a bit hard to get to but very worth it.
It is what you think it is. A park with Ancient Roman aqueducts running through it. You can see Aqua Felix and Aqua Claudia in plane view. Super cool and worth the ride out. Consider bringing some lunch with you and eating out there.
If you are in Rome for 5 days +, it would make an excellent half-day bike trip but be sure to plan out your travel in advance. You’re getting pretty far from the center so it’s important to know where you are going.
Address: Park of the Aqueducts
4. Giardino degli Aranci & The Keyhole
This is one of those magical little places in Rome and a total treat. You’ll also find this on the free things to do in Rome as it is less a full park and more of a viewpoint.
The park, which is pretty small at 24000 sq ft or 7800 meters, sits on top of Rome’s famed Aventine Hill and is just a few steps from Rome’s Keyhole. It was designed in 1932 and is attached to the Basilica of Santa Sabina.
It is a very peaceful viewpoint and you won’t find many visitors. You’ll have to rent some sort of transport like bikes or take a taxi. It sits high atop the Aventine hill which puts some strain on your legs. Don’t forget to walk over to the keyhole!
Address: Piazza Pietro D’Illiria
5. Vatican Gardens
This is a super cool experience that is very exclusive. The Vatican Gardens are a beautiful and well-manicured set of gardens and fountains inside the Vatican City. You’d never know you were in the bustling city of Rome or the crowded Vatican Museums.
Getting into these gardens is more difficult than you’d think. Luckily, we offer tours and other ways to visit them! It’s a 57 acres complex complete with its own train station.
Address: Vatican Gardens
6. Orto Botanico di Roma
A botanical garden is defined as a place where plants are grown for public display and scientific study. Orto Botanico, one of Rome’s best-curated gardens, is run by Rome’s first University and the world’s 12th oldest continuous operations schools; La Sapienza.
It costs 8€ to get inside and the proceeds obviously go to the maintenance of the grounds. You may walk through and not see another soul while you are there. The gardens are located in Trastevere just outside of the heavy traffic so it is hidden very well.
Address: Largo Cristina di Svezia 23
Rome Geography & Facts
If you are headed to the Eternal City, you might as well know more about where it is.
- Rome is the Capital of Italy and the President normally takes resident in the city on the Palazzo Quirinale.
- Ancient Rome was in fact built on 7 hills
- Aventine, Caelian, Capitoline, Equiline, Palatine, Quirinal & Viminal Hills
- History ties Rome being founded in 753 BC but this is a loose estimation
- Rome is 496 sq miles and home to between 3 and 4.3 million people making it the 93 largest city on our little planet.
- The Tiber River runs through Rome and has one island named the Tiber Island. The river empties into the Mediterranean Sea which is 21 miles (34 km) away.
- Rome is located in the region of Lazio which borders Tuscany, Umbria, Marche, Abruzzo, Molise, and Campania.
I Want More Italy!
- If you want us to arrange the entertainment in Rome (and beyond!), contact our Trip Planning Team to coordinate an unforgettable Italian experience.
- Check out our YouTube video and step-by-step guide about how to do Rome in a Day. If you’d rather let us guide you, check out our Rome tours.
- Not sure where to stay in Rome? Read this guide!
- Follow our adventures in Italy on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Then, comment and tell us what you want us to cover next.
Leave a Comment