Dinner with a View: The Best Rooftop Restaurants in Rome

By Megan Hills

Take to the heights at the best rooftop restaurants and bars in Rome

While the Italian capital isn't the tallest city in Europe, that actually works in its favour as it boasts a number of rooftop restaurants and bars in Rome with panoramic views over the skyline. Whether you're looking to catch a breath between sightseeing with an espresso, revive yourself before dinner with aperitivo or looking for decadence with Michelin starred menus, there's a number of rooftops restaurants in Rome to add to your bucket list.

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Bramante Terrace, Hotel Raphael

Looking to get away from the crowds and bustle? Head upstairs to Hotel Raphael's Bramante Terrace, where you'll be able to drink in panoramic views of the Vatican, Castel Sant'Angelo and as much of Rome as far as the eye can see. With a killer wine list, cocktails and a food menu if you're feeling peckish, it's a great place to kick back and relax at the height of sophistication. It's not super well known and the terrace is quite small, making for an intimate experience you'll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.

American Bar, Hotel Forum

Step into another time period at the American Bar, where you'll be able to unwind with views over ancient Roman landmarks like the Colosseum, Altare della Patria and of course, the Roman Forum ruins from which the hotel derives it name. You don't even need to be a hotel guest to lounge around here and it's a gorgeous place for a date night, if you're in the mood for romance.

Casina Valadier

Located atop the iconic Villa Borghese, this tranquil bar and restaurant has breathed neoclassical life into one of the Villa's historical structures and has become a must-visit spot for those on the tourist trail. The menu's worth making the trek out with recipes such as beef tartare sprinkled with comte flakes, lamb with a truffle and caprino cheese crust and mixed seafood grilled to perfection. As it's up on high, you'll be able to see all the major sights stretching out across the horizon from St Peter's Basilica to Piazza del Popolo.

Aroma

If you like the finer things in life, Aroma over at Palazzo Manfredi is one of Rome's best fine dining destinations - with a gorgeous view to boot. With a Michelin starred seven course tasting menu primed for an indulgent culinary evening, it's a surprisingly modest set-up which lets the food and the unbeatable view over the Colosseum speak for itself. Come with a hefty wallet though, dining at Aroma doesn't come cheap.

Minerva Roof Garden

Another fantastic hotel bar on the list, the Minerva Roof Garden crowns the Grand Hotel de la Minerve located in the heart of Rome. Just a stone's throw away from sights such as the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain, it serves as both a restaurant and bar when the lights go down with traditional delights and more modern choices up for grabs. It's utterly chic with white jacketed staff keeping a beady eye out for those who need a champagne top up and a stellar view of sights such as the Pantheon.

Megan Hills
Rome Travel Expert

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A Movie Lover's Guide to Rome

Have your own cinematic adventure with our movie lover's guide to Rome. From adrenaline pumping chase sequences to delicate romance scenes, the Italian capital is a city that seems almost built for film with gorgeous architecture and charismatic streets on every corner. The likes of Audrey Hepburn, Julia Roberts and Tom Hanks have frequented its landmarks in memorable scenes, find out where some of them are and check them out for yourself with our movie lover's guide to Rome! Castel Sant'Angelo The Castel Sant'angelo with all its dramatic architecture and stunning religious iconography plays a backdrop to the heart pounding finale of Angels and Demons. Originally a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian and his descendants, it has since lived other lives as a castle, a fortress and is now a popular tourist attraction. Villa Borghese Elizabeth Gilbert's famous novel Eat, Pray, Love and its famous adaptation starring Julia Roberts is an autobiography about a woman who leaves everything she knows behind after a crippling divorce, setting off to see the best of the world. It's no surprise she stops at Rome and in a mellow scene, orders gelato and wanders the meticulous greenery of Villa Borghese. Capitoline Museums/Roman Forum After an incredibly tense and violent arc in the movie The Talented Mr. Ripley, a young Matt Damon takes in a hillside view of what remains of the Roman Forum from Capitoline Hills. He also ventures inside the Capitoline Museums, where the broken pieces of once great statues on display heightens the melancholy tone. Wanting to be here right now. #spanishsteps A photo posted by Ruben Torres Jr (@rubent334) on Feb 7, 2017 at 1:21pm PST The Spanish Steps It's hard to forget the sight of Audrey Hepburn, dressed in an iconic crisp white shirt and full skirt, wandering the Spanish Steps with a gelato in hand in Roman Holiday. It's no surprise these beautiful steps play the backdrop to an offbeat romance, with a reporter played by Gregory Peck chasing after Hepburn's Princess Ann to charm her into a news story that will make him rich. Classic Rome (and photobomb by @styleconceptblog) #ThePantheon A photo posted by David Brown (@davidbrown30) on Feb 4, 2017 at 8:49am PST The Pantheon The location scouts behind Ocean's Twelve went into overdrive finding the perfect places for the heist movie, with scenes filmed everywhere from Berlin to Illinois. With a number of scenes played out in Rome, a particularly early one includes a café in the Pantheon's Piazza della Rotonda where Brad Pitt makes a narrow escape while kickstarting a romance with Catherine Zeta-Jones. Trevi Fountain It's no surprise that the Trevi Fountain is a popular location choice for filmmakers, as it practically begs to be filmed with its Baroque details and flowing water. Starring in films such as the epic La Dolce Vita where Anita Ekberg seduces Marcello Mastroianni as well as lower brow movies such as The Lizzie McGuire Movie, where the titular character makes a wish in the fountain, it never fails to capture an audience's imagination. Coliseum It's only fitting that a place built for the purpose of spectacle plays a part in many films, including previously mentioned titles like Roman Holiday, Eat Pray Love and Marisa Tomei and Robert Downey Jr's romance Only You. It only takes a quick exterior shot of this massive structure in a film to symbolise Rome and its grand history.
Megan Hills
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Our Guide to the Street Markets in Rome

When in Rome, do as the Romans and wander through one of the city's bustling Street Markets! There are many wonderful markets in Rome, you’ll find one practically in every rioni (or district). Some have been trading for more than 400 years - others are more recent pop-ups. But regardless of their longevity, we guarantee that visiting markets in Rome is an excellent way to soak up the city’s unique atmosphere. To help you make your selection, we've put together a short guide to a few of our favourites. Our top tips? Listen out for some gentle banter, and don’t be afraid to haggle! Porta Portese Market Rome’s largest and most famous market (ideal for souvenir-hunting) Porta Portese Market is about a mile long and spills over into neighbouring backstreets. Endless stalls and traders in carpets, fabric, antiques, clothes and even pets provide endless happy hours of bargain-hunting. If you’re not keen on shopping, just soak up the vibrant atmosphere, but watch out for pickpockets! Open: Sun 5am-2pm Borghetto Flaminio Market This weekly market in Rome is a must-see for anyone in the area surrounding the Piazza del Popolo. It’s an ideal place to pick up rare antiques and designer clothing, and you’ll find some real bargains thanks to Rome’s glamorous and fashionable locals. Armani sunglasses, Gucci handbags and fur coats are just a few of the treats in store for you. Open: Sun 10am-7pm Campo de Fiori Rome’s oldest market, the Campo de Fiori farmers’ market, has been around for over 400 years. Although the name means ‘field of flowers’, there is in fact a wide range of products to buy here, including beautiful flowers, fresh fruit and vegetables, Italian meats and cheese, and local delicacies such as truffles and homemade olive oils. Probably not for you if you’re on vacation, but you can also get hold of kitchen utensils and various bits and pieces for the home. Open: daily Fontanella Borghese Market If you’re an art or literature lover, a trip to the Fontanella Borghese Market is a great opportunity to find ancient etchings and prints, as well as bargain books. This market is the perfect place to pick up antique maps, vintage posters, used cameras, old magazines and newspapers and exquisite art. A nice change from the regular tourist souvenirs on offer in Rome. Open: Mon-Sat 9am-7pm La Soffitta Sotto I Portici Market This market is a favourite with Rome’s young and trendy, who come to browse bric-a-brac and vintage. You can rifle through second-hand jewelry or clothing, and grab a real bargain if you’re in the market for silk scarves, crystal beads or antique lace. Located between the Spanish Steps and Piazza del Popolo, this market is in one of the most beautiful and historic parts of Rome. Open: 7am-7pm on the first and third Sundays of the month Campagna Amica Market This covered market is a good one for foodies. You’ll find the freshest fruit and vegetables in the city, locally sourced from Lazio farmers and the region surrounding Rome. Taste honey almost straight from the hive and olives practically just fallen off the trees! And support regional farmers and the local environment. Open: Sat-Sun 10.30am-7pm Piazza San Cosimato Market (in Trastevere) Known as the ‘Jewish Ghetto’, Trastevere is one of Rome’s most fascinating areas, with cobbled streets and peaceful hideaways. The origins of the market date back to the early 20th century and many of the vendors are descendants of the market’s very first traders. Regulars include a fishmonger, several butchers and plenty of fresh fruit and vegetable stands. Open: Mon-Sat 6am-1.30pm No trip is complete without a visit to one of these markets in Rome. Whether you’re an avid bargain hunter, a fierce haggler or a relaxed browser, these markets will give you a taste of Rome past and present - a sensation not to be missed. Happy shopping!
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St Peter's Basilica in Rome
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Tourist Traps in Rome

It’s a truth universally acknowledged that the closer you are to any major tourist attraction – be it in London, Paris, New York, or wherever – the more likely you are to fall into a classic tourist trap. Sure, you’ll want to hit up bucket-list biggies like the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain while in Rome, but it pays to be aware that this will position you squarely in the danger zone – we’re talking tacky overpriced souvenirs, street scammers, tediously long queues, and takeaway pizza that no right-minded Italian would touch with a bargepole. Fear not though: we’ve got your back. Read on for our guide to the worst tourist traps in Rome, how best to avoid them, and what you should do instead. Tourist Traps at Major Rome Attractions Number one on the list for most Rome sightseers is the Colosseum, that great oval arena in the heart of the city. It just happens to be the biggest and best-preserved Ancient Roman amphitheater on the planet, and one of Rome’s most photo-friendly attractions, so it stands to reason that it’s busy pretty much all the time. First tip: dodge the faux-gladiators touting for photos outside and, if you absolutely must have a selfie with one of them, avoid a fleecing by agreeing a price first. Better still, get yourself onto the arena floor and strike your own Russell Crowe poses for the camera. Yes, it’s busy down there, but there are ways to avoid the worst of the crowds: quieter evening tours kick off around 9PM and the atmosphere under the floodlights is electric – you can almost hear the crowd baying for gladiator blood. Recommended. Another Rome must-do, the Trevi Fountain is also best visited at dawn or dusk if you hope to avoid the worst of the crowds (and touts, and street scammers). This is also when the light is at its softest and most romantic, all but guaranteeing the perfect #humblebrag shots to fill up your Insta. Trevi is the only fountain in Rome to hold a long-established coin-tossing tradition. So sure, flip in a coin and make your wish, but don’t go doing this at every other fountain in town (as many do) – that pocketful of change is far better spent on authentic gelato or produce from local markets like these ones. Skip-the-line tickets are your friend at most other major attractions, especially the Vatican Museums, though be aware you’ll still have to wait for a little whatever ticket type you have. And, although decidedly touristy, the ubiquitous hop-on hop-off bus tour is actually a pretty good way of getting around the city and ticking off many of the top Rome attractions without tiring yourself out. You can save a bit of extra cash for gelato with the OMNIA Vatican & Rome Pass, which includes the hop-on hop-off bus tour, plus access to many more major city attractions, tours and activities. Find out more about the pass here. Traps for Hungry Rome Tourists You’d think it would be impossible to have a bad meal in the world’s culinary capital, but alas, it is not. As ever, a good rule of thumb is that, if it’s within spitting distance of a major Rome attraction, it’s a tourist trap. We’re talking soggy pizza, microwaved supermarket spaghetti, mass-produced factory sauces, and worse (did somebody say ‘pineapple on pizza’?). Besides proximity to tourist hotspots, there are a few telltale signs which can help you sidestep the dodgiest dining disasters. Restaurant signs and menus that are a) in English, b) laminated or c) laying claim to e.g. ‘the best pizza in town’ are major red flags. Run away as fast as you can! The same goes for menus with no prices on them. If you can’t be shown prices up front, it’s a hard no. Aggressive waiters or touts vying for your custom out front of the eaterie. Do. Not. Engage. Italian stereotypes on restaurant signage: mustachioed dudes scoffing pizza, Italian flags, anything still trading on The Godfather movies… avoid, avoid, avoid. Unless, that is, you actually enjoy eating overpriced and unsatisfying food. Gelato from street carts. Far better to find a traditional store in a non-touristy area than to pay top dollar for a single scoop of synthetic disappointment. The people-watching potential of popular piazzas like Navona and del Popolo is second-to-none; the food resolutely… not. Seek out trattoria in smaller neighborhood piazzas for the best Roman cooking instead. The best tip we can give is to eat where the locals eat. Non-touristy neighborhoods like Trastevere, Coppedé and Testaccio are among the most picturesque in town, and are also where can tuck into traditional amatriciana, carbonara and cacio e pepe, safe in the knowledge they’ve been freshly prepared from scratch in the trattoria’s own kitchen. And, if in doubt, Tripadvisor is your friend. Rome Tourist Traps: Common Scams Rome can have an intoxicating effect on newbie visitors, wowed by seeing all those instantly recognizable attractions – the Colosseum, the Pantheon, St Peter’s Basilica – up close. Such distractions make you a prime target for scammers, pickpockets and other dodgy dealers. Here are a few of the scams you may encounter around Rome’s tourist traps, plus tips on how to avoid them. The freebie scam. Picture the scene: you’re minding your own business sitting on the Spanish Steps, or gazing wistfully into the glittering shop windows of the Via del Corso, when a woman or small child approaches and offers you a rose, charm or other trinket. The problem is that, the minute you take it, those sweet, innocent faces will harden and the loudly aggressive demands for cash payment will commence. Avoid by simply declining the item offered, saying a firm ‘no’ and walking away. The map scam. Sidewalk café tables are prime real estate for incurable people-watchers and a great way to watch the world go buy over cappuccino and cannoli. But don’t let yourself get too distracted and, if anyone slaps a map down on your table on the pretext of asking for directions, be on high alert. When they lift the map to leave, chances are they’ll also grab any valuables you’ve left lying underneath. Arrivederci, phone and wallet! The coin scam. Tourist trap hotspots abound around the major Rome attractions and you’ll find plenty of restaurants, stores and street vendors ready to give you dud coins in your change. So, if you absolutely must have that tacky Colosseum keyring, at least check for rogue lira coins in your change before walking away. Read our guide to staying safe in Rome here. Save on Popular Rome Attractions, Tours and Activities Save on admission to Rome attractions with the OMNIA Vatican & Rome Pass. Check out @omniavaticanrome on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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