After a day of sightseeing in the eternal city, one of Rome’s incredible rooftop bars is the ultimate place to relax and enjoy the view. Every time I return to Rome, I try to visit a new rooftop bar and often return to an old favourite. Some views just keep drawing you back!! I’m also a seeker of hidden gems, and I believe these lesser-known rooftops are pretty special and worth a visit!
Here’s your guide to hidden gem rooftop bars in Rome.
Know before you GO!: Rooftop Bars in Rome
Most of Rome’s rooftop bars are located at hotels. Good news! You don’t need to be a guest to visit. However, some hotels give guests special privileges, such as early access before the rooftop opens to the general public.
If you’re still planning your Rome trip, all of the hotels noted in this blog post have fabulous rooftops and are conveniently located. While they vary in price, recommend booking a stay at any of them. For more trip planning advice, check out my post, “Your Guide to Fall in Love with Rome.”
Rome is a hugely popular destination, especially in the summer. Even though these rooftops are hidden gems, still recommend making an advanced reservation.
Drink prices may seem pricier than you expect. That’s because most rooftops serve aperitivo, a pre-dinner drink and a snack. Since Roman restaurants don’t tend to open until 7-7:30 pm., an aperitivo helps tie you over until dinner. The food offered varies by place. It could be as simple as olives and potato chips or more filling and gourmet, like cured meats, cheese, crostini and other savoury finger foods.
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Terrazza Les Étoiles
Terrazza Les Étoiles may be better known than the other rooftop bars on this list, but its location in Rome makes it a hidden gem. Most of the popular rooftops are closer to the Spanish Steps and Colosseum. But Terrazza Les Étoiles is in the Prati and has spectacular views of the Vatican. Prati is a good choice if you love staying in a neighbourhood with real Romans rather than other tourists.
This rooftop’s broad terrace has intimate tables and is lined with shrubs and flowering plants. And you can’t get a better view of St. Peter’s dome and the Vatican. The service was attentive, and their apertivo was generous and tasty. It included a basket of cacio e pepe fries… I didn’t know this was a thing, but I dream of returning for more.
You can book online for the rooftop or restaurant. The aperitivo is a fixed price, which includes your drink and finger foods. Of course, you can order another glass, more nibbles, and dessert from their rooftop menu. Aperitivo is served daily from 5:30 pm to 9 pm.
Terrazza Les Étoiles is located on the top floor of the Atlante Star Hotel. It’s close to Castel Sant’Angelo and the Vatican. The rooms are clean but a bit dated. If you want to stay in Prati and have a nice place to relax with a cocktail at the end of a busy day of sightseeing, Atlante Star Hotel is the place!
Terrazza Borromini
I’d visited Piazza Navona many times without ever realizing that the fabulous Terrazza Borromini loomed above me. The rooftop is on the 5th floor of the fabulous Eitch Borromini Palazzo Pamphilj hotel. The entrance is on the backside of Piazza Navone, on Via di Santa Maria dell’Anima, 30.
While sipping your drink, take in the views of the piazza below and the city beyond. A closeup of the incredible dome of Sant’Agnese in Agone dominates the terrace. The brilliant architect Francesco Borromini designed the building in the 17th century. I mean, come on! How often do you get to have an apertivo on the rooftop of a former Italian palace designed by a genius!?
You absolutely need a reservation! I have a knack for talking my way into places, but it was a no-go here. However, I followed their reservation process and got in the next night.
Reservations can be made by email (bookingterrazze@gmail.com ). They don’t take reservations by WhatsApp or Instagram. And a credit card number is required to guarantee your spot. There’s also a no-show fee. That said, despite all of their rules, they respond quickly.
Eitch Borromini Hotel at Palazzo Pamphilj is an elegant option. Its remarkable location inside a former 17th-century palace helps to justify the price tag. Most of Rome’s major attractions are easily walkable, and the service is top-notch!
Spritzeria Barberini
Spritzeria Barberini is one of Rome’s smaller rooftops, but it has a panoramic terrace and views of the Palazzo Barberini. And it’s a Spritzeria! I loved their Spritz Barberini with the addition of Radis Amaro, a unique Italian bitter. They also have a selection of gourmet pizzas. Call for reservations. It’s open from 5 pm to 11 pm.
Hotel Barberini serves breakfast on the rooftop. What a lovely place to start your day! It’s also a great value for such a centrally located hotel. Less than a 5-minute walk to the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain and the Barberini Metro.
If you love art and architecture, you MUST visit the nearby Palazzo Barberini. This 17th-century palace was home to the future Pope Urban VII and today houses the Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica. The art and architecture are definitely worth a visit.
The Vista Rooms & Terrace
The Terrace at the Vista Rooms is one of my favourite rooftop bars in Rome. The panoramic terrace has a chill vibe, and I couldn’t get over the views, especially of the fabulous corkscrew-domed steeple of Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza. Francesco Borromini designed it, and I’m a huge fan of his architecture, so having this close-up view was a treat. Book your table online. It’s open from 5 pm to 10:00 pm.
I haven’t stayed at the Vista Rooms, but I’m tempted for my next trip. Love the colourful rooms with bold wallpaper. And its location is perfect! It’s a 3-minute walk to the Pantheon and Sant’ Eustachio Caffè. Sant’ Eustachio is a popular spot; it is best to go early. And try the Moretto!!
Rinascente Via del Tritone
The rooftop bar at the Rinascente is one of the few in Rome where you don’t need a reservation. And It’s not at a hotel but an iconic department store. Just make sure you visit the Rinascente location on Via del Tritone.
The seven-floor store is filled with designer brands that might be out of your price range, but it is one of Romes’s more affordable rooftops to grab a glass. And the views are pretty amazing!
The Rinascente is centrally located, just 3 minutes from the Trevi fountain, and open until 11 pm.
Non-Rooftop Bars in Rome
If you visit Rome, going to a rooftop bar should be on your to-do list. But wanted to share two other hidden gems.
Caffe Doria
Discovered this cafe when visiting the Galleria Palazzo Doria Pamphilj. It’s less visited than other more famous galleries in Rome but has an incredible private art collection. Caffe Doria is in an interior courtyard. The marble columns and lush garden are dreamy. And it seemed, at least on the night I visited, that Romans rather than tourists were the main clientele.
Their apertivo is from 6 pm to 9 pm. I didn’t make a reservation and just showed up, but will link to their reservation site, which also gives access to their bistro. Caffe Doria is famous for its Gin Trolley with over 80 top-shelf gins.
Enoteca Cuverie
I visit Enoteca Cuverie in Trastevere every time I’m in Rome. I don’t believe there’s even a sign on the tiny wine bar on the corner of Via Santa Cecilia. It’s just a few outdoor tables and a cozy interior space filled with antiques. The staff is super friendly; you can order wine by the glass. And I love their Scrocchiarella! Rustic, crispy crackers, like a thin, crunchy pizza, as flavoured with tomatoes and herbs. It’s so good that I usually order a second bowl and maybe another glass of wine.
Enoteca Cuverie is down the street from Trattoria Da Enzo al 29, famous for its excellent food and crazy long lineups. If you want a fantastic dinner spot nearby, make a reservation at Cecilia Santa Cucina.
If you’re planning a visit to Rome, in addition to my Guide to Fall in Love with Rome, also check out What to Eat in Rome: 7 Delicious Things You Need to Try and Secret Photo Spots in Rome: 7 Hidden Gems.
