It is only from a rooftop that you can truly admire the many layered domes and terraces of Rome. Rome has amazing weather for most of the year, but some terraces are only open seasonally. Make the most of the season and visit these rooftops:
Hotel Raphael
The intimate terrace atop Hotel Raphael is one of the loveliest rooftop bars in Rome. Located near Piazza Navona, you can see duomo after duomo, as well as the unmistakable curved top of the Pantheon. Not only does Hotel Raphael have a view that makes it the perfect perch for an evening of relaxation.
See more: The Terrace – Hotel Raphael
The First Luxury Art Hotel
Between Piazza di Spagna and Piazza del Popolo is The First Luxury Art Hotel Roma. Filled with works from (primarily) Italian artists, the boutique hotel has 29 art-inspired rooms. But the best feature of the hotel is its stunning two-level rooftop bar that looks out over Rome towards the Spanish Steps. The 360-degree view of Rome is dotted with church domes and is the perfect place to watch a Roman sunset with a cocktail in hand. The cocktails go beyond the classics, offering drinks like Italy 150 (citrus, limoncello, and prosecco) and spritztino (vermouth bianco with fresh mint and soda water).
See more: The First Luxury Art Hotel
Hotel Forum
Overlooking the Roman Forum, the American Bar at Hotel Forum offers gorgeous views of ancient Rome. The rooftop bar offers cocktails, beer and wine, awe well as aged whiskies, rums and a wide choice of grappas. You can also opt for a coffee if you prefer, but you will probably want to linger awhile longer over the view.
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Hotel Minerva
Here you can enjoy the view from their rooftop overlooking the Pantheon and Bernini’s Elephant statue. The other side of the terrace, closest to the bar, offers sweeping views of Roman rooftops out towards the Vittoriano. Grab two barstools in this quieter corner, and order a bottle of Prosecco. This is one of the largest rooftop bars in Rome so while it is less private, it is still stunning.
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FortySeven Hotel
The bar at the boutique FortySeven hotel is one of the quieter rooftop bars in Rome. Called Circus because it is just around the corner from Circus Maximus, the terrace bar has views of Tiber river, and looks out directly over the Temple of Hercules Victor, across from the Mouth of Truth. Because the hotel sits on the less visited side of the Centro Storico, it tends to be a more relaxed experience than some of the other rooftop bars in Rome.
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Hotel Eden
Hotel Eden remains one of the best luxury hotels in Rome. Located just off the iconic Via Veneto, the bar area is open all day and offers stunning panoramic views of Rome. Stop in for a coffee in the morning and a signature cocktail in the evening to watch the light change. If you want an even more upscale experience, the hotel is also home to La Terrazza – a Michelin-Starred restaurant with similarly gorgeous views of the city.
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Eitch Borromini
Open to the public for the first time in 2017, Eitch Borromini’s La Grande Bellezza terrace is likely Rome’s best rooftop bar. The stunning rooftop is located in a wing of Palazzo Pamphilj which overlooks Piazza Navona. The bar has 360 degree views of Rome.
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Mecenate Palace Hotel
The Roof Garden at Mecenate Palace looks directly over Santa Maria Maggiore – one of the major Roman Basilicas. Located on the top of Esquilino hill, the garden is one of the few rooftop bars in Rome that still feels slightly undiscovered.
See more: Mecenate Palace Hotel
Credit: Natalie – An American in Rome
