The timeless skyline of Rome is a joy to appreciate from one of these fascinating rooftop bars. Although Rome is called the Eternal City, you shouldn’t have to spend an eternity figuring out where to get an aperitivo and a great view, so that’s where we come in! Here’s our list of the five best rooftop bars in Rome, including options for a Michelin-starred experience, a sustainable vegetarian meal, a unique perch for a sunny breakfast and more! (Read this for more Rome tips)
Rooftop Bars in Rome
Credit: Minerva Roof Garden
Fit for a Goddess: Minerva Roof Garden
One of the most popular rooftop bars in Rome has to be Minerva Roof Garden of the Grand Hotel de la Minerve open only during the summer months. There are 16 different types of martinis on the menu and over a dozen famous sites in easy view — the Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain and more. Sip a delicious cocktail while admiring the Pantheon, which translates to the “temple of the gods.” Considering that this bar is named after the Roman goddess of wisdom, it’s clear that a drink or two here would be a wise choice for a warm summer evening!
Credit: Mater Terrae
Sustainable and Stunning: Mater Terrae
If you really want to treat yourself (and you’re on vacation, so why wouldn’t you?) you’ll have to make a stop at Mater Terrae. This restaurant and hotel made headlines a few years ago when Julia Roberts was a guest while filming Eat, Pray, Love. This five star bar is located in the center of the city and has stunning panoramic views of Roman rooftops from all angles. The menu offers seasonal and inventive vegetarian and vegan fare, with the chef’s intention to provide meals that are both luxurious and environmentally sustainable. And speaking of: the facade of the hotel looks like an ode to the environment itself, covered from ground to roof in live greenery. It’s truly a luxurious and sustainable little oasis in the middle of a busy city.
The Best of the Best: La Pergola
There’s only one restaurant in Rome that’s been designated with three Michelin stars, and it’s La Pergola. We’re not sure which part sounds the most exciting: the more than 60,000 bottles of wine in the cellar, the extensive menu dedicated exclusively to olive oil or the restaurant that is one of the top 50 in the entire world. As far as rooftop dining in Rome is concerned, this is the best of the best. Need we say more?
Credit: Hotel Forum
A Piece of History: Hotel Forum
Like many of the beautiful buildings in Rome, Hotel Forum has led a few different lives over the years. In 1962, it opened in its current form as a hotel and rooftop bar frequented by celebrities like Jackie Kennedy, Elizabeth Taylor, Gregory Peck, and more. But long before the 1960s, the building operated as a convent attached to the adjacent church of San Quirico e Giulitta. Today bar patrons can still enjoy stunning views of monuments, churches and the Colosseum. And here’s a fun tip for this bar: rather than stopping by for a nightcap, we actually recommend trying the breakfast, which is served between 7:00 and 10:30am (reservations required).
For A Refreshment after Shopping: La Rinascente
Paris may have the monopoly on department store rooftop terraces, but La Rinascente may give the French city a run for its money. Though it’s a stone’s throw from the Trevi Fountain on Via Tritone, this rooftop is still mostly off the tourist radar. It’s the most modern option of all of these rooftop bars in Rome: the sleek booths and trendy menu truly give you the feeling that this isn’t ancient Rome anymore; it’s a cosmopolitan 21st century city. Up-Sunset Bar – the name of this rooftop bar and restaurant – is led by Michelin starred chef Riccardo Di Giacinto.
Landini’s large terrace
Bonus Options! Your Own Private Terrace
Love the idea of a rooftop terrace that you can access anytime, without having to worry about making a reservation? There are a few stunning Italy Perfect properties with rooftop terraces that offer views equal to or even better than some of the bars we’ve listed above. Consider the Apollo Palazzo apartment with a large private terrace, located in a centralissimo neighborhood, just south of Piazza Navona.
So have we convinced you to spend some time hopping from rooftop to rooftop in Rome? If so, you can contact Italy Perfect at [email protected] or 1-888-308-6123, and we’ll be happy to help you find the perfect apartment to serve as your rooftop-hopping headquarters.
