Your Guide to the Best Rome Gardens and Parks

Among all the European capitals, the Eternal City truly shines with its diverse collection of beautiful green spaces.

With all the Rome gardens and parks to choose from, here we'll be setting out our favorite places to relax and explore.

From the vast, open spaces of Villa Doria Pamphilj to the hidden, peaceful corners of the Vatican Gardens, you've got plenty to choose from!

The best Rome gardens and parks – Everything you need to know

While exploring Rome's museums, ancient sites and cobbled streets you would be forgiven for wanting a break from the city.

Luckily there are many green spaces close to the city center where you can switch off and relax in between sightseeing, and we're here to guide you through the most beautiful parks and gardens in Rome.

On this page, we'll be exploring each of these stunning locations:

• Villa Borghese
• Villa Doria Pamphilj
• The Aqueduct Park
• Rome's Rose Garden
• The Orange Garden
• Villa Torlonia
• The Parco della Caffarella
• Rome's Botanical Gardens
• The Vatican Gardens
• Some of the secret gardens in Rome

Villa Borghese

Just north of the bustling city center lies the enchanting Villa Borghese, one of the largest parks in Rome.

It’s home to some prominent buildings, museums, and attractions, all just a stone's throw from the central sights of Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps.

Dreamt up in the early 17th century by Cardinal Scipione Borghese, this "park of wonders" was created to showcase the Borghese family's lavish wealth and high social standing.

To bring his vision to life, the cardinal hired the finest architects of the time.

The result?

An enchanting garden filled with ornate fountains, a tranquil lake, majestic sculptures, and an abundance of plants and flowers.

Not to mention, the Pincio Terrace with its stunning city views.

Within this expansive park, you'll discover some of the city's most reputable museums and institutions, including the Galleria Borghese.

This gallery is famous for its extensive art collection, beautifully displayed across twenty rooms.

• Opening hours: Open 24 hours. 
• Prices: Free admission to the park itself.
• Notes: Many attractions, including the Galleria Borghese, require booking ahead. Read our Galleria Borghese guide for more information.

To get to the Villa Borghese gardens from the city center, it’s a 10-minute taxi ride.

You can also take bus #160 from Via del Corso to the first stop in the park, S. Paolo Del Brasile.

I like to enter near the Galleria and walk up to the Pincio terrace but there are multiple entrances to the park so simply find the most convenient one for you.

Villa Doria Pamphilj

Perched above the city on the Janiculum hill, Villa Pamphilj is the largest landscaped park in Rome.

It's a favorite spot for locals because of its spectacular views, with the Vatican City nearby.

The park started way back in the 1600's as a home for the Pamphilj family.

They bought the surrounding vineyards and created a grand park, filling it with landscaped gardens and ornate fountains.

In 1965, the park was bought by the city of Rome.

Now, it's a place where everyone can follow nature trails, watch birds, go for a run, and even enjoy live music.

• Opening hours: 7:00AM to 9:00PM in the summer
• Prices: Free entry
• Notes: Closing time depends on time of year – check the Villa Doria Pamphilj timetable for details.

To reach Villa Pamphilj from the city center, it’s 20 minutes by taxi, or 50 minutes by bus.

The simplest route is bus H from Piazza Venezia to Gianicolense/Casaletto or tram 8 from Piazza Venezia to Casaletto.

Aqueduct Park

The Aqueduct Park, Parco degli Acquedotti in Italian, is a real star among Rome's gardens and parks.

Nestled in the city's southeast area, it’s home to the towering ancient ruins of several aqueducts.

Back in the day, this space was crucial for Rome, linking multiple aqueducts together to supply water all over the city.

It was turned into a public park in the 1970's, with a small nature reserve, waterways and walkways added for visitors to enjoy.

Go there to enjoy wide-open green spaces bordered by the grand aqueducts.

It’s gorgeous at sunset when the light plays on the tall aqueduct arches.

• Opening hours: Open 24 hours
• Prices: Free
• Notes: Popular for jogging and walking

Being slightly off-the-beaten-path, it takes around 35 minutes to get there by by taxi from the city center.

However the much easier option is to take the subway, using line A (towards Anagnina), stopping at Lucio Sestio.

I prefer this option as I never get stuck in traffic!

Rome's Rose Garden

Rome's Rose Garden turns into a magical place when its roses bloom.

You’ll find over a thousand rose varieties in a stunning location overlooking the Palatine Hill and Circus Maximus.

In 1934 the Jewish cemetery that was originally located here was moved and the space became a public park.

But it wasn't until 1950 that its potential was reached and the land was expanded into a grand, decorative, and beautiful garden.

The garden is split into two parts: one area cultivates roses for the Premio Roma competition, while the other is a collection of famous rose species.

Read more about this special space here.

• Opening hours: April 21 to mid-June, from 8:30AM to 6:00PM
• Prices: Free admission
• Notes: Re-opens for a short time in October but the dates vary every year so keep checking our events page for the specific timings.

You can reach the garden via the Metro B line.

Get off at the Circo Massimo stop, and the garden entrance is located about 5 minutes walking up the road.

The Orange Garden

The Orange Garden, or Giardino degli Aranci, sits high on the Aventine Hill, surrounded by the sweet scent of orange trees.

This special spot offers an amazing view over Rome. 

The garden was created in 1932 by architect Raffaele de Vico, with his aim to create another famous Rome viewpoint.

The many orange trees are a nod to the area's history, once home to a community of Dominican monks who grew them.

Right at the entrance, there's a funny fountain that looks like a grumpy face.

Step inside past this fountain and you'll find yourself in a lush, green haven, full of fragrant orange trees and stunning umbrella pines.

Up on the terrace, catch breathtaking views of the River Tiber, with St. Peter’s dome standing tall in the distance.

• Opening hours: 7:00AM to 9:00PM in the summer
• Prices: Free entry
• Notes: Closes at 6:00PM during the winter

To get to the Orange Garden from the center of Rome, you can take a stroll up the gentle hill, or take a taxi.

Villa Torlonia

Once a symbol of Rome's high society, Villa Torlonia sits just northeast of the city's center.

The villa captivates with its English-style gardens, unique buildings, and charming garden ornaments. 

The villa was originally constructed for a prominent banker to the Vatican.

It later gained historical significance when Mussolini used it as his official residence, he and his family lived there for nearly two decades.

One of my highlights in the park is the Casina delle Civette, or House of the Little Owls.

This unusual set of buildings has a patchwork design, a result of multiple additions over the years.

Multi-colored stained glass windows complete the kitschy look!

• Opening hours: 9:00AM to 6:00PM
• Prices: No entrance fee
• Notes: Closed on Mondays

Getting there is easy.

It’s a 15-minute taxi ride, or catch bus #60 from Piazza Venezia right to Villa Torlonia.

Parco della Caffarella

The Caffarella park, or Parco della Caffarella, is a sprawling green space located southeast of Rome's city center, right next to the ancient Appian Way.

This expansive park blends natural beauty with glimpses into ancient Rome.

The park's land, once owned by a Roman senator, is a treasure trove of history. 

Its roots stretching back to the 6th century BCE so as a result, there's ancient Roman ruins all over the place.

Wander through and discover the beautifully maintained tomb of Annia Regilla.

You’ll also see the mystical Nympheum of Egeria, where a spring bubbles up under the watchful gaze of Almo’s statue.

• Opening hours: Open 24 hours
• Prices: Free admission
• Notes: Also a sanctuary for wildlife with over 78 species of birds

Reach Parco della Caffarella by Metro line A, getting off at the Colli Albani stop.

Rome's Botanical Gardens

Set at the foot of the Gianicolo Hill in Trastevere, you’ll find the Botanical Garden of Rome.

These little-known gardens are home to over 7,000 plant species.

The garden opened its gates in 1883, but its roots stretch back much further.

Originally a Vatican project for growing medicinal plants, it was handed over to Rome's university by the pope in 1660.

Step inside, and you're greeted by a row of palm trees, leading towards the Fountain of Tritons, a favorite spot of mine to sit and relax.

Continue further to discover many rare plants. 

Make sure not to miss the serene bamboo grove and beautifully crafted Japanese garden.

• Opening hours: 9:00AM to 6:30PM in summer
• Prices: Adults €5, €4 for children and students – purchase online or at the entrance
• Notes: Closes 5:30PM in winter, with the last entrance an hour before closing. Check out our Rome Botanical Garden Guide for more information!

The botanical garden is easy to get to, just a 20-minute walk from the historic center across the River Tiber.

The Vatican Gardens

A visit to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel is more complete with a tour of the Gardens of Vatican City.

The gardens actually cover more than half of the Vatican’s territory!

The gardens date back to the 13th century but only started welcoming the public in 2014.

Here you'll find beautifully curated mini-gardens, dotted with soothing fountains and intricately-sculpted statues.

As you wander through, the majestic dome of St. Peter's Basilica looms above.

You'll also find sacred spots among the serene beauty, including a carefully crafted grotto devoted to Our Lady of Lourdes. 

• Opening hours: Access only with a booked tour, with a shorter and longer version available
• Tour Prices: Varied depending on which tour option is selected, but at a minimum it includes access to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel as well.
• Notes: You can only visit as part of a tour

You can get there easily from the city center, following directions for the Vatican.

Rome's Secret Gardens

Having visited the most famous gardens in the Eternal City, you might be looking for somewhere a bit more peaceful.

Tucked away from the usual paths, there are some wonderful secret gardens to explore as well.

Palazzo Venezia

Right near the bustling Piazza Venezia hides a secret garden within Palazzo Venezia.

It’s quite a unique area, due to its interesting mix of architectural styles, from Medieval to Renaissance to Baroque.

At its center, you’ll find an impressive decorative fountain, while benches tucked under palm trees invite you to relax and listen to the chirping birds.

Villa Celimontana

Just a stone's throw from the Colosseum and Palatine Hill, Villa Celimontana is a local gem.

It’s a large park with lush grass and plenty of trees for shade. 

This green space is where families gather, children play, and friends exercise.

This is one of my favorite places to come for a break between all the sightseeing!

Villa Aldobrandini

Nestled between the majestic Quirinal Palace and the ancient ruins of Trajan’s Market, you'll find a peaceful place with a nice view over Rome.

There are plenty of shaded benches under leafy trees.

Statues dotted throughout add to the whole botanical garden's charm.

As the entrance is hidden in plain sight and you have to climb some stairs to get there, it’s a quiet place just off the well-trodden tourist trails.

Non-Catholic Cemetery

Including a cemetery on a list of Rome's secret gardens might sound odd, but there's a certain peace found in such places.

Tucked away in the corner of Testaccio, the Cimitario Acattolico provides a secluded spot for quiet contemplation.

It’s surrounded by the ancient Aurelian walls, right behind the Pyramid of Gaius Cestius.

As a bonus, there is a cat sanctuary on site so there are always some cute cats around the grounds!