Exploring Rome during the hotter months can be an exhausting affair. But there is another, more relaxing way to soak up the Eternal City’s atmosphere and sights: head for the rooftops to enjoy them from above.
Rome’s many flat-roofed buildings mean there’s plenty of space for bar and restaurant terraces, where weary travellers can enjoy fabulous food and drinks and catch even the faintest of breezes.
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Many of the city’s most sophisticated rooftop bars are found atop its iconic hotels (though are open to non-residents.) Quirkier picks are tucked away in spots only locals will know.
We’ve rounded up just a few of our favourites below.
Etere
If you’re looking for sophistication with a distinctly Roman flavour, you’ll find it here on the cosy rooftop terrace bar of Palazzo Ripetta. This former 17th-century convent is now home to one of Rome's chicest luxury hotels, and its rooftop bar Etere opened in September 2023.
This romantic, cosy spot amid the rooftops of the old city, steps from Piazza del Popolo, is hard to beat for location and atmosphere and ticks all the boxes for a special occasion.
Sleek decor along with a carefully curated drinks list and menu of modern Italian tapas-style plates can’t fail to impress: a prosecco cocktail (try the Ancien Regìme) with a plate of fried Tuscia cheese or calamari makes for an aperitivo you won’t forget. Open Monday-Sunday until midnight.
Angelina
Soak up the local ambience at this unique spot. Built into Monte Testaccio (or Monte dei Cocci), a hill made of ancient Roman amphorae, the Angelina bar and restaurant is a local institution.
This decidedly classy spot is pricier than nearby restaurants, but it’s worth it: as well as the location, and the stylish yet relaxed atmosphere, there’s a main menu packed with high-quality local produce as well as aperitivo sharing plates.
Climb the steep staircase, and you’ll find yourself transported from the busy streets to a rooftop garden hideaway with a slightly ‘shabby chic’ feel that has made it an Instagram hit. Order their mini charcuterie and cheese platter and sample a spritz with a twist from their extensive drinks menu.
Open every day between 7.30pm - 11.30pm.
La Terrazza del Cesàri
A stone's throw from Rome's bustling via del Corso, La Terrazza del Cesàri provides a peaceful oasis for the weary traveller.
This rooftop bar on the sixth floor of Hotel Cesari is split across two terraces: one overlooking the church of Sant'Ignazio di Loyola, the other Piazza di Pietra.
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The wide variety of cocktails and mocktails makes this the perfect place for cocktail enthusiasts and non-drinkers alike. Open every day until midnight.
Zuma
If you’re in Rome to enjoy a spot of retail therapy, there’s no better place to end the day than at this ultra-contemporary roof terrace and restaurant on top of the iconic Fendi palazzo.
Sitting right in the heart of the shopping district, at the opposite end of via dei Condotti to Piazza di Spagna, Zuma’s lounge bar and terrace is open from 6pm if you’re looking for a sophisticated cocktail served with an unbeatable view.
The Rome iteration of the London-based Japanese restaurant meanwhile offers izakaya-style sharing dishes, from sashimi to seared beef. More reasonably priced at lunchtime, and with more buzz (and chance of spotting a celebrity or two) in the evenings.
Les Étoiles
No list of Rome’s best rooftop terraces would be complete without a mention of what must be the most famous of all: Roof Garden Les Étoiles, known for its 360-degree panoramic views of St Peter’s Basilica.
This rooftop bar and restaurant is located atop Rome’s Hotel Atlante Star, and is open to non-residents. You’ll need a reservation for the evening aperitivo buffet - it’s a popular spot, despite the steeper-than-average price, and it’s easy to see why.
The bar is open until 9pm for aperitivo and until midnight for after-dinner drinks. Early evening is the best time to visit, when you can sit back and watch the sun go down over the Eternal City with a cocktail in hand.
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