10 Best Scenic Walks in Rome
Take a Walk Around Rome’s Most Beautiful Spots
The best scenic walks around Rome inspire wonder and contemplation. Steeped in thousands of years of history, the Eternal City contains dazzling sculptures, monuments, piazzas, and cathedrals. You can walk on cobblestone paths paved by Ancient Romans or stroll under canopies of oak and cypress in the fringes of the capital.
These walks in Rome showcase a variety of sites, from landmarks like the Colosseum and the Pantheon to contemporary museums and landscaped gardens. Walking is a great way to experience the city, whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in history or take some time for quiet reflection in nature.
1. Villa Borghese
Urban oasis with museums and monuments
Good for: Budget, History, Photo
Shaded footpaths, flower-clad gardens, and pristine ponds make Villa Borghese the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll in the city. One of the largest public parks in Rome, it’s home to a number of museums, galleries, and monuments. Don’t miss the replica of Shakespeare’s Globe Theater or Pincio’s 19th-century water clock.
If you have time to spare, drop by the Borghese Gallery to admire precious artwork by the likes of Caravaggio and Botticelli. For amazing sunset views of the city, head to Pincio Terrace. While most people spend a couple of hours at Villa Borghese, there’s enough here to keep you and your family or friends occupied for the entire day.
Location: 00197 Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy
Villa Borghese
2. Trevi Fountain to Castel Sant-Angelo
Connecting some of Rome’s most iconic sites
Good for: Budget, History, Photo
This walk takes you around some of Rome’s most iconic sites. It begins in the heart of the city at the Trevi Fountain, which features impressive baroque-style sculptures of mythic figures. Legend has it that visitors who wish to return to Rome should toss a coin into the fountain.
As you walk toward the ancient Ponte Sant-Angelo bridge, take time to soak in magnificent landmarks such as the Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, and the Temple of Hadrian. The charming cobblestone paths are lined with plenty of cafes where you can take breaks. The walk ends at Castel Sant-Angelo, a mausoleum-turned-museum which houses an incredible collection of ancient art, sculptures, and frescoes.
Location: Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Trevi Fountain to Castel Sant-Angelo
3. The Pantheon to the Colosseum
Following in the footsteps of ancient Romans
Good for: History, Budget
This walk links 2 of Rome’s most recognizable monuments: The Pantheon and the Colosseum. The Pantheon dates back to 27 BC and is incredibly well-preserved. Once you’ve admired its striking dome and columns, make your way to Rome’s ultimate symbol, the Colosseum. It’s best to reserve your tickets in advance.
The 1.5 mile walk from the Pantheon to the Colosseum takes you past some impressive structures such as the Piazza Venezia, the Roman Forum, and the Arch of Constantine. With so many photo opportunities along the way, set aside plenty of time for this history-packed stroll.
Location: Piazza della Rotonda, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
The Pantheon to the Colosseum
4. Tiber River Walk
A contemplative riverside walk
Good for: Budget, History, Photo
The beautiful Tiber River winds past several landmarks and interesting neighborhoods. It’s perfect for a quiet walk away from the buzz of the city. Pedestrians can amble along promenades at river level or along the tall flood walls. At each bridge, you’ll find stairs connecting both paths.
One of the most noteworthy spots along the river is Castel Sant-Angelo, a museum which houses many precious works of art. Keep your eyes out for the tiny Tiber Island and the ruins of the Rotto Bridge. As the river curves, you can spot St. Peter’s Basilica. If you have time to spare, explore the vibrant Trastevere neighborhood, which means “on the other side of the Tiber”.
Tiber River Walk
5. Villa Ada Savoia
A lush park steeped in history
Good for: Budget, History, Photo
Set in the northern part of Rome, this park gives you the chance to take a serene stroll under the shade of holm oaks, laurels, and cypresses. As you pass its immaculate lawns and lakes, keep your eyes out for birds, squirrels, and wild rabbits.
This park is steeped in history and contains a number of interesting buildings and monuments. History buffs should stop by the Bunker Villa Ada Savoia, built to protect royals during the Second World War, and the Catacombs of Priscilla. Villa Ada Savoia is not just great to explore on foot, you can hop on a bicycle or paddle around the park lake on a canoe.
Location: Via Salaria, 267, 273/275, 00199 Rome Italy
Open: Daily from 8 am to 6 pm
Villa Ada Savoia
6. The Appian Way
3rd-century path dotted with catacombs and ruins
Good for: Adventure, Budget, History
The Appian Way is a third-century route connecting Rome to Brindisi, and about 10 miles of it is contained within open parkland. Walk or cycle along cobblestone paths sandwiched by grassy lawns and towering pines, passing a number of ancient catacombs and ruins.
Highlights include the Villa of the Quintilii, a 2nd-century structure that affords beautiful views of the surroundings, and Porta San Sebastiano, one of the gates of the ancient Roman wall. The catacombs date back to early Christian times, and some of them, such as San Callisto and Santa Domitilla, are open to visitors. The best time to visit the Roman road is on Sundays and vacations when it’s closed to traffic.
Location: Parco Regionale dell’Appia Antica, Via Appia Antica, 42, 00178 Roma RM, Ital
The Appian Way
7. Villagio Olimpico to MAXXI
Impressive architecture from past to present
Good for: Budget, History, Photo
The walk from Villaggio Olimpico to the MAXXI museum is a treat for architecture buffs. Rome’s Olympic Village, which sits along the Tiber River, was built for the 1960 Summer Olympics as one the world’s first modern athletes’ villages. It has a surreal appearance with its uniform orange brick buildings and striking squares. On Fridays, the village hosts an outdoor market where you’ll find all sorts of interesting handcrafted items.
As you wander the streets, look out for the gray concrete dome of the Palazzetto dello Sport. Sitting west of the village is the MAXXI museum, designed by renowned architect Zaha Hadid. This spectacular building not only houses contemporary artworks, it is a piece of art in itself.
Location: Via degli Olimpionici, 71, 00196 Roma RM, Italy
Villagio Olimpico to MAXXI
8. Riserva Naturale Valle dell’Aniene
Nature reserve teeming with flora and fauna
Good for: Budget, Couples, Families
The Riserva Naturale Valle dell’Aniene, or Aniene Valley Nature Reserve, covers an area of over 2 square miles and is punctuated with limestone formations, wetlands, and caves. Filled with lush groves of oak, elm, willow, and maple, this spot is perfect for a nature-packed getaway.
The area is crisscrossed with a network of paved and dirt paths, providing plenty of opportunities for exploration. As you walk along the banks of the Aniene River, keep your eyes out for local wildlife such as kingfishers, porcupines, and badgers. Plenty of fossils have been excavated here and you can get a close look at them at the Museum of Casal de’ Pazzi.
Location: Via Vicovaro, 00155 Roma RM, Italy
Phone: +39 06 8200 3837
Riserva Naturale Valle dell'Aniene
9. Riserva Naturale dell’Insugherata
A lush escape just a stone’s throw from the city
Good for: Budget, History, Photo
Idyllic pastures and verdant woodlands make up the Riserva Naturale dell’Insugherata, or the Insugherata Nature Reserve. Easily accessible from the city center, this lush enclave is dotted with Roman villas and various archaeological ruins to explore.
Stroll along tranquil paths that take you to hilltops where you can bask in views of the Sabatini Mountains and Roman Castles. In spring, you can admire snowdrops, sweet violets, periwinkles, and other kinds of flora. Insugherata is also rich in wildlife. Hedgehogs, badgers, and salamanders are just some of the local inhabitants.
Location: Via Paolo Emilio Castagnola, 00135 Roma RM, Italy
Phone: +39 33 9579 3993
Riserva Naturale dell'Insugherata
10. Verano Monumental Cemetary
A glimpse into the city’s past
Good for: History, Budget
The Verano Monumental Cemetery is often described as an open-air museum. Covering almost a half square mile, this cemetery has been around for centuries and is a resting place for many notable figures. Its serene gardens, interspersed with graceful statues and monuments, are ideal for a contemplative walk.
The cemetery is divided into several sections, including a Catholic cemetery, a Jewish cemetery, a Protestant section, and an area dedicated to victims of the Second World War. To learn more about the history of this site, you can opt for a guided walking tour.
Location: Piazzale del Verano, 1, 00185 Roma RM, Italy
Open: October–March: Daily from 7.30 am to 6 pm. April–September: Daily from 7.30 am to 7 pm
Phone: +39 06 4923 6331
Verano Monumental Cemetary
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