15 Best Rooftop Bars in Rome for Sunset & City Views

Q: Which rooftop has the best view of the Colosseum or Vatican?

For a close-up view of the Colosseum, The Court is one of the best choices, although it is technically a terrace rather than a rooftop. For views of St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican, Terrazza Les Étoiles is one of the standout options, with a direct view of the dome and a wide panorama over Rome.

In recent years, rooftop bars have become one of our favorite ways to end a day of sightseeing. We’ve sought them out in Rome, Florence, Paris, and other cities, usually for the same reason: there’s something especially nice about sitting down with a cocktail and a view of the city before heading to dinner.

On our most recent trip to Rome, we spent as much time as we could visiting rooftop bars around the city. Some had sweeping skyline views, others overlooked landmarks such as the Colosseum or Trevi Fountain, and a few became some of our favorite memories from the trip.

Since then, a few of the rooftops we visited have closed, while others have become more popular. This guide is a mix of our firsthand experiences, current research, and several rooftop bars we would love to visit on our next trip to Rome.

Our Experience with Rome’s Rooftop Bars: On our most recent trip to Rome, Tim and I made rooftop bars a regular part of our evenings, often stopping for an aperitivo before dinner. We personally visited many of the bars in this guide, including Oro Bistrot, Divinity, Cielo, Terrazza Nainer, AcquaRoof, and Garden Roof Trevi. For the rooftops we haven’t visited, we researched current reviews, views, location, and overall experience, and we clearly identify those recommendations throughout the guide.

Rome Rooftop Bars: At a Glance

BEST COLOSSEUM VIEW | The Court

BEST ST. PETER’S VIEW | Terrazza Les Étoiles

BEST TREVI FOUNTAIN VIEW | Garden Roof Trevi

BEST FOR A SPECIAL OCCASION | Cielo or Adèle Mixology Lounge

BEST FOR APERITIVO | Divinity

OUR FAVORITE | Oro Bistrot

RESERVATIONS | Recommended for sunset and evening, especially in spring, summer, and early fall

DRESS CODE | Most are smart casual; some luxury hotel rooftops are more upscale

BEST TIME TO GO | About 30 to 60 minutes before sunset

Our Favorite Rooftop Bars in Rome

If you only have time for a few rooftop bars in Rome, these are the ones we would prioritize:

Oro Bistrot: Our favorite overall experience, especially at sunset.
Divinity: A great choice for aperitivo with a central location and beautiful city views.
Cielo: Best for a more upscale evening or special occasion.
Garden Roof Trevi: Go here for a unique view of the Trevi Fountain area.
Terrazza Nainer: A quieter option with sweeping views over Rome.

The rest of this guide includes both rooftop bars we visited ourselves and several others we researched and would consider on a future trip.

Things to Know about the Rooftop Bars in Rome

Make Your Reservation in Advance

Some rooftop bars take reservations and some rooftop bars are first come, first serve. We suggest making a reservation in advance for each of these rooftop bars, unless otherwise noted. Several of these are extremely popular spots and book up in advance.

How Much Does it Cost to Visit a Rooftop Bar?

When we visited Rome in 2022, we typically paid €15 to €25 for a cocktail, and that is still a reasonable range to expect at many rooftop bars today. At some of the more upscale rooftops, cocktails are now closer to €20 to €25 or more.

Small plates and appetizers vary widely depending on the rooftop, but expect to pay more than you would at a typical bar or restaurant elsewhere in Rome. Part of what you are paying for is the setting and the view.

Some rooftop bars also offer fixed aperitivo packages or minimum-spend experiences rather than simple à la carte drinks. For example, Divinity currently offers a cocktail-and-tapas experience, while Terrazza Les Étoiles has a fixed aperitivo package that includes a drink and finger food.

We include the official website for each rooftop bar below, so check the current menu and pricing before your visit. Prices, packages, and reservation policies can change.

Hours of Operation

We recommend checking the official website for hours of operation. The hours listed on Google Maps are not always accurate. The links are included for each rooftop bar in this article.

Dress Code

For all of these rooftop bars, smart casual clothing is recommended. Some rooftop bars are very casual, such as Up Sunset Bar and Garden Roof Trevi, while others are more upscale, such as Cielo Terrace and The Court at Palazzo Manfredi.

Note: Many of these rooftop bars are located on top of hotels. You do not have to be a guest of these hotels in order to visit these rooftop bars in Rome.

Best Rooftop Bars in Rome

1. Oro Bistro

Best For: Sunset, romantic views, and one of the best overall rooftop experiences in Rome
Location: Hotel NH Collection Roma Fori Imperiali
View: Altar of the Fatherland, Trajan Forum, Roman Forum
Reservation: Highly recommended
Our Take: This was our favorite rooftop experience in Rome. Watching the sunset light up the Altar of the Fatherland is one of my favorite memories from both of our trips to the city.
Website: orobistrot.it

This is our favorite rooftop bar in Rome. We had an amazing experience here, and I will admit that was partly because the sunset was spectacular during our visit.

There are two sections of Oro Bistrot: an outdoor lounge bar and an outdoor restaurant.

We started with aperitifs at the lounge bar and then moved over to the restaurant for dinner at 7 pm. During the several hours we spent here (our visit was in mid-September), the sky put on a dramatic show with a pastel sunset. Looking out over the Trajan Forum to the Altar of the Fatherland was magical.

The drinks and the food are wonderful, the views are some of the best from a Rome rooftop bar, making this one of the best rooftop bars in Rome. Definitely make your reservation in advance for both the cocktail lounge and the restaurant.

Oro Bistrot Lounge

Aperitif in Italy | Best Rooftop Bars in Rome

Oro Bistrot Restaurant

We took this photo of the Altar of the Fatherland at sunset

Rome at Night | Best Rooftop Bars in Rome

View from the Oro Bistrot Restaurant in the evening

2. Divinity Restaurant & Lounge

Best For: Aperitivo or dinner in the historic center with rooftop views
Location: The Pantheon Iconic Rome Hotel
View: Pantheon, Church of St. Ives (the corkscrew)
Reservations: Recommended for the restaurant. The lounge bar operates separately, and seating is generally based on availability.
Our Take: One of our favorite rooftop spots in Rome. We especially liked the view of Sant’Ivo’s corkscrew dome and the central location. It works well either for a pre-dinner drink or as a full dinner destination.
Website: thepantheonhotel.com

Divinity Restaurant & Lounge is located in the historic heart of Rome, just a short walk from the Pantheon.

This rooftop bar and restaurant has a spectacular view of the corkscrew (the top of the Church of St. Ives at the Sapienza) and you can see the dome of the Pantheon.

Divinity has two parts: an outdoor lounge bar and a restaurant. If you dine at the restaurant, there is indoor and outdoor seating. For the best view, request an outdoor table when you make your reservation.

The view from the Divinity Lounge Bar at sunset

Divinity Lounge

View of the Pantheon from the lounge bar

View from the Divinity Restaurant

This is another one of our favorite rooftop bars in Rome. The food and drinks are excellent, gazing out at the corkscrew is beautiful, and this rooftop bar has a fantastic location in the city center.

The views from the outdoor lounge section of Divinity are the best, with a view of both the corkscrew and top of the Pantheon. We didn’t think the view was quite as good from the outdoor restaurant, but the food is phenomenal (we ate dinner here). Come early for an aperitif at the lounge bar and follow that up with dinner to get the full experience.

3. AcquaRoof Terrazza Molinari

Best For: A polished rooftop experience near Piazza del Popolo
Location: Hotel The First Arte
View: Villa Borghese Gardens, Trinità dei Monti church, Rome skyline
Reservation: Recommended for lunch or dinner. The official site currently states that reservations are not available for aperitivo or after-dinner drinks.
Our Take: We visited for lunch and had a very good experience. It was quiet during the day, and the wide-open view makes this one we would also consider for sunset.
Website: acquaroof.it

Located near Piazza del Popolo, this rooftop restaurant and bar has a very nice view across the rooftops to the Villa Borghese Gardens and the Trinità dei Monti church. It is open for lunch, late afternoon cocktails, and dinner. Since it can be visited all afternoon, it’s one of the best rooftop bars in Rome to add to your list.

AcquaRoof Terrazza Molinari

AcquaRoof Restaurant Rome | Best Rooftop Bars in Rome

AcquaRoof Terrazza Molinari

We had lunch here and at this time of day it was a quiet spot. The food was delicious. I ate the spaghettoni with clams in a buttery garlic sauce and Tim had pasta with tomato sauce and lobster.

I imagine that AcquaRoof Terrazza Molinari would be a great spot for sunset views and dinner and drinks.

AcquaRoof Terrazza Molinari opens at noon for lunch. Our waiter recommended having a reservation for lunch or dinner. If you just want to have a drink and enjoy the view, come between 6 and 8 pm.

4. Cielo

Best For: A special occasion and panoramic skyline views
Location: Rocco Forte Hotel de la Ville
View: Sweeping views across Rome, including St. Peter’s Basilica, the Pantheon, and the Altar of the Fatherland
Hours: Noon to midnight
Reservation: Highly recommended
Our Take: This was one of the most upscale rooftops we visited. The setting high above the Spanish Steps gives it one of the broadest panoramic views in the city.
Website: roccofortehotels.com

This rooftop bar and restaurant is located on the seventh floor of Hotel de la Ville. With a location just a short walk from the top of the Spanish Steps, this rooftop bar is located on one of the highest points of the city. From here, you can gaze across the rooftops for panoramic views of Rome. You look across some rooftops near the hotel, but beyond that you can see St. Peter’s Basilica, the dome of the Pantheon, and the Altar of the Fatherland.

Cielo

The cocktails are delicious and served with small snacks (olives, potato chips, and nuts). The terrace has tables and chairs plus a few sofas. Red striped umbrellas shade guests from the afternoon sun.

From noon to 5 pm, you can have cocktails and small plates. Dinner is served in the evening. This is one of the more expensive rooftop bars that we visited.

5. Terrazza Nainer

Best For: Piazza del Popolo views and a quieter rooftop aperitivo
Location: Palazzo Nainer
View: Piazza del Popolo, Villa Borghese Gardens
Reservation: Highly recommended although walk-ins are accepted
Our Take: We liked this rooftop for its relaxed atmosphere and views over Piazza del Popolo. It feels a little more tucked away than some of Rome’s better-known hotel rooftops.
Website: palazzonainer.com

This beautiful rooftop bar has views over Piazza del Popolo and the Villa Borghese Gardens. It is just a short walk from AcquaRoof so you could visit both on the same evening (visit Terrazza Nainer for an aperitif and AcquaRoof Terrazza Molinari for dinner).

Terrazza Nainer

The view of Piazza del Popolo from Piazza Nainer

If you are not a guest of the hotel, you should make a reservation in advance. Hotel guests are welcome to get a drink without a reservation.

Non guests should make a reservation for drinks or dinner using the hotel website. Hotel guests should make a reservation for dinner but are welcome to get a drink without a reservation.

6. Garden Roof Trevi

Best For: A unique bird’s-eye view of the Trevi Fountain
Location: Relais Trevi Fountain Rome
View: Trevi Fountain
Reservation: Highly recommended
Our Take: We visited very late at night after walking to the Trevi Fountain at 1 am. The terrace is tiny, but the unusual view looking down toward the fountain makes it memorable.
Website: relaisfontanaditrevi.com

On our first night in Rome, Tim and I had trouble sleeping, so at 1 am, Tim says “let’s go see the Trevi Fountain.” From our hotel, we walked through the quiet city streets to the Trevi Fountain, where we were surprised to still see about 20 to 30 people hanging out by the fountain.

Even at this late hour, Garden Roof Trevi was still open, so we rode the elevator to this rooftop bar for a view over the Trevi Fountain.

This rooftop bar is tiny but it does give you a bird’s eye view of the fountain. Since it opens so early (at noon) you can put this rooftop bar on your list as a place to visit as you walk through the historic heart of Rome…or visit late at night like we did.

Garden Roof Trevi

Trevi Fountain View | Best Rooftop Bars in Rome

View of the Trevi Fountain

7. The Court

Best For: Cocktails with one of the best close-up Colosseum views in Rome
Location: Palazzo Manfredi
View: The Colosseum
Reservation: Highly recommended
Our Take: We did not visit The Court, but we considered it on our trip and would put it high on our list for a future visit. It is not technically a rooftop bar—it sits at ground level—but its position across from the Ludus Magnus gives it an unusually clear view of the Colosseum.
Website: manfredihotels.com

The Court is a cocktail bar with one of the best views of the Colosseum. It does not sit on the rooftop of the Palazzo Manfredi, but the view is still astonishing, since you gaze across the Ludus Magnus gladiator school, giving you an unobstructed view of the Colosseum.

We did not have a drink here, although I wish we had, since the view looks phenomenal (you can see photos on the official website). They do not open until 5 pm so it did not work with our schedule, but it’s something to consider if you will be in this area in the late afternoon.

This lounge bar is located in Palazzo Manfredi, a 5-star hotel, so cocktails here will be more expensive than others on this list.

For dinner, for another breathtaking view of the Colosseum, make a reservation at Aroma, the rooftop Michelin-starred restaurant of Palazzo Manfredi.

8. Terrazza Borromini

Best For: Piazza Navona views, sunset, and an atmospheric historic setting
View: Piazza Navona, Fountain of the Four Rivers, Sant’Agnese in Agone, and the rooftops of Rome
Reservations: Highly recommended. Reservations are currently handled by phone or email and require a credit card guarantee.
Our Take: We haven’t been to Terrazza Borromini, but we stayed directly across Piazza Navona at Lifestyle Suites Rome and had a very similar rooftop view. It is spectacular. Looking down over Piazza Navona, the Fountain of the Four Rivers, and the surrounding rooftops is one of the best elevated views in central Rome, which is why Terrazza Borromini is high on our list for a future visit.
Website: Terrazza Borromini

Set inside Palazzo Pamphilj on Piazza Navona, Terrazza Borromini has one of the most dramatic rooftop settings in Rome. The complex includes the fourth-floor restaurant and the fifth-floor La Grande Bellezza rooftop, with views across Piazza Navona, Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers, and the rooftops of central Rome.

This is a photo of Tim on the Lifestyle Suites Rome rooftop terrace. He is looking across Piazza Navona to Palazzo Pamphilj and Terrazza Borromini.

9. Terrazza Les Étoiles

Best For: St. Peter’s Basilica views and sunset near the Vatican
View: St. Peter’s dome plus a 360-degree panorama extending across Rome
Reservations: Required for the current aperitivo package. The rooftop serves aperitivo daily from 5:30 to 9 pm.
Our Take: We haven’t been here yet, but the view of St. Peter’s is the reason this is high on our list for a return trip. If you are staying near the Vatican or want a rooftop that offers a very different view from the historic-center bars, this would be one of our first choices.
Website: Terrazza Les Étoiles

If you want a rooftop with a close-up view of St. Peter’s Basilica, Terrazza Les Étoiles is one of the most interesting options in Rome. Its Roof Garden sits on the eighth floor of the Atlante Star Hotel near the Vatican and has a 360-degree view over the city.

10. Adèle Mixology Lounge

Best For: An upscale cocktail experience and sweeping panoramic views
View: A broad panorama over Rome, including the Spanish Steps area, Villa Borghese, and St. Peter’s Basilica in the distance
Reservations: Recommended, especially around sunset and on weekends
Our Take: We didn’t make it here on our last trip, but this is one we would consider for a special evening. The elevated location and wide-open views are what put it on our shortlist.
Website: Hotel Splendide Royal

Adèle Mixology Lounge sits high above Rome at the Hotel Splendide Royal near Via Veneto and Villa Borghese. The hotel’s rooftop has panoramic views stretching across the city, from the Spanish Steps area toward St. Peter’s Basilica.

11. Zuma Rome

Best For: A lively rooftop scene, cocktails, dinner, and late-night drinks
View: Central Rome and the Spanish Steps area
Reservations: Recommended for the rooftop and restaurant. Walk-ins are currently welcomed for after-dinner drinks when space is available.
Our Take: We haven’t visited Zuma Rome, but it looks like a good choice if you want something livelier than the traditional rooftop aperitivo experience. We would choose it more for the atmosphere, cocktails, and evening scene than for one specific landmark view.
Website: Zuma Rome

Zuma Rome occupies the upper floors of Palazzo Fendi and has an open-air rooftop terrace overlooking central Rome. It is more energetic and nightlife-oriented than many of the classic hotel rooftops, with a lounge, DJ, and late-night atmosphere.

12. Ambrosia Rooftop Restaurant & Bar

Best For: A central rooftop that works for either drinks or dinner
View: Rooftops and skyline views across central Rome
Reservations: Dinner reservations are required. The cocktail bar currently operates based on seating availability.
Our Take: We haven’t been to Ambrosia, but we like that it offers both a rooftop bar and restaurant in a central location. It would be a convenient choice if you are staying near Termini, Monti, or Via Nazionale.
Website: Ambrosia Rooftop Restaurant & Bar

Ambrosia sits on top of Hotel Artemide on Via Nazionale and combines a rooftop restaurant with a separate cocktail bar. It overlooks the rooftops of Rome from a convenient location between Termini and the historic center.

13. Rooftop Jim’s Bar

Best For: Sunset cocktails in the heart of Rome
View: Central Rome’s rooftops and skyline
Reservations: Recommended. The hotel accepts reservations and also accommodates private events.
Our Take: We haven’t visited Jim’s Bar, but the central location makes it especially appealing. This looks like an easy rooftop to add after sightseeing around the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, or Piazza Venezia.
Website: Singer Palace Hotel

Jim’s Rooftop Bar sits on top of the Singer Palace Hotel, just a short walk from the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Piazza Venezia. It is designed as a panoramic cocktail lounge overlooking Rome’s rooftops and is open from golden hour into the evening.

14. Imàgo

Best For: A splurge dinner with panoramic views and fine dining
Location: Hotel Hassler Roma
View: Spanish Steps, Rome skyline
Our Take: We stopped by Imàgo during the day before the restaurant opened, so we were able to see the dining room, enjoy the panoramic view, and take a few photos. The setting is spectacular, and dining here is high on our list for a future trip to Rome.
Reservation: Make your reservation at least one month in advance
Website: hotelhasslerroma.com

Imàgo is a Michelin-starred restaurant that is located on the upper floor of Hotel Hassler Roma. From this restaurant, you have stunning views across Rome. You look out over the Spanish Steps and can see famous landmarks, including St. Peter’s Basilica and Trinità dei Monti. The restaurant is indoors (it is not an open terrace) but the walls are mostly windows. For the best experience, reserve a table next to a window.

We did not eat here because we were not able to get a reservation (make your reservation at least several weeks in advance) but it’s a restaurant we plan to visit on our next visit to Rome.

The view from Imàgo

15. Lifestyle Suites Rome

Best For: An intimate Piazza Navona rooftop experience if you are staying at the hotel
Location: Piazza Navona
View: Piazza Navona and the Fountain of the Four Rivers
Reservations: The rooftop is reserved exclusively for hotel guests and is weather dependent.
Our Take: We stayed at Lifestyle Suites on our most recent trip to Rome and loved ending the day on this terrace. Because it is limited to hotel guests, it can feel far more private than Rome’s busier rooftop bars.
Website: Lifestyle Suites Rome

Lifestyle Suites Rome is a small, boutique hotel that is located on Piazza Navona. We stayed here on our most recent visit to Rome, choosing it for its views of the square.

The highlight of the hotel is the rooftop terrace and from here you have a bird’s eye view of Piazza Navona. The hotel serves wine, so you can sit here at the end of the day and enjoy the view with a glass of wine. The rooftop terrace is only open to hotel guests so there’s a good chance you could have it all to yourself (we did).

Terrace on top of the Lifestyle Suites Rome hotel

Overlooking Piazza Navona

Map of the Rooftop Bars in Rome

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Frequently Asked Questions: Rome Rooftop Bars

Do you need reservations for rooftop bars in Rome?

For the most popular rooftop bars, especially around sunset, on weekends, or if you plan to have dinner, we recommend making a reservation. Some rooftop lounges accept walk-ins for drinks, but the best tables can fill quickly. Always check the rooftop’s current reservation policy before you go.

Is there a dress code at rooftop bars in Rome?

Most rooftop bars in Rome have a smart-casual dress code. You generally do not need to dress formally, but upscale hotel rooftops and fine-dining restaurants may expect a more polished look. Avoid beachwear, athletic clothing, and overly casual outfits at the more luxurious venues.

Are rooftop bars in Rome open year-round?

Some are, but not all. Hotel rooftops and restaurants may remain open through much of the year, while open-air terraces can close seasonally or during bad weather. Hours can also change in winter, so check the official website before your visit.

Which rooftop has the best view of the Colosseum or Vatican?

For a close-up view of the Colosseum, The Court is one of the best choices, although it is technically a terrace rather than a rooftop. For views of St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican, Terrazza Les Étoiles is one of the standout options, with a direct view of the dome and a wide panorama over Rome.

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Looking for places to eat? → See our Where to Eat in Rome guide for restaurant recommendations, from casual spots to memorable fine-dining experiences.
Planning what to see and do in Rome? → Our Best Things to Do in Rome guide covers the city’s top sights, neighborhoods, viewpoints, and experiences.
Only have a few days? → Choose from our 2 Days in Rome and 3 Days in Rome itineraries.
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Touring the Colosseum? → Our How to Visit the Colosseum guide covers ticket options, tours, and practical tips.
Heading to Florence? → See our Best Rooftop Bars in Florence guide for more places to enjoy cocktails and city views in Italy.
Planning more of Italy? → Start with our Italy Travel Guide for itineraries, destination guides, and trip-planning advice.

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Best rooftop bars in Rome. 7 great rooftop bars to visit in Rome, plus Michelin-starred restaurant.