I’m standing on a rooftop near the Spanish Steps, a Negroni in hand, watching the late afternoon light turn St. Peter’s dome a shade of gold I’ve only ever seen in paintings. Rome from above is a different city — quieter, more intimate, with the chaos of the streets replaced by a sea of terracotta rooftops and church domes. The city has over 20 notable rooftop bars and restaurants, many of them seasonal from April through October, and choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down the best options for different budgets, vibes, and views — whether you’re celebrating a milestone or just want a memorable sunset drink.
Rome has over 20 notable rooftop bars and restaurants, many of them seasonal from April through October.
If you want the single best view in Rome, book a sunset drink at Les Étoiles Roof Garden for the 360-degree panorama of St. Peter’s. If you want a more intimate, food-focused evening, Aroma Restaurant’s Colosseum view is hard to beat — but you’ll pay for it.
Couples
Solo travelers
Special occasion dinners
Les Étoiles Roof Garden — The Vatican View That Delivers
This is the rooftop that keeps showing up on every list for a reason.
Les Étoiles sits on top of the Hotel Atlante Star, and the view of St. Peter’s Basilica is genuinely unobstructed. The bar stays open until 1am, which makes it a solid choice for a late-night drink after a long day of sightseeing. Cocktails run around €18–€25, which is standard for this tier of rooftop in Rome. I went for sunset and watched the dome change color as the crowds below thinned out. It’s not cheap, but the 360-degree panorama delivers exactly what it promises.
Book a table for 45 minutes before sunset so you can watch the light change over the dome. The bar fills up fast, especially in peak season.
Aroma Restaurant — Colosseum Up Close
If you want to dine with the Colosseum as your backdrop, this is the place.
Aroma is a Michelin-starred restaurant with a terrace that has a retractable roof and floor-to-ceiling glass. The view of the Colosseum is so close you can see the individual stones. Reservations are highly recommended, and the price tag reflects the setting — expect to spend €100+ per person for a tasting menu. One TripAdvisor reviewer called the view “bucket-list-worthy,” and I’d agree. It’s a special-occasion spot, not a casual drink stop.
Aroma is part of the Palazzo Manfredi hotel. If you want the Colosseum view without the full Michelin dinner commitment, you can visit The Court cocktail bar on the same property — but expect similarly high prices.
Oro Bistrot — Best View in Rome, According to Travelers
This rooftop on the Hotel NH Collection Roma Fori Imperiali has a serious claim to the title.
Oro Bistrot offers unobstructed views of the Altar of the Fatherland, Trajan Forum, and Roman Forum. It received a TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award in 2024, and reviewers frequently describe it as the “best view in Rome.” The menu covers lunch and dinner, and the outdoor lounge bar is open for drinks. It’s a strong choice if you want a meal with a view that spans multiple ancient landmarks at once.
Go for lunch rather than dinner — the light hits the forums beautifully in the afternoon, and the lunch menu is more affordable than the evening tasting options.
NOTOS Rooftop — Botanical Cocktails at Six Senses
This newer addition near the Pantheon brings a garden vibe to the rooftop scene.
NOTOS is on the fifth floor of the Six Senses Rome hotel. The terrace has 360-degree views of San Marcello al Corso Church and the Montecitorio Bell Tower. The menu focuses on Mediterranean cuisine and botanical cocktails, and there’s live music on certain evenings. It’s open from 6pm to midnight, with a Sunday lunch service from 12pm to 4pm. TripAdvisor reviewers consistently praise the food and service. It’s a polished, modern option that feels less touristy than some of the older rooftops.
Zuma — Fashionable Drinks on the Fendi Palace
If you want a lively, see-and-be-seen vibe, this is your spot.
Zuma sits on the roof of the Palazzo Fendi near the Spanish Steps. It’s an izakaya-style restaurant with sharing dishes, and the crowd tends to be fashionable and energetic. Lunch is more affordable than dinner, and celebrity sightings are not uncommon. The view is more about the surrounding rooftops than a single landmark, but the energy makes up for it. It’s not the place for a quiet, romantic evening — but it’s perfect if you want a night out with a buzz.
Terrazza Borromini — Piazza Navona from Above
This one gives you a literal bird’s-eye view of one of Rome’s most famous squares.
Terrazza Borromini is above the Eitch Borromini hotel, right beside Piazza Navona. The view looks directly over the square and its baroque architecture, including Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers. It’s a quieter, more refined option compared to the party rooftops. I went for an afternoon drink and had the terrace nearly to myself — a rare thing in Rome.
Terrazza Borromini can be closed for private events, especially in the evening. Call ahead or check their social media before making the trip.
Rome Rooftop Bars Compared — Which One Fits Your Trip?
Not all rooftops are created equal. Here’s how they stack up for different priorities.
| Rooftop | Best For | Price Range (Cocktail) |
|---|---|---|
| Les Étoiles Roof Garden | Vatican view, sunset drinks | €18–€25 |
| Aroma Restaurant | Colosseum view, special occasion dinner | €100+ (tasting menu) |
| Oro Bistrot | Forum views, lunch with a view | €15–€25 |
| NOTOS Rooftop | Botanical cocktails, live music | €18–€25 |
| Zuma | Lively atmosphere, sharing plates | €18–€25 |
| Terrazza Borromini | Piazza Navona view, quiet drinks | €15–€20 |
- Book at least a week ahead for sunset slots at Les Étoiles and Aroma — they fill up fast.
- Most rooftops are seasonal (April–October), so check opening dates before planning your visit.
- Dress smart-casual for most rooftops; some, like Aroma and La Terrazza at Hotel Eden, require a jacket for men.
Before You Go to Rome’s Rooftop Bars
Do I need to reserve a table?
Yes, especially for sunset slots at popular spots like Les Étoiles and Aroma. Walk-ins are possible at quieter times, but you risk waiting or being turned away.
Reserve at least a week in advance during peak season (May–September). Some rooftops accept online bookings through their hotel websites.
What’s the dress code?
Smart-casual is the standard for most rooftops. No flip-flops, shorts, or tank tops. Aroma and La Terrazza at Hotel Eden require a jacket for men in the evening.
If you’re coming straight from a day of sightseeing, consider carrying a change of clothes in a small backpack.
Are these rooftops overpriced?
Yes, some are. Cocktails at the top-tier spots run €18–€25, which is steep for Rome. But you’re paying for the view and the experience, not just the drink.
If you want a cheaper option, consider a free viewpoint like Gianicolo Hill or the Altare della Patria terrace, then grab a drink at a ground-level bar nearby.
Which rooftop is best for a solo traveler?
NOTOS Rooftop and Terrazza Borromini both have a relaxed, less crowded vibe that works well for solo drinks. The bar seating at Les Étoiles is also solo-friendly.
Avoid Zuma if you’re looking for a quiet evening — it’s loud and group-oriented.
Is there a rooftop that’s actually disappointing?
Minerva Roof Garden has been temporarily closed for refurbishment, so don’t plan around it. Some reviewers also note that The Court at Palazzo Manfredi feels overpriced for what you get — the view is good, but the cocktails don’t match the cost.
Check recent reviews on TripAdvisor or Google before booking, as closures and quality can change seasonally.
Why Seeing Rome from Above Changes How You See the City
I’ve walked past the Colosseum a dozen times, but seeing it from Aroma’s terrace at dusk made me notice details I’d never caught — the way the light hits the arches, the shadows stretching across the ancient stone. That’s the thing about Rome’s rooftops. They don’t just give you a photo op. They give you a new perspective on a city that’s been looked at for thousands of years. For more on planning your Rome itinerary, check out my guide to finding the perfect neighborhood for your stay.
Sources and further reading
Time Out. “12 Best Rooftop Bars in Rome.” 2024. 🔗
Islands.com. “Rome, Italy Rooftop Bars with Breathtaking Views.” 2024. 🔗
The Boujist. “Best Rooftop Bars in Rome.” 2024. 🔗
EuroVista Trips. “Best Rooftop Bars & Viewpoints in Rome from Above.” 2024. 🔗
Related reading on Emily in Italy
Rome Rooftops: Dine with Pantheon and City Views — A deeper look at rooftops near the Pantheon, including Minerva Roof Garden and La Terrazza del Cesàri.
Best Instagram Spots in Rome, Italy — More photo-worthy locations around the city, including viewpoints and hidden corners.
Rome’s Birthday Celebration and Gardens to See — A guide to Rome’s parks and gardens, perfect for a quieter afternoon above the city noise.
Packing for Rome in November: What to Wear and Pack — Practical advice for dressing appropriately for rooftop visits in cooler months.