A Free Evening in Rome, Rome

Embrace the beloved Italian tradition of passeggiata in Rome, a leisurely evening walk that takes place all over the country. From small villages to big cities, Italians take to the streets to socialize and stroll after work. It’s the best time of day to experience local life and enjoy an Aperitivo as the sun sets over Rome.

Begin at the historic city center at Piazza del Popolo, and head up a steep winding path to Terrazza del Pincio. This terrace is within the Villa Borghese Park and offers panoramic views facing west, so many locals and visitors come here around sunset. Notable sites dominate the skyline, including St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican.

Afterward, walk along a route that takes you to iconic attractions, including the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain, plus a few lesser-known points of interest. In Rome, you should do as the Romans do and participate in the Aperitivo tradition along your walk! Our bar recommendations include an old favorite of famous artists with creative twists on the classic spritz and Negroni cocktails. Take your time to stroll through Rome and absorb the buzzing atmosphere as the sun begins to set. 

Suggested Route and Points of Interest:

1. Approach the Spanish Steps from the top, the second obelisk on your walk, and the church of Trinità dei Monti. The steps are Spanish because they lead down to the Piazza di Spagna with a famous drinking fountain.
   
   
2. To the left of the Spanish Steps is the apartment in which the Romantic poet Keats stayed and died in 1821. It's now the Keats and Shelly Museum, and you can find a plaque displayed on the wall in his honor.
   
   
3. The Trevi Fountain celebrates Rome’s control of water, featuring the ancient god Triton. According to legend, if you face away from the fountain and throw a coin into the water over your left shoulder, it means you'll return to Rome one day. Throwing two coins is meant to ensure you will find love in the city, and a third means you'll marry a Roman. 
   
   
4. From the fountain, cross Via del Corso, a very busy main street, to Piazza Collona. In the square is an ancient military column and behind that is the Montecitori Palace, designed by Bernini. In front of this is the Egyptian Obelisk of Montecitorio.
   
   
5. Enjoy an Aperitivo at Bar Canova, an old favorite amongst famous artists. Along the way, stop at Salotto42 near the Pantheon. The bar is located in front of Hadrian’s Temple at Piazza del Pietra. Inside the bar are a modern feel and creative twist on the classic spritz and Negroni cocktails. The remains of Hadrian’s Temple include eleven 50-foot columns from 145 CE.
   
   
6. The Pantheon is your next stop, an iconic building in Rome. The current structure was completed in 126 CE. During the day, it’s free to enter; but at night, the magic is in the setting sun, highlighting the incredible scale and detail of its exterior. 
   
   
7. End your walk at Piazza Navona and soak up the atmosphere. It's the largest baroque piazza in Rome, established on the site of a horse racing stadium. Wander around and admire the Fountain of the Four Rivers and the Church of Sant’Agnese in Agone. 
   
   
8. Food and drinks around Piazza Navona are expensive, so head across the River Tiber into the Prati neighborhood to find some authentic places to dine. We recommend getting a gelato for dessert from Neve di Latte or Gelateria dei Gracchi on an after-dinner stroll.

The Best Views in Rome at Sunset:

• Gianicolo Hill: The view from Gianicolo Hill is one of the most diverse, with such a wide section of the historical center just in front of it. Every day at noon, a cannon goes off to proclaim the time of day. This has happened every single day for the past 165 years, only interrupted once! You can spend a lovely evening in this area, enjoying the sunset over St. Peter’s Basilica.

• Orange Gardens on Aventine Hill: This park lies at the top of Aventine Hill, where you'll also find the Santa Sabina Church. Just a little further along, find the secret keyhole in the Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta. This spot is famous for framing the St. Peter’s cupola perfectly. Moreover, the view is surrounded by a paradisal garden, offering many shaded spots under its trees and one of Rome's most tranquil panoramic views. 
• The Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica: When you visit St. Peter’s Basilica, climb up to the cathedral's dome. This is one of the highest views you can get in Rome, opening up over the city's northern stretches, including the Prati, Spagna, and Colonna districts. Just in front of you lies the beautiful Piazza San Pietro with the towering obelisk and the boulevard-like Via delle Conciliazione. 

• Il Vittoriano, Piazza Venezia: For a 360° view of Rome, make your way to Piazza Venezia, where you'll find the Il Vittoriano monument. This was a rather controversial project, as it triggered the destruction of a medieval neighborhood atop Capitoline Hill. Nevertheless, you can look straight down the famous Via del Corso through to the Piazza del Popolo from this space.

• Villa Borghese: This terrace lies within the equally gorgeous Villa Borghese park. It faces west, so come here at sundown to enjoy seeing the city at golden hour! You'll see the Piazza del Popolo directly below the terrace, and beyond that, the charming Prati district. The main sight, however, is the dominating Basilica of St. Peter in the Vatican. After taking in this sweeping vista across Rome, you can enjoy a quiet and relaxing stroll around the regal spaces of this beautiful park. This is undoubtedly one of the most romantic panoramic views in Rome.

• Terrazza Caffarelli: To escape the herd, head to this lesser-known viewpoint, Terrazza Caffarelli. Located on Capitoline Hill, which houses the Capitoline Museums, it still manages to remain relatively peaceful. When you climb the ramped staircase, turn right instead of continuing into the center of the piazza. You’ll come across a small pebbled garden that looks out over the Jewish Quarter and many cupolas and has an impressive view of the Monument to Vittorio Emanuele II from a unique angle.

Read more about unique and interesting activities in Rome.