10 Best Scenic Walks in Rome

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 or wander the Rome Zoo (Bioparco), where you can see hundreds of exotic creatures. 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 occupied for the entire day.

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 stop for breaks. The walk ends at Castel Sant-Angelo, a mausoleum-turned-museum which houses an incredible collection of ancient art, sculptures and frescoes.

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 symbol, the Colosseum. It’s best to reserve your tickets in advance.

The 2-km 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.

The Tiber River winds past several landmarks and interesting neighbourhoods. 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 neighbourhood, which means “on the other side of the Tiber.”

Set in the north 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 along the park lake on a canoe.

The Appian Way is a third-century route connecting Rome to Bracciano, and about 16 km of it are contained within this park. Walk along cobblestone paths sandwiched by grassy lawns and towering pines, passing by 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 park is on Sundays and vacations when it's closed to traffic.

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.

The Riserva Naturale Valle dell'Aniene or Aniene Valley Nature Reserve covers an area of over 600 hectares 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 locals 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.

Idyllic pastures and verdant woodlands make up the Riserva Naturale dell'Insugherata or the Insugherata Nature Reserve. Easily accessible from the city centre, this lush enclave is dotted with Roman villas and various archeological ruins.

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.

The Verano Monumental Cemetery is often described as an open-air museum. Covering over 80 hectares, 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 a section 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.