If you live in
Rome, you should be taking advantage of the sunshine as much as you can. The Italian capital shines so brightly every spring and summer. It's as if the “Eternal City” gets eternal sunshine during the warmer times of the year. And what better way to enjoy that sunshine than with a nice picnic? Grab a blanket and prepare a delicious feast for your picnic in Rome. The city has many great spots for it, ranging from the peaceful gardens of Villa Borghese and Villa Doria Pamphili to hilltop parks that offer amazing views.
Giardino degli Aranci
Aventino is both a hill and a
central neighborhood in Rome. It's one of the Italian capital's Seven Hills and arguably its most famous. Why? Because of Giardino degli Aranci, that's why! This hilltop park is a scenic and romantic escape at the heart of the “Eternal City.” And, as you might've already guessed, another amazing spot for a picnic in Rome. If you want a view to go with your picnic, you couldn't have picked a better place! The views from up here are breathtaking; the kind you'd expect to see on a postcard or a travel brochure.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Villa Borghese
Villa Borghese is the perfect picnic spot in Rome for a whole host of reasons. Firstly, it's one of the most iconic
grand villas in Rome. If you love the grandeur of the “Eternal City” then you've come to the right place. Secondly, the villa’s famous garden is also among the most beloved parks in Rome. There are lush fields, a picturesque lake, trees for shade, and more. And third, its central location near the Spanish Steps and Piazza di Spagna lands you right smack in the center of Rome. What more could you ask for?
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Villa Doria Pamphili
Villa Doria Pamphili is another of Rome's grand villas where you can set up a nice picnic. With a whopping 184 hectares of land on offer, it's among the biggest parks and
gardens in Rome. That alone is enough of a suitable picnic spot. But of course, that's not all! The lush estate once served as the Doria-Pamphilj family's hunting grounds too. With its vast expanse of greenery, you can easily nab a spot that's all your own for your picnic. Just don't be too surprised if you spot a fox or two along the way.
Source: Flickr.com/ Giorgio Rodano
Villa Ada
Another former hunting ground-turned-public park is Villa Ada, nestled between the upscale districts of Parioli and Trieste. What's remarkable about this 450-acre is that it used to be the royal hunting grounds. The former kinds of Italy themselves hunted here, and who knows what other history-making events transpired in this very park that textbooks forgot to mention. Today, Villa Ada remains as beautifully natural as ever. From the tall trees to the scenic pond, it's one of the most beautiful picnic spots in all of Rome. And thanks to its fairly central location, it's easy to get to via
public transport too.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Tulumnes
Villa Celimontana
Villa Celimontana feels like it's in a world of its own. Though fairly popular among locals, it doesn't get enough fanfare from tourists. At least, not on the same level as the more famous villas in Rome. It also doesn't help that the former noble estate is located near the iconic Colosseum. Tourists are busy flocking to that world-famous site than to see this serene garden nearby. That makes it all the more perfect for a lovely picnic in Rome. If you've
moved to Rome and need an escape from all the hustle and bustle, a picnic in the Villa Celimontana garden is just what the doctor ordered!
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Warburg
Villa Sciarra
Let's go back to Rome's beautiful villas for this next one. Villa Sciarra is tucked away in the quieter parts of Janiculum Hill. The hill itself tends to be crowded and busy at times but this former noble residence, while in the center of various popular neighborhoods, is surprisingly peaceful. The park is even suitable for a romantic date for two. Imagine
spending Valentine's Day in Rome, for instance, and getting to hang out amidst all these opulent fountains, intricate sculptures, and well-manicured gardens. Live out your best romance novel fantasies by having a picnic here!
Source: Flickr.com/ Johan Haggi
Laghetto dell'EUR
An artificial lake may not sound like a good spot for a picnic in Rome, but that park that surrounds Laghetto dell'EUR is different story! With beautiful fountains, cherry blossom trees, and the calm waters of the man-made lake, why shouldn't you have your picnic here? The lakeside areas are perfect for it! You can easily lay out your blanket, set up an elaborate feast, and eat to your heart's content under the Roman sunshine. Don't let the fact that it's an artificial lake sour the mood. The look and feel of Laghetto dell'EUR is as soothing as the real thing!
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Sergio D’Afflitto.
Parco degli Acquedotti
There are two things you can never deny about Rome: it's a busy and historic city. The latter makes the place fascinating but the former can easily get overwhelming, especially if you've moved to Rome. So is there a place where you can have your picnic in Rome in peace whilst appreciating its centuries-long history? Fortunately, there is: Parco degli Acquedotti. This beloved park stands testament to the Ancient Roman Empire and the greatness it once was. At the same time, it's located a fair ways away from the bustling districts, allowing for a quieter picnic ahead.
Source: Flickr.com/ Andy Montgomery
There's very little that's better than a sunny picnic in Rome. Especially if you have that picnic in the best parks and gardens in the city. Enjoy Rome's sunshine, warmth, and botanical bliss with an outdoor picnic.
