The ponentino – the breeze that blows over the city at dusk – is best enjoyed with a signature cocktail in hand and a sunset that envelops Rome's monuments in its warm golden hues. These are the ingredients that make for memorable moments. We have selected some of the most spectacular rooftop bars, each of which promises a different but equally extraordinary view, coupled with an unrivaled culinary and mixology experience. Cheers!
The Court − Palazzo Manfredi
Via Labicana 125
The Colosseum as you've never seen it before. From The Court cocktail bar in Palazzo Manfredi, you'll be bowled over by the unparalleled view of the amphitheatre illuminated by the golden reflections of the sunset. Once seated, you might fancy you hear distant echoes of gladiatorial combat as you sip on an Imperial Martini – the utmost expression of mixology at its best.
The vibe at The Court is a delightful blend of luxury and intimacy, with extreme attention paid to every last detail. Sofas to sink into, elegant floor lamps, and lush plants make for an ambience that is at once inviting and sophisticated. The cocktails, created by famous mixologist Matteo Zed, are a celebration of Roman flavors – the Colosseum Negroni, for example, allies tradition and innovation. As night falls, The Court evolves into a mesmerizing spot beneath the stars.
The majestic view of the Colosseum turns every visit to The Court into a journey back in time, immersing you in the beauty and thousand-year history of Rome. This magical atmosphere is echoed in the MICHELIN-Starred restaurant Aroma.
Bar on the roof – Bulgari Hotel Rome
Piazza Augusto Imperatore 10
Overlooking Piazza Augusto Imperatore, the terrace of the Bulgari Hotel Roma (1 MICHELIN Key) is an oasis of luxury with a bird's-eye view over the monumental center of the city – the spectacular panoramic view reaches from the Villa Medici and Trinità dei Monti to the Tiber and Janiculum. This refined space changes as the day wears on: during the day it's the ideal place to relax in the sun, at dusk it becomes a glamorous location to meet for an aperitivo, and in the evening it's the ideal setting for sipping cocktails under a starry sky – all in the Bulgari signature style: refined, exclusive and iconic. The terrace is inspired by the gardens of Ancient Roman villas, with over 200 potted local plants, an opus spicatum floor, and a mosaic fountain adorned with the emblematic Bulgari star.
The restaurant menu is devised by MICHELIN-Starred chef Niko Romito, with dishes and drinks that reflect the quality and innovation of the Bulgari Bar.
Terrazza Borromini
Via Santa Maria dell'Anima 30
Without a doubt one of the best seats in the house for the most fabulous sunsets in the Eternal City, the bar of the Terrazza Borromini is perched on the top floor of the Palazzo Pamphilj - Eitch Borromini Hotel. This space fittingly dubbed "La Grande Bellezza" offers a unique view over the rooftops of Rome, from the dome of St Peter's to the Capitoline Hill, with an incredible view of Piazza Navona and Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers. Among the most popular drinks, their Borromini Spritz and Negroni are the ideal accompaniment to fine amuse-bouches.
The beauty of the setting is enhanced by the palace's historical frescoes, which add an artistic touch to this unique experience.
Sky Bar di Ozio − Orazio Palace
Via Orazio 21
In the heart of the Prati neighborhood, the Orazio Palace is home to the Ozio Sky Bar, a haven of elegance and sophistication. Just a few steps from St Peter's and Castel Sant'Angelo, this rooftop bar boasts a phenomenal view of Rome. Here, amid the dim lights and murmur of the city, the barman does not stop at preparing classic drinks, but also creates unique cocktails influenced by South Asia and the Far East.
Imagine sipping on a Sunset Orazio, which combines Campari, vermouth, and ginger ale, under a sky that reflects the hues of the setting sun. Each cocktail is a journey: the Witch, made with Strega (Italian herbal liqueur) and Jameson whisky, evokes the rumors whispered in the backstreets, while the You & Me, made with Brockmans gin and passion fruit, is a concert of exotic flavors.
With a selection of over 70 gins from around the world, the atmosphere of this rooftop bar is intimate, almost secretive, as if each table has a story to tell. Every sip, every instant is imbued with the magic of Rome, cultivating an unforgettable moment in time.
Zuma Rooftop Bar
Via della Fontanella di Borghese 48
On the top floor of Palazzo Fendi, the Roman headquarters of Zuma, a top-of-the-range Japanese restaurant chain, has installed a stylish rooftop bar, a place where elegance meets innovation. The breathtaking view over the city, with its ancient and majestic skyline, also embraces a work of contemporary architecture, La Lanterna, by architect Fuksas, which dominates the building opposite in an incredible blend of antiquity and modernity. Each drink at Zuma is a fusion of Japanese tradition and contemporary creativity, such as the Tokyo Spritz, which combines sake, Prosecco, and hints of yuzu, or the Yuzu Martini, whose lemony flavor blends perfectly with the freshness of the evening air.
The sophisticated atmosphere of the Zuma Rooftop Bar, with its clean lines and modern furniture, is an invitation to relax and let yourself be transported by the beauty of Rome.
Rhinoceros RoofBar
Via dei Cerchi 19/23
A project by French architect and designer Jean Nouvel, Rhinoceros was developed by the Alda Fendi Foundation. It is a place where art and history meet in a contemporary environment, and includes exclusive residential apartments and art galleries. Against the stunning backdrop of views of the Roman Forum and Circus Maximus, the rooftop bar serves sophisticated cocktails, such as the Rhino Sour, in a setting combining modern architecture and contemporary art. The art gallery features work by emerging and established artists, echoing this dialogue between past and present.
Every detail, from designer furniture to modern frescoes, contributes to creating a refined and inspiring atmosphere. Under the starry skies of Rome, the Rhinoceros RoofBar invites you to discover a place of serenity and beauty, where the Ancient world meets artistic and culinary innovation.
Acquaroof Terrazza Molinari − The First Arte, Roma
Via del Vantaggio 14
Set in the Trident neighborhood, very close to Piazza del Popolo, the Acquaroof Terrazza Molinari at the hotel The First Arte, Rome is a luxurious oasis with a panoramic view over the historic center and the Tiber. This elegant and sophisticated terrace is renowned for its innovative cocktails, the fruit of an exclusive partnership with Molinari, an iconic brand in the Italian tradition. Courtesy of this collaboration, Acquaroof serves unique drinks such as the Molinari Mule with vodka, lime, cucumber, and ginger. Guests can savor these creations in a tasteful atmosphere as they admire the breathtaking views.
The terrace commands a 360° view of the city center, towering above all the surrounding monuments. We recommend reserving the private roof terrace for an immersive, unique, and unforgettable experience in the Eternal City.
A meal at the hotel's MICHELIN-Starred restaurant, Acquolina, is an equally exclusive interlude.
Cielo − Hotel de la Ville
Via Sistina 69
Hotel de la Ville, a refined establishment of the Rocco Forte Hotels group and holder of One MICHELIN Key, is home to Cielo, a rooftop bar that perfectly embodies the luxury and elegance of Rome. From Cielo's terrace, with its red and white striped sofas and parasols, you are privy to one of the most spectacular sunsets in the Eternal City, with spellbinding views from the top of the Trinità dei Monti. Close your eyes and imagine the barman serving you a perfectly balanced cocktail, while chef Fulvio Pierangelini prepares dishes that celebrate Italian flavors. The cicchetti – small amuse-bouches full of flavor – are the perfect accompaniment.
Night falls and envelopes the Ancient rooftops of Rome in its star-studded embrace. Music courtesy of a DJ makes for a lively yet elegant atmosphere, each note mingling with the sound of laughter and clinking of glasses. The view from the terrace takes in the city, from the majestic dome of St Peter's to the historical monuments that tell the story of thousands of years of history. Cielo is more than just a bar; it's an experience that encapsulates the soul of Rome, a moment that, like a scene from a timeless travel tale, will remain etched in your memory.
