Rome's Best Rooftop Bars and Cafes with a View

Updated April 10, 2017

October 11th marks Meditrinalia, the day on which Romans celebrate the next wine harvest while comparing it to last year's now matured grapes - all for the purpose of healing.  

When in Rome, drink as the Romans do! 

In ancient Rome, if you wanted a good drink, your best bet was wine, which may have come with added water, seawater, or spices - only barbarians drank beer. For today's thirsty Roman or tourist, a good drink isn't far away, and given the concentration of historical buildings and monuments, why not enjoy a good drink while taking in the local scenery? In the Eternal City, the best vantage points tend to be atop luxury hotels. Whether or not you spring for a high end hotel, nearly all of their stunning birds-eye views are open to the public. We hope this list of hotel, restaurant, and other sights and sips inspires your next Roman adventure!

Terrace at the Hotel Exedra

Photo: Boscolo Hotels

See:  Piazza della Repubblica which locals call 'Esedra' 

Sip/Savor: Breakfast by the pool, an evening aperitif

Caffetteria-Bistrot Chiostro del Bramante

Photo: Chiostro del Bramante 

See: The interior courtyard of Chiostro del Bramante, a museum, gallery, and cloister, which was designed in 1500 by Donato Bramante. The cafe has a direct view of the ' fresco 'Le Sibille' by Raphael.

Sip/Savor: l' ottimo macchiatone, eggs and toast, homemade pastries and cakes, tataki apple salad, risotto

Terrace Bramante Bar

Photo: Cellar Tours

See: St. Peter’s Basilica, Castel Sant'Angelo, the Tiber river, the war memorial in Piazza Venezia, the Pantheon in St. Louis of France, the Quirinale Palace Spanish Steps, the Cloister Of Santa Maria della Pace, the Church of Santa Maria Soul, Church of St. Agnes in Agony Borrominian, the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj and the Portico del Vignola

Sip/Savor: Wine from Hotel Raphael’s impressive cellar

The American Bar

Photo: Hotel Forum

See: The monument of Victor Emanuel, the Colosseum and the ruins of the Roman and Imperial Forums.

Sip/Savor: Long drink, grappa, espresso, lunch or dinner

Roof Garden Bar, Hotel Minerva

Photo: Grand Hotel Minerva

See: Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, Pantheon and surrounding areas

Sip/Savor: Sunset apertif, wine, and small bites

0-300 Roof Garden / Restaurant All’Oro

Photo: Restaurant All'Oro

See: Venice Square, St. Peter's Square, St. Peter’s Dome, the double bell tower at Piazza Trinità dei Monti above Piazza di Spagna

Sip/Savor: Michelin starred cuisine, crudo, toalla griglia, fine espresso, carefully selected wines, inventive cocktails such as croccante all’amarena, a rum mix of dark chocolate, cherry and creme de lai

Terrace at Residenza Paolo VI

Photo: Photo: Residenza Paolo VI

See: Closeup views of St. Peter’s Square, St. Peter’s Dome

Sip/Savor: Ferrari Brut, prosecco, spumante

Champagnerie ai Limoni

Photo: Hotel Grand Plaza

See: Trinità dei Monti, Villa Medici, La Casina Valadier, Villa Borghese, the Cupola of the Church of Saints Ambrogio, Carlo al Corso, via del Corso, Piazza di Spagna

Sip/Savor: Champagne Cristal Millesimato or other champagne

Caffé di Marzio

Photo: The Pines of Rome, Blogspot

See: Chiesa di Santa Maria di Trastevere, the Piazza’s central fountain, piazza activities such as street theater

Sip/Savor: Coffee, brunch, gelato, Peroni

I SOFA’ BAR RESTAURANT & ROOF TERRACE

Photo: I SOFA’ BAR RESTAURANT & ROOF TERRACE

See: St. Peter’s dome and a 360° view of Rome

Sip/Savor: Wines from Casale del Giglio, local beers such as Birradamare, espresso from caffè Buscaglione,  creative, seasonal, authentic farm to fork dishes from Lazio and Rome

Aroma Restaurant

Photo: Aroma Restaurant

See: Up close, full view of the Colosseum

Sip/Savor: Fine, regional wine and cuisine, Manfredi cocktail: vodka, fresh lime, blueberries and blackberries with a splash of cranberry juice

See our handy map for more thirst quenching travel inspiration:

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Before you get there, make sure you've got other plans, too! Use Viator to book attractions, tours, or other adventures when in Rome.