Pincian Hill Terrace (Terrazza del Pincio)
Perched at the northern edge of Villa Borghese gardens, the Terrazza del Pincio delivers what is arguably the finest panorama of Rome's historic skyline — St Peter's dome, the Vittoriano monument and a sea of terracotta rooftops stretching to the Alban Hills. Best of all, it is completely free and remarkably uncrowded compared to the Gianicolo.
The View and When to Go
The terrace faces due west, making it the city's premier sunset viewpoint. Arrive 30 minutes before sunset, claim a spot on the stone balustrade and watch the sky turn amber behind the dome of St Peter's — a view that has barely changed since the 19th century.
The terrace is lined with busts of Italian Risorgimento heroes, adding an unexpectedly grand, gallery-like atmosphere to what is essentially a public park overlook.
Combining with Villa Borghese
Walk five minutes north into Villa Borghese and rent a rowboat on the lake (Laghetto di Villa Borghese) for about €3 per person — a wonderfully Roman afternoon activity that families and couples both love.
If you have booked ahead (mandatory), the Galleria Borghese museum sits a further 10-minute walk into the park and houses Bernini's jaw-dropping Apollo and Daphne sculpture — one of the greatest works of art in any city on earth.
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