There is a moment of the day, in Rome, when the ties loosen and the vortex of sociality multiplies its coils. It is the moment when a little breeze rises, the Ponentino celebrated by poets and singers, a mischievous concession to release the tensions of the day. Now put together the Roman sunset, the sweet breath of the wind, a properly prepared drink and the result will be of incomparable enjoyment. To achieve ecstasy, however, you need the right place, one nice terrace and the view of the domes and green oases of Rome. Therefore, a map of the Capitoline rooftops capable of offering excellent cocktails and an authentic golden hour, from the top of some of the most beautiful hotels in the city. The public is transversal: young and old, Romans and tourists, followers of renowned barmen and all those who want to end a working day in style. Common denominator, the desire to dilate time and, also thanks to the height of these buildings, put the necessary distance from traffic and stress. Here is the list.
Best rooftops in Rome for an aperitif
Notos Rooftop
Palazzo Salviati Cesi Mellini, which hosts Six Senses Rome, the brand’s first urban hotel and new pearl of hospitality for the Roman 5-star luxury segment, is a true showcase of wonders: the original columns of the entrance, the monumental staircase with the its decorative skylight, the large 4th century baptismal font, up to the incredible Notos rooftop, a thousand square meters with a 360 degree view of the Eternal City. Among fig trees and strawberry trees, the wooden boxes with garden plants, it is not difficult to wait for the sunset while remaining speechless at the enchantment of the skyline. From here the sensation is that of being able to touch all the domes of the historic center while remaining comfortably seated on the sofas, sipping a Nerone or a Caracalla, the signature cocktails created by Jonathan Borja.
Six Senses
San Marcello square
sixsenses.com
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47 Circus roof garden
The location is the 47 Boutique Hotel. Here, having reached the roof, sipping a whiskey smash with basil or an Italicus spritz with bergamot rosolio, you can admire the temples of the Forum Boarium: that of Hercules Victor, the temple of Portuno, protector of the Tiber river port and of sailors, and the magnificent Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, known above all for the legendary fame of the ancient marble mask of the Bocca della Verità. Looking to the right, however, the view opens onto the Marcellus Theater and the imposing Altare della Patria. We are on the sixth floor of the greenest hotel in the capital, which, complete with ‘Green Globe’ certification, makes sustainability its mantra: zero plastic in the materials used inside the hotel, organic soaps, self-production of organic raw materials with 47 Hortus, up to the green tours organized by bicycle or on foot. The 47 Circus Roof Garden is open every day, with tables and umbrellas that protect from the sun available to customers, including external ones, from 12 to midnight, with happy hour accompanied by DJ sets on weekends.
47 Boutique Hotel
Via Luigi Petroselli 47
47circusroofgarden.com
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Seventh Roman Cuisine & Terrace
Another hotel that offers a breathtaking view of the Eternal City, as well as an excellent cocktail to enjoy: three mint leaves, ginger ale, passion fruit and lime for the mojito that the bar manager Dima Ciocia will prepare for you on the Settimo, top floor of the Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese, new must-see for Roman aperitifs. We are in a 5-star hotel located in a quiet area of the capital: a carefully restored palace, which is a true work of art whose interiors were redesigned by the architect Jean-Philippe Nuel. Villa Medici and Villa Borghese are at your feet and in the distance the magic of the dome of St. Peter’s kissed by the light of the setting sun, are part of the perfect scenography offered by Rome.
Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese
Via Lombardia 47
sofitelrome.com
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Bar Locarno
Not one but two rooftops for the Locarno hotel, the well-known Terrazza Locarno and, from this year, the Terrazza Canossa, the latter offers the possibility of exclusively booking an aperitif with a dedicated barman, or dinner with a unique and personalized service, both for locals and hotel guests. The Terrazza Locarno, on the other hand, follows the philosophy anywhere-anytime of the entire structure: you can enjoy the cocktails designed by head mixologist Nicholas Pinna, at any time of the day. The view is breathtaking from both terraces, which enjoy a unique perspective on the domes of Santa Maria in Montesanto and Santa Maria dei Miracoli, the Pincio and, in the distance, Trinità dei Monti, perhaps while sipping a Spicy Margarita.
Hotel Locarno
Via della Penna 22
hotellocarno.com
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The Court
It could have been missingaperitif with Colosseum view? Offering the show is The Court, the cocktail bar that has positioned itself among the World’s 50 Best Bars. We are on the top floor of Palazzo Manfredi, a sophisticated concept (the hotel recommends refraining from sportswear), and a rather unique setting overlooking the Colosseum and the Ludus Magnus, the ancient gym of Roman gladiators. In the cocktail book, signed by Matteo Zed, the great classics, seasonals, mocktails, and drinks made with vermouth and bitters. To leave a day of work behind you, sip a Metamorphosis Negroni and enjoy a unique sunset.
Palazzo Manfredi
Via Labicana 125
manfredihotels.com
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Senses Restaurant & Lounge Bar
A few steps from the Baths of Diocletian there is Palazzo Montemartini Rome, Radisson Collection Hotel, with its scenographic Senses Restaurant & Lounge Bar. The roof is the perfect place for an aperitif or after dinner, accompanied by the professionalism of the barman Mauro Cipollone, who created a drink list capable of satisfying the hotel’s cosmopolitan public. In addition to the great classics, there is no shortage of signatures such as the Summer Crush, a mix of coconut water, pineapple juice, scotch blend whiskey and Sicilian lemonade, or the Passion of Rome: white rum, sugar, amaretto, lime juice, passion fruit.
Palazzo Montemartini Rome, A Radisson Collection Hotel
Largo Giovanni Montemartini 20
radissonhotels.com
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Mama Roma
Wicker chairs, sofas and colorful fabrics for the botanical oasis of the Mama Shelter Rome. Spectacular rooftop on the thousand-year-old panorama of the capital, with a solarium and refreshing shower, open to the public from late afternoon. We are outside the historic center, in the Balduina area, but even from here you can take a look at the Cupolone. Mama offers its guests performances by street artists and a drink list inspired by the world of Luna Park, created by barmaker Domenico Napolitano, a clear invitation to enjoy a light-hearted break. Almost like a square, this terrace is the ideal destination for aperitifs or wild nights based on DJ sets.
Mama Shelter Rome
Via Luigi Rizzo 20
mamashelter.com/roma
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Chapter Hotel
Life is better on top is the motto of Hey Guey, there panoramic terrace of the Chapter Hotel designed by designer Tristan Du Plessis, in the heart of the Ghetto. The South American atmosphere and the lively style of neon writing, the colorful furnishings, prickly pears and cacti, attract a younger and more casual audience. From the kitchen come dishes that recall Latin street food to be paired with drinks, many obviously based on mezcal, sipped while admiring the ancient Regola district, the Altare della Patria and the Synagogue from above.
Chapter Rome
Via di S. Maria de Calderari 47
chapter-roma.com
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Mirador Rome terrace
The itinerary of the Roman terraces could continue for a long time given the density of rooftop offered by the Capital, but our little map ends with one of the most eclectic: Terrazza Mirador of the Villa Agrippina Gran Melià, nestled among the greenery of one of the seven hills: the Janiculum. Dense Mediterranean vegetation, palm trees, comfortable sofas and gazebos bring back the Ibizan atmosphere, but just look out to return to the ancient Roman beauties. At your feet the Tiber and Castel Sant’Angelo while you taste yakitori, temaki and bao to accompany Abram Codazzo’s seven signature cocktails, which – in full Balearic mood – bear the name of some of the beaches of the Balearic Islands.
Villa Agrippina Gran Melia’
Via del Gianicolo 3
melia.com
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Glasses for the aperitif
Ichendorf Milano: wine glass, Botanica collection, in borosilicate glass
Villeroy & Boch: long drink glass
Beliani: set of Martini glasses, hand-blown glass
Lsa International: set of 4 shot glasses
Supporter of a broad and diversified communication model since the 1990s, she loves to express her creativity, ranging from journalism to the press office up to branding projects, digital or traditional. She is a passionate connoisseur and popularizer of her city, Rome, and since the early 2000s she has been writing about design, food and culture. She likes to travel for pleasure without ever neglecting the opportunity to combine business with pleasure and return home with ideas for new articles. Her hobby is photography, which she practices with a Sony camera, but her true passion is the impromptu shots taken with her iPhone.
