5 Rooftop Bars in Rome That Locals Love

Who doesn’t love a drink with a view? Rome is astonishingly beautiful pretty much everywhere you look. There are no skyscrapers here, so when you do get above street level, the view is almost always expansive. On clear days, you can see as far as the distant mountain ranges! Here are our favorite 5 rooftop bars in Rome that are perfect for a sunset drink.

people toasting on a rooftop with wine glasses.

Looking for wine bars in the Eternal City? Don’t miss our favorite wine bars in Rome!

Insiders Tip: Many of Rome’s rooftop bars are only open from roughly late April until early November. If you are visiting in the off-season, make sure to call ahead!

1. Minerva Roof Garden

You feel like you can almost touch the dome of the Pantheon from the Minerva Roof Garden at the Hotel Minvera. This classic bar is open from noon until late, and has plenty of umbrellas for shade so you don’t have to wait until sunset on a hot afternoon.

Small bowls of olives, potato chips, and nuts come with your drink order, but if you are hungry, the very non-Roman club sandwich and thin cut fries are excellent.

📍 Address: Piazza della Minerva, 69

large white-covered round table on a rooftop with a large pink floral arrangement in the center.
Enjoy the incredible views of some of Rome’s most famous sights from this luxury rooftop! Photo Credit: Tatinta

2. American Bar at the Hotel Forum

The American Bar at the Hotel Forum offers up views of Rome’s most ancient sites. This rooftop bar sits is on the edge of the Forum of Nerva in the Monti neighborhood. You can see the Vittoriano monument, Palatine hill and the Imperial Forums from here.

There is a cozy old fashioned atmosphere with ironwork chairs and bright bougainvillea, so expect old fashioned drink offerings like prosecco, gin & tonic, and negronis.

📍 Address: Via Tor de’ Conti, 25

white-covered round tables with chairs on a covered terrace surrounded by flower boxes.
The classy atmosphere of the American Bar at the Hotel Forum is the perfect place to enjoy a meal or drink. Photo Credit: American Bar

3. The La Grande Bellezza

This expansive rooftop just might have the most spectacular view in Rome. The Eitch Borromini’s La Grande Bellezza bar is all out glamor with almost 360 views. Groups of white couches sit on top of a 17th century Palazzo (the Collegio Innocenziano wing of the Palazzo Pamphil to be exact) directly above the Piazza Navona.

Look down, and you see the three Baroque fountains in the piazza. Over the terra cotta tiled rooftops you can spot the Pantheon from one side, Saint Peter’s Basilica from another, and a swirl of a Boromini spire if you know where to look.

Insiders Tip: This is a very popular place. The La Grande Bellezza bar is strictly reservations only!

📍 Address: Via Flavia, 59

metal chairs with white cushions and a white lily flower arrangement on a rooftop restaurant.
The incredible views from La Grande Bellezza is well worth making a reservation to enjoy. Photo Credit: Eitch Borromini

4. Zuma

The Fendi empire extends beyond high fashion here in Rome. On top of the flagship store in the city’s chicest shopping district is a branch of global sushi hotspot Zuma. The bar and lounge area has a chill wave soundtrack, killer sunset views, and a sampling of menu choices from the restaurant. Contemporary architecture buffs will love the close-up view of  the “La Lanterna” construction by Fuksas.

📍 Address: Via della Fontanella di Borghese, 48

wooden table and wicker chairs on a rooftop terrace in Rome.
Enjoy world-class sushi and drinks at Zuma. Photo Credit: Reporter Gourmet

5. Mùn Rooftop Cocktail Bar

Perched on the eighth floor of the DoubleTree by Hilton Rome Monti near Roma Termini and the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, Mùn Rooftop Cocktail Bar is one of the city’s most stylish settings for sunset drinks and panoramic views. This rooftop terrace opened in 2021 and combines contemporary design, creative mixology, and sweeping vistas for a beautiful (and delicious) experience!

The bar is best known for its inventive signature cocktails served along with gourmet tapas and aperitivo bites. Whether you’re stopping by for a pre-dinner drink or a late-night cocktail, Mùn’s elegant atmosphere and spectacular skyline views make it a favorite.

📍 Address: P.za dell’Esquilino, 1

rooftop terrace on top of a hotel at night with illuminated domes in the background.
Mùn is a small rooftop cocktail bar on top of the DoubleTree Rome Monti that affords incredible views of the city. Photo Credit: Romeing

Taste & Sip the Best of Rome on Tour With Us

Spend an evening out in Rome’s most eclectic neighborhood on our Trastevere at Sunset: Rome Food & Wine Tour. Hop from enoteca to local bar to osteria as you dive into the world of Roman gastronomy and wine. Get ready for regional cured meats and cheeses, delicious local pasta, a variety of different Italian wines and, of course, Italy’s favorite aperitivo cocktail, the spritz. Consider this your crash course in all things wine and dining in Rome!

A waiter holding plates of rigatoni with a tomato-laden oxtail sauce and coda alla vaccinara.
Try a plate of coda alla vaccinara with us on tour!

Featured Review: Trastevere Food & Wine Tour

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Been outstanding experience. Our tour guide was so informative and such a nice person. Quality of the food was perfect. We’ve taken many devour tours and they’re always very high quality and some of the best tour guides we’ve ever had anywhere. Very highly recommended.”
– Glenn

Best Rooftop Bars in Rome FAQs

What is the best rooftop bar in Rome?

Rome is home to dozens of rooftop bars, each offering a different perspective of the city. Some of the most popular rooftop bars feature views of landmarks such as the Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Pantheon, and the city’s iconic terracotta rooftops, making them a favorite for sunset drinks and aperitivo.

What time should you visit a rooftop bar in Rome?

Sunset is widely considered the best time to visit a rooftop bar in Rome. Arriving 30 to 60 minutes before sunset allows visitors to enjoy daytime views, watch the city transform as the sun goes down, and experience Rome’s famous golden-hour light.

Do rooftop bars in Rome require reservations?

Many of Rome’s most popular rooftop bars recommend or require reservations, especially during the spring and summer travel seasons. Booking ahead is particularly important for tables with panoramic views and for visits during sunset hours.

Are rooftop bars in Rome expensive?

Prices vary depending on the location and level of luxury, but rooftop bars in Rome generally charge more than traditional cafés or wine bars due to their views and atmosphere. Many visitors find the experience worthwhile for the scenery, cocktails, and unique perspective on the city.

What should you drink at a rooftop bar in Rome?

Popular choices include classic Italian cocktails such as the Aperol Spritz, Negroni, and Americano, along with Italian wines, prosecco, and creative signature cocktails. Many rooftop bars also offer aperitivo menus featuring small bites that pair perfectly with drinks before dinner.