06 May 2026
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The Romans have a name for the gentle evening breeze that sweeps over the city: the ponentino. And as simple as it is, with all the monuments, artifacts and fine-dining restaurants to enjoy in the Eternal City, it’s the simple act of sipping a sunset aperitif that remains one of the most perennial joys of the city.
Case in point: the many, many rooftop terraces in Rome — and how the best hotel rooftops lead the way in blending spellbinding views with top-notch refreshments and excellence in design.
Bvlgari Hotel Roma
What it’s all about: Overlooking the Augustus Mausoleum and Ara Pacis, an exclusive oasis in the heart of Rome’s Campo Marzio district at the top of the city’s only Three-Key hotel.This refined beauty, inspired by the lavish gardens of ancient Roman villas, features 200 Mediterranean plants, an opus spicatum floor and a mosaic fountain adorned with the Bvlgari star. During the day, this rooftop is an ideal spot to unwind in the sun; at sunset, it transforms into a chic venue for an aperitivo with views of the Tiber, Janiculum Hill, Villa Medici and Trinità dei Monti.
Come evening, it provides a stunning setting for Bvlgari Bar cocktails under the stars while sampling creative cuisine from acclaimed Chef Niko Romito.
First Arte, Roma
What it’s all about: Panoramic views of Rome’s historic center, Italian cocktails and seafood galore at this One-Key hotel in the Tridente district.Offering a 360-degree view of the city center as it rises above the surrounding buildings, the Acquaroof Terrazza Molinari is ideal for seafood lovers and cocktail fans.
Thanks to an exclusive partnership with Molinari — the iconic Italian liqueur brand that invented sambuca — guests here can indulge in signature drinks like the Molinari Mule, along with raw or cooked fish dishes (products arrive fresh in the morning from fishing boats in Anzio) at the stylish rooftop bistro.
Hôtel de la Ville, a Rocco Forte Hotel
What it’s all about: A hot spot on the seventh floor of a Two-Key getaway next to the Spanish Steps.The chic set may gather at Cielo primarily to enjoy striking sunset views of the Eternal City’s skyline, framed by Instagram-ready red-and-white striped umbrellas, oversized sofas and lounge chairs, and plenty of olive trees. However, they linger to indulge in glamorous, movie-inspired cocktails (try the tequila-powered Cameras Rolling, Action!) and cicchetti (flavorful snacks such as Roman-style dim sum).
Singer Palace Hotel
What it’s all about: Set atop a One-Key palace turned boutique hotel near Piazza Venezia, a haute rooftop experience for cocktail lovers.Jim’s Bar is like a stylish cloud drifting over the lively heart of Rome — a cloud offering vibrant cocktails, each carefully paired by the chefs with a flavorful savory snack. Champion mixologist Federica Geirola’s specialty? Crafting poetic drinks named after 1930s Italian songs.
Try the Portami Tante Rose (“bring me lots of roses”), a dreamy blend of rose-flavored rosolio, lime, black cherry syrup and pink grapefruit soda.
Fendi Private Suites
What it’s all about: In Centro Storico, Italian and Japanese luxury savoir-faire collide beautifully on the top floor of Palazzo Fendi.Few of us may be lucky enough to score a stay at the seven meticulously curated private suites at Fendi’s 17th-century palace. However, we can still enjoy the rooftop experience at the bolthole’s ultrahip restaurant, Zuma, well into the night.
Featuring a robata grill, it offers “modern Japanese cuisine that is authentic but not traditional.” Cocktails are a similar story: Take the Tokyo Spritz, for one, a combination of sake, prosecco and yuzu notes.
Hotel Eden, Dorchester Collection
What it’s all about: An iconic One-Key stay near the Spanish Steps with a rooftop that’s open in all seasons.A more casual alternative to Eden’s rooftop restaurant — the upscale La Terrazza — the curvy Il Giardino Bar is a popular venue year-round, with a recent revamp that added a lush green wall for a pleasantly garden-like feel.
In winter, guests watch the sunset over St. Peter’s Basilica from behind large bay windows. In any season, try La Grande Bellezza, a pink vermouth drink, while munching on creative twists on cicchetti.
Hassler Roma
What it’s all about: A recently renovated terrace on the seventh floor of this storied One-Key hotel at the very top of the Piazza Trinità dei Monti.Upon being welcomed to the 7th Floor Terrace — a remarkably tranquil panoramic hotel bar and restaurant — guests receive a fold-out menu that conveniently highlights the landmarks visible from their vantage point: Trajan’s Column, the Tower of Milizie and the Quirinal Palace.
All this seated sightseeing works up an appetite, so enjoy a light lunch from a menu that offers a surprisingly robust selection of vegan and vegetarian options, from appetizers to desserts. Or try out the cocktails while waiting for golden hour to set Rome aglow.
Chapter Roma
What it’s all about: “Life’s Better on Top” beams from a neon sign at this Mexican-inspired rooftop perched above a delightfully irreverent high-design hotel near the Pantheon.Don’t forget to pack sunglasses for Hey Güey. Not so much to block the sun’s rays, but because this slice of Acapulco shines extra bright — from the lively Latin American-inspired furnishings and cushions to cactus plants and a turquoise pickup truck serving Mexican street snacks like totopos and fried plantains.
Retro beach drinks complete the vibe, with views over residential homes and balconies. Hey Güey is tiny, so booking ahead is a must.
Six Senses Rome
What it’s all about: This upscale yet relaxed destination evokes a lush hanging garden. Great seafood, drinks, 360-degree panoramic views and music make it a party.The vibe at the Notos rooftop is unmistakably “urban oasis in the sky.” This intimate terrace — furnished with lounge chairs and dining tables — is overflowing with aromatic herbs that scent the air and large artisanal terra-cotta pots of Mediterranean plants that echo the flavors of the Med highlighted in the refined seafood-focused menu.
The botanical cocktails, meanwhile, draw inspiration from Roman landmarks, many of which you can see on the skyline. Equally distinctive is Noto’s soundtrack, comprising DJ sets and live music sessions.
Orient Express La Minerva
What it’s all about: An upscale bar and restaurant with views of the Pantheon from the top of this Two-Key gem.This is a homecoming of sorts for the Gigi Rigolatto brand, which began by bringing its Italian golden-age flair to spots in Paris, Saint-Tropez and Dubai. Now it comes to Rome with its rooftop restaurant at the top of the Orient Express La Minerva, and it’s a truly charming entry.
Beautiful marble finishes feature throughout the space, along with spectacular views (including a direct line of sight to the Pantheon), a menu featuring fresh homemade pasta and Gigi’s first Bellini bar, where the classic Venetian cocktail is playfully but elegantly reimagined.
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Hero image: View from Cielo. © Hôtel de la Ville, a Rocco Forte Hotel
