5 Romantic Rooftop Bars in Rome (and One to Skip)

Raising a Glass in Rome: 5 Bars with a View

We visited five romantic rooftop bars in Rome to see which ones lived up to the view. When in Rome, why not treat yourself to a romantic evening at a rooftop bar with breathtaking views of the eternal city? While we only tried a few bars, it is important to note that the price for these views can be steep.

We highly recommend making a reservation in advance to secure a table with the best view. While most bars do not accept reservations, it is still worth a try to ensure a memorable experience.

The Court at Palazzo Manfredi

This little bar opens first for outside guests at 18.30. Be 10-15 minutes before and wait in the small hotel lobby and then make a run for it. The bar is the perfect place to see the sunset on Colosseum. Don’t bother to take the front seat. Everyone is going to be there to take endless Instagram selfies. One of our favourite bars in Rome.

Rooftop bar at Hotel Raphael

While the view from the bar is decent, it’s not particularly noteworthy. We ordered a GT served with two ice cubes, a small slice of lemon, and Schweppes Tonic Water, priced at 18 euros. Unfortunately, this drink was a reflection of our overall experience – lacking in love and care. The staff seemed untrained and unsure of themselves, which left us feeling underwhelmed.

Palm Court at Hotel Hassler, a quiet courtyard bar above the Spanish Steps with old-school charm

Palm Court at Hotel Hassler

The courtyard is quiet and just above the Spanish steps. The perfect place to slip in for a glass of wine and some snacks. 

Acquaroof rooftop bar near Piazza del Popolo, Rome — cocktails and city views

Acquaroof at Hotel First Roma Arte

This hotel is very near Piazza del Popolo. If you’re in the neighborhood, it’s definitely worth a visit for a pre-dinner drink. If you choose to dine here, try the steak served on a Himalayan salt stone. It’s delicious! For the best view, ask for the small corner table located straight in from the entrance.

Cielo Bar at Hotel de la Ville, Rome — rooftop terrace with sunset views over the city

Cielo Bar at Hotel de la Ville

This trendy rooftop bar offers an excellent sunset view over the city, but only if you have the right table. Although there’s nothing inherently wrong with it, it didn’t quite meet our expectations for some reason. Perhaps it was due to too many smokers or not having the best table.

Final Sips from the Rooftop

These five rooftop bars in Rome are all about location, vibes, and of course, the drinks. While some may not live up to the hype, the views alone are often worth a visit. Just remember to arrive early, skip the front row, and enjoy the moment — selfie or not.

FAQ – Rooftop Bars in Rome

Which rooftop bar has the best view of the Colosseum?

The Court at Palazzo Manfredi offers the best view of the Colosseum at sunset. Arrive early and try to grab a table near the edge for the full experience.

Most rooftop bars do not take reservations, but it is still worth calling ahead. For the best spots, we recommend arriving 10–15 minutes before opening.

Cielo Bar at Hotel de la Ville offers a stylish setting with a superb sunset view. It is romantic—if you get the right table and can ignore the smokers.

Yes, views come with a price. Expect to pay around €18–€25 for cocktails. Some places offer snacks or small bites included.