Alfresco Rome: embrace the Eternal City in the open air
Rome seems made to explore in the open air. Morning markets brim with chatter and the scent of sun-warmed citrus while leafy parks offer sanctuary from the city’s ancient splendour. Churches spill onto cobbled piazzas and artists paint beside fountains. Meanwhile, there's magic in the air among marble ruins and secret courtyards, where time lingers between the past and present.
From the whispering pines of Villa Borghese to the vibrant hum of Campo de’ Fiori, Italy's enchanting capital offers endless outdoor attractions. Here are some waypoints for your next walking tour that blend aesthetic bliss and memorable experiences.
Experience the unique atmosphere of Rome's piazzas
While the Roman metropolis grew around seven hills, Renaissance Rome spread via grand piazzas. These elegant squares still knit together the city with each one offering a tiny world of historic tales and beautiful sights.
Our outdoor exploration starts in the Piazza Navona, where Bernini's 1651 'Fountain of the Four Rivers' dominates the scene. Turn from the fountain to the church of Sant'Agnese in Agone, which hosts a dazzling trove of Baroque masterpieces. And if time permits, reserve a table in the roof terrace of the Palazzo Pamphili. The views and the architecture are sublime.
The next essential stop is the Piazza di Spagna, home to the iconic Spanish Steps. This sun-drenched marble cascade has inspired poets and artists. It also looks resplendent after a 2015 restoration courtesy of the Bulgari fashion brand (whose flagship Roman store can be found nearby).
Stop a while longer to see the house of the Romantic poet John Keats. Or schedule a visit to pose for glamorous snaps in the tradition of Valentino, who regularly uses the Steps as a backdrop for lavish fashion shows.
Finally, outdoor tours must include Campo de' Fiori. One of Rome's liveliest marketplaces, this piazza is suffused with enticing aromas and blooms from the flower stalls that give the square its name. Or schedule an evening visit to savour velvety Lazio wine in the company of the locals.
Enjoy magical gardens and Roman parks
Rome also offers places of refuge that feel worlds away from the traffic and bustle of the piazzas. One of our favourite spots is the Pincio Terrace. Situated above the busy Piazza del Popolo, the Pincio provides a moment of quiet splendour and a wonderful place to watch the Roman sunset.
Next door, wander into the sprawling Villa Borghese. Rome's largest park is a sweeping landscape of burbling fountains and hidden treasures like the Globe Theatre and the much-loved boating lake. The park also hosts some unmissable museums. For example, the Galleria Borghese itself presents a wealth of Renaissance marvels. The Etruscan Museum opens a window into the ancient past, while the Museum of Modern Art showcases breathtaking works from Van Gogh and Cezanne.
If you can tear yourself away, we also recommend a visit to Villa Torlonia. Styled after English country gardens, the grounds feature winding pathways, scenic ponds and exotic plants to discover. Architectural oddities appear around every corner, including the Swiss Hut and Moorish Grotto - legacies of the building's aristocratic origins.
Mix sights and shopping at Roman markets
We've already touched on the market of Campo di Fiori. However, many other markets await discovery in a city where open-air shopping is an everyday activity.
Start by browsing the endless stalls at Borghetto Flaminio - Rome’s chic flea market. Expect designer apparel and accessories from recent seasons and decades past. Or look for unique antiques from Roman attics before taking an espresso pit stop at the vibrant Etablino Due Fontane.
Sunday strolls are not complete without a visit to Porta Portese. Stretching for over a mile, the market is a quintessential Roman experience. Hundreds of vendors compete for attention, offering everything from hand-drawn caricatures to one-of-a-kind carpets. Don't go looking for anything in particular. Go with an open mind and discover something you never knew you needed.
Finally, the book market at Piazza Fontanella Borghese offers a very different atmosphere on weekdays. Expect stores stacked with second-hand works in all languages. Hunt down elusive first editions, flick through volumes of gorgeous etchings or unfurl vintage film posters from Italy's golden age.
Map practical routes to see Rome on foot
Rome is packed with immersive markets, tranquil parks and atmospheric piazzas. In fact, there are so many outdoor attractions that planning walking routes is essential. Rome is also built on seven hills. Well-planned routes avoid the steepest climbs and unnecessary detours.
Consider the sights you need to see, and include them in your route. Ancient history lovers could plan an easy stroll past the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Circus Maximus and the Pantheon.
A tour of Rome's most beautiful churches could start in front of Caravaggio's awe-inspiring 'Calling of St Matthew' at the Church of San Luigi dei Francesi and finish with Bernini's 'Ecstasy of St Theresa' in the Church of Santa Maria della Vittoria. Options abound in between masterpieces, including splendid churches like San Marcello al Corso, the Trevi Fountain and the magnificent art collection of the Palazzo Barberini.
That's just one potential itinerary. Rome is so rich and historic that we could suggest hundreds more. Just ask our concierge team for advice.
See Rome on foot and return to effortless luxury
From the bustle of Campo de’ Fiori’s morning market to the serenity of Villa Borghese at golden hour, Rome’s outdoor settings invite lingering and exploration. Spellbinding vistas, busy flea markets and Baroque piazzas deliver endless delights.
Corinthia Rome is the perfect resting place for outdoor adventurers. Our luxury hotel at the heart of the historic city is within easy reach of Rome's outdoor highlights, while attentive staff will help you manage routes and book attractions - indoors and out.
