Follow ancient Roman footsteps in the Appia Antica. A walk on the Appia Antica is a beautiful way to spend time outdoors in Rome. The ancient road goes on for miles and is surrounded by centuries-old tombs and fields. There is even a view of the aqueducts that were so vital for bringing fresh water into Rome. Just after San Sebastiano church, there are nurseries filled with colorful flowers, idyllic garden cafes and even a place to rent bicycles. The Appia Antica can be reached by a short bus ride (#118 from the Colosseum or #218 from San Giovanni) and is a truly unique experience. This is the road they are talking about when they say “all roads lead to Rome.”
ADDRESS: Via Appia Antica, 131, 00179 Roma RM
Descend into early Christian burial grounds in the Catacombs. Just outside of the Aurelian walls, lie the burial grounds of early Christians. Unlike the pagan religions that burned their dead on funeral pyres, the Christians buried their dead. This was not allowed in Rome, so they took to the countryside outside of the city walls. There are multiple catacombs and they all feature underground tunnels, some that go on for miles, with niches dug into the walls for graves. The sites are open in the morning and late afternoon and, in order to ensure visitors follow the path and don’t get lost, the ticket includes a guide. Various language options are available and usually run every 30 minutes.
ADDRESS: Via Appia Antica, 110/126, 00179 Roma RM
HOURS: 09:00-12:00 & 14:00-17:00 THU-TUE
PRICES: €8/PERSON
CONTACT: +39 06 513 1051
WEBSITE: catacombs.roma.it
Relax in the luxurious atmosphere of Villa Pamphili. The Villa Pamphili park is a huge expanse of gardens very near to the Saint Peter’s Basilica. There are miles of paths available to walk and the park is usually full of picnickers and locals exercising or watching their children play. A blanket, some snacks and thermos of wine make for a perfect sunset aperitivo followed by a walk through the neighborhood of Monteverde and Trastevere.
ADDRESS: Via Vitellia, 99, 00152 Roma RM
HOURS: 07:00-21:00
PRICE: Free
Stroll through luscious greenery in Villa Borghese. A walk through the vast gardens of Villa Borghese is an ideal way to escape the hustle and bustle of Rome’s city center. There are countless paths to follow and plenty of shady benches to rest your feet. A picnic, a jog or just a stroll...the Villa Borghese is the perfect spot. If you are planning to visit the Galleria Borghese with its intense Caravaggio paintings and breathtaking Bernini sculptures (tickets are around €20), a stroll before or after through the Borghese Gardens is a wonderful addition to your itinerary.
ADDRESS: Piazzale Napoleone I, 00197 Roma Rm
HOURS: Always open
PRICE: Free
Enjoy an oasis inside Rome at the Botanical Gardens. The botanical gardens are located in the neighbourhood of Trastevere and offer a quiet, tranquil atmosphere compared to the frenetic nature of Rome’s traffic-filled streets. The gardens are looked after by La Sapienza University’s Department of Environmental Biology and include four greenhouses, a japanese garden and a rose garden. Take a picnic lunch or purchase food on-site and find a shady corner of the gardens to enjoy your meal. There is an admission fee, normally around €8.
ADDRESS: Largo Cristina di Svezia, 23A-24, 00165 Roma RM
HOURS: 09:00-17:30 MON-SAT; Closed SUN
PRICE: €8/Person
CONTACT: +39 0649917107
WEBSITE: https://web.uniroma1.it/ortobotanico/en