The 5 most spectacular Rooftops with a Colosseum view
Saturday, 30.08.2025
There are cities that you visit, and there are cities that you live through—Rome belongs to the latter.
The Eternal City is not merely a collection of monuments or museums, but a stage where history, beauty, and daily life perform together in unison. Few places on earth allow you to sip a cocktail while staring at a monument that has stood for nearly two millennia, its arches bathed in the same golden light that once illuminated gladiators, emperors, and roaring crowds. The Colosseum, at once majestic and eternal, is more than a landmark—it is a presence, a reminder of Rome’s unbroken narrative.
And what better way to embrace that presence than from above, on a rooftop where the modern rhythm of mixology and fine dining meets the timeless grandeur of ancient stone? Rooftop terraces in Rome are not simply vantage points; they are sanctuaries suspended between past and present. From Michelin-starred restaurants where every plate is an artwork, to casual terraces where the air is filled with laughter and the clinking of glasses, each rooftop offers its own perspective on the Colosseum—intimate, dramatic, or celebratory.
This guide takes you to the five most extraordinary rooftops where the view is as compelling as the atmosphere, and where every sip feels like a toast not just to the Eternal City, but to eternity itself.
Dining at Aroma is not just a meal—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Perched on the terrace of the luxurious Palazzo Manfredi, Aroma offers a breathtaking front-row view of the Colosseum, glowing golden at sunset and dramatically lit under the Roman night sky. Every table feels suspended in history, surrounded by the whispers of gladiators and emperors.
Chef Giuseppe Di Iorio’s Michelin-starred cuisine elevates the moment even further: refined dishes that celebrate Italian tradition with modern flair. Here, the artistry on your plate mirrors the majesty of the view before your eyes.
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Why it’s special: A unique blend of gourmet fine dining and the most iconic view in Rome. Perfect for romantic dinners or milestone celebrations.
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Drink to order: A glass of Franciacorta sparkling wine—light, crisp, and celebratory, the perfect toast to an unforgettable evening.
If Aroma is about dining with history, The Court is about drinking with history. Voted among the world’s top bars, The Court is an elegant open-air lounge facing the Colosseum and the ancient gladiator training grounds of the Ludus Magnus. The atmosphere is sleek yet intimate: soft sofas, gentle lighting, and greenery create the perfect frame for the ancient stone arches looming in the background.
Here, award-winning mixologist Matteo Zed redefines the cocktail experience. His creations are sophisticated, surprising, and deeply Roman in spirit, blending exotic flavors with Italian elegance.
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Why it’s special: Direct, unobstructed views of the Colosseum paired with some of the most innovative cocktails in the world. A true haven for cocktail lovers.
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Drink to order: The Court Martini—a flawless, minimalist classic reimagined with a contemporary twist.
Hidden just behind the Colosseum, the Capo D’Africa Rooftop feels like a serene escape from the bustle of the city streets below. With warm, inviting furnishings and a laid-back yet romantic atmosphere, this terrace offers a breathtaking panoramic perspective of the Colosseum. It’s less formal than other rooftops, but no less enchanting—ideal for watching the shifting colors of the sky as the sun dips behind Rome’s rooftops.
Whether you come for a casual aperitivo or a long, slow dinner, this rooftop radiates a relaxed elegance that makes you feel at home in the Eternal City.
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Why it’s special: A cozy, intimate rooftop with a direct Colosseum view—perfect for couples seeking romance without the stiffness of fine dining.
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Drink to order: Aperol Spritz—bright, refreshing, and quintessentially Roman, best enjoyed while the Colosseum glows at twilight.
Just steps away from the Colosseum, Royal Art Café combines accessibility with unbeatable scenery. The rooftop garden here feels playful and vibrant, a place where you can enjoy a relaxed meal or aperitivo without the formality of high-end dining. The view of the Colosseum dominates the terrace, close enough to feel almost within reach, making this a lively spot for tourists and locals alike.
It may not carry the exclusivity of a Michelin-starred terrace, but it offers something else: the joy of being in the very heart of Rome with a drink in hand and the Colosseum as your companion.
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Why it’s special: A friendly, casual rooftop that delivers a spectacular front-row view of the Colosseum without pretension.
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Drink to order: Negroni—bold, timeless, and authentically Italian, much like the view itself.
While not directly overlooking the Colosseum, Oro Bistrot offers a sweeping panorama of the Imperial Forums, with the Colosseum standing proudly just beyond. Its rooftop terrace is stylish and chic, with modern design touches that contrast beautifully with the ancient stones below. This is the kind of place where Rome feels eternal, blending centuries of history into a single breathtaking backdrop.
The bistrot’s atmosphere is cosmopolitan yet distinctly Roman—perfect for aperitifs at golden hour, when the ruins of the Forum are bathed in warm, golden light.
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Why it’s special: A sophisticated, design-forward terrace with views that capture the grandeur of ancient Rome in one sweeping glance.
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Drink to order: Hugo Spritz—a refreshing mix of prosecco, elderflower, and mint that pairs beautifully with a Roman sunset.
Whether you’re sipping a Spritz in the casual charm of Royal Art Café, indulging in haute cuisine at Aroma, or toasting the night with a world-class cocktail at The Court, these rooftops prove that Rome’s beauty is best savored from above—glass in hand, Colosseum in view.
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