The 5 most spectacular Rooftops with a Colosseum view

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. 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 to eternity itself.

01

Aroma Restaurant
Palazzo Manfredi

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. Chef Giuseppe Di Iorio's Michelin-starred cuisine elevates the moment even further: refined dishes that celebrate Italian tradition with modern flair.

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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 — light, crisp, and celebratory, the perfect toast to an unforgettable evening.

02

The Court
Palazzo Manfredi

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. Award-winning mixologist Matteo Zed redefines the cocktail experience with creations that are sophisticated, surprising, and deeply Roman in spirit.

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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.

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Drink to order The Court Martini — a flawless, minimalist classic reimagined with a contemporary twist.

03

Hotel Capo D'Africa
Rooftop

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. 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.

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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.

04

Royal Art Café

Just steps away from the Colosseum, Royal Art Café combines accessibility with unbeatable scenery. The rooftop garden 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.

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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.

05

Oro Bistrot
NH Collection Roma Fori Imperiali

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. The atmosphere is cosmopolitan yet distinctly Roman — perfect for aperitifs at golden hour, when the ruins of the Forum are bathed in warm 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.