Spring Roundup: The Best Gardens in Rome

Spring in Rome is one of my absolute favorite times of the year. The whole city blossoms with the nice weather, but it’s not too hot to prevent you from enjoying the outdoors. There are so many gardens and parks around the city to visit and while I’ve previously written about some of them, I wanted to consolidate a list of my favorites in one place.

Giardino degli Aranci

Arguably one of the most famous outdoor spaces in Rome, the Orange Gardens in Rome are beautiful at any time of year. They also have one of the best views of the city and are a nice area to relax. Bring a blanket, snacks and friends and hang out here for an afternoon. You can read more about my favorite views of Rome, including the Orange Gardens, here.

Roseto Comunale

Now is the time to see the rose gardens in Rome as it just opened for its short season. From April to June, the beautiful Roseto Comunale offers visitors over 1,000 species of roses and a lovely area to enjoy spring in the city.

Pro tip: there’s also a free public bathroom here if you need one while out exploring the city.

Vatican Gardens

The Vatican Gardens are ticketed and therefore, a less talked about garden, but regardless they are stunning and a must-see on a Roman garden tour.  The acres of land included in the Vatican property aren’t normally visible but with a special ticket that also provides access to the Vatican Museums (without waiting in the crazy long lines) you have full access to them. Something else to consider is visiting the Vatican Gardens in Castel Gandolfo, the papal summer residence, which makes a great day trip from Rome. 

Orto Botanico

A special spot hidden away from the busy neighborhood of Trastevere, the botanic gardens of Università La Sapienza offer a variety of plant species and are available for educational purposes too. if you go to visit this garden, plan on making an afternoon of it with a stop in the center of this neighborhood famous for its nightlife and grabbing an aperitivo afterwards. 

Villa d'Este

While it's not technically in Rome but a short trip outside of it, Villa d’Este is a great example of Italian Renaissance gardens and is beautifully landscaped with pools of water and a musical fountain. One of the most beautiful gardens I’ve seen so far in Italy, It makes a great day trip from Rome and can also be combined with nearby Villa Adriano, both located in the town of Tivoli.

There are so many more amazing gardens in Rome and the Lazio region, but these are a few that I've really loved and think would make perfect activities during the spring here. Let me know in the comments if you've visited any and which outdoor spaces in Rome are your favorite!