Villa Borghese: Rome’s must-see hidden gem
If you are planning a trip to Rome, you have to add Villa Borghese to your itinerary. Think of it as the Central Park of Rome. This natural oasis hidden in the urban jungle of Italy’s largest city is breathtaking, relaxing and energizing all at the same time. Check it out!
My husband and I recently returned from a 10-day trip to Italy. We spent three days in Rome and this magical city did not disappoint. But one thing I did not expect is how much I would love Villa Borghese. This beautiful park is the perfect escape from the crowds of tourists and there is so much to do there. Check it out!
Go on a bike ride
Throughout the park, there are several vendors renting bikes for only five euros per hour! Super cheap. So we hopped on a bike and explored the entire 200 acres of the park. It was fabulous. You can basically ride anywhere. The bikes weren’t electric but that wasn’t a big deal. You can also rent a surrey that holds 4-6 people at a time.
Paddle around on a row boat
Pay five euros to rent a row boat and paddle around on the iconic Villa Borghese Lake. Row past the Temple of Aesculapius, take some pictures of the ducks and swans and bask in the Italian sunshine.
Visit Borghese Gallery
If you’re up for another museum, you can visit the Galleria Borghese which is inside the park. For about 16 euros, you can see sculptures and paintings by Bernini, Canova and Caravaggio. This is a definite must for art lovers.
Ride on a horse-drawn carriage
When in Venice, you do a gondola ride, but when in Rome, go on a horse-drawn carriage ride. It will set you back about 125 euros but it’s a memorable and once-in-a-lifetime experience that you won’t soon forget.
Visit the Bioparco Zoo
Yes, you guessed it. There is also a zoo in Villa Borghese Park. For about 19 euros, you can visit this 42-acre zoo that houses 200 different species of animals. This is a great option if you are visiting with kids.
Take in the view at Pincio Terrace
From this beautiful vantage point, you can see the Piazza del Popolo, Vatican, St. Peter’s Basilica and Castel Sant’Angelo. Expect crowds at sunset because this is one of the most popular hills with a view in Rome.
Grab a snack or bite to eat
Aside from food trucks and coffee kiosks, there is fine dining at Casina Valadier, Casina Del Lago and a cafetieria in the Borghese Gallery. We grabbed a few snacks at a food truck but you could easily bring a picnic lunch and find a quiet spot to eat.
Overall, our visit to Villa Borghese Park was definitely one of the highlights of our visit to Rome. It was a nice place to decompress from the non-stop sightseeing. I would definitely recommend it. Plus, it was one of the cheapest places we visited. Win! Win! Check out this map of the park below. Hopefully this will help you plan your visit to this beautiful hidden gem in Rome. Ciao!
More from My Silly Squirts: Must-see sites on your trip to the Sunshine Coast in Australia
