Villa Borghese
Rome's iconic urban park, featuring world-class art at the Borghese Gallery and serene gardens with a boating lake.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better art viewing
Villa Borghese
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better art viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Rome's iconic urban park, featuring world-class art at the Borghese Gallery and serene gardens with a boating lake.
"The Borghese Gallery's art will transcend your life, even if only for a few seconds. "
🎟️ Book Gallery Tickets Ahead
Tickets for the Borghese Gallery sell out weeks in advance. Book online via tosc.it to guarantee entry.
🚶♀️ Explore the Gardens
The park is free and vast! Allow ample time to wander, picnic, or rent a boat.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Borghese Gallery Masterpieces
Borghese Gallery
Marvel at Bernini's 'Apollo and Daphne' and Canova's 'Pauline Bonaparte'. A must-see for art lovers!
Boating on the Lake
Laghetto del Giardino Borghese
Rent a rowboat for a peaceful escape on the small lake, surrounded by greenery and charming temples.
Pincio Terrace Views
Terrazza del Pincio
Enjoy panoramic views of Rome's skyline, especially stunning during sunset.
Temple of Asclepius
Laghetto del Giardino Borghese
A picturesque temple on an island in the lake, offering a serene and romantic setting.
Planning Your Visit
Book Borghese Gallery Tickets Early
Explore the Vast Park Grounds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Gallery Tickets Ahead
Tickets for the Borghese Gallery sell out weeks in advance. Book online via tosc.it to guarantee entry. +1
🚶♀️ Explore the Gardens
The park is free and vast! Allow ample time to wander, picnic, or rent a boat.
🌅 Catch the Golden Hour
Stroll through the park during golden hour for magical lighting and beautiful photos.
🚤 Rent a Rowboat
Enjoy a peaceful 20-minute boat ride on the lake for a unique park experience. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Gallery Tickets Ahead
Tickets for the Borghese Gallery sell out weeks in advance. Book online via tosc.it to guarantee entry. +1
🚶♀️ Explore the Gardens
The park is free and vast! Allow ample time to wander, picnic, or rent a boat.
🌅 Catch the Golden Hour
Stroll through the park during golden hour for magical lighting and beautiful photos.
🚤 Rent a Rowboat
Enjoy a peaceful 20-minute boat ride on the lake for a unique park experience. +1
🏛️ Consider Free Museums
Discover smaller, free museums like Casa del Cinema or Pietro Canonica Museum within the park.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning art collection at the Borghese Gallery, particularly Bernini's sculptures, and the beautiful, expansive park grounds. While the gallery requires advance booking and has strict time limits, the overall experience is highly rewarding. Some find the park itself skippable if not a 'diehard garden enthusiast,' but most agree it's a peaceful escape. +1
"I wish I had planned for more time here because wandering this park was a treat. There are nicely manicured paths to follow, many people biking and walking their animals. It was very peaceful and lovely."
Vanessa Becker
"A nice place for a pleasant walk! Nothing terribly exciting but you can cycle, walk or take a buggy to explore the parks & gardens! A few cafes and eats around the place plus a nice little lake where you can row a boat if you choose!"
John Felicetti
"Its a nice park & a break away from the busy roads and cobble stones.
I felt at peace walking through here, the lake was cute, when I visited there were people lining up to go on the little boats.
We met a little turtle, few ducks and other birds during our visit."
Dianna Lee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Villa Borghese is accessible via public transport. The Spagna (Line A) metro station is a short walk away, or you can take various bus routes. Many visitors also enjoy arriving by Vespa for a classic Roman experience.
Yes, the Villa Borghese park grounds are always open and free to enter. Only the Borghese Gallery requires a ticket.
You can walk, rent electric golf carts, 'Flintstones' electric bikes, or go-karts within the park. Renting a rowboat on the lake is also a popular activity.
Driving within the park is generally restricted. It's best to park outside the park and walk or use public transport to reach it. ZTL (Limited Traffic Zones) are in effect in Rome.
Villa Borghese is adjacent to the Spanish Steps. You can easily walk from the Spanish Steps up to the Pincio Terrace entrance of the park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets must be booked in advance online through the official website, www.tosc.it, as entry is timed and limited. +2
Yes, the first Sunday of every month offers free entry, but tickets must still be booked in advance and are highly sought after.
Standard tickets typically cost around €13 plus a booking fee. Prices can vary, and special exhibitions might have different pricing.
Visits to the Borghese Gallery are strictly timed, usually for a 2-hour slot. Arrive early for your designated time. +1
It is highly unlikely to get tickets on the day as they sell out weeks in advance. Booking online ahead of time is essential. +1
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Don't miss Bernini's sculptures like 'Apollo and Daphne' and 'The Rape of Proserpina,' Caravaggio's paintings, and Raphael's 'The Deposition.'
The park is extensive. A quick walk might take an hour, but to truly enjoy it, rent a boat, visit viewpoints, and relax, allocate at least 2-3 hours. +1
Yes, there are cafes and restaurants within the park, offering refreshments and meals. You can also bring a picnic to enjoy on the lawns.
Absolutely! The gardens, the lake, the Pincio Terrace, and the gallery's art offer numerous stunning photo opportunities, especially during golden hour.
It's a small, free museum located within the park, showcasing the works of sculptor Pietro Canonica. It's a quick and interesting visit.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Late afternoon, especially during the 'golden hour' before sunset, provides beautiful soft light for photography throughout the park.
No, photography is strictly prohibited inside the Borghese Gallery to protect the artworks. You can take photos of the exterior and the park.
The Temple of Asclepius on the lake, the Pincio Terrace for city views, the formal gardens, and the gallery's facade are all highly photogenic. +1
A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the expansive park landscapes and city views from the Pincio Terrace.
Drones are generally not permitted in public parks in Rome, including Villa Borghese, to ensure safety and tranquility. Always check local regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
❤️ Couples and Romantic Getaways
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Masterpieces at the Borghese Gallery
Beyond Bernini, the gallery features significant paintings by Caravaggio, including 'Boy with a Basket of Fruit' and 'David with the Head of Goliath,' as well as works by Raphael, Titian, and Canova. The collection is curated to be experienced in a specific flow, guiding visitors through different rooms, each with its own unique artistic highlights. Remember that photography is not allowed inside, so be present and soak in the art.
Due to its popularity and limited capacity, booking tickets well in advance is crucial. Visitors are typically allocated a two-hour time slot, ensuring a more comfortable and less crowded viewing experience. Many visitors find the gallery experience far superior to the Vatican Museums, citing the manageable size and the sheer impact of the art.
Exploring the Expansive Villa Borghese Gardens
A highlight within the park is the small lake (Laghetto del Giardino Borghese), where you can rent rowboats for a charming experience. Glide across the water and admire the picturesque Temple of Asclepius, a romantic folly that adds to the park's allure.
For breathtaking city views, head to the Pincio Terrace, which overlooks Piazza del Popolo and offers panoramic vistas of Rome, especially beautiful at sunset.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit