Where to have a picnic in Rome?
Rome, our capital and beloved Eternal City, is of a unique beauty and offers us numerous options tours and sights, such as monuments, churches, historic buildings, museums and much more. For those who want to escape the traditional and take Rome in the heart in a different way, today I’m going to give you a super different suggestion: how about having a picnic in Rome? Did you like the idea? So, I dedicate this post to you. Here at Your Travel to Italy with Ana Patricia you make the trip of your dreams !!! ALSO: see our “Accommodation in Italy – Tips for your holidays!”
Introduction
When we talk about Rome, the iconic and imposing Colosseum comes to mind. The city’s main symbol is, in fact, extraordinary and presents itself in a majestic way. The city’s cultural and artistic heritage is present on every corner and it is not difficult to be enchanted by the Italian capital. If you are traveling during a warmer season, it is not difficult for you to find crowded restaurants; this when hunger comes, since – especially during the summer – the high temperatures do not always whet our appetite and we choose lighter meals, or perhaps a more ‘fresh’ snack. Read about the Climate in Italy!
What few know is that Rome is the European capital with the most green areas of all, and that includes parks, villas and public gardens: there are more than 3,200 hectares dedicated to public parks full of green and natural beauty. Rome is a harmonious blend of nature, archeology and art available to everyone and, for a picnic, the Roman parks are very inviting to welcome everyone who wants to do a different program. Thinking about it, today I bring a different proposal for those who are going to Rome: have a picnic in the eternal city! How? Where? What do I buy? How do I do? Let’s find out EVERYTHING now!
1) Where to have a picnic in Rome? VILLA BORGHESE
The most central Villa in Rome – one day may not be enough to get to know this fantastic place! Villa Borghese got its name from the homonymous family that has owned this area since 1500. Today this area is well maintained and links the center of Rome with Parioli. Here is also the famous Borghese Gallery, which houses works by Caravaggio and Bernini; among the works we can see the beautiful Paolina Bonaparte (or Paolina Borghese) by Canova. Address: Piazzale Napoleone I. Click here and learn more about the Borghese Gallery!
2) Where to have a picnic in Rome? VILLA DORIA PAMPHILI
This is one of the largest public parks in Rome and covers 184 hectares. Stunningly beautiful, the Villa offers excellent spots for those who want to have a picnic in the eternal city! The Villa extends from the Vatican area to the outside of the city. The gardens here are spectacular and there are several areas full of charm! Prepare the camera! 😉 Address: Via di S. Pancrazio, 00152. Find out all about the Vatican here!
3) Where to have a picnic in Rome? PARK OF THE AQUEDUCTS
One of the coolest parks in Rome! The Park of the Aqueducts is part of the Appia Antica Park and is considered the green lung of the eternal city. Here you will find several different aqueducts from different Roman times; the most famous of which is the Claudio aqueduct, which dates back to Caligula and collected the waters of two lakes, located in the High Aniene valley, and brought its clear waters to the city. Address: Via Lemonia, 221. Read also: ten less tourist attractions to visit in Rome?
4) Where to have a picnic in Rome? VILLA TORLONIA
The Torlonia family acquired the Villa of Princes Colonna and made it a beautiful residence! Today it is a green area and ideal for an outdoor program! It is one of the favorite places of the Romans and is the perfect place to enjoy a cool breeze among the delicious green that surrounds us there! Address: Via Siracusa, no number. Discover the restaurants in Rome here!
How do I make my shopping list for the picnic?
It depends on what you want and what you’re used to eat, but down here we’ve put together a short list of some items (with approximate values) to inspire you to put together your own shopping list and we’ll take the opportunity to give you some tips for your picnic be perfect! Also read what to do in Rome when it rains?
Tip
- Stop by the market moments before the picnic and bring a list of items so you don’t forget ANYTHING! Do not take too many products, and always throw the garbage in the trash! If you can’t find trash near you, store the waste in a plastic bag and dispose of it later in an appropriate place, O.K.?
Suggested checklist for a picnic for two
Well, to put together our shopping list, as I mentioned earlier, take into account what you like to eat. If you are having a picnic for more than two people, consider the taste of everyone involved when shopping, O.K.? The same goes for picnics with children! The list below is for two people, but you can adapt the quantities and / or items.
- Disposable cups (pack of 10: EUR 1.99)
- Disposable dishes (pack of 10: EUR 1.99)
- Towel (EUR 9.99 – you can save it to use at home later; if you prefer, use a sarong, it’s the same)
- Napkin (pack of 100: EUR 2.00)
- Wine – Red or White (EUR 1.00)
- Water bottle (1 liter: EUR 1.00)
- Fruit juice (pack of 3 x 200 ml: EUR 0.90)
- Sliced cheese (70 grams: EUR 1.00)
- Sliced raw ham (70 grams: EUR 2.00)
- Baguette (EUR 0.70)
- Jelly (pack of 4 x 25 gr: EUR 0.60)
- Nutella (pack of 6 x 15 gr: EUR 1.30)
- Dumpling (10 x 27 gr: EUR 2.85 – on some chains you can purchase separately)
- Chocolate (approximately 100 gr: EUR 1.50)
- TOTAL: EUROS 30.15.
Important Considerations
If you buy the package, as we suggested above, remember that you can have a snack at the hotel when you have that late-night snack. The values are equivalent to the packages, but many establishments sell separate products, so it is up to you to buy the package or not, O.K.?
Other Suggestions…
Fruits, ready-made sandwiches, soda, sparkling water, iced tea, snacks, popcorn, sweet bread, pates, yogurts, olives, toast, muffins, cupcakes, etc, etc, etc … let your imagination travel when organizing your list. Why not, flowers to decorate your scenery?
Attention
- Be careful with the remaining perishables – buy small quantities – when possible – especially if you are not returning to the hotel right after the picnic!
Tips for a flawless picnic
- Take plastic bags with you to put in the trash.
- Use sunscreen and repellent, especially during the summer and outdoors, surrounded by green areas.
- Avoid being under the sun directly; look for a cool shade to settle.
- Choose a time when the sun is not so hot! Remember that you can have a picnic breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack or dinner.
- Wear light clothing, especially during the warmer seasons. Mainly if it is summer, because the Italian heat is very intense!
- Take your time! Eat in your time, calmly and watch the movement around you: the people back and forth, the breeze touching the leaves of the trees.
- Make games fun and fast, such as finding a person wearing a blue T-shirt; remember, if you want, bring a deck to play a game of card, or paper and pen to play Scattergories. The ideas are endless; know your ‘audience’ well! 😉
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Hotel I suggest near the Historic Center
If you are passionate about art and would like to stay in the center where you can move around walking, as well as having countless possibilities for places to have lunch / dinner or a snack, I advise you to stay in the historic center. Regions near the Trevi Fountain, the Coliseum, the Roman Forum, the Imperial Forum and the Villa Borghese, Piazza Spagna and Piazza Navona can be considered as “historic center”. These are the most expensive areas, but you will be close to everything, literally!
If you want to save a great option is the B&B, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices.
If you prefer a good hotel, I have three options that I really like, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)
Hotels that I suggest near the San Giovanni Region
For those who want to find cheaper alternatives in quiet areas, but at the same time close to the means of transport to the center, I suggest the region of San Giovanni or Monti (near the metro stations San Giovanni, Castro Pretorio and Circus Massimo) – which it is a more residential neighborhood; therefore, more economical and quiet! And with just 15 minutes by subway you will be in the center too!
I have two options for Hotels that I recommend, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)
I have two options of B&B that I recommend, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)
Hotels I suggest near Vatican City
An interesting area to stay and a little cheaper than the historic center is the Vatican area (Vatican Museums) which is very well connected with everything.
I have two options of B&B that I recommend, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)
If you prefer a hotel, I have three options that I recommend, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)
Hotel I suggest near Termini Station
For those who prefer to stay in neighborhoods that have good access to the rest of the city and at a better price, then you should choose accommodation in the surroundings of Termini Station (from where a dense network of public means of transport starts, serving both: the local people and tourists).
I have 3 good hotel suggestions in Termini, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)
If you prefer B&B I have 2 good suggestions, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)
Hotels that I suggest in Trastevere
For those who prefer to “taste” authentic and characteristic Rome, there is nothing better than booking a hotel in Trastevere (on the outskirts of the city’s historic river), full of typical Roman history and traditions, known for the tortuous streets of sampietrini stones and the centers medieval style housing.
The neighborhood is in the historic center and to the right of the Tevere River, in the midst of a spectacular landscape, where each visitor can observe the countless churches and squares (such as Santa Maria in Trastevere). In addition, this neighborhood offers several local restaurants and canteens for those who want to try typical Roman cuisine.
If you want to save a great option is the B&B, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)
If you prefer a good hotel, I have two options that I really like, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)
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Conclusion
Where to have a picnic in Rome? Today we teach you how to organize a picnic and where to organize it in Rome, but use these tips, too, to have a picnic in other cities that offer green, public and open spaces. The contact with nature is delicious!
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