Rome: Favorite Picnic Spots
 

I guess you have figured out by now that I'm going to Rome this fall.

What are some great places for a picnic, both at lunch and at dusk?

Where do you get your picnic supplies and what are your favorite items?

I'm talking romance and good food here!

Oh ChatNoir, now you're talking! First, if you can't find a spot in which to picnic in the Parco Borghese, then there simply isn't one in Rome. It's a great place, HUGE, so many spots are available, some with delightful views/fountain/sculptures.

There are tons of little shops where you can get food and drink for your picnic. There's a spot on via di Ripetta, down near Piazza del Popolo that sells fantastic stuff, as well as a place that I believe is on via della Croce (a salumiere, and there's also a fantastic bakery on the same street), that will fortify you with supplies.

Buon Appetito & Buon Viaggio,
BC

Thanks bookchick, its on my list now.

ChatNoir, one of our favorite days when we were in Rome two years ago (in April) was spent picking out fruits from the stalls in Campo di Fiori, and wine, cheese, olives, and bread from the various nearby stores, and then heading over to Tiber Island for a picnic. We walked down to the lower level, on the side facing Trastervere, and basked in the glorius sun while ciaoing down on our delicious food.

I'd also highly second BC's recommendation of Parco Borghese.

Thanks capo, I'm going to try that one and also thinking of the Pincio gardens.

Here's a couple more to consider:

Villa Pamphili: up past the Gianicolo, and covers a huge area with working fountains, a lake, grotto, roses, trees and statuary.

Giardino degli Aranci: on the Aventine hill has orange trees and a great view.


Villa Borghese (Spanish Steps area): the Pincio area just above the Piazza del Popolo.

Parco Oppio and the Parco del Celio near the Colosseo

Circo Massimo, and the various green spaces on the Aventine Hill

ChatNoir, the young lovers in Rome already know about this romantic park which overlooks the city: Piazzale Garibaldi in the Gianicolo Park in Trastavere. It's a bit tricky to get to but well worth it. Walk up the Passaggiata (clearly marked on Rome tourist maps) through the Porto S. Pancrazio. You will be rewarded with a magnificent view of the city at the end!

My husband and I had several picnics in Rome. We'd buy fruit at the pushcarts at the markets and everything else at the grocery. Standa in Trastavere has a good supermarket on the lower level. Try all the cheeses and cured meats, as well as small jars of antipasto and olives. (Bring lots of toothpaste and mouthwash with you; you'll need it after.)

dln, I always suspected you to be a lusty world traveler!

Thanks for the tip. This slightly past "young lover stage" explorer will give it a try.

ChatNoir, what's to say the older ones can't show the younger ones a trick or two?:-d

Chatnoir,
Hello again. You get around. Actually, the best picnic spot in Rome is the Janiculum Hill. Very romantic and has stunning views over all of Rome. Good at lunch but best at sunset. It's on the Trastevere side of the Tiber and is a 5 Euro taxi from the historical center (Campo, Navonna, etc). Pack your picnic before you go. If you go at lunch, you could walk back (downhill). Taxis are also very easy to catch for your return trip. There is also a bus that goes there. "Don't miss"

Chatnoir,
I just noticed dln already sugggested it. Personally, unless you are extremely athletic I would NOT walk up though.

Hi Bardo

Actually, I'm "in training" now: biking 6 miles and walking three miles on an inclined treadmill. Can jogging be far behind? I think not, but we'll see.

My feet are willing, but its the aching knees that always do me in!

topping

ChatNoir, I'd hate for all that superior training to go to waste, so I'll tell you about another park that we liked. The street IS on an incline but you will be rewarded with a view that stretches to the Borghese Gardens. If you're lucky you might even catch a glimpse of the big blue observation balloon that rises from there, and maybe catch a wedding or two (the street has two churches; we glimpsed two romantic weddings!).

Walk up Via de S. Sabina, which you will easily find on a map. It's across the street from the Circus Maximus, in the Aventine neighborhood. The street is lined with beautiful houses and gardens. Carry on up the street and you'll find a small park next to a church. The view is fantastic and there are plenty of places to sit with a picnic. After you've eaten your fill and gazed to your heart's delight, walk further uphill to the famous Maltese keyhole at Piazza Cavalieri di Malta, for a peek at the dome of St. Peter's. You won't have any trouble finding it because there's usually a line (it moves quickly; don't worry). The church of S. Anselmo is next door. The brothers run a giftshop where you can buy books, soaps and honey, and other items. There's a soda machine outside and restrooms, very handy!

dln, thanks - you are turning into a real treasurehouse of great info.

But I see a pattern emerging here - you provide lovely walks that are all uphill. Guess its time to increase the incline on my treadmill. You know I'm too cheap to spring for a taxi to the top.

Chatnoir,
Maybe more than one picnic is in order - don't miss Gianicolo Park at sunset.....