The Park in Brief
Villa Borghese is the third largest park in Rome after Villa Ada and Villa Pamphilj. With its 80 hectares open to the public, the park is free and accessible without fixed hours from dawn to dusk.
The park contains three principal museums:
- Galleria Borghese (paid entry, reservation mandatory)
- Museo Carlo Bilotti (contemporary art, former orangery)
- Museo Nazionale di Villa Giulia (Etruscan, outside the park but adjacent)
Getting to the Park
| Access | How |
|---|---|
| From Piazzale Flaminio | Metro A → Flaminio, then on foot or trams 3/19 |
| From Via Pinciana | Buses 52, 53, 910 |
| From Piazza di Spagna | Metro A → Spagna, then 20–25 min on foot |
| From Porta Pinciana | On foot from Via Veneto |
The Pincio Terrace
The Pincio terrace is one of Rome's most celebrated panoramic viewpoints. From the belvedere the whole of Rome is visible: the dome of St Peter's, the rooftops of the historic centre, the Pantheon dome in the morning mist.
It is 10 minutes on foot from the main park entrance at Piazzale Flaminio (uphill path). The best time is sunset, when the raking light is at its most beautiful.
The Boating Lake
At the centre of the park is a small artificial lake with a neoclassical temple on the central island, famous for reflection photographs. Pedal boats and rowing boats can be hired (~€10/30 min).
The Bioparco
Adjacent to the Galleria Borghese, the Bioparco is Rome's zoo (separate entry, ~€17 adults). It is one of the principal attractions for families with children.
Getting Around the Park
The park can be explored on foot or by bicycle. Available:
- Bicycle hire: near the entrance at Piazzale Flaminio and Porta Pinciana (~€3–5/hour)
- Electric bikes and scooters: available via apps (Lime, Bird)
- Electric train: runs through the park with main stops (~€5)
Access for private vehicles is limited: there is no parking inside the park.
What to Do Before and After the Gallery Visit
- Before: arrive 30–45 minutes early to stroll along the tree-lined avenue from Piazzale Flaminio to the Gallery.
- After: climb to the Pincio terrace for sunset, or stop at the boating lake.
- Lunch: there are cafés and kiosks in the park; the best option is a picnic prepared in advance (bring water — prices at the park's internal bars are high).
With a Private Driver
Reach the Galleria Borghese with a private driver. From your hotel, airport or station — direct and on time. Service from €49. → Book at myromedriver.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Villa Borghese park free? Yes. Entry to the park is free with no fixed hours. You only pay to enter the museums inside it.
Is there parking near the Galleria Borghese? Not inside the park. The most convenient car park is Villa Borghese (underground, accessible from Via Aldrovandi and Via Raimondi, ~€2/hour).
Can you reach the Gallery on foot from the metro? Yes: from Spagna metro (Line A) it is about 25 minutes uphill through the park. From Flaminio metro (Line A), the park entrance is 3 minutes away, and the Gallery is about 15–20 minutes of walking inside the park.
Article no. 168 — TIER S — MON-09 Galleria Borghese Type: PRACTICAL Words: ~580