Boat ride at Villa Borghese. Photo: Aerial-motion / Shutterstock.com Rome is famous for grand monuments, heavy crowds, and expensive tours. Yet, one of its most magical experiences costs just €5 and takes only 20 minutes.
Tucked away inside the lush gardens of Villa Borghese lies a postcard-perfect lake. Here, you can escape the city noise, rent a classic wooden rowboat, and drift past weeping willows and historic ruins.
The centerpiece of the lake is the stunning Temple of Aesculapius. Built in the late 18th century, this neo-classical monument dedicated to the Greek god of medicine sits on its own private island.
As you row across the water, you are surrounded by sunbathing turtles resting on low-hanging branches. friendly ducks paddling alongside your boat, and shaded shorelines that offer a cool respite from the Roman heat.
It is a peaceful, cinematic pocket of Rome that feels a world away from the bustling streets of the nearby Piazza del Popolo.
The lake (Lago di Villa Borghese) is centrally located within the Villa Borghese park. One ride costs approximately €5 per person, and each Each lasts for 20 minutes, which is plenty of time to circle the small lake and take photos. Boats can hold up to 3 or 4 people comfortably.
There is no need to book in advance. Simply walk up to the small wooden boathouse pier, pay the attendant, and step on board.
Villa Borghese. Photo: ShutterstockBe sure to catch the "golden hour" magic by going there late in the afternoon, when the temperature should also become more bearable for being outdoors. The low sun striking the Temple of Aesculapius creates an incredible glow for photography.
Bring cash on you. Yes, card payments are increasingly accepted in Italy, but having exact change will considerably speed up the queue, especially during busy weekend afternoons.
Have a picnic (or just lie on the lawn lining the lake) at the Temple of Aesculapius Banks and watch the rowboats drift by while enjoying the shade of the large weeping willows.
Gardens of Villa Borghese in Rome, Italy. Photo: ShutterstockEnjoy the panoramic view over Plazza del Popolo. To do that, you will need to reach the Pincio Terrace Lawns found right on the western edge of the park. You will notice their wide grass panels where you can relax before stepping onto the terrace for an iconic and fully instagrammable view.
Disconnect from the crowds at Valley of the Plane Trees, a much quieter, sprawling valley on the eastern side of the park. It's the right place if you are looking to escape the main tourist paths and relax under ancient, massive trees.
Gelato in Rome. Photo: ShutterstockHave a gelato at any of the numerous artisanal gelaterias sitting just outside the park boundaries. Gelateria Azzaro is highly rated and sells homemade Sicilian ice cream and pastries. Gelateria Della Papessa is best known for its rich, inventive flavors like lavender-bergamot and ultra-creamy pistachio, while Come il Latte is renowned for its incredibly smooth, milk-based traditional gelato made with all-natural ingredients.