Villa Borghese: A Family-Friendly Oasis in the Heart of Rome
Rome, the Eternal City, has it all—ancient ruins, world-class cuisine, and enough gelato to satisfy even the most indulgent traveller. But let’s be honest: it can also be a bit much. The bustling streets, endless attractions, and selfie-stick-wielding crowds can leave you craving a slice of serenity after you visit the Colosseum with the kids.
Enter Villa Borghese, your ticket to calm amidst the chaos. Just a short stroll from Piazza del Popolo, this sprawling park offers a quieter side of Rome that many visitors overlook. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat, a family adventure, or the perfect photo shoot backdrop, Villa Borghese delivers in spades.
Highlights of Villa Borghese
The Borghese Gallery: A must-see for art enthusiasts, featuring works by Caravaggio, Bernini, and Raphael.
Tempio di Esculapio: Rent a rowboat for a dreamy experience by this lakeside gem.
The Temple of Diana: A serene, photogenic spot surrounded by lush gardens.
The Pincio Terrace: Unbeatable views of Rome, especially at sunset.
The Globe Theatre: Shakespeare fans will love this replica of the Bard’s iconic theater, hosting performances year-round.
The Most Beautiful Park in Rome
Villa Borghese is more than just a park—it’s a green oasis steeped in history, art, and beauty. The gardens provide nature lovers with a tranquil greenspace right in the heart of the city with sculptures, fountains and temples to remind you you’re still in Rome!
This unique blend of natural serenity and historic elegance makes Villa Borghese the perfect location for relaxed vacation portraits. Just last week, I suggested Villa Borghese to a family looking for relaxed, meaningful photos to remember their trip. During our planning call, we decided to skip the crowded, construction-heavy tourist hotspots like Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. Instead, we embraced this family’s love for picnics and outdoor time, creating a session that reflected their story while weaving in the park’s timeless Roman beauty.
Most people are not overly confident going into their first family photoshoot, so I love to start with an activity. For foodies, that might be a pasta-making class or a truffle hunt, for water lovers that could be cliff-jumping, sailing or just hanging by the pool. For this family, it was a whimsical rowboat ride on the lake—a simple, magical activity that brought out the family’s natural joy and connection.
Outdoor Fun for Families in Rome: Boats and Bikes
For families visiting with kids (or kids at heart!), Villa Borghese offers plenty of ways to keep everyone entertained. Renting a rowboat on the park’s serene lake is pure magic. Picture kids laughing as they try rowing while ducks glide gracefully by—yes, it’s as picturesque as it sounds and one of my favourite ways to kick off a photo shoot.
If rowing isn’t your thing, try exploring the gardens on two—or four—wheels! Bike rentals, including family-friendly four-seater options, are available throughout the park. Prefer something more modern? Segway tours are also an option and a fantastic way to cover more ground. Little legs will thank you!
Touring the Villa: A Cool Escape
While we stayed in the gardens for this shoot, you can also enter Galleria Borghese. Housed inside the villa, this museum is a treasure trove of masterpieces by Caravaggio, Bernini, and Raphael. Beyond the art, the interiors are a sight to behold—an opulent slice of (recent) Roman history. Plus, on a sweltering summer day, the cool interiors are a welcome escape from the city heat.
Tickets: €15 for a two-hour visit or €23 for a guided tour. Children’s tickets start at €2.
Pro Tip: Book in advance from the official site: Visit Villa Borghese
The gardens themselves, however, are free to enter. So if you’re after a budget-friendly adventure, pack a picnic and wander to your heart’s content.
The Best Time to Visit
For a smooth experience, schedule your Borghese Gallery visit for mid-afternoon to dodge the midday heat. Afterward, stroll through the gardens as the crowds thin and the golden light creates a magical atmosphere. Cap off your visit at Terrazza del Pincio, where the sunset views of Rome will leave you breathless—and conveniently close to the metro.
How to Get to Villa Borghese
Villa Borghese is centrally located and easy to access:
By Metro: Flaminio – Piazza del Popolo on Line A is the closest station, leading to the park’s southwestern entrance.
By Foot: From the Spanish Steps, it’s less than a 10-minute walk.
By Bus: If you’re heading straight to the villa, take a bus to save energy for exploring the gardens later.
Accessibility: Strollers & Wheelchairs
Unlike many cobblestone-filled parts of Rome, Villa Borghese is stroller- and wheelchair-friendly. The wide, maintained paths and ramped entrances make it accessible, though you may encounter the occasional staircase or small hill. Check out this interactive map of Villa Borghese to plan your perfect route!
Making the Most of Your Visit
Rome’s magic lies not just in its iconic landmarks but also in its quieter moments of connection—whether with your family, the city, or yourself. Villa Borghese offers the perfect setting to pause, breathe, and create lasting memories.
And what better way to relive those moments than through professional vacation portraits? With its blend of natural beauty and historic charm, Villa Borghese provides a timeless backdrop for romantic couples’ shots, joyful family sessions, or candid captures of your Roman adventure.
So pack a picnic, rent a boat, or simply stroll hand in hand with your loved ones—and don’t forget to book a photoshoot with Classico Portraits to preserve it all. You might just find that Rome’s quiet side becomes your favourite memory of the Eternal City.
Have you booked your accommodation for Rome yet? Here’s a list of family-friendly hotels to suit every budget.