Sunset in Rome: A Walking Tour of Villa Borghese & Pincio Hill
Most picturesque, evening tour of Rome’s northern historic centre. We begin at Piazza del Popolo, ascend to the Pincio Terrace for sweeping views, cross the Villa Borghese Gardens (including the water clock), pass by the Villa Medici, and conclude at the Spanish Steps / Piazza di Spagna — tracing the city’s 18th–19th-century urban transformations as day fades.
Basic Information
Total time
1h 45m
Language
English (check the calendar for availability)
Price
Our “Pay What You Wish” tours don’t have a fixed price — you decide how much the experience was worth. At the end of the tour, please make a fair contribution that reflects your satisfaction and appreciation for your guide’s work. Most guests give between €10 and €50 per person.
Meeting point
Santa Maria del Popolo, Piazza del Popolo Nearest public transport: Flaminio - Piazza del Popolo metro station; Flaminio metro station
Additional info
☂︎ This tour is organised by Walkative Rome guides. Look for the guide with the yellow umbrella.
♿️ Tour not suitable for people with reduced mobility or strollers
❗Our tours run in all weather conditions. High or low temperatures, rain, or snow are never a reason for us to cancel. We’re always here for you! The only reasons for cancellation are extreme weather conditions (such as heavy storms), a guide’s sudden illness, or if there are fewer than 5 registered participants. In such cases, we will always notify you using the contact information you provided when booking the tour.Booking rules
Booking is obligatory. Our “Pay What You Wish” tours are meant for individual travellers and small groups. Large groups (8 or more people) cannot join these tours, as they significantly affect the experience for others and the guide. For school trips, organised tours, or groups of friends, please book our paid option (18€ per person) or arrange a Private Tour. For more information or to schedule a group visit, please contact us directly.
About the tour
Welcome to one of the Eternal City’s most picturesque tours! Perfectly capturing the artistry and tranquillity of Rome’s beloved park as well as the elegance and sophistication of its most iconic palaces and squares, spiced up with some unparalleled views. Experience a serene evening stroll through a city bathed in the fading glow of the sunset and let the magic of Rome speak for itself!
Our walk begins at Piazza del Popolo, historically the northern gateway to the city and a portal to modern Rome. From this square three main arteries—Via del Corso, Via del Babuino, and Via di Ripetta—radiate. From the Piazza we will climb up to Pincio Hill. Get ready for some effort, but expect a magnificent reward! The views from Pincio Terrace are simply unparalleled, offering a spectacular panorama of Rome’s famous landmarks, especially beautiful when illuminated by the setting sun’s amber hues. Next we will wander into the Villa Borghese Gardens, Rome’s most cherished park and an open-air art gallery rich with sculptures, fountains, temples, and even an artificial lake! We will see, among other, the still-functioning water clock, first presented at the Paris Exposition in the late 19th century and installed in the Villa Borghese a few years later. Strolling through these lush gardens, surrounded by Mediterranean flora, we will reach a second vantage point offering yet another sweeping view of the city. Our tour will then lead us past Villa Medici, the elegant Renaissance palace that once confined the famous astronomer Galileo, to the top of the Spanish Steps, thus marking our return to the vibrant, elegant heart of Rome. We will end our tour on one of the main streets of Rome, Via del Corso once known for an annual carneval tradition and today an active shopping street.
This route, besides the magnificent views, will be a perfect setting for discussing 18th century Rome’s evolution into a modern metropolis, known for its vibrant public spaces, parks, and museums. It will also be a tale of the many influential families whose legacies shaped the city and inspired the world at large.
Join us and experience the tranquil yet vibrant atmosphere of Rome as the sun sets, painting the city in glorious colours and bringing its rich history to life. After all, as Pier Paolo Pasolini, famous Italian writer and film director once said, looking at the sunset in Rome is like gazing at eternity.
Highlights
- 1
Piazza del Popolo
The historic northern gateway to the city, serving as a portal to modern Rome.
- 2
Pincio Terrace
A hilltop viewpoint offering spectacular panoramic views of Rome's landmarks, especially at sunset.
- 3
Villa Borghese Gardens
Rome's most cherished park, functioning as an open-air gallery with sculptures and fountains.
- 4
Borghese Water Clock
A unique 19th-century hydrochronometer, a functioning water clock presented at the Paris Exposition.
- 5
Villa Medici
An elegant Renaissance palace that once served as a place of confinement for Galileo.
- 6
Spanish Steps
The iconic monumental stairway connecting Piazza di Spagna with the Trinità dei Monti church.
- 7
Via del Corso
A major street known for its past carnival traditions and today a vibrant shopping hub.
Map
Santa Maria del Popolo, Piazza del Popolo Nearest public transport: Flaminio - Piazza del Popolo metro station; Flaminio metro station


















