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One of the busiest train stations in all of Europe, Roma Termini receives well over 150 million passengers every year. With both high-speed and regional trains linking it to almost every city in Italy, not to mention the Leonardo Express Train to Fiumicino International Airport, Termini is a vitally important part of not only the public transportation network of the Eternal City but also of all of Italy.
Pro-tip! Drop off your bags within Roma Termini and head to some of these parks to decompress. After a little time in the shade of the trees, you’ll find yourself refreshed and ready to take on the Italian capital again.
Located within the ancient Roman walls of the city, Termini is also conveniently close to some of the biggest attractions Rome has to offer. Within walking distance of several lesser-known attractions, even the mighty Colosseum is reachable on foot from here. From the moment you arrive at this big and busy place, you can plunge right into Rome’s ancient history and everything else that makes the city so special.
But just because you can doesn’t mean you should. Sometimes, after a long train ride or flight, the best thing to do is recharge your batteries in more natural surroundings. Luckily, Rome has plenty of gorgeous parks, including some close to the main train station. Plus, the usually sunny weather makes it ideal for spending some time outdoors.
Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II
Just a few minutes on foot west of the train station, you’ll find this small but interesting park. Located in an area of the city not many tourists visit, this leafy park is a good place to take a seat on a bench and watch the world go by. It’s not really big enough for a significant walk unless you want to do laps of the place, but it is a good spot to get some rest and relaxation.
Plus, this park is home to a historical monument in the form of the Magic Door. Once the door of the Renaissance palace that belonged to a nobleman with an interest in alchemy, this doorway is now all that remains. The legend goes that a visiting alchemist discovered the secret of turning lead to gold but vanished the next day, leaving only magical symbols scratched into the frame of the door. Whether it’s true or not, it adds interest to this convenient park.
Giardini del Quirinale
A little further into the city from Termini station, you’ll find this beautifully laid-out public garden. The palace the gardens are attached to goes back to the 16th century, but the gardens themselves have been redesigned many times over the centuries, notably in the 19th century, which gave the garden most of its layout and structure today. Wander the beautifully groomed trails past gorgeous fountains and an 18th-century coffeehouse under the Roman sunshine, and you’ll feel your stresses melting away.
Note that this is a popular place to get a kind of tranquil experience that can be rare in central Rome, so you may need to book in advance to get inside the gardens. Still, it’s worth it to explore the lives of Roman nobility and take a break from the bustle of the city.
Quadriportico Verano Cemetery
Roma Termini lies to the east of most of Rome’s top tourist attractions, so the vast majority of visitors hop on a bus or the subway or walk to the west to immerse themselves in central Rome. However, if you’ve had enough of crowds for a little while, a short walk east from the station will bring you to a place not many tourists reach in the heart of Rome.
Exploring a cemetery on vacation might not be everybody’s idea of a good time, but the Quadriportico Verano Cemetery is a beautiful location and an incredibly tranquil one. Tall trees provide ample shade as you stroll the gravel paths, and the beautiful monuments to the dead will certainly give you something to consider as you explore.
The cemetery was consecrated in 1835, although the tradition of burying the dead here may go back to the Roman era. There are several important works of art in the cemetery, so you’re almost guaranteed to see something beautiful as you explore. Leave the bags behind and take a break from the chaos of the city in this unique location.
Parco del Colle Oppio
Nobody could accuse this next Roman park of being a hidden gem. However, considering the scenic and historic riches it offers, you may be surprised by how few people you see here. No, you won’t have the place yourself. But as you wander the trails under the trees, you can still find solitude and tranquility — along with some of the best views in Rome.
Parco del Colle Oppio is home to the ruins of the baths of Trajan as well as Emperor Nero’s outrageous pleasure palace, the Domus Aurea, or Golden House, which you can visit by appointment. However, the park that contains these ruins is as much of an attraction as they are. Covering 11 hectares with grassy lawns and tall trees, this park offers truly exceptional views of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. Try to visit at sunset for the most spectacular lighting in this ancient city.
Visit Rome’s best parks
In Rome, ancient ruins and beautiful art museums tend to get all the attention. But the city is also home to some incredible natural areas, including these ones close to the central railway station. Leave your bags behind and check out some of these gorgeous parks to find some tranquility and peace in this beautiful but busy city.
