Rome is known for grand monuments, ancient ruins and lavishly decorated churches, but not necessary its green spaces.  While most visitors flock to the Colosseum or Vatican, many may not think of Villa Borghese as a destination.  Guilty, I used to always associate Villa Borghese with its namesake Galleria Borghese, and hardly gave the sprawling 197-acre gardens the time and attention it deserves.

The history of Villa Borghese dates back to the 16^th century when the wealthy and powerful Borghese family moved from Siena to Rome and eventually needed a house (and gardens) fit for a cardinal (who also happened to be the nephew of the newly elected Pope Paul V).  It was purchased by the Italian state and became a public park in 1903, and today that very villa contains an impressive art collection and is surrounded by a vast urban park in the heart of Rome just steps from Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps.  And while many may find Villa Borghese less manicured than other parks and gardens in European capitals, I find that it offers a charming respite from the bustle of Rome with a long list of attractions (and even longer list of activities and events, especially in warmer weather).  The best part is you can do as much (or as little) as you like.  With that, here are my top 5 things to do in Villa Borghese in Rome.

1. Visit a Museum
The crown jewel of Villa Borghese is undoubtedly the Galleria Borghese, which showcases a collection of art from the who’s who of the 15^th to 18^th centuries – think Bernini, Caravaggio, Raphael and more.  In fact, a young Gian Lorenzo Bernini was commissioned by the Borghese family to create many of the sculptural works for the villa, an is the genius behind other iconic works around Rome including the Fountain of the Four Rivers in Piazza Navona the Baldacchino in St. Peter’s Basilica.  Inside the stately palace you’ll find a version of Bernini’s David, who appears angry and aggressive as he prepares to strike down Goliath as compared to Michaelangelo’s more serene and god-like version.  Villa Borghese is also home to other museums like the smaller Museo Carlo Bilotti and Museo Pietro Canonica, as well as the nearby Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea where you’ll find more “modern” works from 19^th and 20^th century artists.

2. Row a Boat
For those looking for a fun or perhaps romantic way to enjoy the serenity of the Villa Borghese, head to the lake towards the northwest part of the park where you can rent a row boat.  The cost is minimal per person for 20-minute sessions (minimum 2 people with a discount for children), where at least one person can sit back and relax as the other rows the boat gently through the water.  Keep an eye out for turtles, ducks and geese among rocky banks, as well as the beautiful 18^th century template that completes the lake’s picturesque backdrop.

3. Rent a Bicycle
If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, renting a bicycle is a great way to cover more ground.  There’s a couple of rental areas throughout the park including one near the southeast part of the park across from the children’s playground where you can choose from traditional bicycles as well as a 2 or 4-seat covered rickshaw called a risciò in Italian.  The latter combine both pedal and electric power so you don’t have to worry about doing too much work, and are a flat rate for an hour-long rental regardless of the number of passengers (they also ask to hold onto your ID until you return your rental).  We rented a 2-seater and had plenty of room for my son in the middle, and what’s especially nice is the ability to pull over to stop and get out as you like.

4. Enjoy an Aperitivo or Gelato
After all that physical exertion there’s no better reward than to sit back and enjoy an aperitivo or even a gelato.  Head to the cute green kiosk near the roundabout Piazzale delle Canestre where you can sit down at a table and order a light meal, or order a cup of gelato or beverage to take away.  Throughout Villa Borghese you’ll find a several carts selling panini sandwiches and other snacks and beverages, and can always pack in a picnic to enjoy in a shady spot.

5. Walk, Relax and Play
And perhaps my favorite thing about Villa Borghese is that it offers many other opportunities to both relax and play.  You’ll find lots of walking paths that weave around the park, connecting a treasure trove of secret gardens, fountains, sculptures and other interesting curiosities to discover.  It’s also home to playground areas and a little arcade for kids, as well as other entertainment venues like the San Carlinio puppet theatre, Biopark di Roma zoo and Casa del Cinema movie theater.  Some of my favorite moments in Villa Borghese have also been sketching in a quite spot, kicking around a soccer ball in an open space and taking in the view of the city’s skyline with St. Peter’s dome in the distance from the Terrazza del Picnico.