Trying to maintain my current exercise regimen while on vacation (penance for the pasta). Where are the best places to run in Rome? I've heard the Villa Pamphili is nice as well as Borghese Gardens. We're staying at the Cavalieri HIlton (Hilton Points), and I don't think either of these are terribly convenient for a morning run. Any other suggestions near that location?
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
Maybe the concierge at your hotel can offer suggestions.
Posted by
Overland Park, KS
48 posts
I have run in Villa Borghese and Circo Massimo when staying near there and found them to be good for running. Other times I have run on sidewalks of major streets early in the morning before a great deal of foot traffic and vehicle traffic (6:00am). Except for the impact of running on concrete, it was enjoyable to see the city before it wakes up and I was not disturbed by cars or pedestrians. When running on the sidewalks I kept my distances below four miles. I have not stayed near your hotel.
Posted by
bergamo
401 posts
Running is becoming more common in Italy as opposed to even five or six years ago. Most Romans head to the main villas (villa borghese, villa ada, villa Pamphili) to run, to second the previous poster if you got up early you shouldn't have any problems on the road. I've also run Circo Massimo, which is fine if you don't mind running in circles, but neat to tell people about when you get back home. And if you don't get up and do it, don't be too hard on yourself, you're on vacation!
Posted by
Buffalo, NY
70 posts
Neal- I don't have any route suggestions, but mapmyrun.com has locations listed for running in Rome. It is a great website and I use it to plan for runs when I am away.
That being said, I did not find that I needed ANY additional exercise on our trip to Italy. The daily gelati, litres of wine, and multi course dinners only added a pound to my frame over 12 days. Walking a minimum of 6 hours a day does that to you.
Enjoy!
Posted by
The Hague, NL (AMS)
2207 posts
Neal - I've stayed at the Hilton Cavalieri many times. GREAT hotel but in the middle of nowhere! There is not any place to run (safely) as it sits at the top of a hill, bordered by a neighborhood on the back side. There ARE many parks you can run in and you will see runners in abundance in these. We live near the Vatican and there is a 2.5 mile "bike/jog" path along Via Angelico and the Tiber.
If you like, you can run alongside the Tiber! The challenge for you will be getting from the Hilton to any spot to run as it is not serviced by any metro and there are limited buses on that hill. Check with the Hilton concierge as they are FANTASTIC. There is a park close by and perhpas they have "other" transportation methods available through the hotel (BESIDES their once-an-hour shuttle!).
Good Luck!
Ciao,
Ron
Posted by
Oakland
19 posts
We just got back from Rome and saw groups of Romans jogging on Via del Corso and near the Colosseum early in the morning.
Posted by
San Diego, CA, USA
36 posts
Just a note. Remember you are going to be walking all day... everyday. Do not run as much as you usually would. You will need someof th extra energy. Remember you are not used to walking for about 8 hours a day. You are on vacation. I lost 5 pounds on my trip in London, Paris and Rome. I ate and ate and ate and ate.