Now that spring is upon us, those of you visiting Rome who enjoy an active lifestyle may want to maintain your workout routine at this time.

While gyms may not be exactly available because of the requested documentation to access most of them (as per the local law) one of the main features of the Eternal City is how much of the day can be spent outdoors after the end of winter… And this obviously also covers your running and biking needs.

Cycling and jogging in the city: from the river to the parks

Seeing joggers around the Pantheon or the Spanish Steps in the early morning is a common sight, but cobblestones there are not kind to heels and ankles. That’s why it may be preferable to choose different paths for your running needs.

1.  The bike lane by the Western bank of the river Tiber. A favorite – used by locals as well as tourists, it extends for over 35 kilometers. The most well-known segment develops right in the middle of the city, roughly between Castel Sant’Angelo and Porta Portese, and is accessed by going down the stairs that are located on each side of every bridge. Be aware that several groups of homeless people are living by the river itself – they’re not dangerous but they can obstruct the path with their tents and the smells from their campgrounds may be unpleasant.
2. Villa Borghese park. Easily reachable either by bus or subway train, this is the preferred choice of many of From Home to Rome’s customers, due to the proximity to many of our managed apartments. Biking enthusiasts will be able to rent bikes right on the spot (don’t expect anything fancy, though!).
3. The Monte Ciocci bike lane. Beginning on top of a tufa hill (Monte Ciocci) overlooking the train/subway stop at Valle Aurelia, this bike lane is crowded with locals running, walking or cycling on a decommissioned railway line. It runs parallel to the FL3 city train line, so if you’re tired, you’ll have options! This is only 5 kilometers long, but offers spectacular views over the park at Parco del Pineto and the dome of St. Peter’s, among others.
4. Villa Pamphili park. Conveniently located on top of the Janiculum Hill, in the same district of our new accommodations in Monteverde, this marvel of a park is the biggest in Rome and on top of dozens of kilometers of paths for running and biking, it features a popular outdoors gym, too.
5. Circus Maximus. That’s right, you can very well run or bike inside one of the very first stadiums known to mankind. Just a portion of the arena has been turned into a museum, indeed, and Romans have been jogging here for decades. If you want a little more challenge (watch out for car traffic!), you can include the area closer to our managed flat on Via Gallia, around the Baths of Caracalla and the Caelian Hill park, to your route.