Villa Borghese

Cardinal Scipione Borghese’s 17th-century playground is now a ravishing park with shaded avenues, hedged walks, flowerbeds, gravel paths and roads. The English-style Giardino del Lago is a late 18th-century creation, as is Piazza di Siena, an amphitheatre used for Rome’s top equestrian event in May. Bike hire is available at various points, including Via delle Belle Arti, near the Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna. Bank on about €5/10 per hour/day. Near the park’s southern entrance (Piazzale San Paolo del Brasile), the Cinema dei Piccoli is the world’s smallest cinema. Housed in a curious chalet-style building, it screens kids’ films most afternoons – check the website for details.