Rome hidden gems close to Vatican City you’ll love: my local guide to the best things to see and do in the Vatican area after you’ve seen the Vatican Complex.
The Vatican is one of the most visited attractions in Rome and since it is located outside of the historic center it is often a bus ride or taxi ride away from visitors who are then left wondering: is there anything around here worth visiting, after I am done with the basilica, museums and Vatican City in general?
Indeed, there is!
The area around the Vatican as several things worth seeing and it is also where you find some as cooking classes, shopping opportunities and of course plenty of food options, ranging from markets to pizzerias to panoramic terraces.
Today, I want to share some ideas of things to see in the Vatican area, should you have a day here or should you be based here for your Rome visit.
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Vatican City
It goes without saying but if you are in this area, THE thing to see is the Vatican itself. The Vatican is a complex made of several attractions:
The Vatican Museums, which also contain the Sistine Chapel
St Peter’s Basilica, which is the actual church
Piazza San Pietro / St Peter’s Square which is the monumental square in front of St Peter
Vatican Gardens, manicured, beautiful Gardens belonging to the Vatican and open to guided tours.
Since the Vatican is so rich of thins to see, I recommend you read my essential guide to Vatican City to help you plan your day.
Fontana della Tiare – Tiaras’ Fountain
Fontana delle Tiare is a peculiar water fountain just outside the main colonnade of Piazza San Pietro, beside the Vatican walls.
It is one of the so called ‘fontanelle rionali’, neighbourhood drinking fountains carved in shapes that recall the vocation of the area and, as the name suggests, it is decorated with sculptures of Papa tiaras, due to its location!
This is a small yet fun things to locate and a good place for a dash of fresh water.
The Swiss Guards
The Swiss Guards are the military unit in charge of protecting the Pope. You see them in several areas of Vatican City and the reason why I mention them as a ‘thing to see’, so to speak, is because they have wonderful, elaborate uniforms worth seeing!
Deepening on season they are different, the most interesting of all to me are the gala, multi coloured ones. You usually see the guards at the entrance of Vatican City attractions (Via di Porta Angelica is a good place to see them).
Borgo Pio
Borgo Pio is the name of a pretty road that goes from just outside the Vatican to the area of castle Sant’Angelo.
The road is closed to car traffic, scenic and full of lovely restaurants, cafes and bistros perfect for a pick me up. You can find here >>> my guide to Borgo Pio.
Passetto di Borgo
Passetto di Borgo is a hidden, protected, historic walkaway connecting the Vatican with Castel Sant’Angelo.
For centuries, the passageway was used by the Popes to escape the Vatican in case of attack and find refuge in Castel Sant’Angelo, which is fortified. Nowadays the passetto is open to the public and you can visit by guided tour at night. It is absolutely wonderful and unique to see!
You can get tickets here – we went at 10pm and it was magical, the views are out of this world!
Castel Sant’Angelo
Castel Sant’Angelo is one of the most unique, beautiful, fascinating yet underrated monument in Rome. The castles has a history that contains all the city of Rome us about: first born as a mausoleum for Roman Emperor Hadrian, the castle was a tomb, then a fortress, then a Papal Castle and lastly a museum!
You can easily visit Castel Sant’Angelo without a tour, in which case I recommend you read my guide to St Angelo castle here or, if you want more of an understanding of this incredible monument, I can recommend this guided tour here (ideal for history lovers as private and in depth) or this one which is gentler to the budget as it is a shared tour.
Ponte Sant’Angelo
Ponte Sant’Angelo is the stunning bridge that connects castel Sant’Angelo to the other side of the river and it is an attraction in itself.
The bridge was originally built in Roman times but is now even more worth seeing thanks to the wonderful states that decorate it, some made by Bernini!
Now, with all the tourists and the buskers on the bridge it may not seem that special but make sure you pay attention to the statues as they are truly magnificent!
Mercato Trionfale
If you love a good food market and a budget friendly bite, then I recommend you go to Mercato Trionfale! The market started off as a local neighborhood farmers market and it still largely is, yet in the latest years it has developed into a destination in itself, with an offering that goes from produce stalls to tasting stalls, food stalls and food trucks type food options.
You can find info and opening hours here
Lucilla cooking school
Close to the Vatican you also find my favorite food activity in Rome: Lucilla’s cooking school! Lucilla is a Roman mama who teaches to make pasta from scratch: with her, you get a warm welcome, a drink, a full class to learn to make your own pasta and of course you get a meal with her and your fellow students to taste and celebrate your effort.
I have taken several pasta classes and Lucilla was the one who actually made it so so clear and easy, I am now able to make it at home! The class can be private or shared and is kids’ friendly. You can read my full review here
Ottaviano and Cola di Rienzo Shopping streets
near the Vatican you find some of Rome’s best shopping streets: Via Ottaviano and Via Cola di Rienzo. Unlike Via dei Coronari and the likes in the likes in the city center, here you do not only find designer stores but also everyday Italian and European brands, at several price points. This is one of the best shopping areas in Rome.
View points
The area of the vatican has some lovely viewpoints, that are fantastic to get a Birdseye view of the city. Some I I love are:
The Top of St Peter’s Dome, which offers one of the best views of Rome, yet requites a good bit of climbing effort on very many steps
Terrazza Les Etoiles, which is a restaurant with a view
The top of Castel Sant’Angelo, which has outstanding views of Vatican City and the river
Leonardo Museum
Close to the Vatican you find a fun and interesting museum devoted to the genius of Leonardo . The museum is one of several in Italy and I always recommend visiting it as it has all fascinating machines and drawings by Leonardo which you can, for the most part, touch and operate.
The visit doesn’t take long and it is fun and informative for adults and kids alike. You can book tickets here.
Looking for dinner?
Find here >>> my top picks for the best restaurants near the Vatican
Looking for accommodation?
You can find here >>> my recommended hotels near the Vatican
I hope you enjoyed this quick guide to the Vatican area and helped you get excited about visiting this fabulous area of Rome!