Vatican, Borgo and a Prati Lunch
A self-guided walk in Rome.
3h. 3.8 miles. From Ponte Sant'Angelo to Castroni.
Cross the angels' bridge, enter the fortress, reach St Peter's on foot, then eat like the neighbourhood does: Bonci's pizza and gelato in Prati.
The local move
Book the Vatican Museums for an afternoon slot and do this walk in the morning: the basilica is calmest before 9am. The museums' entrance is a fifteen minute walk around the walls from the square, not on this route.
Best time to go
Early morning, from 8am
When to avoid it
Wednesday morning during the papal audience, and Sunday when the museums are closed
The stops
Ponte Sant'Angelo
Bernini's angels line the bridge, each holding an instrument of the Passion.
Tip: Walk it slowly from the city side; the fortress fills the view.
Castel Sant'Angelo
Hadrian's tomb became the popes' fortress, with a passage straight to the Vatican.
Tip: Climb to the terrace for the view; allow an hour if you go inside.
St. Peter's Basilica
The largest church in Christendom, Michelangelo's Pietà just inside the door.
Tip: Before 9am the security line is short. The dome climb is a separate ticket and 551 steps.
Bonci Pizzarium
Gabriele Bonci's pizza by the slice, the most famous in Rome, five minutes from the museums.
Tip: Point, they cut and weigh. Eat standing on the pavement like everyone.
Gelateria dei Gracchi
The neighbourhood's gelateria, pistachio and seasonal fruit.
Tip: Small cup, two flavours, that is the Roman way.
Castroni
A food emporium since 1932: coffee, chocolate, Italian pantry gifts.
Tip: Buy the coffee beans and the Sicilian pistachio cream here, not at the airport.
Ways to change it up
Start at the Vatican Museums at opening, then walk down to St Peter's and finish on the bridge at dusk.
About these walks
Explore our self-guided routes by city, with useful stops and practical notes from Chic Trip. Explore the destinations we plan.
