Welcome to Villa Borghese and Around
Making the Most of Your Time
Explore this area on a clear day: the Villa Borghese park is at its best (and most bustling with strolling Italian families) on beautiful days, while the view from the top of the Pincio provides a stunning panorama over Rome’s pastel rooftops. The Galleria Borghese, one of several museums within the Villa Borghese, is a Roman gem and a must-see for art lovers; just remember to book your tickets in advance (you can do so online), as walk-ins are rarely accommodated. After your "walk in the park," head down to Piazza del Popolo, one of Rome’s loveliest piazzas, and duck into Santa Maria del Popolo for its gorgeous paintings by Baroque master Caravaggio—keeping in mind that, like many of Rome’s churches, it closes in the middle of the day.
Top Reasons to Go
Piazza del Popolo: At the end of three of the centro storico's most important streets—Via del Babuino, Via del Corso, and Via di Ripetta—the "People's Square" provides a front-row seat for some of Rome's best people-watching.
Villa Borghese: Drink in the fresh air in central Rome's largest park—stretches of green and plenty of leafy pathways encourage wandering, biking, or just chilling out.
The Pincio: Stroll through formal gardens in the footsteps of aristocrats out of a 19th-century fashion plate.
Santa Maria del Popolo: Marvel at the incredible realism of Caravaggio's gritty paintings in the Cerasi Chapel, then savor Raphael's Chigi Chapel.
Galleria Borghese: Appreciate the extravagant interior decor in one of Rome's most opulent—and pleasant—museums.
Getting Here
The Metro stop for Piazza del Popolo is Flaminio on Line A. The Villa Giulia, the Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea, and the Bioparco in Villa Borghese are accessible from Via Flaminia, 1 km (½ mile) from Piazza del Popolo. Tram No. 19 and Bus No. 3 stop at each.
Bus No. 160 and No. 628 connects Piazza del Popolo to Piazza Venezia. Bus No. 116 goes into Villa Borghese.
Quick Bites
Caffè delle Arti. Attached to the Galleria d'Arte Moderna, inside the Villa Borghese, this elegant caffè with a pretty terrace is a favorite all-day rendezvous both for Romans from nearby upscale Parioli and for visitors to the Villa Borghese park and museums. Via Gramsci 73, Villa Borghese, Rome, Latium, 00197. 06/32651236; www.caffedelleartiroma.it.
Rosati. A fixture of the Piazza del Popolo since 1922, this classic Roman caffè attracts locals and visitors for cappuccino and aperitivo. It's a prime people-watching spot, especially if you sit outside. Piazza del Popolo 5, Piazza del Popolo, Rome, Latium, 00196. 06/3225859; www.barrosati.com.
