From cooking classes to food tours: the best things to do near the Vatican

Discover diverse Things to do in Rome for an unforgettable experience.

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From cooking classes to food tours: the best things to do near the Vatican

The best things to do near the Vatican during the Jubilee 2025, between monuments and flavors

Anyone visiting Rome certainly cannot skip an essential stop like the Vatican. With the majestic St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel, this area attracts millions of visitors each year. But after admiring Michelangelo’s masterpieces, what can you do in the surrounding area? Here are some ideas to make your visit to this part of Rome unforgettable, with special attention to gastronomic experiences! The neighborhood around the Vatican offers much more than the main attractions. Here are some places worth discovering:

Castel Sant’Angelo – Just a short walk from the Vatican, this incredibly fascinating fortress is connected to Vatican City through the “Passetto,” a secret corridor used by popes in case of danger. The Passetto di Borgo is an elevated pathway that connected the Vatican to Castel Sant’Angelo, used by popes as an escape route during times of danger.
Via della Conciliazione – This majestic street connecting St. Peter’s to the Tiber offers one of the most beautiful perspectives of the basilica. Walking here at sunset is a magical experience!
Borgo Pio – A delightful neighborhood with characteristic narrow streets where you can breathe in the true Roman atmosphere away from the tourist crowds.

The Passetto di Borgo and surrounding areas are also among the locations of Dan Brown’s famous novel: Angels and Demons. Insideat accompanies you with its tour to the places mentioned and described in the book and in Ron Howard’s film. Book it now!

After so much culture, what could be better than discovering the authentic flavors of Rome? Insideat offers unique culinary experiences that allow you to get to know Roman gastronomic tradition like a true local.

Discovering Roman cuisine with Insideat Cooking Classes

If you want to take home not only memories but also the skills to recreate traditional Roman dishes, there’s nothing better than a cooking class. Here’s why you should try those organized by Insideat:

Lessons with local chefs – Learn to prepare fresh pasta or pizza; you’ll be able to taste fettuccine with carbonara, amatriciana, or cacio e pepe with chefs who know all the secrets of Roman cuisine.
Authentic locations – The cooking classes take place in characteristic settings just steps away from the Vatican, where you can feel the atmosphere of the real Rome. Imagine being able to prepare real Italian tiramisu or Italian gelato here.
Hands-on experience – You won’t just be a spectator, but you’ll literally get your hands in the dough! You’ll prepare traditional dishes from start to finish.
Final tasting – At the end of the lesson, you can enjoy the fruits of your labor with a delicious lunch or dinner accompanied by local wines, Italian beer, or Spritz.

Explore the city of Rome and the Vatican with Insideat Food Tours

If you prefer to explore and taste, food tours are the perfect choice. Those offered by Insideat allow you to:

Explore local markets – Visit the famous Campo de’ Fiori market or other less touristy district markets where Romans do their daily shopping. Near the Vatican, you can discover with Insideat the largest market in Rome, the Trionfale market, and then also experience a cooking class.
Taste Roman street food – From supplì to fried cod, from porchetta sandwiches to maritozzi, discover Roman street flavors in Trastevere or the Testaccio district with the local market.
Enter historic shops – Visit small grocery stores, delicatessens, and cheese shops that have existed for generations and where time seems to have stood still.

Why choose a gastronomic experience near the Vatican

Combining a cultural visit to the Vatican with a culinary experience is a fantastic way to rest your legs after hours of museums while immersing yourself in the local culture. Food is a fundamental part of Italian and Roman identity, and knowing Rome also means savoring its cuisine. Moreover, the area around the Vatican, despite being touristy, preserves authentic corners where the gastronomic tradition is still alive and well. With an expert guide like those from Insideat, you’ll discover places that you would hardly find on your own.

Whether you choose a cooking class to test your culinary skills or a food tour to taste a bit of everything, a gastronomic experience will make your visit to the Vatican even more memorable. And returning home, in addition to photos of the Sistine Chapel, you’ll also take with you the authentic flavor of Rome!