8 Amazing Things To Do Around Piazza Navona On Your Next Rome Adventure
Few places in Rome capture the city’s charm quite like Piazza Navona. Built atop an ancient stadium, this vibrant square brims with history, art, and everyday Roman life. From marble masterpieces to hidden alleyways, everything invites you to linger a little longer. Around each corner, there’s something timeless waiting—be it a church dome, a local café, or a quiet cobblestone street. It’s a perfect base for slow wandering and unforgettable memories.
Fountain of the Four Rivers
Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers is a theatrical masterpiece that commands the center of Piazza Navona. The sculpted rivers—Nile, Ganges, Danube, and RÃo de la Plata—each tell stories of their continents through dramatic poses and rich symbolism. The surrounding water and stone come alive, especially in the late afternoon light. It’s a marvel of motion, myth, and meaning. Make time to admire it from every angle, as Bernini intended.
Sant’Agnese in Agone
This Baroque church stands gracefully across from the fountain, with its domes and marble façade reflecting the artistic ambition of 17th-century Rome. Inside, the church is calm and cool, its ceilings painted with heavenly visions and its chapels rich in history. Built on the site of Saint Agnes’s martyrdom, it also holds emotional weight. The symmetry and light inside make it a favorite for quiet reflection. It’s a sacred stop in the middle of bustle.
Caffè Domiziano
Sitting at a café in Piazza Navona is a Rome experience in itself, and Caffè Domiziano is one of the most iconic spots to do it. Grab a cappuccino or an Aperol spritz and let the street scenes unfold before you—artists sketching, musicians playing, and locals strolling by. This isn’t just a coffee break; it’s an immersion into Roman pace and rhythm. Don’t rush. Just sit back and watch Rome being Rome.
Streets of Parione
Wander away from the square and you’ll find yourself in the Parione district, where ivy-covered walls and old wooden doors welcome curious explorers. Tiny bookshops, vintage boutiques, and tucked-away osterias fill the quiet streets. Every alley feels like a story waiting to be discovered. It’s easy to get lost here, in the best way possible. This is the side of Rome where everyday life meets ancient soul.
Palazzo Braschi
Just off the square, Palazzo Braschi offers a different way to experience Rome through the Museum of Rome’s exhibits. Step inside to see how the city evolved across centuries—its fashion, festivals, and neighborhoods. The grand staircase and chandeliers set the tone for a deeper look into Roman identity. Plus, the views over Piazza Navona from the top floors are stunning. It’s a great balance of culture and quiet elegance.
Gelateria del Teatro
Tucked in a nearby side street, this beloved gelateria serves flavors that are both classic and wildly inventive. Whether you go for fig and almond or rosemary honey lemon, you’ll taste something uniquely Roman. Everything is handmade with care and it shows. Walking back toward the square with a cone in hand feels like the sweetest tradition. It’s a small pleasure you’ll remember long after the trip.
Stadium of Domitian
Beneath Piazza Navona lies the ancient Stadium of Domitian, which once held athletic contests and public events. Today, it’s a quiet underground site where you can explore Roman ruins and learn about the space’s transformation. Multimedia displays bring the stadium’s original scale and energy to life. Walking through it adds layers of meaning to what’s above. It’s a hidden gem that connects past and present seamlessly.
Ponte Umberto I
A short walk west leads to this beautiful bridge over the Tiber, where you’ll catch one of Rome’s best sunset views. St. Peter’s Basilica rises in the distance, framed perfectly by soft skies and historic rooftops. The bridge itself is peaceful—less crowded than others—making it an ideal ending to a day around Piazza Navona. Let the colors of the sky and sound of bells close the evening in true Roman style.
