Pont Sant Angelo
 

Hello - I heard that this is a nice place to have a picnic and watch the sunset from in Rome. How do you get there from the Spanish Steps?

Many thanks!

The Ponte Sant'Angelo is a bridge; I don't think it would be a good place to have picnics...

You might be thinking of Castel Sant'Angelo. I've personally avoided it in over 40 trips to Rome, but I understand from some posters that there is a green area around it, which might be suitable for picnics.

At a guess, it would be about a 20-25 minute walk from the Spanish Steps.

I wouldn't try to map out every little thing you want to do in Rome in advance. Wait until you get there, buy a reasonably good map ("Roma Metro Bus" also has the bus and Metro routes) and then decide how to get from Point A to Point B.

Ponte Sant'Angelo is a bridge crossing the Tiber directly to the Castel Sant'Angelo. Once across, you are about a five minute walk from St. Peter's Square.

I have been on the bridge many times early in the morning watching the sunrise...a beautiful scene. Take the 64 bus from anyplace in the city and get off at the Vatican.....back track a few steps to Castel Sant'Angelo. The bridge is the one with all the Angels on it...hence the name. The bridge is also the only remaining bridge that still has (I believe) three of the original supporting arches underneath.

Eloise is correct that there is a grassy area that surrounds the castel. This could make for a nice lunch area, but there are lots of people out there selling fake handbags and sunglasses so you may have to search for a good spot.

Tracy

We visited the Castel Sant' Angelo earlier this month. From the top, there are wonderful views of Rome and the Tiber River. There is a small park at the base of the castle, on the back side, but I don't remember it very well. Toward the top of the castle there is a cafe with nice views. I think you could bring a picnic and sit on the benches in the arcade near the cafe, we ate gelato there.

I'm not sure what the hours are, sunset was around 8:30 when we were there.

Best,
E's Husband

Another great picnic spot:

Janiculum Park
Viale Aldo
Rome, 00165 Italy

Hours of Operation: 24 hrs

Description:
Offering a stunning view of the Roman skyline, Janiculum is the tallest hill in Rome. Set outside the boundaries of the ancient city, it does not figure as one of the famous Seven Hills of Rome, but has a rich history of its own. The hill served as center of the cult of the god Janus. It was also the site of an 1849 battle where the forces of Garibaldi held off attacking French troops. Now offering a far more peaceful atmosphere, Janiculum is home to botanical gardens, a baroque fountain, and the church of San Pietro in Montorio, built upon the site at one time thought to be where St. Peter was crucified.

It's about a 10 minute taxi ride from the Spanish steps