Piazza di Spagna

Seen in movies from Roman Holiday to The Talented Mr. Ripley, the Spanish Steps are the main draw for visitors to Piazza di Spagna. The staircase ascends from the piazza to Trinita dei Monti, a Renaissance church at the top. Other attractions around the square include the Keats-Shelley House and the Column of the Immaculate Conception.   Many city tours stop at Piazza di Spagna, including walking tours, bike tours, and food tours. Opt for a night tour to see the square illuminated, or choose a combo tour for a hassle-free way to visit additional landmarks such as the Colosseum. With its location in Rome’s very walkable historical center, the piazza is easy to reach if you’re exploring alone.

• Eating on the Spanish Steps is forbidden, so don’t plan on buying a sandwich and enjoying it while sitting on a step.
• Pickpockets are common around Rome’s tourist attractions, so watch your belongings.
• Next to the steps, Babington’s Tea Room dates back to the 1890s and serves breakfast, lunch, and traditional British afternoon tea.

Piazza di Spagna can be reached from the Spagna metro station and is within walking distance from other attractions such as the Trevi Fountain and Piazza del Popolo.

The piazza and the Spanish Steps make up one of the most popular photo-op locales in all of Rome, so if you’re hoping to get a shot without many other people, go in the early morning before tour groups arrive. Otherwise, the square is ideal for experiencing the bustle of the city at nearly any hour, but beware of the heat and sun in the afternoon. The steps are particularly pretty during the spring with blooming flowers.

If you’re ready for a respite from Rome’s crowded cobblestones after visiting Piazza di Spagna, head just north from the top of the Spanish Steps to Villa Borghese. This large public garden features walking paths, green space, fountains, boat rental, monuments, and, most prominently, the 17th-century Borghese Gallery art museum.