Piazza di Spagna
Rome's stunning Piazza di Spagna, famed for the iconic Spanish Steps and the Baroque Fontana della Barcaccia.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, golden light
Piazza di Spagna
Best Time
Fewer crowds, golden light

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Rome's stunning Piazza di Spagna, famed for the iconic Spanish Steps and the Baroque Fontana della Barcaccia.
"A must-see landmark, but be prepared for crowds and strict rules on the steps."
🚶♀️ Early Bird Gets the Shot
Visit before 9 AM for fewer crowds and better photos of the Spanish Steps.
🚫 No Sitting on the Steps!
Avoid sitting or picnicking on the steps to prevent fines.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Spanish Steps
Piazza di Spagna
Iconic 18th-century staircase, a vibrant meeting point and a stunning architectural marvel. Perfect for people-watching.

Fontana della Barcaccia
Base of the Spanish Steps
Bernini's charming 'Fountain of the Old Boat,' a masterpiece of Baroque sculpture that adds to the piazza's allure.
Keats-Shelley House
Adjacent to the Spanish Steps
A poignant museum dedicated to the Romantic poets John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley, offering a glimpse into literary history.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for the Best Views
Respect the Steps: Rules to Know
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Early Bird Gets the Shot
Visit before 9 AM for fewer crowds and better photos of the Spanish Steps.
🚫 No Sitting on the Steps!
Avoid sitting or picnicking on the steps to prevent fines.
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Capture stunning shots from various angles, especially at sunrise or sunset.
🤫 Discover Nearby Secrets
Explore the 'secret' Basilica of San Andrea nearby for a peaceful escape.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Early Bird Gets the Shot
Visit before 9 AM for fewer crowds and better photos of the Spanish Steps.
🚫 No Sitting on the Steps!
Avoid sitting or picnicking on the steps to prevent fines.
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Capture stunning shots from various angles, especially at sunrise or sunset.
🤫 Discover Nearby Secrets
Explore the 'secret' Basilica of San Andrea nearby for a peaceful escape.
📚 Literary History
Visit the Keats-Shelley House for a dose of Romantic poetry.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Piazza di Spagna, with its iconic Spanish Steps and beautiful Fontana della Barcaccia, is a must-see landmark in Rome. Visitors appreciate its historical significance and picturesque setting, though many note the overwhelming crowds and strict rules against sitting on the steps.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Piazza di Spagna is easily accessible via Rome's Metro system. Take Metro Line A to the 'Spagna' station, which exits directly into the piazza.
Buses also serve the area, with several stops nearby.Yes, Piazza di Spagna is centrally located and a pleasant walk from many other major Roman attractions like the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon.
The most convenient way is by Metro Line A to the Spagna station. Alternatively, many bus routes stop near the piazza, making it accessible via public transport.
Parking in this central area is very limited and expensive. It's highly recommended to use public transport or walk to avoid the hassle of finding parking.
Yes, taxis are readily available throughout Rome. Simply tell your driver you wish to go to Piazza di Spagna. They will drop you off at the edge of the piazza.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Piazza di Spagna and the Spanish Steps are public spaces and free to visit.
Piazza di Spagna is always open, as it's an outdoor public space. However, shops and the Keats-Shelley House have their own operating hours.
There is no entrance fee to access or walk on the Spanish Steps.
Since it's a public space, no advance booking is necessary for the piazza itself. If you plan to visit the Keats-Shelley House, checking their website for tickets is advisable.
Yes, sitting, eating, or drinking on the Spanish Steps is prohibited and can result in fines.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
Early morning before 9 AM offers fewer crowds and beautiful soft light. Late evening also provides a magical atmosphere.
For a classic shot, stand at the bottom of the steps looking up. You can also get great views from the top, looking down towards the piazza and Fontana della Barcaccia.
Drone usage is generally restricted in historic city centers like Rome, especially over public spaces. It's best to assume drones are not permitted.
Professional photoshoots may require permits. It's advisable to check with local authorities or the city's tourism office for regulations.
The best angles are typically from the front, at the base of the Spanish Steps, allowing you to frame both the fountain and the steps in your shot.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the area around Piazza di Spagna is filled with cafes and restaurants, from high-end to more casual options.
While many restaurants cater to tourists, exploring side streets can lead to more authentic experiences. Al 34 is a well-regarded option.
No, eating or drinking on the Spanish Steps is prohibited and can lead to fines.
You'll find numerous 'pasticcerie' (pastry shops) and 'forni' (bakeries) offering quick snacks like pastries, pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice), and sandwiches.
For budget-friendly options, look for 'pizza al taglio' places or small cafes away from the immediate vicinity of the piazza. Testaccio is also recommended for good food.
🎫 🚶♀️ Onsite Experience
You can visit the Fontana della Barcaccia, explore the high-end shopping streets like Via dei Condotti, and visit the Keats-Shelley House.
For a quick visit and photos, 30-60 minutes is usually sufficient. If you plan to visit the Keats-Shelley House or shop, allocate more time.
The piazza itself is relatively flat, but the Spanish Steps are a long, steep staircase and are not accessible for wheelchairs or those with significant mobility challenges.
It's a historic gathering place, named after the Spanish Embassy to the Holy See located there. The Spanish Steps are a major landmark and a popular meeting point.
While it's a romantic spot, avoid loud music or disruptive performances. A quiet, personal moment is best.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Spanish Steps
Many visitors find the steps to be a highlight of their Rome trip, especially during spring when they are adorned with azaleas. The best times to experience them without overwhelming crowds are early morning or late evening. The steps provide a fantastic vantage point for photography, with the Fontana della Barcaccia visible at the base and the city stretching out beyond.
Fontana della Barcaccia: A Baroque Gem
This fountain is not just a beautiful piece of art but also a crucial element of the piazza's charm. It's a popular spot for visitors to pause, admire the craftsmanship, and take photos. The water flowing from the fountain adds a soothing auditory element to the bustling piazza, creating a picturesque scene that has been immortalized in countless photographs and artworks.
Literary Echoes: The Keats-Shelley House
Visiting the house offers a poignant glimpse into the lives of these influential poets. The rooms are preserved as they might have been during Keats's time, filled with memorabilia, manuscripts, and portraits. It's a quiet sanctuary that provides a stark contrast to the lively piazza outside, offering a moment of reflection on literary history and the enduring power of poetry.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit