Piazza di Spagna, Rome, Italy - Piazza Di Spagna, Rome
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Piazza di Spagna

4.6
·491k reviews·Roma, Italy

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early morning

Fewer crowds, golden light

CrowdLow
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Piazza di Spagna, Rome, Italy - Piazza Di Spagna, Rome

Piazza di Spagna

Best Time

Early morning

Fewer crowds, golden light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.6
(491k reviews)

"A must-see landmark, but be prepared for crowds and strict rules on the steps."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Spanish Steps

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

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

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

Piazza di Spagna, especially the iconic Spanish Steps, gets incredibly crowded. For a more serene experience and better photo opportunities, aim for an early morning visit before the main tourist rush begins. TikTok

Respect the Steps: Rules to Know

Sitting or picnicking on the Spanish Steps is prohibited and can result in fines. Be mindful of local regulations to avoid any issues during your visit. Reddit

Best Times

When
Early morning
Why
Fewer crowds, golden light
Crowd
Low
When
Late evening
Why
Magical ambiance, fewer crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Spring (April-May)
Why
Flowers bloom beautifully
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

save for my free mini-guide to Rome! 👇 Rome is a city that’s overhyped & absolutely worth it! So maybe it’s accurately hyped?? 🌞 make sure you get a head start on the day, the early mornings before t...
@amandamoniquebrown
154.4K likes • 2.5M views

🚶‍♀️ Early Bird Gets the Shot

Visit before 9 AM for fewer crowds and better photos of the Spanish Steps. TikTok

🚫 No Sitting on the Steps!

Avoid sitting or picnicking on the steps to prevent fines. Reddit

Cosa vedere a Roma 🇮🇹📍#roma #cosavederearoma #italia #visititalia #cosavedere #colosseo #pantheon #vaticano #fontanaditrevi #piazzadispagna #piazzanavona #castelsantangelo #monumentodivittorioemanuele...
@exploration.lifestyle
49.9K likes • 552.5K views
10 Must-See Places in Rome 🇮🇹 1. Colosseum 🏟 2. Trevi Fountain 💦 3. Pantheon 🏛 4. Spanish Steps 5. Ponte Umberto 🌅 6. Piazza Navona 7. Castel Sant’Angelo 8. Vatican ⛪️ 9. Trastevere 🌿 10. Altare de...
limitlesssecrets
4.5K likes • 138.5K views

📸 Photo Ops Galore

Capture stunning shots from various angles, especially at sunrise or sunset. Instagram

🤫 Discover Nearby Secrets

Explore the 'secret' Basilica of San Andrea nearby for a peaceful escape. TikTok

📍7 SPOT FOTOGRAFICI PER SCATTARE FOTO RICORDO A ROMA ✨ 1. Fontana di Trevi 2.Laghetto di Villa Borghese 3.Pantheon 4.Colosseo 5.Piazza Navona 6.Piazza Di Spagna 7.Castel Sant’Angelo ⁉️E tu quando se...
travelwithcarmenaprile
2.4K likes • 97.2K views

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. TikTok

🚫 No Sitting on the Steps!

Avoid sitting or picnicking on the steps to prevent fines. Reddit

📸 Photo Ops Galore

Capture stunning shots from various angles, especially at sunrise or sunset. Instagram

🤫 Discover Nearby Secrets

Explore the 'secret' Basilica of San Andrea nearby for a peaceful escape. TikTok

📚 Literary History

Visit the Keats-Shelley House for a dose of Romantic poetry. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

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. Reddit+1

What People Like

Iconic Spanish Steps
Beautiful fountain
Central location

What People Dislike

Very crowded
No sitting on steps

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. TikTok 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. TikTokReddit

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Piazza di Spagna and the Spanish Steps are public spaces and free to visit. TikTok

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. Reddit

There is no entrance fee to access or walk on the Spanish Steps. TikTok

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. Reddit

Yes, sitting, eating, or drinking on the Spanish Steps is prohibited and can result in fines. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography & Views

Early morning before 9 AM offers fewer crowds and beautiful soft light. Late evening also provides a magical atmosphere. TikTokInstagram

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. Instagram

Drone usage is generally restricted in historic city centers like Rome, especially over public spaces. It's best to assume drones are not permitted. Reddit

Professional photoshoots may require permits. It's advisable to check with local authorities or the city's tourism office for regulations. Reddit

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. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the area around Piazza di Spagna is filled with cafes and restaurants, from high-end to more casual options. Reddit

While many restaurants cater to tourists, exploring side streets can lead to more authentic experiences. Al 34 is a well-regarded option. Reddit

No, eating or drinking on the Spanish Steps is prohibited and can lead to fines. Reddit

You'll find numerous 'pasticcerie' (pastry shops) and 'forni' (bakeries) offering quick snacks like pastries, pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice), and sandwiches. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🚶‍♀️ 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. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

While it's a romantic spot, avoid loud music or disruptive performances. A quiet, personal moment is best. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Piazza di Spagna offers a visually stimulating experience for families. While the Spanish Steps themselves are off-limits for sitting, children often enjoy the spectacle of the crowds and the unique boat-shaped fountain. TikTok The nearby shopping streets, like Via dei Condotti, might be less engaging for younger children, but the sheer grandeur of the piazza can be impressive. Consider a quick visit to the fountain and then moving on to more interactive attractions. Reddit

🚶 Budget Travelers

Piazza di Spagna is a fantastic free attraction. You can admire the Spanish Steps and the Fontana della Barcaccia without spending a euro. TikTok For affordable eats, skip the immediate cafes and look for 'pizza al taglio' or bakeries a few streets away. Reddit The Metro is also an economical way to reach the piazza. TikTok

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

This piazza is a photographer's dream. Aim for early morning for the best light and fewest people to capture the Spanish Steps and Fontana della Barcaccia without crowds. TikTokInstagram Experiment with different angles, from the base looking up, to the top looking down. The surrounding architecture and the vibrant street life also offer great photo opportunities. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Iconic Spanish Steps

The Scalinata della Trinità dei Monti, more commonly known as the Spanish Steps, is a monumental staircase of 135 steps connecting the Piazza di Spagna at the foot of the hill with the Trinità dei Monti church at the top. Commissioned by a French diplomat, they were built between 1723 and 1725. The steps are a beloved spot for both Romans and tourists, offering a place to sit, people-watch, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Rome. However, due to their popularity and to preserve their condition, sitting or picnicking on the steps is now prohibited and can incur fines. Reddit

Many visitors find the steps to be a highlight of their Rome trip, especially during spring when they are adorned with azaleas. Reddit The best times to experience them without overwhelming crowds are early morning or late evening. TikTok The steps provide a fantastic vantage point for photography, with the Fontana della Barcaccia visible at the base and the city stretching out beyond. Instagram

Fontana della Barcaccia: A Baroque Gem

At the base of the Spanish Steps lies the Fontana della Barcaccia (Fountain of the Old Boat), a masterpiece sculpted by Pietro Bernini and his son, Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Completed around 1629, the fountain depicts a sinking boat, inspired by a Tiber flood that supposedly left a boat stranded in the piazza centuries ago. The intricate details and the sense of movement in the stone make it a captivating sight. Instagram

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. Instagram 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. TikTok

Literary Echoes: The Keats-Shelley House

Nestled beside the Spanish Steps is the Keats-Shelley House, a museum dedicated to the lives and works of the Romantic poets John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley, who both spent significant time in Rome. Keats famously died in the apartment on the second floor of the building in 1821, hoping the warmer climate would aid his recovery from tuberculosis. Reddit

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. Reddit

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