
Spanish Steps
Rome's iconic 18th-century Baroque staircase, connecting Piazza di Spagna to Trinità dei Monti church. A beloved landmark for photos and city views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, golden hour light

Spanish Steps
Best Time
Fewer crowds, golden hour light

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Rome's iconic 18th-century Baroque staircase, connecting Piazza di Spagna to Trinità dei Monti church. A beloved landmark for photos and city views.
"The Spanish Steps are a must-see, offering stunning views and a picturesque backdrop for your Roman adventure."

📸 Perfect Photo Ops
Capture stunning photos, especially during golden hour or with the spring blooms .
🚫 No Sitting or Eating
Respect the rules: no sitting, eating, or drinking on the steps .

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grand Staircase
Piazza di Spagna
An iconic 18th-century Baroque staircase connecting Piazza di Spagna to the Trinità dei Monti church above.

Trinità dei Monti Church
Top of the Spanish Steps
Admire the historic church at the summit, offering panoramic views of Rome's skyline.

Springtime Floral Display
The entire staircase
During spring, the steps are adorned with vibrant flowers, creating a breathtaking spectacle of color .
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Respect the Monument
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
Capture stunning photos, especially during golden hour or with the spring blooms.
🚫 No Sitting or Eating
Respect the rules: no sitting, eating, or drinking on the steps.
🚶♀️ Explore the Top
Climb to the top for incredible city views and the Trinità dei Monti church.
☕ Nearby Cafes
Enjoy a drink at a hotel bar nearby for a different perspective.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
Capture stunning photos, especially during golden hour or with the spring blooms.
🚫 No Sitting or Eating
Respect the rules: no sitting, eating, or drinking on the steps.
🚶♀️ Explore the Top
Climb to the top for incredible city views and the Trinità dei Monti church.
☕ Nearby Cafes
Enjoy a drink at a hotel bar nearby for a different perspective.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfy shoes for exploring Rome.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Spanish Steps to be a picturesque and iconic landmark, perfect for photos and soaking in the Roman atmosphere. The views from the top are frequently praised, and the spring floral displays are a highlight. However, the significant crowds can detract from the experience, and the strict rules against sitting or eating on the steps are noted.
"This is a cool picturesque place to visit. Its downtown near a bunch of unique buildings and sights. Standing at the top it overlooks the water and the rest of the city. I want to visit again and see everything in late spring."
Caleb Napper
"Nice photo op spot. And while there, stop off at the hotel right next to the stairs for a quick drink at one of their quirky restaurants."
Ola Belmonte
"Not only are the Spanish Steps an impressive sight in their own rite, if you can get to the top of them, you'll find the most breathtaking view of the Rome skyline."
Anthony Morales
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Spanish Steps are easily accessible via public transport. The nearest Metro station is Spagna (Line A). Many bus routes also stop nearby. Walking from other central Rome attractions like the Trevi Fountain is also a popular option.
Yes, the Spanish Steps, also known as Piazza di Spagna, are a very famous landmark and centrally located. They are well-signposted and a common destination for tourists exploring Rome's historic center.
Yes, you can walk from the Colosseum to the Spanish Steps, but it's a significant walk of about 30-40 minutes. It's a scenic route through the city center, passing by other landmarks.
From Termini Station, take Metro Line A towards Battistini and get off at the Spagna station. The Spanish Steps are just a short walk from the station exit.
Parking directly at the Spanish Steps is very difficult due to the central location and pedestrian zones. It's highly recommended to use public transport or a taxi. If driving, look for paid parking garages in the vicinity.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, visiting the Spanish Steps themselves is free of charge. You can walk up and down the stairs and enjoy the piazza without any admission fee.
The Spanish Steps are an outdoor public monument and are accessible 24/7. However, the surrounding shops and cafes have their own operating hours.
No, sitting, eating, or drinking on the Spanish Steps is strictly prohibited to preserve the monument. Violators may face fines.
The church itself is generally free to enter, though specific areas or events might have separate charges. The main attraction of climbing the steps is the view and the experience, not an entry fee.
Yes, many guided walking tours of Rome include a stop at the Spanish Steps as part of their itinerary, often combined with nearby attractions like the Trevi Fountain and Pantheon.
📸 📸 Photography
For the best lighting and fewer crowds, aim for early morning (sunrise) or late evening. The 'golden hour' before sunset also offers beautiful light.
General photography for personal use is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage may require permits. Always be mindful of other visitors.
The entire staircase offers great photo opportunities. From the bottom looking up, or from the top looking down. The Fontana della Barcaccia at the base is also a popular subject.
Drone usage in Rome's historic center, especially around major monuments like the Spanish Steps, is highly restricted and often requires special permits. It's best to avoid flying drones here.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the full scale of the steps and the piazza. A smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for most visitors, especially with good lighting.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the area around Piazza di Spagna is filled with high-end boutiques and upscale restaurants, cafes, and gelaterias. You can find a variety of dining options from quick bites to fine dining.
No, eating or drinking on the Spanish Steps is prohibited.
You'll need to find a cafe or restaurant nearby.Many elegant cafes and bars are located in the surrounding streets. Some hotels also have bars with views, offering a more exclusive experience.
While the immediate area is upscale, you can find more affordable options by walking a few blocks away from Piazza di Spagna into the side streets, or by looking for pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice).
The Fontana della Barcaccia, or 'Fountain of the Ugly Boat,' is a famous Baroque fountain located at the foot of the Spanish Steps. It's a beautiful landmark, but you cannot drink from it.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the most of it with children, consider visiting early in the morning to avoid the biggest crowds. Combine your visit with a gelato stop in the nearby piazza or a walk to the Villa Borghese Gardens, which offers more space for kids to run around. The walk from the Spanish Steps to the Trevi Fountain is also manageable for most families.
📸 Photographers
To avoid the throngs of tourists, aim for an early morning visit. The steps are often less crowded then, allowing for cleaner shots. If you're visiting in spring, the floral displays are a must-capture, adding vibrant colors to your images. Consider shooting from the top looking down for a different perspective of the piazza and the city beyond.
❤️ Couples
For a truly special experience, consider visiting during the spring when the steps are adorned with flowers, creating an incredibly picturesque and romantic setting. Afterwards, explore the charming streets nearby, perhaps enjoying an aperitivo at a stylish cafe, making for a perfect Roman date.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
History and Significance
Historically, the steps have been a gathering place for artists, poets, and travelers. The area around Piazza di Spagna was once a hub for the English-speaking community in Rome, with notable figures like poets John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley living nearby. The steps themselves have been featured in numerous films, most famously Audrey Hepburn's iconic scene in 'Roman Holiday', cementing their status as a beloved cultural icon.
Today, the Spanish Steps remain a vibrant public space, though regulations are in place to protect its heritage. While you can't sit or eat on the steps, their grandeur and the stunning views from the top continue to draw visitors from around the globe, making them a must-see in Rome.
Navigating the Crowds and Best Viewing
Many visitors enjoy the perspective from both the bottom and the top. At the base, you can admire the Fontana della Barcaccia and the imposing staircase leading upwards. Climbing the 135 steps rewards you with a breathtaking panoramic view of Piazza di Spagna and the surrounding Roman rooftops. The Trinità dei Monti church at the summit is also worth exploring.
For a unique experience, consider visiting during the spring when the steps are famously decorated with thousands of azaleas and other flowers, transforming them into a vibrant floral cascade. This seasonal display is a major draw and offers unparalleled photo opportunities, though it also attracts larger crowds.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit