Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna)

The Basics

The monumental Spanish Steps—designed by Francesco de Sanctis—are one of Rome’s most popular tourist sites. Surrounded by bars and cafés and always bustling, the staircase features on most day or nighttime Rome city tours, whether on foot, by bike, Vespa, Segway, or hop-on hop-off bus. Such tours typically stop at spots such as the Colosseum and Pantheon, great for time-pressed travelers. You can also visit on a specialized private food and wine or pizza tour.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Sitting, eating, and drinking on the steps is forbidden; local police strictly enforce these rules.

• The steps are just that: stairs. As such, they are not accessible to wheelchairs or strollers.

• Just adjacent to the Spanish Steps is the house where English poet John Keats lived, now a museum dedicated to his memory and works.

• Be aware of your surroundings and watch for individuals who will thrust a rose or other souvenir into your hand and then demand payment.

How to Get There

The metro line A runs from the Termini train station to Piazza di Spagna, at the foot of the Spanish Steps. Many walking tours depart from or pass by the staircase too, as do hop-on hop-off bus routes.

When to Get There

The Spanish Steps are crowded most of the day, so you'll have to visit early in the morning or late at night if you want to enjoy them in relative peace. Avoid midday, as there's little shade and lots of sun. For great photos, visit in the spring or winter when the steps are festooned with colorful flowers and decorated with a towering Christmas tree and fairy lights, respectively.

Why Spanish?

The Spanish Steps were financed by French diplomat Étienne Gueffier and built to link the Trinità dei Monti Church—which was at the time under the patronage of the King of France—with the Spanish Square below. The steps were so-named because of their proximity to the square, home to Spain's embassy and considered Spanish territory in the 17th century.

Are the Spanish Steps worth seeing in Rome?

Yes, the Spanish Steps in Rome are worth seeing. This historic landmark is one of the city’s more striking architectural features and makes an excellent background for photographs. For the most peaceful experience at the Spanish Steps, plan a visit in the morning to avoid the afternoon crowds.

How much does it cost to go to the Spanish Steps?

There is no cost to go to the Spanish Steps. These steps are free to visit and offer a magnificent view from the top. One of Rome's most striking architectural features, the Spanish Steps are open to the public all day.

Do you need tickets for the Spanish Steps in Rome?

No, you do not need tickets for the Spanish Steps in Rome. This landmark is free and open to the public, 24 hours a day, with no tickets required. At any time, visitors can stop by and admire views of the steps, take photographs, and climb to the top for excellent city views.

How far is Spanish Steps from Trevi?

The Spanish Steps are walking distance from the Trevi Fountain. Many visitors to Rome explore both landmarks in a single day. The stroll between the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain takes about 10 minutes directly, but people often wander indirectly through Rome’s charming streets between the two sites.

Can you walk from the Spanish Steps to the Colosseum?

Yes, you can walk from the Spanish Steps to the Colosseum, but you will want to wear comfortable shoes. The stroll between these two sites takes approximately 30 minutes, so while the Spanish Steps are not in super close proximity to the Colosseum, it is possible to walk between the two.

What movies were filmed on the Spanish Steps?

Several movies were filmed at the historic landmark of the Spanish Steps in Rome, including perhaps most notably, Roman Holiday, starring Audrey Hepburn. Other movies showcasing the Spanish Steps include The Talented Mr. Ripley starring Matt Damon, and To Rome with Love, starring Jesse Eisenberg and Alec Baldwin.

Ways to explore

The Spanish Steps are one of Rome’s most popular attractions, and it’s best to learn more about their centuries of history on a guided tour. The monumental staircase features on most day and nighttime Rome city tours, whether on foot or by bike, Vespa, golf cart, or hop-on hop-off bus. Ideal for time-pressed travelers, tours typically include stops at sights including the Colosseum and Pantheon. If you’re an architecture buff, visit the Spanish Steps on a specialized tour of Rome’s most impressive squares and fountains, or book a private tour to learn about the hidden gems surrounding the steps.

Accessibility

There’s no stair-free way up the Spanish Steps, but both the square at the bottom and the road at the top offer great views of the staircase and are wheelchair accessible.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, water bottle, sunglasses, picnic to enjoy in Villa Borghese park near the top of the steps

What to wear

Comfortable walking shoes, and clothing that covers your legs and shoulders for visiting the Trinità dei Monti church.

Not allowed

Sitting on the Spanish Steps or vandalizing the landmarks can get you a hefty fine.

Amenities

Food and drink options, gift shops, nearby luggage storage

Address

Located in Rome’s historic center, the Spanish Steps are a short walk from major sights such as the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain. They’re also easy to reach by car or public transportation.

Driving

Self-navigating in bustling Rome isn’t recommended, but there’s a taxi stand by the Spanish Steps in Piazza di Spagna, and rideshare apps are widely available.

Public transportation

The Spanish Steps conveniently have their own metro station, Spagna, which is accessible on Line A from Termini train station.

Best times to visit

The Spanish Steps are always crowded, so aim to visit early in the morning or late at night to photograph them in relative peace.

Best days to visit

Weekdays are the ideal time to visit the Spanish Steps, as weekends are especially busy on the surrounding shopping streets.

Best months to visit

The Spanish Steps are at their prettiest from mid-April to mid-May, when the city of Rome decorates the site with hundreds of pots of colorful azaleas.