Dolce Vita, from Piazza del Popolo to the Trevi Fountain
A self-guided walk in Rome.
2h30. 2.1 miles. From Piazza del Popolo to Trevi Fountain.
Two Caravaggios for free, a terrace at sunrise, the artists' street, the Spanish Steps before the crowds, and the fountain at the end.
The local move
Start at 8am. By 10:30 the Spanish Steps are a queue, and Trevi is best again after 10pm.
Best time to go
Early morning
When to avoid it
Midday and weekend afternoons
The stops
Piazza del Popolo
The oval square with the obelisk where travellers once entered Rome.
Tip: Stand between the twin churches and look down the three streets: this is the trident of Rome.
Santa Maria del Popolo
Two Caravaggios in the Cerasi chapel and a Raphael chapel, free to enter.
Tip: Left of the altar, coin light. Opens around 7:30am on weekdays.
Pincio Terrace
The terrace above the square, St Peter's straight ahead.
Tip: Sunrise or sunset. The climb is five minutes by the ramps on the right.
Via Margutta
The artists' street, ivy on the walls, galleries and Roman Holiday's address at number 51.
Tip: Peek into the courtyards; most are open in the morning.
Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps, 135 of them, azaleas in spring.
Tip: Sitting is fined. Climb to Trinità dei Monti for the view instead.
Keats-Shelley House
The rooms where Keats died in 1821, beside the steps.
Tip: Half an hour, quiet, a good rain plan.
Antico Caffè Greco
Red velvet and waiters in tails since 1760 on Via Condotti.
Tip: Espresso at the bar costs a fraction of a table. Look at the paintings on your way out.
Via Condotti
The luxury street from the steps to the Corso.
Tip: Window shop on the way; the side streets have the smaller Italian makers.
Trevi Fountain
Salvi's fountain fills its little square; the coin goes right hand over left shoulder.
Tip: Come back after 10pm when it is lit and half empty.
Ways to change it up
Reverse it at 6pm: Trevi lit, aperitivo on Via Condotti, sunset from the Pincio.
About these walks
Explore our self-guided routes by city, with useful stops and practical notes from Chic Trip. Explore the destinations we plan.
