Rome self-guided walking tour: the Spanish Steps to the Colosseum
The classic walk across the centre of Rome, from the Spanish Steps to the Colosseum, past the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona and the old Jewish Ghetto. Watch the whole route in 4K first, then walk it yourself, stop by stop.
- Distance
- About 5.1 km3.2 miles, on foot
- Time
- 3½ to 4½ hoursabout 63 min of walking
- Start
- Spanish StepsSpagna Metro, line A
- Finish
- ColosseumColosseo Metro, line B
Press play to start at stop 1, or pick any stop below.
Video by Prowalk Tours on YouTube
This route follows one continuous walk filmed in May, from the Spanish Steps to the Colosseum. Each stop opens the video where the camera reaches it.
The route, stop by stop
- 1
Spanish Steps
Start at the foot of the wide staircase in Piazza di Spagna, by the boat-shaped Barcaccia fountain, with the church of Trinità dei Monti at the top.
Sitting on the steps is not allowed, so enjoy them standing or from the top.
↓ About 9 min walk (690 m) to Trevi Fountain
- 2
Trevi Fountain
Ten minutes south through narrow streets, the city's most famous fountain fills a whole small square with marble and rushing water.
It is calmest early in the morning; later in the day expect crowds at the front rail.
↓ About 9 min walk (740 m) to Pantheon
- 3
Pantheon
Past the old columns of Piazza di Pietra, the best-preserved building of ancient Rome, with its open dome nearly two thousand years old, faces Piazza della Rotonda.
Entry is ticketed; the line moves quickly, and the portico can be seen for free.
↓ About 5 min walk (400 m) to Piazza Navona
- 4
Piazza Navona
A long oval square built on the track of an ancient stadium, with Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers in the middle.
Look for the 'talking statue' of Pasquino just off the southern end of the square.
↓ About 7 min walk (520 m) to Campo de' Fiori
- 5
Campo de' Fiori
A lively market square in the mornings, watched over by the dark statue of Giordano Bruno. A good place to stop for lunch on the streets around it.
↓ About 9 min walk (710 m) to Portico of Octavia
- 6
Portico of Octavia
The old Jewish Ghetto, where an ancient Roman gateway stands among the houses and the Theatre of Marcellus rises just beyond.
↓ About 7 min walk (530 m) to Capitoline Hill
- 7
Capitoline Hill
Climb the gentle ramp designed by Michelangelo to the square on top of the Capitoline, next to the huge white Altar of the Fatherland.
Walk behind the town hall for a free view over the Roman Forum.
↓ About 6 min walk (450 m) to Trajan's Forum
- 8
Trajan's Forum
Along Via dei Fori Imperiali, the ruins of the imperial forums, with Trajan's Column and the curved brick market halls above them.
↓ About 13 min walk (1.0 km) to Colosseum
- 9
Colosseum
Finish at the great amphitheatre at the end of the avenue, with the Arch of Constantine beside it.
Going inside needs a timed ticket booked in advance.
About this walk
Almost every famous sight in central Rome sits on one long line between the Spanish Steps and the Colosseum, and the streets between them are as much a part of the city as the monuments. This route links them in an order that never doubles back.
It follows a single unbroken walk filmed on a sunny May morning and afternoon, so each stop opens the video at the moment the camera arrives. It is a long day on foot: split it with lunch around Campo de' Fiori and go inside only one or two sights.
Good to know
Is this walk free?
Yes, every stop can be seen from the street. The Pantheon, the Colosseum and the Roman Forum charge for entry.
How hard is it?
It is long rather than hard: mostly flat cobbled streets with one short climb to the Capitoline Hill. Wear comfortable shoes and carry water; there are drinking fountains all along the route.
Can I split it into two walks?
Yes. The first half, from the Spanish Steps to Campo de' Fiori, makes a good morning walk on its own, and the second half, from the Ghetto to the Colosseum, works well in the late afternoon light.
Distances and walking times are approximate. Check opening days and any booking requirements before you go.
Watch the full walk with its key moments on the video page.
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