Via Magutta is my favourite street in Rome. I came upon it by accident a few years ago and I walk along it every time I go to Rome. It is a cobblestone street with ivy covered walls and lined with plant filled pots. It is rarely busy.
Via Magutta is close to the Spanish Steps and runs parallel to with Via Babuino, which leads to Piazza del Popolo.
It is known as the historic “street of artists”. It has attracted painters, sculptors and poets from the 17th century. Its famous residents have included filmmakers Federico Fellini and Giulietta Masini, actress Anna Magnani and painter Giorgio de Chirico. In the 1953 film Roman Holiday Via Magutta 51 was Gregory Peck’s character’s apartment.
Now it is home to designer shops, galleries, a couple of stylish hotel, cafes and a restaurant or 2.
This appealed to me. The note asks the reader not to take the cushion away, it is for the cat.
The entrance to a hotel.
A stunning fountain.
A lovely place to live.
We had lunch at this interesting looking restaurant.
We were in Rome in March. It seems the shoulder season is no more. The city was packed. We walked across to Trastevere thinking it might be more calm there. We were wrong.
This, walking past Castel St Angelo.
The seagull watched in amazement.
This, in Trastevere.
This, at the Pantheon.
I had to have a Roman artichoke.
There were some quiet spots and some lovely old doors, and fountains.
I first saw this several years ago…park your dog. It says “OK, you go, I will wait for you.”
We got up early on our last day in Rome in the hope of avoiding crowds. It worked.
The Spanish Steps where you can actually see the steps.
…and the lovely fountain in front.
The Trevi Fountain had already gathered crowds.
It really is stunning.
The Piazza Navona is better now that the souvenir stalls have gone.
This beautiful cafe not open yet at Doria Pamphlij
We had the walk around the ruins of the Forum all to ourselves once we got though crowds at the Vittorio Emanuel II memorial.
I was sorry to see Caffe Greco still closed. I always had a coffee there at least once when in Rome.
I think winter might be the best time to visit Rome.
Here is an earlier post about Caffe Greco…
Another favourite is still open, Tazza d’Oro, but there was a long queue so we walked past.
Tazza d’Oro – the best coffee in Rome
Love those Roman Artichokes…..
By: Keith on April 14, 2026
at 9:36 pm
Me too!
By: Debra Kolkka on April 15, 2026
at 5:12 am
Thanks for the shots of Rome. Going back in June but will stay in Umbria and will skip Rome and the big cities.
By: Jan on April 14, 2026
at 10:16 pm
The crowds have become too much. I thought March would be OK, but no. I have been to Rome many times and have walked around lots of wonderful areas. I will have to stick to winter in future.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 15, 2026
at 5:14 am
Your photos are a delightful feast for the eyes Debi! I would love to walk via Magutta; your photos and commentary are the next best thing. Thanks Deb; loved this post.
By: Christine collins on April 14, 2026
at 11:08 pm
There are still quiet spots if you know when to look. I always walk down this lovely street. Via dei Corinari used to be full of antique shops and small businesses. There are still some and the street is still pleasant, but it is usually crowded. We can’t blame people for wanting to visit Rome.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 15, 2026
at 5:18 am
Thanks for the tour. It’s great taking a walk around Rome with you Deb.
By: Kerry & Jim on April 15, 2026
at 12:18 am
It is a wonderful city.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 15, 2026
at 5:19 am
THIS was a bitter sweet posting for me. I used to live/work in Rome, a long time ago. It changed me forever. I miss it still; decades have passed but you did gift (and cheer) me with your lovely photos of familiar places. There is no place like it; I’m glad you got to enjoy some of it; without the crowds. Winter is lovely too; its not the same, more melancholy but beautiful with seasonal decor. The Pantheon has to be my favourite awesome building; altho I worked near Foro Romano….Via Terme di Caracalla….those baths! Anyway, bless you for this posting…it was more heart lifting; than heart breaking.
By: Catherine Rowley on April 15, 2026
at 1:18 am
The Pantheon is my favourite building in Rome. I have stood inside many times and marvelled at the magnificence and immensity of it. I also love the Bernini elephant behind it. The Caracalla baths are another favourite. I was almost the only person there last time I visited. We are lucky to have enjoyed the city over the years.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 15, 2026
at 5:22 am
Loved this post of beautiful Rome & loved walking with you through Via Magutta & have several photos of us walking along. Loved all the photos & reinforced my love of this beautiful city.
By: Camillus Davall on April 15, 2026
at 7:06 am
It is a lovely street. I would like to stay there if I go back.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 15, 2026
at 6:15 pm