Via Veneto (Via Vittorio Veneto)
Via Veneto, Rome, Italy, 00187
With a reputation for elegance and a starring role in Federico Fellini’s 1960 film La Dolce Vita, Via Veneto was the mid-century stomping ground of international celebrities and paparazzi. Today, the stylish thoroughfare remains one of central Rome’s most glamorous addresses, lined with luxury hotels, chic bars, streetside cafés, and high-end boutiques. This small corner of Rome appeals primarily to those interested in the finer things or 20th-century architecture.
The basics
Via Veneto winds its way uphill from Piazza Barberini to Piazzale Brasile, passing the Capuchin Church of the Immaculate Conception and Palazzo Margherita—now home to the U.S. Embassy—along the way. Stars like Audrey Hepburn, Tennessee Williams, and Coco Chanel would once gather at the landmark Harry’s Bar, Café de Paris, and Doney Cafè that line the street. Today you can trace this route with a walking, Segway, or hop-on-hop-off bus tour of Rome’s most iconic sights by day or night. Film buffs can opt for a La Dolce Vita tour that hits on locations featured in Fellini’s most famous work, and art-and-architecture aficionados can take a tour focusing on the city’s most remarkable streets and squares, including Via Veneto and Piazza Barberini.
Things to know before you go
- The street is busy with passing cars and buses, but there are wide sidewalks on each side that are easy to navigate on foot or with a wheelchair.
- If you’re joining a walking or bike tour of Rome and Via Veneto, wear comfortable shoes and a sun hat.
- There are plenty of restaurants and cafés along this thoroughfare, but you’ll pay a hefty price to dine in these tony locales.
- Loitering near and photographing the US Embassy on Via Veneto is strictly forbidden.
How to get there
Via Veneto is located in the historical city center of Rome just above Piazza Barberini, one of the main bus and metro hubs in the city. A number of bus routes and metro line A have stops in the square.
When to get there
Via Veneto can be busy with traffic during the day, so the best time to visit is later in the evening when traffic dies down, the palazzi are beautifully lit, and the restaurants and cafès are bustling with chic customers.
The Baroque Masterpiece of Piazza Barberini
Considered one of Rome’s most important baroque squares, Piazza Barberini sits atop Rome’s Quirinal Hill and is home to two 17th-century fountains designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The ornate Palazzo Barberini dominates the square, originally the residence of the powerful Barberini family and now home to the Galleria Nazionale di Arte Antica, with a collection of works by Raphael, Filippo Lippi, Titian, and Caravaggio.
Ways to explore
Follow Via Veneto uphill from Piazza Barberini to the Porta Pinciana, stopping along the way at the Capuchin Church of the Immaculate Conception—known for its strikingly spooky crypt that you can tour—and Palazzo Piombino Margherita, which is now home to the US Embassy. As you go, trace the footsteps of stars from the 50s and 60s by exploring iconic venues from that era, such as the landmark Harry’s Bar and Doney Cafè.
Incorporate Via Veneto into your wider sightseeing of Rome during hop-on-hop-off bus tours, or opt for something more private, such as an electric tuk-tuk tour or a chauffeured sightseeing tour. These flexible options allow you to tailor your visit regardless of whether you’re a film buff or an art-and-architecture aficionado.
Accessibility
Wide sidewalks on either side of the road ensure the street is accessible to travelers using wheelchairs.
Age limits
None
What to pack
Camera, umbrella, transit pass/card
What to wear
Comfortable shoes, hat in summer
Not allowed
Loitering near and photographing the US Embassy on Via Veneto is strictly forbidden.
Amenities
Restaurants, cafés, ATMs, taxi stand
Address
Via Veneto is in Rome’s historical city center, between Piazza Barberini and Villa Borghese. It is conveniently accessible by public transport or car, as well as on foot from nearby Rome attractions.
Driving
Take Viale del Muro Torto or Corso d’Italia until you see the arches of Porta Pinciana, passing through them to turn onto Via Veneto. The nearest parking lot is Parcheggio Saba Roma Piazza di Spagna in Villa Borghese.
Public transportation
Piazza Barberini, located at one end of the road, is a major bus and metro hub in the city. Take metro line A or one of the many bus routes to reach the square and follow Via Veneto from there.
Best times to visit
Visit in the early evening when the daytime traffic dies down and before the dinner rush begins.
Best days to visit
Expect Fridays and Saturdays to be the busiest times for locals to come here; try weekdays for a quieter dining or shopping experience.
Best months to visit
The large leafy trees that line Via Veneto add to its ambience in late spring, around May and June, and early autumn, during October.
Special events
Some local restaurants and cafés close for part or all of the August summer vacation; those attached to hotels will likely remain open.
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