Barberini Bus Stop Guide - Trevi Fountain & Via Veneto

Often labeled "Tritone" or "Barberini" on the bus maps, this stop puts you in the center of Baroque Rome. It is as close as the double-decker buses can get to the narrow, winding streets of the historic center.

The Main Event: The Trevi Fountain

The bus cannot drive to the fountain (the streets are tiny!). You must get off here and walk.

• The Walk: It's roughly 5-8 minutes down Via del Tritone and following the brown signs.
• The Crowd: The Trevi is packed from 10 AM to 10 PM.
• Tip: If you want that solo photo, you must go at sunrise. Otherwise, just enjoy the energy of the crowd and toss your coin (right hand over left shoulder!) to ensure your return to Rome.

Palazzo Barberini

Right at the stop stands this magnificent palace, which now houses the National Gallery of Ancient Art.

• Why visit: It contains Raphael's famous La Fornarina and works by Caravaggio.
• Architecture: It features a stunning spiral staircase by Borromini that is an Instagram favorite.
• Crowds: Unlike the Vatican, it is often peaceful and quiet.

Macabre Must-See: The Capuchin Crypt

Just a few steps from Piazza Barberini (at the start of Via Veneto) is the church of Santa Maria della Concezione.

• The Bone Church: Beneath the church lie six chapels decorated entirely with the bones of 4,000 Capuchin friars. Skulls form patterns on the ceiling; vertebrae form chandeliers.
• Vibe: It is spooky, fascinating, and a poignant reminder of mortality ("What you are now we used to be; what we are now you will be").
• Note: No photos allowed inside!

Via Veneto: The La Dolce Vita Street

This wide, tree-lined avenue curves up from Piazza Barberini. In the 1960s, this was the haunt of movie stars and paparazzi. Today, it is home to luxury hotels and expensive cafes. It is a lovely, uphill stroll towards Villa Borghese if you want to feel fancy.