(In May) absolutely heaving with people - at all hours. Really you couldn't tell there were steps here at all.

Don't get me wrong, it's very pretty and definitely one you should include in your itinerary - if only to tick it off and say you've been there.

We took the train out to see the Spanish Steps and eat lunch. Can't find them? Look for the large outdoor staircase. The one with all the steps. And all the people sitting on the steps. Voila.

Unless you're among the uber-rich or are begging to be pickpocketed, I didn't find much else of value at the Spanish Steps.

It was extremely crowded when I was there in March (the slow season), and I had a number of people come up to me asking me questions and trying to get me to stop and talk to them (I embarrassingly admit, one guy actually succeeded and managed to tie a "friendship bracelet" onto me, and then tried to shake me down for more than 10 euros for two pieces of string).

It is somewhat cool seeing the high end shopping in this area (Dolce and Gabbana, Valentino, Gucci, Louis Vitton, Prada, Versace, etc.) but even the simplest items were well out of my price range.

The walk from the Piazza di Spagna up to the Piazza del Popolo is one of the most fashionable shopping streets in Rome where one finds all the top brands from Chanel to Petit Bateau (the French upmarket infants shop). It is a small cobbled street still best pedestrianed in good walking shoes but at the end of the Via del Babuino, there is the 5-star Hotel de Russe as well as many outdoor cafes. You can also stop in Santa Maria del Popolo, built in the 11th Century on the site of Nero's family tomb, with its many beautiful works of art. Its feast day is July 9 so if you're a summer visitor, the church will be especially beautifully decorated. This square is directly below the Pincio Gardens, which offer a beautiful view over this part of the city (and worth climbing the hill for). The Pincio Gardens also lead into the Borghese Gardens if you've had enough of city streets and long for an idyllic green park.