On the first Sunday in March, my friends and I decided to take advantage of the Italian government’s Domenica al museo (or free first Sunday at the museums).  The official list of participating museums is available here.  It is only available in Italian, but this National Geographic guide is also useful.  The lines tend to be a bit longer on these days, so plan accordingly. 

It was a beautiful morning in an otherwise rainy week, so we decided to head to Babington’s Tea House for a late brunch first.  Babingston’s is located right at the bottom of the famed Spanish Steps (from the classic Roman Holiday with Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck).  

The renovation work on the Spanish Steps is almost complete, but some portions were still closed.  Hopefully, all of the work will be completed in time for the spring azalea flower display at the end of April .

Babington’s tea house was founded in 1893 by two English women.  According to my Italian instructor, tea was only sold in pharmacies in Italy back then.  The interior is adorned with old-fashioned chandeliers and the polished silverware do take you back in time a bit.  The list of teas from around the world is extensive and several are available in pretty packaging for souvenirs or gifts.   

We arrived at 12:30 pm just as the full breakfast service had ended, but the waitstaff generously allowed my friends to order from the breakfast menu anyway.  Both English and American breakfast with pancakes are available during the breakfast service.  

The menu also includes traditional English tea cakes, giant salads, and soups.  I ordered the chicken salad.  Later when the table next to us ordered the Mulligatawny soup (an English soup inspired by a South Indian curry based sauce), I definitely had order envy.  It smelled fantastic – so a return visit is warranted.  

Babington’s is the perfect location for lunch in between sightseeing near the Spanish Steps or for Sunday high tea and pastries.

The area is also fantastic  for some window shopping before heading to museums.  Most of the major Italian designers are concentrated on Via Condotti right at the bottom of the Spanish Steps.

We strolled around for a bit and eventually made our way to the Museo Napoleonico located at the Palazzo Primilo, which was acquired by a descendant of the Bonaparte family.    

Babington’s Tea House

Piazza di Spagna, 23

Open: 10 am to 9 pm