Everyone says wake up at 6am but honestly who wants to set alarms on vacation that's terrible advice for normal humans who value sleep and sanity

The real solution is 8:30pm when most tour groups have cleared out after dinner and the fountain lighting is absolutely magical way better than fighting crowds in harsh midday sun the warm led lights make the baroque details pop and you can actually hear the water trickling instead of thousands of people talking

While you're there skip those overpriced gelato carts charging €8 for frozen sugar water walk exactly 4 minutes to giolitti on via degli uffizi del vicario this place has been making proper gelato since 1900 their pistachio is €3.50 for a real scoop not tourist prices for tourist garbage plus you can sit inside like an actual roman instead of standing around a fountain with a plastic cup honestly the evening fountain visit plus real gelato combo is perfection