Rome is vast and can feel a bit overwhelming when you’re trying to capture its beauty. So, I’ve put together my personal list of the best Instagram-worthy photo spots to help you get started. These are my go-to places for stunning shots that showcase the city’s charm.
1. Colosseum Front View – Via del Verbiti
The Colosseum is an obvious must, but here’s my tip: head there at sunrise to beat the crowds and catch that golden morning light. For the perfect wide-angle shot of the full front view, I recommend setting up on Via del Verbiti. Even at that early hour, people were already lining up behind us to get inside. There are countless angles to capture this iconic landmark, but I’m partial to this spot — it beautifully frames both the taller and shorter sides of the Colosseum in one shot.
2. Trevi fountain
Visiting the Trevi Fountain had always been a dream of mine, and I wanted the experience to feel just as magical as I’d imagined. That’s why we decided to wake up before sunrise to make our way there — I didn’t want the moment spoiled by crowds. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The soft morning light was perfect for photos, and while there were still some people, it felt peaceful compared to the midday chaos.
If you’re looking straight at the fountain, my favorite spot for photos was at the back left corner, which offers a unique angle. We also waited our turn (in a much shorter line than later in the day) for a classic front-and-center shot. Don’t miss the view from above this provides a great perspective, letting you capture the fountain framed by Rome’s beautiful architecture.
Bonus tip: Come back at night for takeaway drinks or gelato. Yes, it’ll be crowded, but the fountain illuminated against the night sky is worth it.
3. Spanish Steps
Another iconic spot in Rome is the Spanish Steps, which — like many popular landmarks — are far less crowded around sunrise. We had plenty of space to snap photos while walking up and down the steps, which lead to the beautiful Trinità dei Monti church and its twin bell towers. Just a heads-up: it’s important to note that sitting on the steps is not allowed, so be mindful of that while visiting.
4. St. Angelo Bridge/Castel Sant’Angelo
The Ponte Sant’Angelo, spanning the Tiber River, is a stunning spot that leads straight to the famous Castel Sant’Angelo. You can capture beautiful shots right on the bridge, which is lined with ten striking angel statues. But for a unique perspective, take a few steps down the staircase on the far side of the bridge from the castle. Sitting on the ledge here perfectly frames the castle behind you, making for a beautifully composed and memorable shot.
5. Pantheon
The Pantheon is an absolutely striking piece of history, both inside and out. In the courtyard in front, there’s a beautiful fountain that makes for a fantastic photo. With a bit of creativity, you can frame a shot that captures both the fountain and the Pantheon without the usual crowd blocking your view. For another unique perspective, grab a seat at one of the cafés directly opposite the Pantheon — it’s the perfect spot to enjoy some delicious pasta while soaking in the iconic view.
When we headed inside, the undeniable star of the show was the ceiling, featuring its famous coffered dome with a circular oculus. Watching the natural light beam through the opening and illuminate the space was truly mesmerizing.
6. Arch of Constantine
The Arch of Constantine stands proudly near the front view of the Colosseum I mentioned earlier, making it easy to capture both landmarks in one stunning shot. This massive triumphal arch stands nearly 70 feet tall, it features three arches — a large central one flanked by two smaller ones. The exterior is adorned with intricate sculptures that tell stories of military victories.
7. Colosseum Side View – Via Nicola Salvi
If you head over to Via Nicola Salvi, you’ll find a fantastic spot to capture the taller side of the Colosseum. While sunrise offers the dreamiest golden light, this spot works well at any time of day — just be prepared to wait a bit longer, as it’s becoming increasingly popular. The angle here beautifully highlights the Colosseum’s towering arches and rugged ancient textures, making it well worth the effort for a unique and stunning shot.
8. Inside the Colosseum
Don’t even think about visiting Rome without stepping inside the ancient Colosseum. You can enter as part of a guided tour or explore on your own. We skipped the tour since we wanted the freedom to wander and take photos at our own pace without being surrounded by a large group. Instead, we popped in our AirPods and listened to Rick Steves’ audio guide, which was perfect for learning the fascinating history as we walked through this monumental piece of ancient history.
9. Palatine Hill – View of Roman Forum
Palatine Hill was much larger than we expected. We initially thought we’d just pop up for a quick view of the Roman Forum below, but it turned out to be so much more than that. We ended up spending a lot of time strolling through ancient gardens, exploring the stunning ruins of grand palaces, and discovering hidden underground spaces. One of the highlights was a spot where you can look out over the Roman Forum, offering an incredible view of ancient temple ruins, churches, iconic arches and the colosseum in the distance. You can get really creative with a zoom lens here. Afterward, we made our way down to explore the Forum itself, soaking in its rich history up close.
10. Terrazza sul Foro – View of Roman Forum
The Terrazza sul Foro in Rome is a stunning viewpoint that overlooks the Roman Forum. It’s located on the Capitoline Hill and offers a panoramic view of the Roman Forum. From this terrace, you can see the sprawling ruins of ancient temples, basilicas, and the famous arches, with the Colosseum in the distance. It’s a great spot for taking in the history and beauty of the area without the crowds.
11. Altar of the Fatherland
The Alter of the Fatherland is a grand white-marble monument, featuring a massive central staircase and numerous statues, making it quite a sight to behold. It’s so large that to capture it in a photo, you’ll need to step back a bit. Across the street Via dei Fori Imperiali, we found a small park that provided some welcome shade and framed the building perfectly. There were even some ancient column remains nearby, offering a chance to get creative with the shot and incorporate a piece of Rome’s rich history into the frame.
12. Sant’Ignazio Church
As you walk inside Sant’Ignazio Church in Rome, you’re immediately struck by its beauty. The church, built in the Baroque style, is a masterpiece of art. One of the most remarkable features is the ceiling, which gives the illusion of a soaring dome, despite the fact that the church’s actual ceiling is flat. The giant fresco opens up into the heavens, with angels, saints, and biblical scenes that seem to float above. They have placed a large mirror in the middle of the church which allows you to take a selfie with the beautiful ceiling above you. You’ll have to wait in quite a long line if you want a change to look in the mirror.
13. The Court Bar
I highly recommend arriving at the Court Bar right as they open for their evening seating, which is at 5:00 PM. This way, you’ll have your pick of the best seats with an unobstructed view of the Colosseum as the sun sets during golden hour. We enjoyed some unique cocktails and light bites during aperitivo, all while watching the sky transform into a stunning mix of colors as it set behind the Colosseum. The whole experience felt magical, offering the perfect blend of delicious drinks, great food, and an unforgettable view.
14. Colosseum Lights at Night
Make sure to head back towards the Colosseum during blue hour or at night, when the windows start to glow softly. It’s the perfect time for a striking shot — you can return to the ledge I mentioned earlier, where you can capture the warm light emanating from the windows behind you, creating a beautiful contrast with the darkening sky. The Colosseum looks especially magical at this hour, illuminated and majestic against the night backdrop. It’s a moment you won’t want to miss!
15. Piazza Navona
Another lively square in the heart of Rome is Piazza Navona, a vibrant hub of activity and beauty. The square is stunning, with its Baroque architecture, charming cafés, and street artists adding to the atmosphere. For a perfect photo opportunity, Head over to the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers), which features dramatic sculptures representing four major rivers from different continents and the Obelisk of Domitian — a towering ancient monument that adds a dramatic touch to the scene.
16. Ponte Umberto I
If you walk over to the Ponte Umberto I, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking view of both the Ponte Sant’Angelo I mentioned earlier and the iconic Saint Peter’s Basilica in the distance. For an even better shot, take a pro tip: head down the stairs of the bridge to the riverbank, and you can incorporate the Tiber River into your photo, adding depth and interest to the scene. Have your photographer stand back and use a wide-angle lens to bring the Basilica and the bridge closer together, creating a striking composition. It’s a perfect angle to capture the beauty of these landmarks from a unique perspective!
17. St. Peter’s Basilica
Bonus: While St. Peter’s Basilica is technically in Vatican City and not Rome, it’s just a short taxi ride away, and absolutely worthy of being included in this post. The massive Piazza San Pietro in front of the Basilica offers plenty of space for creative photos, with its grand columns and the stunning obelisk at the center, allowing for all sorts of unique angles.
We opted for a tour inside to avoid the long lines, and I’m so glad we did. Once inside, the grandeur of the Basilica takes your breath away. The soaring dome designed by Michelangelo dominates the space, creating a sense of awe and stained glass windows create a warm glow, illuminating the marble floors. The walls are adorned with exquisite mosaics, with intricate details that glimmer in the light. The focal point is the Baldachin — a massive bronze canopy that sits above the high altar, framing the Pietà by Michelangelo.
18. Vatican Museum
During our time in Vatican City, we also decided to visit the Vatican Museum, and it was an unforgettable experience. The museums are a treasure trove of art, history, and culture, with endless rooms filled with masterpieces by artists like Raphael, Caravaggio, and of course, Michelangelo. We wandered through the galleries, marveling at the intricate tapestries, classical sculptures, and beautiful frescoes. One of the highlights was walking through the Gallery of Maps, where the vibrant, detailed maps of Italy line the walls, each one more impressive than the last.
But the ultimate draw was the Sistine Chapel. As we entered, we were struck by the sheer beauty and scale of the chapel. The ceiling, painted by Michelangelo, depicts the stunning Creation of Adam, with vivid, lifelike colors that make the figures seem almost alive.
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