27 Sep 15 Most Instagrammable Places in Rome
Visiting Rome, the Capital of Italy, is a feast for the eyes! The Eternal City is full of historical gems, archeological treasures, stunning architecture, and beautiful piazzas (squares) that you will love to discover! If you want to know all the Most Instagrammable Places in Rome, grab a cup of coffee (or tea) and read further 🙂 !
I have visited Rome 4 times, 2 of them as a photographer. Therefore, I was able to write for you a list of the Best Photo Spots in Rome with their exact location and my photography tips. These are also great places for sightseeing, so you can use this article as a guide of the best places to see in Rome 😉 !
Table of Contents
The Colosseum
The Colosseum is one of the most impressive monuments I have seen in my life! It’s stunning and historical at the same time. This extraordinary giant amphitheater was completed in AD 80 and could seat at least 50, 000 spectators. It was used for entertainment, like gladiators contest, animal hunts, e-enactments of famous battles (including mock naval engagements) or dramas based on Roman mythology.
It’s the largest ancient amphitheater ever built in the world. And nowadays it’s still the largest standing amphitheater. It’s not surprising that it’s part of the New 7 Wonders of the World and of the most instagrammable places in Rome.
There are 4 great photo spots to capture the Colosseum: in front of the entrance, on the wall on the side, inside the Colosseum and from afar.
In front of the Colosseum
Location: in front of the Colosseum
My secret tip: the photo spot in front of the Colosseum is the most spectacular! But it’s also the most difficult to capture during the day. So, you must be there at sunrise.
On the wall on the side of the Colosseum
Location: Wall on the side of the Colosseum
My secret tip: this wall on the side of the Colosseum is the most popular Instagram spots of the Colosseum. Therefore, it’s always busy. But the wall is quite long, and people usually don’t dwell too long at the same place. So, it’s always possible to take a photo here at any time of the day! Of course, if you go there early in the morning you will have it empty, so it will be easier 🙂 .
Inside the Colosseum
Location: the Colosseum
My secret tip: visiting the Colosseum is very impressive and super interesting! I highly recommend it! Plus, you will be able to take some very cool photos inside. Of course, you will have to consider the fact that it’s full of tourists and you might have to be patient. You can buy your ticket here.
The Colosseum from afar in Via Vittorino da Feltre
Location: the Colosseum from Via Vittorino da Feltre
My secret tip: this street leading to the wall on the side of the Colosseum is usually not busy. And even if people are passing by, they won’t really bother you. So, you can take some great photos here at any time of the day.
The Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain is one of the most famous fountains in the world and therefore obviously one of the most instagrammable places in Rome! This beautiful baroque fountain with spectacular dimensions (26 meters high and 49 meters wide) was built between 1732 and 1762. But it’s interesting to know that a fountain already existed at this same place in 19 BC at the junction of Rome’s three most important roads. That explains its name of “tre vie”.
The fountain is accessible day and night and is extremely popular amongst the photographers and the tourists! Also, the fountain is a hotspot for wedding proposals!
You have probably heard about the legend around tossing coins in the fountain. If you throw one coin: you will go back to Rome, two coins: you will find love in Rome, and three coins: you will marry that person! It came from the movie “Three Coins in the Fountain” in 1954. If you want to do it, you must use your right hand to throw the coin over your left shoulder. Because of that more than 1,2 million euros are thrown away in the Trevi Fountain each year! The money thrown into the fountain is collected and donated to a charity.
Location: the Trevi Fountain
My secret tip: as the Trevi Fountain is with no doubt one of the best photo spots in Rome, it’s super busy all the time. So, if you want to take pictures without (too many) people around, you must come here at sunrise. And be aware that even at sunrise you won’t be alone! But you can take photos at the fountain from a lot of different perspectives, so it makes things easier.
Be aware that it’s not allowed to sit at the Trevi Fountain, in order to protect the historic and artistic decorum of Rome’s city center. You will get warned by the police blowing on their whistles if you do it. The fine can get up to 400 euros.
The Pantheon
The Pantheon is the most visited place in Rome in front of the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain! And it’s also Italy’s top tourist site! That’s the reason why it comes at the beginning of the list of the best Instagram photo spots in Rome.
This former Roman temple was built around 126 AD and extremely well-preserved thanks to its continuous use throughout its history.
The 2 most interesting features of the Pantheon are the impressive portico with large granite Corinthian columns under a pediment, and a stunning interior dome with a central opening (oculus) to the sky.
The Piazza in front of the Pantheon – Piazza della Rotonda – is also full of charm. With its colorful traditional Italian buildings and the beautiful Fountain (Fontana del Pantheon) standing in the middle, it’s another of the most instagrammable places in Rome!
Location: the Pantheon
My secret tip: as the Pantheon is Rome’s number 1 tourist site, you can imagine that it’s quite busy during the day. There is a long queue of people waiting to visit it, and also a lot of activity on Piazza della Rotonda. Therefore, my first advice is to come at sunrise. But if you cannot make it at sunrise, or if you are looking for a different kind of photo, you can come here for lunch or for a drink. The restaurant Napoletano’s Pantheon offers tables with a direct view on the landmark. Although the food is not exceptional, it’s cheap and the view is perfect! They have a menu at 12 euros including a bruschetta + a pasta dish + 1 drink. Absolutely worth it!
The Spanish Steps and Piazza di Spagna
The Spanish Steps are a famous set of 135 steps linking Piazza di Spagna at the base with Piazza dei Monti at the top with the church Trinita dei Monti. They were built in 1723-1725. The name “Spanish” for both Piazza di Spagna and the steps comes from the Spanish Embassy located on the square.
The steps are a popular meeting spot. They are even more iconic since they appeared in the film A Roman Holiday with Audrey Hepburn. Consequently, there are one of the most instagrammable places in Rome!
Piazza di Spagna with its interesting fountain Fontana della Barcaccia (“Fountain of the longboat”), built in 1627–1629, is also one of the most photogenic places in Rome!
Location: the Spanish Steps
My secret tip: a lot of people are walking around Piazza di Spagna and up and down the Spanish Steps. So, if you want to avoid any photobomber, come early in the morning! It doesn’t have to be super early: it took my photos there around 8/9am.
Be aware that you are not allowed to sit or eat/drink on the steps since 2019, in order to protect the historic and artistic decorum of Rome’s city center. You will get warned by the police blowing on their whistles if you do it. The fine can get up to 400 euros.
Monument Victor Emmanuel II, aka Altare della Patria
The Victor Emmanuel II National Monument was built at the end of the 19th century to honor the first king of a unified Italy, Victor Emmanuel II. It’s also called Vittoriano or Altare della Patria.
Its architecture is impressive with a structure of 135 m (443 ft) wide, 130 m (427 ft) deep, and 70 m (230 ft) high. It’s a neoclassical interpretation of the Roman Forum with an agora on 3 levels, a big staircase and a portico with Corinthian columns.
You will find inside the Altar of the Fatherland (Altare della Patria) – an altar of the goddess Rome and the Tomb of the Italian Unknown Soldier.
Location: Altar of the Fatherland
My secret tip: My first tip is to come here early in the morning to avoid the tourist and the traffic in front of the monument. And I have a second tip for you if you want to have a privileged unobstructed view of the Altare della Patria! The hotel NH collection Roma Fori Imperiali has a rooftop bar offering an amazing view over the monument and the Fori Imperiali (a square dating from Roman times). I recommend you come here (the bar is named Oro Bistrot Roma) for a cocktail and a snack at sunset! I had the opportunity to stay there in 2020 and it was fantastic!
Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona is a beautiful oval square that will amaze you. I had this original shape because it was built on the site of the Stadium of Domitian from the 1st century AD. Piazza Navona features the stunning Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers) in the center (from 1651) topped by the Obelisk of Domitian, the Church of Sant’Agnese in Agone, the Pamphili Palace and two other fountains (the Fontana del Moro at the southern end, and the Fountain of Neptune at the northern end).
And to add to its beauty, it’s surrounded by charming traditional buildings with pastel and ochre colors and many restaurants and cafes. You can see that there are many reasons to classify Piazza Navona as one of the most instagrammable places in Rome!
Location: Piazza Navona
My secret tip: you will for sure have it less busy if you come here in the morning. But Piazza Navona is never overcrowded like the Pantheon or the Trevi Fountain. If you want to take a break and snap a photo at the same
Castel Sant’Angelo
Castel Sant’Angelo, which is officially the Mausoleum of Hadrian, was built on the right bank of the Tiber, between AD 134 and 139. It’s recognizable by its cylindrical architecture which was once the tallest building in Rome! Along the years it was used as a papal fortress and castle, and even a prison. But it’s now a museum.
The Sant’Angelo bridge leading to the castle is filled with statues on both sides and offers an amazing perspective to capture the building!
Location: Castel Sant’Angelo
My secret tip: you should come at sunrise or early morning to avoid anyone standing on the bridge as you are taking your photos. FYI the museum opens at 9am.
Ponte Umberto I
The bridge Ponte Umberto I is one of the best places to see the sunset in Rome! It was built at the end of the 19th century between the Palace of Justice and the area surrounding Piazza Navona.
The bridge itself has a beautiful architecture and it is perfectly located to watch the sun setting over the Tiber River. Of course this means it’s one of the best photo spots in Rome!
Location: Ponte Umberto I
My secret tip: you can take your photos from the bridge itself or go down the bridge. If the bridge can get very busy with photographers at sunset, the area below the bridge is rather quiet.
Piazza del Popolo
The square Piazza del Popolo is located on the northern side of Ancient Rome. It features a giant Egyptian Obelisk of Seti I and Ramesses II in the center. It was brought to Rome in 10 BC from Heliopolis, a major city in ancient Egypt. The 2 other iconic buildings of Piazza del Popolo are the twin baroque churches of Santa Maria dei Miracoli (built in 1681) and Santa Maria in Montesanto (built in 1679). You will also find a few fountains around the square.
The interesting perspective of the obelisk and the twin churches makes of Piazza del Popolo one of the most instagrammable places in Rome.
Location: Piazza del Popolo
My secret tip: like all of the other main squares in Rome, it’s less busy in the morning.
The Roman Forum
The Roman Forum, or Forum Romanum, used to be the center of Ancient Rome since 500 BC and the location of important ancient government buildings. People used to come here for commercial affairs and day-to-day shopping, but also public speeches, elections, criminal trials, or gladiator matches. It’s located between the Palatine and the Capitoline Hills, not far from the Colosseum.
Nowadays you can visit the Roman Forum and wander amongst the ruins and the architecture fragments of the many of the ancient city’s most impressive temples and monuments.
Some of the most important places you can see in the Roman Forum are the Temple of Saturn, the Senate House, the Temple of Vesta and the Vestal House, the Rostra, the Temple of Castor and Pollux or the Arch of Titus.
FYI You can buy a ticket to visit the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Palatine for €12.
Location: the Roman Forum
My secret tip: there is a good photo spot to capture the Roman Forum from above. If you go around the Palazzo Senatorio (Senatorial Palace) you will find staircases on the right side and a viewpoint on the left side of the building. Both offers some great views of the Roman Forum and the Tempio di Saturno. I recommend you come here at sunset! Here are some of the most instagrammable places in Rome that not many people know!
The Palatine Hill
The Palatine is one of the seven hills of Rome. Located in Ancient Rome, it offers a breathtaking view of the city and some of its main landmarks, the Roman Forum and the Colosseum. The legend says that Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome, once lived on a cave there!
You can admire some famous remains on the Palatine: Flavian Palace, the Stadium of Domitian, the House of Augustus and the House of Livia, and more.
Location: the Palatine Hill
My secret tip: I recommend you visit the Palatine at the end of the afternoon, and you enjoy the panorama of Rome from the hill at sunset! It’s truly spectacular!
Trastevere
Trastevere is one of the districts of Rome (the 13th rione). Located quite close to the historical center, on the other side of the Tiber River, it’s one of the most charming areas in Rome! Trastevere is full of bars and restaurants, and I highly recommend you eat here. Locals and tourists love to come dine here as you can enjoy the best of traditional Roman cuisine! Just wander in the narrow cobbled streets lined by traditional houses painted with ochre colors and covered with ivy! You will see how lovely it is around here!
Location: Trastevere (I gave you here the location of the Church Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere as it’s in the center of the area you should visit)
My secret tip: Trastevere is full of pretty corners so the best you can do is to get lost in the alleys! Here are 2 of my favorite photo spots in Trastevere: the restaurant Antica Osteria Rugantino and the restaurant Da Cencia.
The Vatican
The Vatican City State, more commonly known as the Vatican, is a sovereign city state and enclave located within the city of Rome. It’s the center of the Roman Catholic Church, ruled by the Pope. With its 49 hectares, it’s actually the smallest state in the world by both area and population (around 800/900 people).
The Vatican features a great quantity of historical and cultural treasures. For example, you can visit here St. Peter’s Basilica, a church from the 17th century with a stunning Renaissance architecture. It’s the largest church in the world! You can also admire the magnificent ceiling of the Sistine Chapel painted by Michelangelo in the 16th century.
Location: the Vatican City
My secret tip: St Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel are obviously very popular amongst the tourists. But the beauty of these places can also be captured despite the crowd. The square Piazza San Pietro in front of the Basilica is also very photogenic.
The Arch of Constantine
The Arch of Constantine is located between the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill. It dates back from 315 AD and is dedicated to the emperor Constantine the Great. This triumphal Arch is the largest in Rome with 21 m (69 ft) high, 25.9 m (85 ft) wide and 7.4 m (24 ft) deep.
Therefore, you will notice it and it’s one of the best places to capture in Rome.
Location: the Arch of Constantine
My secret tip: the light is nice here in the morning.
Piazza Sant’Ignazio
Piazza di Sant’Ignazio is a charming square located not far from the Pantheon in the historical center of Rome. Although it’s not very famous, it’s worth to be part of the most instagrammable places in Rome because of its beautiful architecture! The square is surrounded by ochre color rococo and baroque style buildings. It’s so pretty that it looks like a decor from a Disney movie!
Location: Piazza Sant’Ignazio
My secret tip: the square is not busy during the day as it’s not one of the touristy hot spots.
Where to stay in Rome
If you are looking for great places to stay in Rome, I have some great options for you! Having a good base is very important if you want to chase the most instagrammable places in Rome!
The last two times I visited Rome, I decided to stay in the historical center. Although it’s more expensive for the accommodation, it will allow you to visit most of the famous landmarks by foot. This will save you time and make your visit in Rome more pleasant. Of course, you can stay a bit further if you are on a budget. Keep in mind that traffic in Rome is very dense and you might waste quite some time in transportation if you take a taxi.
The two best places to stay in Rome that I will propose to you are with a view. You will love them!
Hotel NH Collection Roma Fori Imperiali (luxury)
The NH Collection Roma Fori Imperiali is a 5-star hotel is located right by the Imperial Forum and at just a few minutes’ walk from the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. I especially loved staying at this hotel because of the direct view on the Roman and Imperial Forum and the Vittoriano monument. It’s for sure one of the best photo spots in Rome! You can enjoy it from some of the rooms and from the Rooftop Cocktail Bar and restaurant Oro Bistrot Roma. Additionally, the staff was very welcoming and helpful. Also, I cannot recommend you the breakfast enough: I am still dreaming about their pistachio pancakes!
Book it here: NH Collection Roma Fori Imperiali (this is my affiliate link which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link. Thank you!)
AirBnb luxury apartment with Trevi Fountain View
This AirBnb is right above the side of the Trevi Fountain! It offers 2 rooms and a mezzanine, and it can accommodate up to 5 adults and 6 people with a kid. This apartment is pleasant and very central. My stay here was amazing! FYI the apartment is located on the 5th floor with no elevator. But the owners are very kind, and they helped us carry our heavy luggage in the stairs. They also helped us getting a taxi when we needed it.
Book it here: “Trevi Panorama Luxury with Amazing view!” on AirBnB
Where to eat in Rome
Here are some of my favorite places to eat in Rome! As a foodie, I am quite picky when it comes to food so you can be sure that these places are good!
Where to eat in the area of Ancient Rome
Typical Roman cuisine in Matricianella. This restaurant opened since 1957 offers a delicious cuisine and has a cellar full of good wines.
Homemade pasta in Osteria Da Fortunata. Here you can not only eat homemade pasta but also see how they make it!
Pizza at the Trevi Fountain: Pizza in Trevi. In case you are looking for a pizza when you are close to the Trevi Fountain, you can go there! I got there some pizza to go a few times as it was close by my AirBnb and it was great!
Pasta with a view: Napoletano’s Pantheon. Although the food is not exceptional, the view is worth getting a table at this restaurant. And the food is cheap: they have a formula at 12 euros with a bruschetta, a pasta dish, and a drink.
Best Brunch in Rome: Ginger, Sapori e Salute. If you are looking for a yummy brunch and or some healthy meals you should try it. It can by interesting in case you are bored of pizza and pasta 😉 . They have 2 locations in Rome: close to the Pantheon and close to Piazza di Spagna.
Where to eat sweets
Best Tiramisu in Rome: Two Sizes. If you are a Tiramisu lover, you will enjoy the different recipes prepared here: classic, pistachio, caramel, peanut butter, strawberry. It’s located close to Piazza Navona.
Gelateria near Trevi Fountain: Gelato Italiano. The gelati are good, and they make it with 2 biscuits on top so that they look like Mickey Mouse: super instagrammable!
Best gelateria in Rome: Giolitti. It’s an institution in Rome. You will probably have to queue to get a gelato here but it’s 100% worth it!
Good bakery not far from the Trevi Fountain: Deroma – Farine Romane. I took some sweets snacks to go for breakfast and it was delish! This place is also a restaurant so you can try to eat here from morning to evening!
For the desserts lovers: Pompi Tiramisu. Not only this place offers a great variety of tiramisu recipes, but they also have other desserts and gelato.
Where to eat in Trastevere
Here are some of my favorite places to eat in Rome! As a foodie, I am quite picky when it comes to food so you can be sure that these places are good!
Coming soon!
In Conclusion…
Rome is such an amazing city! As you can see there are countless of picturesque (and historical) places to admire! That’s the reason why I keep coming here over and over again 🙂 . After having read this list of the Most Instagrammable Places in Rome, which ones are you dying to see?
I did my best to provide tips to find and capture the best Instagram photo spots in Rome in this article. But if you have any question, please send me an email and share it in the comments section below! I am always happy to help you!
If you are planning to visit Italy, you should not see Rome only! Here is some inspiration for you:
Save it for later on Pinterest!
About Me
Hello! I am Ophélie, an avid traveller, photographer and foodista. I am French and I live in Paris.
This blog, will give you all my secrets: my best addresses (sightseeing and food) all around the world and in Paris, and my travel and lifestyle tips!
Anushka
Posted at 14:46h, 28 SeptemberBeautiful article… i want to go back to Rome now 😁
Limitlesssecrets
Posted at 23:48h, 05 OctoberThank you Anushka! I hope you can go back there soon!
Talia
Posted at 17:21h, 28 SeptemberOmg these are such amazing spots! I would love to visit Rome again and create content there!
Limitlesssecrets
Posted at 23:49h, 05 OctoberWe have to visit so many cities again since we are photographers and content creators right?! Rome is waiting for you Talia!
Charu Goyal
Posted at 22:46h, 05 OctoberAll of these spots look beautiful and perfect for photos! I would love to go to Rome again and visit these.
Limitlesssecrets
Posted at 23:50h, 05 OctoberRome is so photogenic and historical Charu! The kind of places we love to visit again and again!
Amy
Posted at 16:34h, 20 OctoberThese places are all so beautiful, its making me want to go back to Rome!
Limitlesssecrets
Posted at 16:42h, 31 OctoberI am glad it’s motivating you to go back to the Eternal City Amy! There is always a good excuse 😉
Yohana Marcela Gonzalez
Posted at 16:36h, 17 JanuaryWhat a complete and detailed article about all these wonderful spots in Rome!! Thank you very much for sharing it 🙂
Limitlesssecrets
Posted at 21:35h, 20 JanuaryI’m glad you appreciated the article Yohana Marcela! Do not hesitate if you have any questions!
Pingback:33 most famous landmarks in Italy – travel drafts
Posted at 01:34h, 21 March[…] Located on Piazza Venezia near the Capitoline Hill in Rome, you cannot miss its impressive structure of 135 m (443 ft) wide, 130 m (427 ft) deep, and 70 m (230 ft) high! The architecture of Altare Della Patria is a neoclassical interpretation of the Roman Forum. It offers an agora on three levels, a big staircase, and a portico with Corinthian columns. At the top in the center, you will find an equestrian sculpture of Victor Emmanuel. Its spectacular proportions and style are so stunning that it’s one of the best photo spots in Rome! […]
Gabriela
Posted at 15:58h, 07 AprilThank you for the tips and for such a complete content! ❤️
Limitlesssecrets
Posted at 14:26h, 09 AprilI’m so glad you find it useful for your next trip to Rome Gabriela!