35+ Epic Photo Spots in Rome: Instagrammable Places You Can’t Miss

It’s hard to imagine a more photogenic place than the Eternal City.

There are neverending numbers of pretty piazzas, narrow streets, churches, palaces, and neighborhoods that combine to create endlessly instagrammable places in Rome… and that’s before you even start to catalog the many ways to photograph iconic monuments like the Colosseum.

Planning a trip to Rome and want to make sure you find all the most Instagrammable spots?

Here’s where to head if you’re hoping to take some beautiful pictures in Rome.

The Most Instagrammable Spots in Rome

Colosseum

How could a guide to the most instagrammable places in Rome start with anything but the Colosseum?

A true icon of Rome, the Colosseum deserves to be photographed from all angles–here are a few of our favorites.

From the Wall

As you exit the Colosseo metro stop, turn left and then climb the steps that will be on your left as you stroll along the north side of the Colosseum (but the steps are on the opposite side of the street, of course).

This is where you’ll find that perfect perch to take endless photos with the Colosseum’s exterior!

(Though note that due to construction in front of the Colosseum, the directions up from the metro stop may change–things have been shuffling around for years now! Worse comes to worse, head to the far edge of the Colosseum and double back, serpentine style, to climb the hill.)

From the Forum

When you’ve already entered the Roman Forum, turn and head back toward the Colosseum, all the way past the Temple of Venus and Roma.

You’ll be greeted with a picture-perfect view of the Colosseum, with far fewer crowds than if you tried to take this photo from the same angle outside the forum.

Interior

Honestly, the interior of the Colosseum isn’t quite as photogenic as the exterior–but you can still get some beautiful shots inside if you’re willing to be patient!

If you’d like to get some photos of Arch of Constantine, you can get some lovely ones looking down at it from inside the Colosseum as well.

Roman Forum

Located right next door to the Colosseum, the Roman Forum is full of Instagrammable spots.

Our favorite place to snap photos, though, is the terrace on Palatine Hill that overlooks the Forum.

Piazza Campidoglio

Designed by Michelangelo, this piazza is one of the prettiest in Rome!

For one of the lesser-known views of Rome, though, you’ll want to continue back behind it: head to the left of the yellow building with the clock tower as you face it, and keep going.

You’ll quickly find yourself overlooking the Roman Forum from the top of Campidoglio Hill.

St. Peter’s Basilica and Piazza

St. Peter’s Square (not to mention the basilica itself) is an absolutely iconic photo spot, and absolutely deserves to be counted among the most instagrammable places in Rome.

Here’s where to find a few of our favorite angles!

The Piazza

Trying to get a photo of the piazza from the ground level, basilica, fountain, and all, is a little tricky given the severe crowds, but it’s gorgeous if you do.

This is definitely a spot worth waking up early for if you want a photo alone here, but it is beautiful!

If you really want a photo from the piazza facing St. Peter’s Basilica, try going late in the afternoon or evening on a Tuesday–if the pope is giving his weekly address the following day, part of the piazza will be blocked off in preparation, making photos a bit easier.

The Basilica’s Interior

The interior of St. Peter’s Basilica is gilded and unforgettable–and it makes for absolutely stunning photos.

There’s no getting around the crowds, but you can get beautiful close-up photos of the details!

From the Dome

If you want to get the ultimate Instagram photo of St. Peter’s Square, you need to climb (and leave your claustrophobia on the ground–this climb isn’t for those who don’t like tight spaces).

Ascending to the top of St. Peter’s Basilica is where you find this iconic photo of the piazza, which is arguably one of the most famous photo spots in Rome!

Castel Sant’Angelo

The Castel Sant’Angelo has a distinct look to it–it’s not everyone’s style, to be honest–but this mausoleum-turned-icon is definitely one of the most well-known photo spots in Rome.

Here are a few of the best angles to get great photos of it!

Ponte Sant’Angelo

Ponte Sant’Angelo is lined with large, beautiful statues of angels and dead-ends right into Castel Sant’Angelo.

If you want the popular shot of you standing on Ponte Sant’Angelo in front of Castel Sant’Angelo with no other people around, definitely show up very early to take some memorable photos in Rome!

Banks of the Tiber

If you climb down to the banks of the Tiber (you can find steps down next to either the Ponte Sant’Angelo or Ponte Umberto), you can catch a classic view of the Castel Sant’Angelo–just please, for goodness sake, do not sit down on those banks.

They are disgusting and smell like urine, and I cringe every time I see someone on social media sitting down there!

Ponte Umberto

From Ponte Umberto, you can snap beautiful photos that show the Castel Sant’Angelo, Ponte Sant’Angelo, and the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica together in one shot!

Piazza della Rotonda

Home to the Pantheon, Piazza della Rotonda definitely belongs on any list of the most instagrammable places in Rome!

Be sure to get shots of both the front of the Pantheon alone and of the Pantheon with the beautiful Fontana del Pantheon in front of it!

Orange Garden

Rome’s Orange Garden is stunning, and from here you can get great Instagram photos of both the Roman skyline and of the garden itself, which is incredibly photogenic.

Campo de’ Fiori

Home to one of the most popular outdoor markets in Rome, this is the perfect place to get those Rome Instagram shots of beautiful fruits, vegetables, flowers, olives, wines, and more.

The market is a bit touristy, yes, but that’s part of what makes it so photogenic–the vendors definitely play into the many visitors’ love of taking photos of Rome’s food!

Cafe del Cinque (Trastevere)

Rome may be covered with adorable bars, but Cafe del Cinque in Trastevere may just be one of the most photogenic of them all!

When you’re busy meandering through Trastevere, pause for a coffee break in the morning or an aperitivo in the evening!

(Curious about referring to a coffee shop as a bar? Here’s our guide to Italian coffee culture!).

Palazzo Doria Pamphilj

Surprisingly empty considering its location just a 15-minute walk away from the Colosseum, the Galleria Doria Pamphilj enclosed within this palace is easily among the most instagrammable places in Rome, and yet it still remains delightfully under the radar.

Piazza Navona

Popular Piazza Navona is dominated by three gorgeous fountains and lined with colorful buildings that have boxes of flowers spilling out of their windows, and is one of the most classic photo spots in Rome.

Definitely arrive early (or in the off-season) if you want to take Instagram photos with one of the fountains by yourself!

Trevi Fountain

No list of instagrammable spots in Rome could be complete without mentioning the Trevi Fountain!

Stunningly gorgeous and nearly constantly crowded, snapping photos here is as challenging as it is rewarding.

If you want photos of you frolicking alone with the Trevi Fountain, definitely show up around dawn.

Otherwise, if you squeeze your way to the front to toss in a coin, it is sometimes possible to get great close-up photos of the fountain.

Spanish Steps

The Spanish Steps are beautiful from all angles–here are three of the best spots to get great photos of them!

Piazza di Spagna

Standing in Piazza di Spagna, you can easily get the classic shot of the Spanish Steps looking up.

Keats-Shelley Memorial House

Want to get a fabulous Instagram photo of the Spanish Steps from an angle that you haven’t seen 1000 times?

The windows in the library at the Keats-Shelley Memorial House boast an incredible and unique view of the steps (and the windows in Keats’ bedroom have a fabulous view overlooking Piazza di Spagna).

Piazza Trinità dei Monti

Located at the top of the Spanish Steps, you can capture beautiful photos here looking down at the steps–or out at the Roman skyline.

Pincio Terrace

There is no better spot to capture fabulous Instagram photos of the Piazza del Popolo than from the lovely Pincio Terrace!

And, once you’re up there, you’re well-positioned for a stroll through Villa Borghese and perhaps a visit to Galleria Borghese (whose interior is beautiful enough to be considered one of the best Rome photo spots in its own right… and that’s even before considering the artwork it holds).

Altare della Patria

The Altare della Patria dominates the landscape of Piazza Venezia, and while the Piazza itself isn’t among the most instagrammable spots in Rome (too many cars!), the enormous monument sure is.

The view from the top of the Altare della Patria, which includes the Colosseum and Roman Forum on one side and a view that includes the top of the Pantheon and Piazza Venezia on the other, is even more magnificent than the monument itself.

This is one of my personal favorite photography locations in Rome, and as a bonus, it’s generally not very crowded!

Janiculum Hill

Want to grab sunset shots over Rome’s wide cityscape?

The summit of Janiculum Hill is the place for you (and getting there is a great excuse to get a good walk in after indulging in a delicious meal in Trastevere).

Aventine Keyhole

Peer through the tiny Aventine Keyhole (and yes, it is a literal keyhole!), and you’ll come face-to-face with an incredible sight: the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, perfectly framed by hedges.

It’s definitely a photo op unique to Rome!

Villa Farnesina

Want to visit incredibly beautiful frescoes by Raphael and photograph them without the severe crowds that plague the Vatican Museums?

Villa Farnesina is only a short walk away from the museums, nearly deserted by comparison, and is home to stunning frescoes by Raphael that are flooded with natural light.

What could be more photogenic than that?

Largo di Torre Argentina

Is there anything more instagrammable than a cat?

… How about a cat sleeping among Ancient Roman ruins?

This set of ruins is home to two memorable things that are wildly different from each other: the spot where Julius Caesar was assassinated, and a cat sanctuary.

The ruins are open-air, laid out in the center of the square, and are made up of the remains of various temples as well as part of Pompey’s Curia (the Roman Senate) where Julius Caesar was stabbed nearly 2,000 years ago.

Galleria Sciarra

Located only a few minutes from the Trevi Fountain and free to visit, this stunning Art Deco courtyard definitely belongs on any list of the most Instagrammable places in Rome.

And, with the exception of a few commuters, odds are high that you’ll be practically alone when photographing the Galleria Sciarra!

Teatro Marcello

Less famous–and therefore less crowded–than the Colosseum, Teatro Marcello is the perfect place to snap beautiful Instagram-worthy photos of Ancient Roman ruins without having to battle (as many) crowds as in more popular spots).

Unfortunately, you can’t access the interior, but the exterior is what most visitors are after anyway!

Piazza di Pietra

With columns belonging to the Temple of Hadrian lining one side of the street and colorful buildings housing adorable cafes on the other, it’s hard to imagine a spot that is better to capture the blend of ancient and modern Rome than Piazza di Pietra.

This is one of our favorite piazzas in Rome and an excellent place to relax for a moment or two.

Mouth of Truth

Made famous by Audrey Hepburn visiting in Roman Holiday, posing with the Mouth of Truth is definitely a very touristy thing to do in Rome–but for fans of the movie, it’s also a quite photogenic one!

Bramante Staircase

This is the famous double-helix staircase in the Vatican Museums, and it is definitely photogenic!

Just be aware that you only happen across this staircase as you’re leaving the museums, so you won’t see it until the end of your visit.

Also, though it isn’t directly related, since we’re talking about the Vatican Museums, I’ll go ahead and mention that photography is forbidden in the Sistine Chapel, so Michelangelo’s masterpiece isn’t going to end up as one of your Instagram photos from Rome!

Palazzo Spada

Home to a small-but-beautiful art gallery, Palazzo Spada is a stunning (and quiet) corner of Rome–but it makes this list of the best photo spots in Rome because of its phenomenal optical illusion located in the courtyard.

Constructed by Borromini, you can snap photos of this corridor that make the statue at the end look impressively life-sized… but the statue is a mere 35 inches tall!

Via Margutta

Located very close to the Spanish Steps, gorgeous Via Margutta feels like taking a stroll through Trastevere… but without crossing the river.

This quiet street is lined with art galleries, design shops, a few trendy restaurants, and a few places to stay (we loved our stay at BDB Rooms Margutta!), and wandering down its cobblestones is an absolute delight.

Neighborhoods Perfect for Photos in Rome

Centro Storico

Much like Trastevere, the winding cobblestone streets of Centro Storico (and I’m using that definition a bit broadly here) are covered in hidden and not-so-hidden photographic gems.

A couple of spots to keep an eye out for in addition to Via Margutta that I mentioned above include Via dei Coronari and the tiny-but-lovely Via di San Simone, where I snapped this photo in Rome:

Trastevere

All winding cobblestone streets and colorful buildings accented with beautiful shutters, popular Trastevere is easily among the most instagrammable spots in Rome.

The delight of taking photos here is partially in wandering around to find small alleys and hidden corners that are incredibly beautiful, but here are a couple of hints: head over to Via della Lungaretta and Vicolo della Torre for guaranteed Instagram-worthy shots.

Monti

Tucked behind the Colosseum and often overlooked in favor of more popular neighborhoods like Trastevere, Monti absolutely deserves to be ranked among the most instagrammable spots in Rome.

Popular with students and packed with tasty restaurants, narrow streets, and instagram-worthy boutiques, definitely add a wander through Monti to your list of photogenic spots in Rome.

The lovely Via de Ciancaleoni is a great starting place!

Quartiere Coppedè

Rome’s most whimsical neighborhood is home to over-the-top fantastical architecture and features unforgettable details like a chandelier that hangs over a road and a fountain dotted with sculptures of frogs.

What could be more Instagrammable than a dash (or six) of whimsy?

Here’s what to know about visiting Quartiere Coppedè.

Tips for Taking Pictures in Rome

The earlier you get there, the better.

There’s no getting around it: many of the most instagrammable places in Rome are incredibly popular, and therefore incredibly crowded.

Show up early–and by early I mean dawn–to have the best chance to photograph these places without the crowds.

If you’re very dedicated to photography and don’t mind bundling up a bit, you can also avoid the worst of the crowds by visiting Rome in the off-season (by which I mean late November through February).

Gelato can improve just about any photo during summer in Rome.

Want to add a splash of color to one of your Rome instagram shots?

Gelato always does the trick!

We took this picture on a summer trip to Venice, but the same general principle applies in Rome:

Use bikes & cars to your advantage.

Bikes, vespas, and cars will often be parked on Rome’s narrow and most photogenic streets.

Try to work with them if you can–I’m consistently surprised by what they can add to a shot.

Graffiti is an unfortunate reality of photographing Rome.

Angles and choosing the right photo locations can help, but Rome definitely has more than its fair share of graffiti, so be prepared to work around it when grabbing Instagram photos in Rome.

You’ll see it everywhere, but it’s particularly prevalent in the Instagram-darling neighborhood of Trastevere.

Please, please, please be respectful.

I can’t state this enough. Rome is an ancient, enduring, and ridiculously photogenic city–but it’s also a modern and functioning one, where nearly 3 million people go about their daily lives.

In a world of Instagram, inexpensive DSLR and mirrorless cameras, and excellent cameras on smartphones, it’s no surprise that constant photo taking can become a bit of a contentious topic. Everywhere you go, it seems that more people are taking more photos than ever before.

Be respectful of that when photographing Instagrammable spots in Rome–don’t climb on buildings, monuments, or vehicles (just why?), don’t photograph people who don’t want to be photographed, and generally act with manners.

That goes for your fellow visitors and photographers, too–be polite, and don’t hog spots if you see other people waiting.

In other words, just be a reasonable person. It’s not that hard, and we’ll all be better off for it.

Read More About Visiting Rome (and Italy)

Heading to Rome soon and eager to keep planning?

You can browse all of our 100+ Italy blog posts here, or check out these guides:

• One Day in Rome: How to Conquer Rome in a Day
• Is a Colosseum Night Tour Worth the Splurge? (+ Tips!)
• Summer in Italy: How to Plan Your Sun-Soaked Dream Trip!
• How to Take a Day Trip to Florence from Rome
• Planning a Trip to Italy: Your Easy 11-Step Checklist