ByKriszti Last updated: Rome, Italy

15 Best Rome Instagram Spots for Stunning Photos

Rome is incredibly photogenic, but not in a polished, picture-perfect kind of way. It’s the mix of ancient buildings, narrow streets, faded facades, and everyday chaos that makes it such a great city to photograph.

With so many spots to choose from, it can be hard to know where to focus, especially if you’re short on time. To help you out, I’ve put together a list of the best Rome Instagram spots that are guaranteed to give you stunning photos.

If you are planning a trip to the Eternal City, then you might also want to check out my guide on how to spend 3 days in Rome. And if you’re not sure what to write under your Rome photos, make sure to have a look at these amazing Rome captions for Instagram!

Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link.

Quick Travel Planning Tips for Rome

🏨 Where to Stay: I recommend staying in Rome’s historic center, Trastevere, or Monti, for easy sightseeing and a great local atmosphere. Check availability at H10 Palazzo Galla or Hotel Damaso for an affordable, central stay with great views over the city.

🏛️ Tickets to Book in Advance: Book skip-the-line tickets for the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums, and reserve entry to the Borghese Gallery in advance, as all three can sell out.

⭐ Best Tours: Join a street food tour to try local favorites around the city, or book a pasta and tiramisu cooking class with wine for a hands-on experience.

🎟 Save Money on Tickets: If you plan to visit lots of attractions, the Omnia Vatican and Rome Pass can help you save money with bundled entry and public transport.

📱 Stay Connected: Use an eSIM from Airalo to stay online in Rome for maps, transport, and bookings without swapping SIM cards.

No time to read now?

Pin it for later!

Map of the Most Instagrammable Places in Rome

To make planning easier, I’ve put together a custom map with all the Rome Instagram spots featured in this guide. Every location is marked with its exact spot, so you can quickly see what’s close together and plan your route without bouncing all over the city.

How to use this map: This map is fully interactive, so you can move around, zoom in/zoom out, and click on the icons. If you want to see a larger map, click on the bracket in the upper right corner. To see more details and the different layers, click on the tab in the upper left corner. If you want to save it for later, click on the star icon next to the name of the map. Then simply open Google Maps either on your desktop or phone, go to ‘Saved’/’Maps’, and open the map whenever you need it.

Best Rome Instagram Spots for Stunning Photos

1. Trevi Fountain

As one of the most iconic landmarks in the city, the Trevi Fountain is definitely one of the best Instagram spots in Rome.

However, brace yourself because it’s also one of the hardest places to take photos due to the large crowds! The fountain is almost always crowded, so it’s not easy to get a shot without millions of other tourists in it.

The last time we visited Rome during the summer, we wanted to shoot there at 7 am, and guess what, the place was already full! We went back the next day at 6 am to be able to take a few photos, and the crowd was a bit more manageable, but it was still challenging.

Long story short, wake up super early if you want to take pictures at the Trevi Fountain! You’ll also need quite a bit of patience, but the good news is that there are many amazing angles to choose from, so you can get creative and find a spot that’s not as crowded.

One thing to keep in mind is that the outer area around the fountain is now separated by barriers. From February, there’s a small fee if you want to step inside this area and get closer, but you can still take photos for free from outside the perimeter.

Location on Google Maps: Trevi Fountain

  • A woman in a flowing burgundy skirt poses in front of the Trevi Fountain, with its cascading water and grand architecture shining in the morning light.
  • A woman in a burgundy skirt and a wide-brimmed hat sits by the edge of the Trevi Fountain in Rome.

2. Spanish Steps

We can probably thank Audrey Hepburn for turning the Spanish Steps into one of Rome’s most recognizable photo spots. Iconic scenes from Roman Holiday were filmed here, and that cinematic connection is a big part of why this staircase is still so popular today.

The only thing to note is that it is no longer possible to sit on the stairs, and in fact, you might get fined if you do so. Therefore, you’ll need to capture your pictures while in motion or simply standing on the stairs.

The 138 steps connect Piazza di Spagna with Trinità dei Monti, and there are plenty of angles to play with if you’re happy to get a little creative.

The best time to take photos is early in the morning if you want to avoid the crowds, as it gets super busy later.

Location on Google Maps: Spanish Steps

  • A woman in a burgundy skirt poses by the fountain at the Spanish Steps in Rome, with the Trinità dei Monti Church in the background. This is one of the top Instagram spots in Rome and a must-visit for anyone searching for Instagrammable places or photo spots in the city.
  • A woman in a yellow skirt twirls on the Spanish Steps in Rome, with the Trinità dei Monti Church above. Known for its elegance, this location is one of the most Instagrammable places in Rome and a favorite photo spot for travelers.

3. Colosseum

Even in ruins, the Colosseum is one of the most dramatic landmarks in the city and easily one of the most dramatic Rome Instagram spots.

While you can go inside the Colosseum, all of my favorite photo spots are actually outside the structure, so entering the arena is completely optional if your main goal is photography.

If you want to go inside, you can either buy a combo ticket that includes access to the Forum Romanum & Palatine Hill or join a guided tour.

Honestly, every side of the Colosseum is photogenic, but during my time in Rome, I found a few angles that work especially well.

One of my favorite spots is on the northern side of the Colosseum, right next to the Colosseo metro station. There’s a stairway leading down to the street, and the short walls nearby make it easy to frame the Colosseum without too many people in the shot.

Another great angle is on the western side, facing the main entrance, along Via dei Verbiti. This is probably the hardest place to shoot because it gets crowded quickly, so it’s worth starting your morning there.

The eastern side of the Colosseum is usually the quietest. There’s another set of stairs here, and it’s a good place to grab photos, either from the steps or just beside them.

Location on Google Maps: Viewpoint 1, the walls near Colosseo Metro; Viewpoint 2, the main entrance; Viewpoint 3, the rear of the Colosseum.

  • A woman in a flowing yellow dress walks toward the Colosseum in Rome, framed against a pastel morning sky.
  • A woman in a flowing white dress stands near the Colosseum in Rome during twilight. The iconic amphitheater is softly lit, with its arches glowing against the fading light of the evening sky.

4. Arch of Constantine 

Right next to the Colosseum, you’ll find the Arch of Constantine, one of the most impressive triumphal arches in Rome. It’s free to see and makes a great photo spot, especially if you like architectural details.

Because of its location, you can often frame the arch with the Colosseum in the background, which works really well for photos. That said, this depends a lot on what’s going on around the site. When I visited, part of the area was under construction, which made it harder to line everything up.

If the space is clear during your visit, it’s definitely worth taking a few extra minutes here. If not, it’s still a nice, quick stop while you’re already in the area.

Location on Google Maps: Arch of Constantine

5. Forum Romanum

The Forum Romanum is another must-visit spot in Rome and it’s a great place to capture some unique shots. This beautiful site was once the center of political, religious, and commercial activities in ancient Rome, so there’s plenty of historic charm to photograph.

My favorite spot for Instagram photos here is from the balcony at Palatine Hill, which offers an amazing view of the ruins below. You can also take close-up shots of the columns and arches as you wander through the area.

What’s even better is that you can find several viewpoints overlooking the Colosseum from the Forum Romanum, so you can get some more photos of the landmark from unique angles.

If you’re looking for a free viewpoint, head to Punto panoramico del Foro Romano, which is situated on the western side of the site and provides a breathtaking panorama.

Location on Google Maps: Forum Romanum, Punto panoramico del foro romano

  • Girl in jeans and a pink shirt at the Forum Romanum in Rome, Italy overlooking the Colosseum
  • Girl in blue dress sitting at Punto Panoramico del Foro Romano, Italy

6. Castel Sant’ Angelo

This towering castle is one of the Instagrammable places in Rome that is located on the opposite side of the Tiber River, just a short walk from the Vatican. Built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, it has also served as a fortress and papal residence.

I think the best place to capture the castle is from St. Angelo Bridge, which is located right in front of it and offers a great view. You can either shoot from the bridge itself or from the other bank of the river, which offers a wider perspective.

You can also go inside Castel Sant’Angelo if you have time. To be honest, the interior is not that interesting. However, the view from the top is more than worth the entrance fee! You can see all of Rome from above, including St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican.

Location on Google Maps: Castel Sant’ Angelo

  • Girl in blue dress in front of Castel Sant' Angelo, Rome
  • Girl in red floral dress with Castel Sant' Angelo in the background in Rome

7. St. Peter’s Basilica

In addition to hosting the largest amphitheater on the planet, Rome is also the home of the largest basilica. Well, to be completely fair, the Vatican City is, but many people refer to St. Peter’s Basilica as the largest basilica in Rome.

The interior of the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica was painted by Michelangelo and is a treat to see with your own eyes. Best of all, the entrance is free!

You can choose to visit the top of the dome for a panoramic view, which I would 100% recommend doing! The view from the top is just insane. You can either visit on your own by walking up the stairs or using the elevator, or you can also opt for a guided tour with a Dome climb.

That being said, just standing in St. Peter’s Square right in front of the basilica offers one of the best photo spots in Rome.

Location on Google Maps: St. Peter’s Basilica

  • Girl in red floral dress in front of St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City
  • Inside of the St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City
View from the top of the dome

8. Pantheon

The Pantheon is another iconic landmark in Rome that dates back to the 2nd century AD. It’s known for its perfectly preserved dome and the oculus, an opening at the top of the dome that serves as a source of light.

The best place to shoot is right outside the main entrance in the square so that you can get the whole exterior in the frame. If you want to take pictures inside, make sure to have a wide-angle lens with you! You can book your tickets here.

Location on Google Maps: Pantheon

9. Altare della Patria

Also known as the Wedding Cake Building, this massive white building is hard to miss in Rome’s city center. It was built to honor Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of unified Italy.

The building looks beautiful from the outside, but since it’s located in a busy area, you have to be aware of the traffic and people walking by. I would recommend going there early in the morning for a clear shot.

You can go inside the building and walk up the steps to the first viewpoint for free. There is also an observation deck at the top of the building, and if you’re looking for the best views of Rome, you definitely can’t miss it!

You have to pay a separate fee for the elevator, but I think it’s worth it, as you can get a 360-degree view of the city and capture some amazing panoramic shots.

Location on Google Maps: Altare della Patria

  • A woman in a burgundy skirt and a hat walks in front of Altare della Patria in Rome. The grand white monument and Italian flags stand out under a clear blue sky.
  • A gorgeous view of Rome’s rooftops from Altare della Patria, with St. Peter’s Basilica standing tall in the background. The warm terracotta buildings, pops of green trees, and a clear blue sky give it that classic Roman vibe. A seagull flying by adds a little extra charm to the scene.

10. Ponte Umberto I

Ponte Umberto I is one of the many bridges that connect the banks of the Tiber, but this 19th-century structure is easily one of the most impressive. It was designed by the architect Angelo Vescovali in honor of Umberto I of Italy.

As it connects the Centro Storico and Prati neighborhoods, it is one of the Rome Instagram spots you are most likely to visit as part of your Rome itinerary at some point anyway. You can stand on the right bank and shoot with St. Peter’s Basilica looming in the background.

Although it’s quite challenging to shoot a picture of yourself on the bridge, you can take the stairs down to the banks of the river, which is perfect for shooting. 

Usually, this spot is not at all crowded, and if you have a bigger zoom lens, you can create a unique view with St. Peter’s Basilica in the background!

Location on Google Maps: Ponte Umberto I

  • A woman in a floral dress and a straw hat sits by the Tiber River at sunset, gazing at St. Peter’s Basilica in the distance. The golden hues of the sky and water create a warm, tranquil ambiance, highlighting the iconic Roman skyline.
  • Beautiful view of Ponte Sant'Angelo and St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, reflected in the calm waters of the Tiber River under a clear blue sky. The historic bridge’s arches and intricate statues add depth to the scene, framed by lush greenery and the grandeur of the Basilica’s dome.

11. Campidoglio

Campidoglio is a beautiful public square atop the Capitoline Hill, located between the neighborhoods of Centro Storico and Monti. It was designed by Michelangelo and features a grand staircase leading up to the square.

If you’re feeling creative and you’re visiting during the summer months, you can experiment with framing your shots with the flowers around the square!

Also, the Forum Romanum viewpoint I mentioned above is just around the corner, so it’s worth visiting both spots at the same time.

Location on Google Maps: Campidoglio

12. Terrazza del Pincio

Terrazza del Pincio is one of my favorite Rome Instagram spots for sunset. The elevated terrace forms the entrance to the city’s largest public park, Villa Borghese, and looks out over Piazza del Popolo towards St. Peter’s Basilica at Vatican City.

It’s a little further afield than the other places on this list, but it’s totally worth the journey! If you have a telephoto lens, you can create an amazing effect by bringing St. Peter’s Basilica closer in your photos.

Location on Google Maps: Terrazza del Pincio

  • A woman in a white off-shoulder top and a flowing yellow skirt sits on a stone balustrade at Terrazza del Pincio, gazing toward St. Peter’s Basilica in the distance. The iconic dome and surrounding Roman architecture dominate the backdrop under a clear blue sky, with the woman shielding her eyes from the sunlight.
  • An elevated view of Piazza del Popolo in Rome at sunset, with the Egyptian obelisk standing prominently at the center of the square. The scene captures the vibrant orange sky, historic buildings, and distant silhouette of St. Peter’s Basilica, surrounded by lush greenery and scattered groups of people enjoying the open space.

13. Trastevere

Trastevere isn’t a single attraction but an entire neighborhood, and it’s also one of the best areas to stay in Rome. It’s located on the left bank of the river and connects to Centro Storico via the Ponte Garibaldi.

This is one of the best Instagram spots in Rome for street photography, and you can easily spend a couple of hours exploring the alleys on foot while capturing the terracotta-hued buildings, cute cafes, and billowing laundry.

Although Trastevere looks like a huge neighborhood based on the map, it’s actually not that big, and you can easily cover it by walking around. If you’re looking for the prettiest streets, check out the streets around the Basilica of Our Lady in Trastevere!

Location on Google Maps: Trastevere

  • A woman in a flowing white dress and a straw hat walks along a charming cobblestone street in Trastevere, Rome. Brightly colored buildings with lush greenery and blooming flowers line the pathway, creating a vibrant and picturesque scene, with soft sunlight filtering through overhanging trees.
  • A woman in a white dress and a straw hat strolls through a picturesque cobblestone street in Trastevere, Rome, Italy. The street is lined with ivy-covered buildings, a cozy outdoor restaurant, and dappled sunlight filtering through the greenery.

14. Giardino degli Aranci

Giardino degli Aranci, or the Orange Garden, is a small park located on top of Aventine Hill. It’s named after the orange trees that fill the garden, and it offers one of the most stunning views in Rome.

If you’re looking for the best free Instagrammable spots in Rome that have epic views, Giardino degli Aranci is definitely a must-visit. You can basically see all the famous monuments of Rome from here, including the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Location on Google Maps: Giardino degli Aranci

  • Giardino degli Aranci in Rome, Italy
  • A woman in a white flowy dress and a straw hat sits on a brick ledge, overlooking the panoramic view of Rome from Giardino degli Aranci. The scene includes historic landmarks such as the Altar of the Fatherland and other iconic Roman architecture, with vibrant green trees in the foreground and a clear, sunny sky above.

15. Via dei Coronari

The final stop on my list of the best photo spots in Rome is this picturesque street that connects Piazza dei Coronari and Piazza di Tor Sanguigna in Centro Storico.

The street gets its name from the rosaries that were once sold here to pilgrims on their way to Vatican City. Today, it’s known for its pastel colored buildings, small details, and plants that spill out onto the street.

It actually looks a lot like Trastevere, and funnily enough, one of the photo spots most people associate with Trastevere is located right here instead! If you’re after that classic, charming Rome street look without the crowds, Via dei Coronari is a great place to check out.

Location on Google Maps: Via dei Coronari

  • Girl in blue dress on Via dei Coronari, Rome, Italy
  • Via dei Coronari, Rome, Italy
Posted In: Rome, Italy

You’ll Also Love

2 Comments

  1. This article is really well done! I love all the tips for what to climb and best way to get there. Thanks!

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *