15 Best Rome Instagram Spots for Stunning Photos

Rome is one of the most photogenic cities in Europe and it feels like every single street is picture-perfect. The architecture, the cobblestone streets, and the vibrant colors make it a dream destination for Instagrammers!

But with so many gorgeous spots to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to take your next perfect shot. 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.*

Rome Instagram Spots – Quick Tips

If you’re planning to visit multiple attractions, you can save a lot of money using the OMNIA Vatican Card and Roma Pass combo!

Map of the Most Instagrammable Places in Rome

I made a custom map for you that contains all the best Rome Instagram spots with their exact locations.

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.

The 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.

Location on Google Maps: Trevi Fountain

Best time to go: As one of the most beautiful landmarks in Rome, prepare for the fact that the fountain gets very crowded. For that reason, I urge you to go as early in the morning as you possibly can!

Cost: Free but you might want to toss a coin into the fountain to make a wish. 

2. Spanish Steps

Maybe we can thank Audrey Hepburn for establishing the Spanish Steps, one of the classic Instagrammable spots in Rome! Iconic scenes from the movie, Roman Holiday, which propelled her into stardom were filmed here and that feels like a pretty good omen for content creation. 

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.

Fortunately, the 138 steps that run from the Piazza di Spagna up to the Trinità dei Monti church offer lots of creativity for movement shots.

Location on Google Maps: Spanish Steps

Best time to go: Early morning if you want to avoid the crowds as it gets super busy later.

Cost: Free. 

3. Colosseum 

Although it now stands in ruin, the largest amphitheater in the world is undeniably powerful and easily claims its place as one of the most dramatic Rome Instagram spots. While you can enter the arena, my recommended places to shoot from are all outside the walls of the Colosseum so going inside is optional.

To be honest, every side of the Colosseum is super photogenic so you really can’t take a bad photo there. However, during my 3 days in Rome, I found 3 particular spots that are perfect for Instagram photos.

The first one is located right next to the Colosseo metro station, on the northern side of the Colosseum (photo nr. 1 below). There is a stairway going down to the streets and the short walls next to the stairs are easy to climb up on.

The next best spot is facing the entrance on the western side of the Colosseum, located on Via dei Verbiti (photo nr. 2 below). This is probably the hardest place to shoot because it gets crowded quickly, so it’s worth starting your morning there.

The last one is probably the least popular one, the eastern side of the Colosseum (photo nr. 3 below). You can find another stairway there and it’s quite easy to snap a few photos either on the stairs or right next to it.

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

Best time to go: Early in the morning or right after sunset.

Cost: Taking photos of the exterior is free. If you want to go inside, you can either buy a ticket that includes access to the Forum Romanum & Palatine Hill for €18, or join a guided tour.

4. Arch of Constantine 

Right next to the Colosseum, you’ll find another impressive landmark – the Arch of Constantine. It’s free to visit and it makes for a great photo backdrop with its intricate details and stunning architecture.

As it is located right next to the Colosseum, you can also take pictures with the Colosseum in the background. Unfortunately, when I visited there was a construction going on at the other side of the arch so I was not able to frame both landmarks, but if you have a chance, don’t miss it!

Location on Google Maps: Arch of Constantine

Best time to go: Early morning as the area gets busy later.

Cost: Free. 

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

Best time to go: Any time. Sunrise also looks amazing from the free viewpoint I mentioned above!

Cost: A combination ticket to the Forum Romanum, Colosseum, and Palatine Hill costs €18. You can upgrade to a priority ticket to save time queuing or join a guided tour.

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 the castle if you have the time. To be honest, the interior is not that interesting, however, the view from the top 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

Best time to go: Early morning if you want to shoot from the bridge, anytime if you want to shoot from the riverbank or go into the castle.

Cost: If you want to go inside, skip-the-line tickets cost €19. You can also upgrade for an audio guide app or a guided tour.

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. You can choose to visit the top of the dome for a panoramic view. That being said, just standing in St. Peter’s Square right in front of the basilica offers up one of the best photo spots in Rome.

Location on Google Maps: St. Peter’s Basilica

Best time to go: Early morning if you want to shoot from the square, but you can visit the interior and the dome anytime.

Cost: Entrance to the Basilica is free. For the dome, ticket costs €8 to walk up all the way or €10 for the elevator. You can also opt for a guided tour with a Dome climb.

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 which 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!

Location on Google Maps: Pantheon

Best time to go: Early morning.

Cost: Tickets to enter the Pantheon cost €5.

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 can get a 360-degree view of the city from here and capture some amazing panoramic shots.

Location on Google Maps: Altare della Patria

Best time to go: Early morning to shoot outside before it opens. Anytime to go up to the top.

Cost: Free to visit the building, €17 for the elevator ride to the top.

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 exploration of the city highlights. 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

Best time to go: Anytime but sunset is my favorite!

Cost: Free.

11. Campidoglio

Campidoglio is a beautiful public square atop the Capitoline Hill, sandwiched 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

Best time to go: Early morning.

Cost: Free.

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 Borgese, 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 the St. Peter’s Basilica closer in your photos.

Location on Google Maps: Terrazza del Pincio

Best time to go: Sunset, but any other time works!

Cost: Free.

13. Trastevere

Trastevere isn’t an attraction or moment but rather a neighborhood – in fact, it’s 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 enthusiasts 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

Best time to go: Early morning for quiet streets, evenings for a lively vibe.

Cost: Free.

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

Best time to go: Anytime.

Cost: Free. 

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 is named after the rosaries (coronari) that the shops on this street sold to visitors on their way to Vatican City.

The street is lined up with beautiful pastel-colored houses and green plants. It looks a lot like Trastevere – in fact, one of the most popular spots that is often associated with Trastevere is actually located on this street and not in the Trastevere neighborhood (the second photo below).

Location on Google Maps: Via dei Coronari

Best time to go: Early morning.

Cost: Free.

Where to Stay in Rome

If you’re aiming to shoot as many pictures as you can in Rome, you’ll want to stay as central as possible.

Since most of the best Rome Instagram spots are located in Centro Storico (the city center of Rome), it’s definitely one of the best areas to stay in Rome for photography purposes. Other great areas to stay in include Esquilino, Testaccio, or Trastevere.

Another great option is Monti which is home to the Colosseum – you can also find many amazing hotels with views of the Colosseum in this area. Just imagine waking up to the view of the Colosseum and capturing it with your camera! Memories for life, am I right?

If you don’t have too much time (or energy) to compare different hotels, below you can find my top recommendations for the best places to stay in Rome.

• Luxury: Hotel Palazzo Manfredi
• Mid-range: Royal Suite Trinità Dei Monti
• Budget: Residenza Palline

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Planning a trip to Rome?

Then you might want to take a look at all our other travel guides about Rome. I promise, they are just as awesome as this article was!

• 7 Best Areas to Stay in Rome for Every Budget
• 13 Incredible Rome Hotels with Views of the Colosseum
• 25 Best Rome Hotels with a View for Every Budget
• How to See the Best of Rome in a Day
• The Perfect 3 Day Rome Itinerary for First Timers
• 15 Best Rome Instagram Spots for Stunning Photos
• 93 Stunning Rome Quotes for Instagram

Other Amazing Destinations in Italy: Cinque Terre | Dolomites | Florence | Lake Como | Lake Garda | Venice

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