21 + Best Photo Spots in Rome: Instagram Spots & Tips

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Are you looking for the best photo spots in Rome? We know how important it is to capture your memories and make them last forever. That’s why we’ve created a list of some of the best Rome Instagram spots that are perfect for social media! 

You can use our picks for the most beautiful Instagrammable places in Rome and specific locations as inspiration when traveling, or even just take pictures with friends in front of epic landmarks! Either way, you won’t regret checking out our list.

21+ Rome Instagram Spots | Best photo spots in Rome

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Whether you want to see the Trevi Fountain or explore The Vatican Museum, there are so many amazing places to visit in Rome. Our guide will help you find all the best Instagrammable places in Rome no matter where you go, your photos will be stunning! 

Plus, we have added a free Google map that you can download, and also get information about photo tips, and more! 

The Colosseum 

• Address: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, in Rome, Italy
• Costs: Free to view the outer ring. Entry tickets start at 16 euros for adults. Guided tour

The Colosseum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rome Italy and it’s easy to see why. It’s a massive structure that was built nearly 2,000 years ago and has been used for many different purposes over time. 

Today, it stands as a testament to Roman architecture and engineering.

The curve of the Colosseum and its grandeur as a backdrop makes for one of the amazing Rome Instagram spots, that must not be missed. 

We have a detailed guide with tips for visiting the Colosseum in Rome. In a nutshell, this structure, also known as the Flavian Amphitheater was built between 70-80 AD by Vespasian and his son Titus who were both Roman emperors at the time.

It has been used for gladiator fights, executions of criminals, reenactments of famous battles, plays, dramas and more, for decades. Today, only a portion of the Colosseum exists, and it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rome. 

Capturing the Colosseum in all of its glory doesn’t have to be difficult! Our helpful tips below will show you how to snap stunning photos like a pro, no matter where you are in the arena. 

Tips to photograph the Colosseum

• The best time to capture the Colosseum is in the morning, before gates open at 09:00 am, and in the evening – after the last entry at 06:15 pm. 
• Mornings are great as the complex is usually empty, and helps to capture images without people!
• The Golden hour is best as the sun is not too harsh for portraits, and the sky appears to be dreamy.
• If you must capture the Colosseum during the day, try to wear sunglasses for portraits. For camera settings, lower the ISO. You can also snap the interiors of the Colosseum when the sun is shining bright!
• The Colosseum’s outer ring (with the curve) is best captured from right across the street – there is a park nearby. Or from one of the ticket stands.
• Use wide angle lens to capture the Colosseum in all its glory. If you are using an iPhone, opt for .5 as the lens size!
• When it comes to outfits, wear something with a pop of color to brighten the photos (red, pinks, navy blue, or bright yellow – like I did).

Read: Ultimate 4 days in Rome itinerary

The Arch Of Constantine (Colosseum)

• Address: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, in Rome, Italy
• Costs: Free 

The Arch of Constantine is a triumphal arch in Rome, located between the Colosseum and Palatine Hill. It was erected by the Roman Senate to commemorate Constantine I’s victory over Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge on October 28, 312. 

Dedicated in 315 AD, it is generally believed to be built by Constantino Chlorus’ son-in-law and successor Constantius II.

The arch spans an estimated 48 meters (157 ft) with a richly decorated façade that stands 24 metres (79 ft) high around 23 metres (75 ft) above ground level. The arch is made of brick-faced concrete covered in marble. 

Tips to photograph the Arch Of Constantine

• The Arch of Constantine makes for a nice Instagrammable spot in Rome, and you don’t have to try too hard to snap a photo there. It isn’t really crowded and is free to visit.
• Layer the Arch of Constantine as a backdrop, and use the Colosseum as another backgroud behind it.
• The Arch of Constantine, alone looks gorgeous with faded facade and carvings.
• Try to frame the Arch of Constantine from the second floor of the Colosseum (ticket access).

Terrazza Belvedere del Palatino (Colosseum/Palatine Hill)

• Address: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, in Rome, Italy
• Costs: Entry tickets start at 16 euros for adults includes access to Colosseum, Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum 

Located at the Colosseum grounds, and accessible when you proceed to the Palatine Hill ruins, the Terrazza Belvedere del Palatino is one of my favorites! 

Tips to photograph the Terraza Belvedere del Palatino

• Soak in the views of the entire Forum Romanum and the Palatine Hill from this viewpoint! 
• This is a great spot to capture the ruins below of the Palatine Hill
• There are spots where you can stand and pose with the iconic forums and ruined Roman temples as the backdrop 

The Forum Romanum

• Address: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, in Rome, Italy
• Costs: Entry tickets start at 16 euros for adults includes access to Colosseum, Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum. Guided tour

The Roman Forum is one of the most important sites in Rome. It was built on the site where the first settlement developed, and it became a center of political, religious, commercial, and judicial life.

Forum essentially was a public square – a meeting place of sorts. Today you can see some amazing ruins that date back to 500 BC!

The columns and the ruins of the Senator’s home make for a great Rome Instagram shot! Here is what you must capture there

Tips to photograph the Roman Forum

• As the Roman Forum is mostly in ruins, try to capture this against an image/painting of what it was in ancient times. It makes the photo very interesting, and is also a cool Instagram shot (similar to using a magnet against the landmark type of thing!)
• When visiting using the day, it is hard to capture the Forum without people. Our recommendation will be to shoot the large columns up close (with a macro lens), or capture the depth and expansive site on a wider angle, so that the crowds don’t appear anywhere or they look washed out/blurry/small.

Temple of Julius (Colosseum/Roman Forum)

• Address: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, in Rome, Italy
• Costs: Entry tickets start at 16 euros for adults includes access to Colosseum, Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum. Guided tour

The Temple of Julius Caesar was built by Augustus after Julius Caesar was assassinated to honor him after his death. It is one of the most important monuments in Ancient Rome, and the iconic structure of the Roman Forum. 

It’s located on the Sacred Way and has been standing since 44 BC!

Tips to photograph the Temple of Julius

• The tall columns of the Temple of Julius will blow your mind! And this is what you should capture, symmetrically.
• Try to get down on your knees and shoot the columns and the arch over it.
• If you want to capture someone along with the columns, make them stand in the middle to show its scale.

Trevi Fountain

• Address: Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
• Costs: Free

The Trevi Fountain is one of the popular Instagrammable spots in Rome. It was built by Nicola Salvi and completed by Giuseppe Pannini between 1732 and 1762.

Today it is an iconic landmark of the city and is the most famous fountain in Italy. The water at the fountains is said to be one of the oldest sources of water in Rome.  The fountain displays about 2,824,800 cubic feet of water every day, and that water is recycled. 

You are allowed to drop coins at the fountain, as the legend goes (drop one coin, and you will return to Rome. Or drop three and you will fall in love, and get married). These coins are then donated for a good cause. And remember it is a crime to steal coins – no no 🙂

Tips to photograph the Trevi Fountain 

• Being a very popular landmark the Trevi Fountain is always crowded! Ensure you visit in the early morning hours, or late at night to beat the crowds.
• Night lights are also amazing at the Trevi Fountain.
• You can pose for a photo – throwing a coin, or from a restaurant nearby with the Trevi Fountain as the backdrop.
• When photographing with an iPhone, use .50 lens to capture the entire structure, and then crop the photo to delete the crowds around it.
• When visiting during busy hours, look for a spot on either side of the Trevi Fountain. Sit there, or lean on the half walls, for an epic Instagram photo without any people.

Pantheon and Piazza della Rotonda

• Address: Piazza della Rotonda, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
• Costs: Free to enter inside 

The Pantheon is one of the most iconic buildings in Rome. This ancient Roman temple was built by Marcus Agrippa. Since 609, this has served as a Catholic Church. 

The building is very gorgeous from the outside – the symmetry, the columns, and everything else around commands a strong pull towards the Pantheon. 

The interiors are equally stunning, with marble flooring, intricate columns, walls and ceiling art, and designs. 

Tips to photograph the Pantheon

• Pantheon is a free attraction in Rome, and it is always busy with visitors, queuing up to get in. To get a good picture, without the crowds, plan to get there in the morning – atleast an hour before gates open to the temple.
• Piazza della Rotonda, where the Pantheon is located is always crowded, and you will find people sitting down, chilling by the fountain. You can surely snap a nice shot by framing the Fontana del Pantheon (fountain) with the Pantheon at the back.

Pincio Terrace

• Address: Salita del Pincio (GPS: 41.9111312594, 12.4781858841)
• Costs: Free

Pincio Terrace is a stunning viewpoint in Rome. It is accessible from Piazza del Popolo (People’s Square). You can climb the stairs at the end of Via del Corso in the piazza and capture the city of Rome in all its glory. 

This terrace is also connected to the beautiful gardens of Villa Borghese. You can hang out and sit at the top of Pincian Hill where you can enjoy these views. 

Once you reach the top (from the Gardens, or the piazza), you will also see the lively Piazza del Popolo underneath. 

Tips to photograph Pincio Terrace

• Capture the beautiful Roman skyline from above. Head there during the golden hour for best results.
• Terrace is also great to shoot the hustle bustle of the Piazza del Popolo.
• Pincio Terrace is of a decent size, and one can easily sit/lean by the guard rails for an uninterrupted view and shot!

Spanish Steps and Square of Spain

• Address: Piazza di Spagna, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
• Costs: Free

The Spanish Steps are one of the popular attractions in all of Rome. They’re also known as the “Scalinata della Trinità dei Monti,” or “Trinity Hill Stairs.” This is where you can find some of the best shopping and dining options in Rome. 

This beautiful staircase was designed in 1723 by Francesco De Sanctis and was funded by French diplomat Stefano Gueffier. It is located at the Piazza di Spagna (Square of Spain). 

When you are there, take the stairs to the  Trinità dei Monti Church, then get down to explore the piazza, shop, and eat out. 

It’s also a great spot to take pictures with the steps, the Square of Spain where it is located, and the general hustle-bustle of the complex! 

Tips to photograph the Spanish Steps

• Because the Spanish Steps are so popular you will rarely find it without people at the square or the stairs. Early morning is a best time shoot.
• We visited this Rome Instagram spot in the afternoon, and just waited for crowds to pass to shoot – capturing the stairs and the church.
• Remember you are not allowed to sit on these steps, but you can walk. So take a photo pretending to walk, stand and look towards the church or at the square.
• Tripods and selfie sticks are not allowed at the steps, but you can use it at the square in the early morning hours. Police and guards are usually seen patrolling the area, and they will warn people if they are sitting on the Steps!

Vatican City Highlights | Saint Peter’s Basilica and Square

• Address: Piazza San PietroCittà del Vaticano, Vatican City
• Costs: Free to visit the Saint Peter’s Square and Saint Peter’s Basilica 

Vatican City is the smallest country in the world. It is located in Rome and is an independent sovereign area. The Vatican was formed by the Lateran Treaty which was negotiated between Benito Mussolini and Pope Pius IX to give the Vatican political independence. 

There are 3 important spots to explore here Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, and Sistine Chapel. The best pictures can be taken at the square and outdoors. (Note that there are restrictions on taking photos inside the Sistine Chapel. You can shoot inside the Museums and the Basilica but no flash). 

Tips to photograph the Vatican

• When you approach the Vatican from Rome (official borders), this is a great spot to get a good shot of the Basilica and lines leading to it, creating that depth into photos
• Buy a souvenir and use that as a prop for an Instagram photo
• Another photo tip is if you see rain water (or drop some water) to create some stunning reflections! The Basilica comes up beautifully as a mirror image
• Saint Peter’s Basilica is beautiful, it is the largest church in the world. Capturing the basilica in all its symmetry makes for a nice Instagrammable photo
• Sit down at the Square aligning with the Basilica, and get that EPIC shot!
• Get to the rooftop of the Basilica, and capture the square from up above

River Tiber and Ponte Umberto

• Address: Near Castel sant’angelo. Ponte Umberto connects Piazza di Ponte Umberto I to Piazza dei Tribunali
• Costs: Free

Ponte Umberto is a bridge that connects Piazza di Ponte Umberto I to Piazza dei Tribunali in Rome. It is near the neighborhood of Prati, close to Vatican City. 

The bridge is built over the River Tiber, which flows through Rome. 

Tips to photograph both the Tiber river and the bridge  

• Shooting the Ponte Umberto also offers a nice shot of Saint Peter’s Basilica and Tiber river
• Standing at the Ponte Sant’Angelo (bridge infront of Castel sant’angelo) you can get this beautiful image captured. You can also use the bridge carvings to frame your shot!
• You can attempt this Instagrammable photo at any time of day, but sunsets will be WILD!

Castel Sant Angelo 

• Address: Lungotevere Castello, 50, 00193 Roma RM, Italy
• Costs: Entry tickets

Castel Sant Angelo is a medieval castle located on the banks of the Tiber River and is one of the most popular attractions in Rome. It’s also an ancient fortress, mausoleum, and papal palace. 

The castle was originally built as a tomb for the Roman Emperor Hadrian but was transformed into a fortress by Pope Gregory IX during his reign from 1227 to 1241. 

Today it houses several museums that are open to visitors year-round. You can explore its history, art, and architecture with our guided tours or on your own time through our museum exhibits.

Tips to photograph the Castel Sant’Angelo 

• Capture Castel Sant Angelo from across the street to include the castle as well as the bridge – Ponte Sant’Angelo.
• You can also shoot from the pavement, at an angle to frame both the castle and the bridge. This is great for fall pictures as you can include fall leaves in your shot.
• If interested you can climb up to the terrace for an amazing view of the area, including of River Tiber and the bridge.

Quirinal Palace and Piazza

• Address: Piazza del Quirinale, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
• Costs: Free for piazza access. Palace interiors is open to public for visit

The Quirinal Palace is one of the official Presidential residences in Italy. It’s located on top of Quirinal Hill, which overlooks Piazza del Quirinale and Via Della Guglia. 

This palace is the 11th largest in the world, in terms of area. 

Tips to photograph the Quirinal Palace

• The piazza and the palace is an important landmark of the city, and it is a nice spot to capture tourists – hustle-bustle.
• This area is not super crowded, so you can surely find a nice spot to capture a portrait with the palace and guards as the backdrop.
• Piazza is epic for sunset views with the Bascilica.

Villa Borghese and Gallery

• Address: Piazzale Napoleone I, 00197 Roma RM, Italy
• Costs: Gardens are free to enter. Entry tickets for the Gallery

Villa Borghese is an urban park in the heart of Rome, Italy. It’s one of the largest parks in the city and it’s home to some incredible attractions like Galleria Borghese, which houses some of the most important works by artists including Caravaggio and Bernini. 

There are also several museums here that offer insight into Italian history as well as art from around Europe.

Tips to photograph the Borghese Gardens 

• Put up a little picnic spread, and do a little photoshoot!
• The gardens are stunning, and there are architectural structures inside which make for a nice shoot, a little different from the usual Rome Instagram shot!

Piazza Navona

• Address: Piazza Navona, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
• Costs: Free

Piazza Navona is one of the most famous squares in Rome. It was designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, who created a masterpiece that has become one of the symbols of the city. 

Today, you will find fountains including the famous Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers), along with Baroque statues and buildings with wonderful architecture.

Tips to photograph the Piazza Navona

• Being a popular Rome Instagram spot, you have to be careful with pick pocketing when you are out and about at the square.
• We feel that the piazza with the fountains look great with crowds – it shows the popularity and the liveliness of piazzas in Rome.
• Golden hour is also a good time to capture faint lights at the square, with fewer crowds.

Piazza Venezia – Palazzo Venezia

• Address: Piazza di S. Marco, 49, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
• Costs: Free

Piazza Venezia is one of the most important squares in Rome. It was built by Mussolini and it’s a great example of Fascist architecture.

It’s located at the center of the city and it’s surrounded by many attractions such as Palazzo Venezia, Santa Maria di Montesanto, Palazzo delle Assicurazioni Generali, Galleria Alberto Sordi, and more. 

This square is considered the “the heart of Rome”, and an emblematic symbol of the Eternal City. Benito Mussolini used to address crowds from the Palazzo of the same name. 

Tips to photograph the Piazza Venezia

• The piazza is a busy roundabout, so be very careful when you take photos.
• Once you in the middle of the piazza you can take wonderful photos of the Palazzo and the Altare della Patria.
• Turn left and capture Trajan’s Column and the Church of Santa Maria di Loreto.
• When you approach the piazza from the side of the Trajan’s Markets, you can also frame a cool spot of area, along with the colon!

Altare della Patria 

• Address: Piazza Venezia, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
• Costs: Free to view from outside

Known as the Altar of the Fatherland, Altare Della Patria is one of the coolest and grandest monuments in Rome. This (Victor Emmanuel II) National Monument was to honor Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of a unified Italy. 

Tips to photograph Altare della Patria

• Capture the Altare della Patria from across the street, and in the middle of the Piazza Venezia
• You can pose for a shot, or frame flowers, etc to capture the entire monument.
• There are entry fees to enter the site, and if you do you can shoot the piazza activities from the steps of the Monument.

Monti

• Costs: Free 

If you wish to explore a nice neighborhood in Rome, without a lot of crowds, then head over to Monti. It is one of the nicest areas for a stroll. 

Along the way, you can also capture landmarks from the Colosseum, Via Dei Fori Imperiali to other huge landmarks. 

Tips to photograph Monti neighborhood

• Monti district is huge, and it is sprinkled with cute trattorias, and colorful lanes. We recommend wandering the area and capturing whatever appeals to you.
• Monti is not super crowded, but it is great for portraits, and you can really play with the elements on the cobblestone streets (props, water-reflections, etc).

Trastevere 

• Costs: Free

Trastevere is one of the popular neighborhoods in Rome. It is perfect for those who want to experience the colorful cobblestone lanes with authentic Italian restaurants, cafes, and bars that are just as fun as they are delicious.

Tips to photograph Trastevere

• Trastevere is one of the go to places in Rome, when someone wants to capture cute lanes, bright walls, and a chic bohemian vibe
• Head for a nice meal, and as you wander along you can photograph food, cafes and cobblestone streets!

Cafes in Rome

Although we covered a lot of Instagrammable places in Rome, know there you don’t have to go afar to capture its beauty. Trattorias (informal eating places), and cafes in front of landmarks make for a great photo idea!

• To be honest, from food to cute cafes, we say capture it all! 
• Cafes also look great, if you are visiting during the festive season, or any holidays due to the decor!

City centre lanes

Just like cafes, the historic city centre is full of historic ruins waiting for it to be photographed! I personally LOVE ruins – broken columns, faint carvings, colors, etc. There is no better place than Rome’s city centre to do that!

Pick up your camera, and zoom into those broken pieces and ruins

Map of best spots in Rome for Instagram photos 

Rome Travel Photography Tips 

We have already highlighted our favorite Rome photography spots. Here we are sharing some tips to be mindful of when taking photographs inside the buildings and at popular touristy spots in Rome:

• Rome has a no-drone law over historic attractions, crowds sites and sporting events. You can travel with it (carry it on the aircraft), but you won’t be able to use it without permission.
• Selfie sticks are not allowed inside most sites or museums in Rome. At the Colosseum grounds vendors will be selling selfie sticks, but you are not allowed to use it.
• Tripods are not allowed either – not in museums or in at attractions site. Just before gates open in at landmark, police and guards patrolling the area will ask you not to use it. You can try to snap a photo with a tripod in the early morning hours, when there no crowds.
• In most places in Rome you can take photos of the inside of the buildings, but the use of flash is prohibited.
• Be super careful in touristy areas – pick pocketing is common. Do take pictures, as much as you like, but be mindful of your surroundings (and keep your bags close to you).

Our final tip, try to visit iconic landmarks in the early morning hours and come up with creative ways of capturing (even if there are crowds). The skies in Rome are stunning, and each time I took a photo it turns out to be different, unique, and very beautiful.

Rome’s heart and soul are in the ruins that are scattered all over the eternal city, and it is also found in those small lanes and colorful trattorias – try to capture this beauty of Roma, and bring her home with you!

Read all of our Italy travel guides

• Italy: 10 days in Italy itinerary
• Most beautiful cities in Italy, Italian Riviera towns, and Amalfi Coast towns
• Milan: One day in Milan, How many days in Milan, Visiting Milan Cathedral

Pin: Best Photography Spots in Rome 

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