Planning a trip to Rome, and looking for all the best Rome Instagram spots? You’ve come to the right place!
Rome is one of the most popular cities to visit in Europe. And, who wants to visit such an amazing city without showing it off on Instagram?
Luckily, there are countless perfect Instagram spots in Rome! (Although you will have to be patient — or an early bird — to get a shot without the crowds!)
It’s such a beautiful city and there are endless opportunities, from iconic sites such as the Colosseum and Piazza Navona to picturesque alleyways.
But it’s impossible to take every photo. So here are some of my favorite Instagrammable places in Rome.
Let’s go explore the beauty of the Eternal City!
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Quick Picks: Top Rome Tours
- Rome in a Day with Vatican and Colosseum (Perfect if you’re short on time!)
- Rome by Golf Cart Private Tour (Top-rated private sightseeing tour)
- Rome Sunset Food & Wine Tour (Best-selling Rome food tour!)
- Skip-the-Line Vatican & Sistine Chapel (Amazing small-group Vatican tour)
- Rome Vespa Tour by Night (An unforgettable way to see the Eternal City)
15 Most Instagrammable Spots in Rome
1. Colosseum
It wouldn’t be a trip to Rome without visiting the Colosseum! It’s undoubtedly a must-visit, and it also makes for one of the most Instagrammable spots in Rome.
You can walk around the exterior of the Colosseum and find the best angle. Most people opt for near the Arch of Constantin to get a view of the Colosseum’s layers.
The only downside? Because it’s the most popular spot in Rome, you won’t be alone, and it can be hard to get a photo without anyone else in it.
2. The Wall in front of the Colosseum
Although the Colosseum is definitely the most-photographed spot in Rome, to get the best photo possible, you want to actually take a bit of a step back.
At the top of the large wall near the Colosseum on the other side of the road, you get a beautiful view of one of the seven wonders of the world.
You can also sit on the top of the wall, which is ideal for posing. The view is unbelievable — especially if you go to the Colosseum at night, when the glowing arches make for a stunning pic.
Top tip: Use the stairs of the Colosseo Metro Station to go from the bottom of the wall to the top of the wall.
3. Trevi Fountain
After the Colosseum, the next most popular Instagram spot in Rome is the Trevi Fountain.
Throughout the day, there are always hundreds of people crowding around the fountain trying to get the perfect picture. It makes sense- it looks beautiful, and the lighting is perfect more times than not.
It’s one of the few photos you’ll ever take where it’s hard to find filters to make it look better- it’s best just to leave the photos raw.
If you’re a morning person, head to the Trevi Fountain any time before about 7 am. There will only be a handful of early birds, allowing you to get a photo with no one photobombing.
It will also be really easy to get a photo sitting on the wall of the fountain!
4. Spanish Steps
While some people think the Spanish Steps are “just” a random staircase in the middle of Rome, they’re also one of the most picturesque spots in Rome.
Like the Trevi Fountain, there’s a constant flow of people throughout the day trying to take the perfect picture. So if you want an uncrowded pic, go early in the morning.
Most people opt for a photo of them sitting on the steps with a view of the pretty church in the background.
But don’t ignore the fountain at the bottom of the steps — the Fontana della Barcaccia — it’s a lovely spot too.
Don’t miss the great view from the top of the steps where you can see the Vatican in the background.
Photo credit: Josh Band
5. Vatican City
And speaking of the Vatican, it’s another of the most Instagrammable spots in Rome. It’s such a photographable area, everything is so perfect and picturesque.
Standing in St. Peter’s Square is a popular Rome photo option as you get the magnificent basilica in the background.
And there are loads of amazing spots in the Vatican Museums if you choose to take a tour. And you definitely should — exploring the Vatican is one of the best reasons to visit Rome!
Whether you’re spending 1, 2, 3, or 4 days in Rome (or more!), it’s a must-visit.
6. Trastevere
Trastevere is the best suburb in Rome for restaurants. You can find delicious food at affordable prices in restaurants such as Tonnarello and Mariuccia.
On top of the abundance of great restaurants, there are so many Instagram-worthy spots too.
It’s a really quaint part of Rome, and it’s an Instagrammer’s paradise. The bridges and streets are perfect for candid photos of you walking- not to mention the fantastic sunsets.
Aside from photos, Trastevere is a really nice area of Rome to explore. There are lots of buskers, which makes for a lively atmosphere.
7. Villa Borghese
Villa Borghese is a stunning park in Rome, and it is filled with photo opportunities.
There’s an art gallery, the Galleria Borghese, which is a villa worthy of being an art piece in itself. It’s filled with incredible art and statues and is definitely worth the visit.
The Borghese Gardens, which are very well looked after, make for a unique contrast from the city life of Rome.
The best photo you can take in Villa Borghese comes from renting a rowboat and rowing across the lakes.
It makes for some really beautiful photos, and it’s a really relaxing way to spend a morning or afternoon in Rome.
8. Aventine Keyhole
One of the most famous Instagrammable spots in Rome is the Aventine Keyhole.
If you’ve ever seen that photo of St. Peter’s Basilica through a keyhole with some shrubbery on either side, this is the place to take that photo.
While you’re not going to be able to get a photo of yourself here, it’s still a great spot to check out.
Even though it’s the same view, everyone’s photo is slightly unique. If not for a feed post, it’s definitely worthy of an Instagram story at least.
9. St. Peter’s Basilica Dome
While the view of St. Peter’s Basilica is great, the view from St. Peter’s Basilica is unbelievable!
It’s the best view in Rome, no doubt about it.
To get to the top, you have to climb hundreds of steps, but it’s so worth it. The views over St. Peter’s Square and beyond are truly breathtaking.
If you can work it into your itinerary, visiting at sunset is the best way to end a day in Rome.
It’s truly spectacular, and although the bars in the photo are a bit annoying, the view makes up for it. Put your phone through the bars to get clearer photos (of course you can’t do this if you want to be in the photo).
Photo credit: Josh Band
10. Piazza Navona
The Piazza Navona is the most popular square in Rome, and for good reason! It’s home to three stunning fountains, and the buildings making up the square are beautiful too.
Most people will take photos with the Fountain of the Four Rivers, the biggest fountain which sits in the middle of the square. It photographs really well, but it can be hard to get a picture without other people in it.
But don’t sleep on the other two fountains, especially the Fountain of Neptune. It’s a lot easier to get a pristine shot of these fountains!
If you visit Rome in December, the Christmas markets in Rome are in Piazza Navona, which makes the square even more magical.
11. The Orange Garden Rome
The Orange Garden in Rome is somewhat of a hidden gem.
It’s not exactly quiet, but it’s usually full of locals rather than tourists. Most people don’t include it on their itinerary.
The garden itself is really picturesque, with lots of greenery for your photos (like at the Villa Borghese).
But the main attraction of the garden is the view! You get a really nice view over Rome with St. Peter’s Basilica towering high into the sky.
Plus, there’s a wall at the end of the gardens with a view in the background.
While the view isn’t as good as from the Basilica, it’s definitely one worth checking out, especially since you can sit on the wall and take a great photo.
12. Pantheon
One of Rome’s most popular tourist attractions is the Pantheon. Just about every sightseeing tour in Rome will include a stop here!
It used to be completely free to visit. It now costs €5 to go inside, but it’s definitely worth it.
The outside of the Pantheon is cool, and you can get an interesting shot with the fountain. It’s nice to appreciate history but doesn’t make for an amazing photo.
Whereas the inside of the Pantheon is stunning. It’s filled with art, mosaics, tiles and statues. Every direction you look is beautiful!
Note: It’s still a functioning church, so make sure you are respectful with any photos you take.
13. Via Appia Antica
Some of the best photos you will get in Rome will be from simply walking the streets and taking candid photos – the whole city is absolutely beautiful!
The Via Appia Antica is a bit outside of the center of Rome, but it guarantees to make for some great photos.
It’s one of the oldest roads from the time of the Roman Empire. Taking photos here is like visiting Pompeii, without actually making the trip to Pompeii.
It’s the only spot on this list that isn’t in the heart of Rome, but there are lots of buses which go to the area, as it’s just outside the city walls of Rome.
14. Any Good Restaurant
One of the best parts about visiting Rome is the food!
Italian cuisine is one of the most popular in the world and there’s no better place to eat than in the Italian capital. Take a food tour in Rome to taste your way through all the best dishes!
Even though Rome didn’t invent pizza (that one goes to Naples), and Rome didn’t invent pasta (that one goes to Sicily) the city is filled with tons of delicious restaurants.
The food in Rome doesn’t just taste great, it also looks amazing. All of the dishes are mouth-watering and make for great photos.
Plus, most of Rome’s restaurants are also pretty photogenic. Combine the two and you’ve got a great pic!
The hard part is remembering to take a photo of your food before digging in!
15. Ponte Sant’Angelo
Last but by no means least of these Instagrammable spots in Rome is the Ponte Sant’Angelo, which is the bridge leading up to the Castel Sant’Angelo.
The bridge is made of stonework and is lined with statues of angels. It fits in perfectly with the architecture in Rome and is the perfect vantage point to take in the bridges throughout the city.
Most people will stand at the far end of the bridge so you can see the length of the bridge along with the statues.
It’s a very busy bridge, but if you go early in the morning, you can get shot without people in the background.
What you do want in the backdrop is the Castel Sant’Angelo, which is a bonus spot on this list.
It makes for a beautiful picture, especially at night when it lights up.
Photo credit: Josh Band
Rome Instagram Spots: FAQ
The best Instagram spot for the Colosseum is on the wall on the other side of the road. You can sit on the wall and pose with the Colosseums standing tall behind you. It’s especially beautiful at sunset and at night time when the Colosseum is lit up. Simply walk up the stairs in the Colosseo metro station and you will get to the top of the wall.
The most Instagrammable spot in the Vatican is from the top of St. Peter’s Basilica Dome. The views are never-ending, it’s by far the best viewpoint in Rome. It takes hundreds of steps to get to the top, but it’s worth it for the panoramic views you get at the top. You’re guaranteed to get good pictures from the dome.
Rome is a photographer’s dream. There are so many picture spots in Rome. Pretty much every tourist attraction in Rome photographs really well including the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and more. The Aventine Keyhole is a particularly popular spot for pictures in Rome.
Final Thoughts: Rome Instagram Spots
And there you have it, a complete guide to the most Instagrammable places in Rome.
You’re guaranteed to leave Rome with tons of photos worthy of an Instagram post- probably even a new profile picture! It’s such a picturesque city and there are endless photo opportunities.
While all of these Instagram spots in Rome will provide amazing photos, make sure to venture beyond this list and explore Rome for yourself. There’s something new around every corner, and often just the streets of Rome make for some of the best photos.
So, get out there and start exploring Rome- you’ll love it!
Check out these additional posts to help you make the most of your trip to Rome, whether you’re interested in a sightseeing Rome golf cart tour, or strolling through the beautiful piazzas in Rome:
Are you ready to book your trip to Rome?
Looking for the top picks for your trip to Rome? Here are some of the best tours, hotels, and more to help you plan the perfect vacation!
Top Tours and Experiences in Rome
- Rome in a Day with Vatican and Colosseum (Perfect if you’re short on time!)
- Rome by Golf Cart Private Tour (Top-rated private sightseeing tour)
- Rome Sunset Food & Wine Tour (Best-selling Rome food tour!)
- Skip-the-Line Vatican & Sistine Chapel (Amazing small-group Vatican tour)
- Small group Colosseum Arena & Underground (A must-see attraction in Rome!)
- Rome Vespa Tour by Night (An unforgettable way to see the Eternal City)
- Tuscany Day Trip with Wine Tasting (See the gorgeous Italian countryside)
Top Hotels in Rome
- Starhotels Metropole (I stayed here! 4-star hotel with convenient location near Roma Termini)
- Parco dei Principi Grand Hotel & Spa (5-star splurge on the Borghese Gardens!)
- Palazzo Navona Hotel (4-star hotel with fabulous location on Piazza Navona!)
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Guest Author: Josh Band
This post was written by Josh Band from A Backpacker’s World. Josh loves to write about backpacking all around the world.
From Southeast Asia to Europe, and everything in between, Josh loves to explore and spend as little as possible while doing so. Who doesn’t love budget travelling, right?