11 most Instagrammable places in Rome

Rome may have been built thousands of years before the invention of the iPhone, but the city still has abundant Instagrammable spots that feel like they were made to be photographed. The Italian capital has picturesque locations at every turn, from unusual hidden gems to incredible landmarks like the Colosseum. But where are the best places in Rome for grid-worthy photos? From the famous sights to off-the-beaten-path secrets, here are some of the best, most Instagram-worthy spots in Italy's capital that are guaranteed to make your socials sparkle.

1. Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona is one of Rome’s most iconic and beautiful squares. Built on the site of an ancient Roman stadium, this Baroque masterpiece is framed by stunning architecture, including Bernini’s breathtaking Fountain of the Four Rivers at its heart. Stroll among charming cafés, watch street artists bring the piazza to life, and marvel at the grandeur of Sant’Agnese in Agone Church. Piazza Navona is a must-visit stop for any traveler looking to snap the perfect picture.

Insider tip:

Visit early in the morning or out-of-season to get the best shot without the crowds. The sunset light will light up the architecture with hues of orange and gold.

Address and opening hours:

Piazza Navona, 00186 Roma RM, Italy. Open 24/7.

2. The Pantheon

Rome's Pantheon is one of the city's best-preserved attractions. With its huge columns, this ancient marble structure was built by Emperor Trajan between 25 and 27 BC, making it almost 2000 years old. However, it is believed that the modern building seen today was the work of Hadrian in 113 AD. Rome's Pantheon was originally dedicated to the twelve Gods and to the living Sovran.

Insider tip:

You can get some great Instragram shots from outside for free, or pay the entrance to gaze up at the coffered done and its open oculus at the centre, which throws light all around this ancient Roman structure.

Address and opening hours:

Piazza della Rotonda, 00186 Roma RM, Italy. Open daily between 9 AM - 6:30 PM.

3. Ponte Sant'Angelo

This bridge, completed in 134 AD by Roman Emperor Hadrian, spans the Tiber River and is one of the most Instagrammable spots in Rome. It connects the city to the impressive Castel Sant'Angelo, an elaborate mausoleum, fortress, and castle, which is now a museum.

Insider tip:

To take the perfect picture, it is best to get down the stairs on the left bank of the river. You’ll get a great shot of the bridge with the castle in the background and no crowds in the picture. Go in the afternoon; the light as good in the morning.

Location and opening hours:

Ponte Sant'Angelo, 00186 Roma RM, Italy. Open 24/7.

4. Colosseum

No visit to Rome is complete without seeing the iconic Colosseum. It is the largest ancient amphitheater ever built, and is still the largest standing amphitheater in the world, despite being 1950 years old! Here, gladiators once battled it out to the death, and wild animals were on display for entertainment.

Insider tip:

Opposite the Oppio Caffe is an amazing vantage point for shots of the Colosseum. If you shoot from a slightly lower angle, you can cut out the cars and crowds and make it look like you have the place for yourself. Sadly, that isn’t an option as it's Rome’s most popular landmark.

Location and opening hours:

Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy. Open daily between 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM.

5. Hendrik Christian Andersen Museum

A lesser-known but beautiful (and free) museum in Rome is the Palace Museum, dedicated to Norwegian artist Hendrik Christian Andersen. He designed the building himself in an eclectic neo-Renaissance style. Visit to get lost among the artist’s stunning sculptures and paintings.

Did you know?

Historians believe that the white marble now synonymous with classical Roman and Renaissance sculpture is actually the result of fading over generations. The original sculptures were possibly very colorful.

Location and opening times:

Via Pasquale Stanislao Mancini, 20, 00196 Roma RM, Italy. Open daily 9.30 AM - 7:30 AM. Closed on Mondays.

6. Galleria dei Candelabri, Vatican Museums

Known as the Galleria dei Candelabri because of the marble candelabras that divide the space into six sections, this spectacular corridor in the Vatican Museums in Vatican City brings together Greek and Roman artworks with statues, sarcophagi, and reliefs. This is also where you'll also find the highly photogenic frescoes

Insider tip:

If you want the place totally to yourself, buy a ticket to the first admission and make a beeline for the space. You will likely be the first one there!

Location and opening times:

00120 Vatican City, inside St. Peter's Basilica. Open Monday - Thursday, 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM, and Friday - Saturday, 8:00 AM-8:00 PM.

7. Gianicolo Hill

You cannot miss the view of the Eternal City from Gianicolo Hill, the second-highest hill in Rome. It lies just outside of the ancient city, giving you excellent views over the whole capital.

Insider tip:

The best spot is on the opposite side of Gianicolo's most famous Belvedere. Here there is a spectacular view of Michelangelo's dome on the top of St. Peter's Basilica, perfectly framed by trees.

Location and opening times:

VFR6+HH Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy. Open 24/7.

8. Trevi Fountain

Rome's most famous water feature, the Trevi Fountain, is another must-see landmark in the Italian capital. Completed in 1762 by Giuseppe Pannini, the fountain features four statues representing the fertile earth. It's one of the most photographed places in Rome.

Insider tip:

If you really to take a few pictures without the crowds, it's best to plan your photoshoot for around 7 AM. Keep in mind: On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, the fountain is usually cleaned around 8 AM, so avoid those times if possible.

Location and opening times:

Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Roma RM, Italy. Open 24/7.

9. Bramante Staircase, Vatican Museums

There’s one thing that you shouldn’t miss at the Vatican Museums, it's the Bramante Staircase. The spiral staircase at the exit was created by architect Giuseppe Momo in 1932 and is shaped like a double helix.

Did you know?

The two interconnected spirals, one going down and one going up, was designed for easy crowd control, and it's become one of the most photographed parts of the Vatican City.

Location and opening times:

00120 Vatican City. Open Monday-Thursday, 8:00 AM-7:00 PM, and Friday-Saturday, 8:00 AM-8:00 PM.

10. Spanish Steps

135 steps connect the Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Squre) at the base with Piazza Trinità dei Monti and the Trinità dei Monti church at the top. The stairway has been dubbed the Spanish Steps, and is a very popular photography spot.

Insider tip:

If you're wondering how to get a picture here without the crowds, the best way is to go before the shops that surround the stairway open, which is around 10 AM. It's best to go on a weekday, as even early morning the area is crowded on weekends.

Location and opening times:

Piazza di Spagna, 00187 Roma RM, Italy. Open 24/7.

11. Arch of Titus

This 1st-century monument at the heart of Rome is a must-visit and very Instagrammable. The Arch of Titus commemorates the Roman triumph awarded to Emperor Vespasian and his son and heir Titus, following their victory in the Jewish War. Carvings on the arch show Titus ascending into the heavens on the back of an eagle.

Insider tip:

Frame your shot in front of the arch with the Colosseum in the background for an amazing composition that captures two of ancient Rome’s most prominent landmarks. It’s amazing how much detail is preserved despite them being 2000 years old.

Location and opening times:

Via Sacra, 00186 Roma RM, Italy. Open daily, 9:00 AM-6.30 PM.

FAQs

What are the most Instagrammable spots in Rome?

From the Colosseum to the Piazza Navona, Rome is full of photogenic landmarks that will make your Instagram sparkle. Some of the most famous locations to snap a few pics are the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and St. Peter's Basilica. However, most areas of the ancient city offer something special so you won’t always need to battle the crowds for the perfect shot.

Where are the best views in Rome?

Rome has many great scenic spots to see the city. For the best views in Rome, head to the dome of St. Peter's Basilica, Palatine Hill, or the Pincio Terrace for stunning views over the Eternal City. The rooftops over the Trastevere neighborhood are also worth seeing.

What is the prettiest part of Rome?

The prettiest parts of Rome tend to be in its ancient interior, around the Spanish Steps or Piazza Navona. The surrounding neighborhoods are widely regarded as the most beautiful and romantic part of Rome, due to their Neoclassical architecture and beautiful streets.

What is the most famous spot in Rome?

The most famous spot in Rome is the Pantheon, closely followed by the Colosseum. For many visitors to the Eternal City, these two locations are must-sees. Other popular landmarks are the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and the Vatican's Sistine Chapel.