Here are some of the most striking locations for sensational Instagram posts.
St Peter's Basilica from Umberto I Bridge
At sunset, when the Roman sky takes on pink and orange hues, head for Ponte Umberto I. From here, you'll have the best view of St Peter's and its dome standing out against the sky. The lights reflecting off the surface of the Tiber create a play of colors that makes every shot a masterpiece. This late 19th-century bridge is a tribute to the unification of Italy and provides the ideal setting for capturing the spiritual and architectural immensity of the Vatican.
Tip: The view of the basilica is perfect from the opposite bank.
Where to eat nearby: Tuscan cuisine and seafood at Da Cesare, authentic regional cuisine at Arcangelo, and MICHELIN-Starred dishes and fine wines at Convivio Troiani.
The Roman Forum from Via di Monte Tarpeo
This is one of Rome's most picturesque yet least known sites. This street, just a stone's throw from Piazza del Campidoglio, owes its name to the Rupe Tarpea – a rocky cliff off which traitors were thrown in Ancient times, according to Roman tradition. Via di Monte Tarpeo is a prime observation point, offering a unique panoramic view over classical Rome.
At sunset, the ruins of the forum are illuminated by a golden light that accentuates the architectural details and creates an almost otherworldly atmosphere. This street, which is rather quiet and less frequented by tourists, allows you to take full advantage of the spectacle yet away from the crowds that often plague other sites in the city: a must for your photo album.
Tip: The early-morning light or the soft light of sunset illuminate the ruins in a way that makes them almost come alive, allowing you to capture the majesty and mystery of this Ancient part of Rome.
The Colosseum from Via Nicola Salvi
The best vantage point for those looking for the perfect shot of the Colosseum in the background, Via Nicola Salvi undoubtedly has the best view of Rome's most beloved monument. From here, you can experiment with different angles: in the highest part of the street, the low walls provide the perfect frame for a picturesque shot, and the pedestrian bridge that spans the street gives a "suspended" effect when walking in front of the Colosseum, As this area sees a lot of tourist traffic, arrive early in the morning to avoid the chaos and enjoy a less crowded backdrop for your photos. The street is directly above Colosseo metro stop.
Where to eat nearby: MICHELIN-Starred Aroma with creative Mediterranean cuisine and a view of the Colosseum.
The sky above Rome from Parco Monte Ciocci
Parco Monte Ciocci, also known as Parco del Pineto, is one of Rome's hidden gems, a place where history and the beauty of nature collide in a spectacular setting. The park covers a vast green area commanding breathtaking views of the Eternal City.
The park's main attraction is the inscription "Il Cielo Sopra Roma" written on a low wall, inspired by the song Il Cielo su Roma by the group Colle der Fomento: "But tell me how many times have you seen the sky above Rome and said, 'How beautiful it is'." The quotation captures the essence of the park, a place where the sky seems closer and every view evokes emotions. This is one of the most popular spots among young Roman Instagrammers, who take advantage of this graffiti and the park's plethora of street art to create the perfect photo, channeling the emotion of Ancient Rome through a very urban and contemporary lens, with the dome of St Peter's Basilica rising majestically just a few hundred meters away. This unique perspective also takes in four railway lines, creating a fascinating contrast between the serenity of the park and the vitality of the city.
Where to eat nearby: Enjoy unmissable local cuisine at Romanè, one of the best Bib Gourmands in the city (be sure to book your table!)
Trastevere and its narrow streets
With its picturesque little streets, Trastevere is a place where time seems to have stood still, and to capture its soul, you need to linger over the details that make this neighborhood unique. The cobbled streets, decorated doorways, and flower-decked balconies all add a sprinkling of magic to any photograph.
As you stroll through Vicolo del Cedro and Vicolo della Torre, you get a glimpse of authentic Roman life. The colorful houses, climbing plants, and clothes hanging between the buildings are all scenes that capture the soul of Rome, its warm welcome, and indomitable spirit. Vicolo dell'Atleta and Vicolo dell'Arco di San Calisto are perfect examples of the beauty to be found hidden in the details. Here, the light filtering through the buildings creates a play of light and shadow that makes each shot extraordinarily atmospheric. In Vicolo Moroni, you'll often see clothes hanging from the wires between the buildings, like a scene from a post-war Neorealist film.
Tip: In the evening, the lanterns that light up the alleyways create a timeless and romantic atmosphere, ideal for night-time photos that capture the area’s tranquility and charm.
Where to eat in Trastevere: There are many, but try the elegant and traditional Antica Pesa, in the surprising Osteria della Trippa, one of the best Bib Gourmands in Rome, or in the MICHELIN-Starred Glass Hostaria and Zia.
The Rationalist Colosseum in the EUR district
The Colosseo Quadrato or "Square Colosseum", as Romans call it, or the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana (Palace of Italian Civilisation), is an emblem of the Rationalist architecture of the Fascist period. Its geometric lines and symmetrical arches create a play of light and shadow that makes every shot incredibly fascinating. The building, inaugurated in 1940, represents a dialogue between past and future, a nod to the Colosseum and a reference to Futurism. Now the headquarters of Fendi, it is accessible during the hours listed by the fashion brand, but also promises extraordinary photographic perspectives from the outside, particularly from the rear staircase.
Choosing the right time of day is essential. Early morning or late afternoon are ideal, as the natural light highlights the lines and shapes of the building, creating sharp contrasts and deep shadows. Concentrate on the architectural details such as the inscriptions on the walls and the majestic marble statues at the corners of the building. Shooting in black and white is another technique that can enhance the building's drama and elegance, emphasizing its pure forms and rigorous architecture.
Tip: You can get one of the most interesting perspectives by standing at the base of the building and looking upwards, as it accentuates the symmetry of the arches and the verticality of the structure. By using a wide-angle lens, you can capture all the majesty of the building in a single shot.
Rome, from the Wall: Roman Republic Constitution Memorial to the Janiculum
From the Janiculum, looking up at the Wall (a monument celebrating the Italian Constitution), you can enjoy one of the most sweeping views of Rome. From this height, the city stretches out like a tapestry at the observer's feet, with the Tiber winding its way between the red roofs and domes. At dusk, the golden light of the setting sun illuminates the city, offering a unique opportunity to capture the beauty and soul of Rome in a photo. But don't just focus on the view – with its inscriptions and design, the Wall is also worthy of interest. Taking photos of the details of the Wall, set against the backdrop of the city, can create powerful and meaningful images. You'll find plenty of photos on Instagram, mostly taken by young people of their peers sitting on the Wall, from behind, admiring Rome from above.
Palazzo Zuccari and its "monstrous" façade
Palazzo Zuccari, also known as the "House of Monsters," is one of the most curious and fascinating buildings in Rome. Located on Via Gregoriana, near the Trinità dei Monti, the palace is famous for its façade decorated with huge monstrous masks with gigantic gaping mouths for doors and windows that seem to swallow all those who enter. Designed by artist Federico Zuccari in the 17th century, it is a masterpiece of Baroque fantasy and a unique example of decorative architecture, which never fails to surprise and delight visitors.
The façade of Palazzo Zuccari is best viewed during the day. Focus on the details of the faces: the textures, expressions, and complex shapes cry out for close-ups that highlight the artistic prowess on display.
Tip: A macro or zoom lens can be useful for this purpose. Take a selfie as you walk backwards into its jaws/doors: it’s a guaranteed "wow" on your Instagram!
Where to eat nearby: Imàgo, a MICHELIN-Starred restaurant with a panoramic view over the city, or Colline Emiliane, for a tasty foray into the world of sfogline, extremely fine fresh pasta.
>
Spy St Peter's through the keyhole
To finish on a high note, here's the most extraordinary view of Rome: the keyhole on the Aventino Hill. Looking through this hole in the doorway of the Palace of the Priory of the Knights of Malta (Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta 4), you will admire a perfectly framed view of the dome of St Peter's.
This viewpoint, with its interplay of perspectives creating a unique and surprising view, is a dream for any photographer… the emotion is difficult to describe. It will be up to you to immortalize it in a photo that will forever embody the beauty of Rome.
Hero image: View of the Roman Forum/valentinrussanov/iStock
