21 Spots to Enjoy the Best Views of Rome
Looking for where to get the best views of Rome? You’ll not be disappointed as I’ve put together 21 spots that truly bring out the beauty of Rome from above!
There is no denying that Rome is an incredibly beautiful city. From ancient Roman ruins such as the Roman Forum and the Colosseum, Romanesque buildings, to many examples of Renaissance architecture, such as the Palazzo Venezia and St Peter’s Basilica, this city is impressive regardless of where you are!
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While it’s beautiful from the ground, it gets even better when you see it from above — after all Rome was built on seven hills, so you will be able to experience spectacular views from different viewpoints.
So where exactly should you go to get the best views of Rome? I have selected my top 21 viewpoints in Rome that I believe should be on your list of things to do in Rome.
You may not have enough time to visit all of them but there’s always next time. Rome is a city you should return to and if you do, keep this guide on hand.
Before You Go, Here’s How To Plan Your Visit To Rome Quickly
Rome is a popular city which means that good hotels and tours book out fast, so before you go, make sure that you make your reservations in time to avoid disappointments! Below are my expert recommendations!
⏩ WHERE TO STAY IN ROME
Best Colosseum view: Hotel Palazzo Manfredi (8.8/10)
Luxury stay: H10 Palazzo Galla (9.2)
Mid-range stay: Barberini Dream (9.5/10)
Budget stay: Like Family House (9.4)
Apartment rental/Airbnb: Apartment Julia Guesthouse (8.4)
⏩ GUIDES TOURS AND TICKETS YOU SHOULD BOOK IN ADVANCE
Guided tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill (4.6/5). This is the exact tour I took, and I couldn’t have been happier. We had a knowledgeable and fun tour guide.
Skip-the-line ticket to the Sistine Chapel And The Vatican Museums with an audio guide (4.5/5). This ticket saved me a whopping 3 hours. You’ll pass in a dedicated Getyourguide line with it. It’s a true skip-the-line ticket.
Borghese Gallery guided tour (4.7/5). This is my favorite museum in Rome, and this tour made me fall in love with it even more.
Street food walking tour of Rome (4.8/5). If you want to taste Rome’s delicacies while exploring its popular neighborhood of Trastevere, then this is the food tour I recommend!
Where to Get The Best Views of Rome
Read on to discover the best views in Rome!
1. From The Dome of St Peter’s Basilica
I had to put the Dome of St Peter’s Basilica first. I went there on my third day in Rome and still find it hard to put into words how beautiful it is and how spectacular the views are from the top.
Yes, you do have to climb a lot of steps, but you can cut down the number from 551 to 230 by taking an elevator at the beginning of the climb.
However, if you walk the whole way, you will come across a little viewing platform on your way up. From here, you will get a stunning view of the inside of the basilica.
Once you reach the top and have got your breath back, you will be rewarded with 360-degree views of Rome.
Since it is one of the highest viewpoints in the city, you will be able to see many landmarks, such as the Castel Sant’Angelo, Il Vittoriano, the Vatican Gardens, and the River Tiber. However, the most impressive view is that of St. Peter’s Square.
It’s probably not the best idea to climb the Dome if you are scared of heights or small confined spaces as the steps to reach the dome are very steep and tight, but if you’re not, you will love it.
You should also note that entrance to this Rome church is free but you’ll need to pay a few Euros to climb the dome. 8 Euros to go via the stairs and 10 Euros to take the elevator for the first part of the climb.
On my visit, I booked this St. Peter’s Basilica & Dome Entry Ticket & Audio Tour but to be honest, I wouldn’t do it again if I had to. It’s not skip the line as everyone queues in one line and since it’s just a hosted entry (not a guided tour), I didn’t find it necessary to have a host walk with us when we knew what to do! But if you like this kind of stuff, you might have a different experience than me.
Alternatively, you can book this guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica which comes with a Dome climb.
✅ Click here to book your guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica and Dome!
2. From Pincio Terrace
If you’re around Borghese Gardens, be sure to check out one of the best viewpoints in Rome — Pincio Terrace (Terazza del Pincio).
The Romans believe that this is one of the most romantic spots in the city, and if you come at sunset, you will probably agree.
Facing west, the terrace captures the best sunset view in Rome. Of course, there are other contenders for this title, but I will leave it up to you to decide which one is your favorite. For me, it is Pincio Terrace.
From here, you can see St Peter’s Basilica with its magnificent dome, and the Piazza del Popolo, the square of the people, which is probably the most iconic view from this spot. You will also be able to see the churches within the piazza, the fountains, and a giant Egyptian obelisk.
Pincio Terrace also usually receives street musicians who add more charm to an already beautiful setting!
3. From Il Vittoriano (Altar of the Fatherland)
Some Romans don’t like Il Vittoriano (Altar of the Fatherland) much, thinking it to be ostentatious.
Granted, it is enormous and does obscure some views of Rome, but whether you like it or not, it does offer a magnificent view of Rome from its terrace, and the great thing is, you won’t get a photo of the building from here!
To get to the viewpoint, you ride up in a glass-walled elevator so you can take in the views as you go up.
Once you get to the terrace, your jaw will drop as this is one of the best views in Rome.
The Ancient Roman Forum is the first thing you will see and then you will be able to look down the Via del Corso which leads to the Piazza del Popolo.
However, even if you choose not to climb up, the lower terraces near the statue of King Victor Emmanuel II also offer beautiful views of the nearby Trajan Forum, the St Peter’s Basilica dome, Piazza Venezia, and the nearby churches! And if you walk towards the onsite cafe, you’ll enjoy views of the Roman Forum!
4. From Castel Sant’Angelo
Castel Sant’Angelo was built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, but today, it’s one of the best museums in Rome!
It is a great contender for having the best sunset view in Rome but it’s up to you to decide whether you prefer this view to the one at Pincio Terrace.
A plus for the Pincio Terrace is that it’s free, while you have to purchase this ticket to get into the Castel Sant’Angelo.
However, you do get lovely views of the Sant’Angelo bridge with its amazing sculptures, the Tiber River, and the terracotta roofs of Rome.
You can even see St. Peter’s Basilica and the Pantheon from here!
✅ Click here to purchase your skip-the-line ticket to Castel Sant’Angelo.
5. From Palatine Hill
Rome is built on seven hills and the Palatine Hill is considered to be the one where the city was founded.
Because of its height, it is a fantastic place to get some of the best views of Rome since it overlooks the Roman Forum and the Circus Maximus, as well as the Colosseum.
It isn’t free to get in, but you can get this combined ticket with the Roman Forum and the Colosseum.
However, if you want to learn more about these places and also get Rome views from the hill, then I recommend booking a tour.
I took this combined guided tour of the Roman Forum, Colosseum, and Palatine Hill and it was hands down the best tour I took in Rome — and I took a number of them!
A bonus is that you can see St. Peter’s Basilica from here as well.
✅ Click here to book a guided tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill!
6. From Piazza del Campidoglio
Piazza del Campidoglio is at the top of another one of the seven hills of Rome, Capitoline Hill which is home to the Capitoline Museums.
From here you get spectacular views of Rome. To get the best views at sunset, stand behind the Palazzo Senatorio.
Unfortunately, it does get very busy with tourists at this time of day. The best views do sometimes come with a price.
However, if you visit Rome early or late in the season, you will get better views as there won’t be as many tourists.
7. From Ponte Umberto I
This is not a bridge that is thought of as an attraction to be seen but I assure you that it is well worth a visit as you get some of the best views of Rome at night here.
The bridge connects two piazzas, the Piazza del Tribunali, and the Piazza de Ponte Umberto. It is close to the Castel Sant’Angelo which also has a beautiful bridge leading up to it.
If you are walking along the Ponto Umberto I when the light has faded, you will see an amazing array of illuminated buildings, including St. Peter’s Basilica and Vatican City, as well as Sant’Angelo Bridge. The lights reflect in the River Tiber, creating a mesmerizing picture.
However, even during the day, the view is quite impressive.
8. From Janiculum Hill (Gianicolo)
Behind the Trastevere district of Rome, you will find Janiculum Hill or Gianicolo. It overlooks the cobbled streets and medieval churches of Trastevere but there are even greater views to be enjoyed.
You can see the Pantheon from here, as well as Il Vittoriano and Castel Sant’Angelo. If you come at sunset, you will have a magnificent view of the sun slowly disappearing behind St. Peter’s Basilica. It is a worthy photo opportunity.
The best view you can have on this hill is on the terrace, Belvedere del Gianicolo. It is just a small area of greenery, but it offers one of the best views over Rome.
There is also a kiosk selling drinks and snacks so sit on a bench and have a leisurely drink admiring the view.
9. From The Orange Gardens on Aventine Hill
Aventine Hill is another of the seven hills of Rome. Here, you will find one of the most beautiful gardens in the city, The Orange Gardens.
The Romans consider this to be one of the city’s most romantic spots and with good reason.
The gardens have some lovely orange trees, hence the name, and they are surrounded by pine trees.
As you walk through the gardens, you will be treated to a spectacular view of St. Peter’s Basilica! Head to the terrace, Terrazza Belvedere Aventino and you’ll get even better views.
The garden gives a peaceful atmosphere to have a slow afternoon and there is even plenty of shade and benches, so you can spend some time here during the summer heat or if you want a break from hectic city life.
10. From The Keyhole
Also on Aventine Hill, you will find the mysterious keyhole in the door of the Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta.
If you have been there and wondered why people were queuing up at the door to the Priory of the Knights of Malta, it is because they want to look through the keyhole.
The reason for this is that if you look through it, you will see the dome of St Peter’s Basilica, perfectly framed. At first, it may not seem like much — silly even, but it’s quite mind-blowing.
It takes a bit of time and moving the camera around to capture the photo but when you do, it’s so worth it! (See the picture above I captured). In my opinion, the view is much better in reality than in the picture.
The best time to visit the keyhole is in the summer when the bougainvilleas are blooming, though you’ll have to bear the crowds.
11. From Via della Conciliazione
Via della Conciliazione is the street that connects the Castel Sant’Angelo to the Vatican City.
It is about 500 m (1,600 ft) long and is an imposing street with shops and cafes on both sides. However, a cup of coffee and a snack can be very expensive here.
Nevertheless, it offers one of the best views in Rome from the street level. It is spectacular at night when St. Peter’s Basilica is illuminated so I suggest going at this time of day.
The only disadvantage is that the street is always busy with tourists, even as early as 8 a.m., especially in the summer. Evenings can be even busier as people flock to see St. Peter’s Basilica lit up.
12. From Terrazzo sul Foro on the Capitoline Hill
You may have visited the Capitoline Hill to see the views from Piazza del Campidoglio, but there are other spots on the hill that offer spectacular views.
Walk towards where the hill looks down at Via di Monte Tarpeo and you’ll get a magnificent view of the Roman Forum, so much so that this spot has been called the Terrazzo sul Foro or Terrace on the Forum, on Google Maps.
It can get very busy with both locals and tourists so try and go early or late. You’ll beat the heat of the afternoon sun as well.
Like most viewpoints in Rome on this list, this one is also free to visit.
13. From Terrazza Trinità dei Monti
If you are happy to climb the 138 steps of the Spanish Steps to the Trinita dei Monti church, you will be rewarded with one of the best views of Rome.
You will not only have a spectacular view of the Piazza di Spagna, which is one of the famous Piazzas in Rome, and its lovely fountain, but you will also be able to see St. Peter’s Basilica.
This is a popular spot so expect to see plenty of tourists. An idea is to go at aperitivo time when many people are enjoying a drink. Another advantage is that if you go at night, you will see the city illuminated.
14. From Piazza del Quirinale
Piazza del Quirinale doesn’t often come up in guidebooks or tour itineraries, but this is a mistake as it offers fantastic views of Rome.
The piazza houses one of the three official residences of the Italian President and to get there, you have to climb the stairs from Via della Dataria, near to the Trevi Fountain.
In front of the piazza, there is a terrace that looks over the city, with St. Peter’s Basilica in the middle of the frame. You will probably be able to spot other attractions as well.
The terrace is surrounded by beautiful gardens so don’t leave the piazza without taking a stroll around them.
And if you visit on Sunday, you’ll be able to see the changing of the guard ceremony that lasts for 20 minutes at 6 pm in summer and 4 pm the rest of the year.
15. From Several Rooftop Bars in Rome
What can be better than relaxing over a drink and some nibbles while looking at a fantastic view? There are plenty of rooftop bars in Rome that offer precisely that.
Otivm Rooftop Bar at the Otivm Hotel offers spectacular views of Il Vittoriano and the Piazza del Campidoglio. The drinks aren’t cheap, but they come with finger foods and the views are worth it. You can even come here for breakfast, but you need to book in advance.
Terrazzo Les Etoiles is another rooftop bar with stunning views. From here, you can see the Vatican and Castel Sant’Angelo. Another plus is that the service is great.
One of the best viewpoints in Rome to see the Colosseum illuminated at night is from the Court cocktail bar in the Manfredi Hotel.
It is at ground level so the Colosseum towers above you in all its splendor. As with most bars with a view, you should book in advance to ensure you get a table.
16. From Via Niccolò Piccolomini
Via Niccolò Piccolomini (or simply Via Piccolomini) is one of the most fascinating streets in Rome, although still unknown to many tourists.
The view you will experience from this street is something extraordinary and can only be described as an optical illusion.
At the end of the street is St. Peter’s Basilica but the nearer you get to it, the smaller it seems.
However, the further away you are, the bigger it gets. The only explanation given for this is the way the architecture was constructed along the street, though this is not known for sure.
The best way to see this optical illusion is if you are driving fast but you can still see it if you are walking.
17. From Various Hotels with a View
There are many hotels which give you spectacular views of Rome. For example, some rooms in the Palazzo Manfredi will provide you with magnificent views of the Colosseum.
In the center of Rome, you will get beautiful views over the city from the rooftop restaurant of the Hotel Indigo.
Another one of the best sunset views of Rome is from the rooftop restaurant of the Raphael Hotel. The view is spectacular as you will be able to see St. Peter’s Basilica, Castel Sant’Angelo, Piazza Venezia, Piazza di Spagna, and many more highlights of Rome.
18. From Terrazza Caffarelli
Terrazza Caffarelli is a hidden gem in Rome. The locals like to keep it a secret, but I can’t help but spill the beans.
It is on the second floor of the Capitoline Museums, but you don’t need to buy a ticket to the museum if you are just going to the terrace.
From here, you can see many of the domes in Rome, including, of course, St. Peter’s Basilica. However, that’s not all. The Jewish Ghetto is prominent as is Il Vittoriano and, in the distance, the Pantheon.
It’s not obligatory, but you can have a drink here and I highly recommend doing this and relaxing while admiring one of the best views over Rome.
19. From Via dei Fori Imperiali
Via dei Fori Imperiali gives a spectacular view of the Colosseum. It runs from the Piazza Venezia to the Colosseum and the view only gets better the more you walk towards the Colosseum.
However, you may be distracted from the view in front of you by what is on either side. You will be able to see the forums of Caesar, Trajan, Augustus, and Nerva, all of which offer excellent photo opportunities.
The best time to take this walk is at dusk when many buildings, including the Colosseum, are illuminated.
20. From Terrazza Viale del Belvedere
Terrazzo Viale del Belvedere is also located in beautiful Borghese Gardens and close to Terrazza del Pincio (Pincio Terrace) which I’ve already mentioned. This spot is also right in front of the famous high-end restaurant, Casino Valadier.
However, it is worthy of a mention of its own as it is a tranquil spot still undiscovered by many tourists, though I don’t expect that it will last so get there quickly before the hoards arrive.
The views may not be as impressive as those at Pincio Terrace, but you can still enjoy views of the historic center of Rome as well as the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica and Il Vittoriano.
Plus, it’s completely free.
21. From Terrazza Les Étoiles
Terrazza Les Etoiles is worthy of having a mention of its own as it offers one of the most panoramic views of Rome.
It is both an indoor restaurant and an outdoor rooftop bar located in Atlante Star Hotel.
From here, you can see the Villa Borghese and Gardens, Il Vittoriano, Janiculum Hill, and Castel Sant’Angelo.
You can enjoy coffee, light lunches, and aperitivos in the bar, and if you visit after sunset, you will be able to see St Peter’s Basilica illuminated.
Final Thoughts on the Best Viewpoints in Rome
Hopefully, you now know where to go for the best views of Rome. Each site I’ve described is unique and shows the city from different perspectives.
What is dominant, however, is that many of these viewpoints offer a spectacular view of St. Peter’s Basilica. But you can also go to the basilica itself and experience spectacular views of the city.
You certainly need a good few days to explore the viewpoints and take in the magic but if you don’t have the time to see them all, throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure that you return.
Check out these posts to help you plan your trip to Rome
- Rome Instagram captions
- Instagram captions for Italy
- Rome bucket list
- Famous Piazzas in Rome
- Best things to do in Rome at night
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