Planning a trip to Rome and want to know all the best photo spots? Keep scrolling for my list of the most Instagrammable spots in Rome!
This list of the most Instagrammable spots in Rome, Italy, was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
A vacation in Rome is nothing without snapping a few photos. That’s why I came up with this list of 10 Instagrammable spots in Rome worth capturing!
Rome is world-famous for its history and rich culture, which can be appreciated in its architecture, museums, and food. Italy’s capital was founded in 625 BC, eventually becoming one of Europe’s most important cultural centers.
Today, it is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world. Millions of visitors flock to admire ancient Rome structures like the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Spanish Steps.
They also visit the impressive museums that house striking works of art from some famous masters. Of course, Italian cuisine is also another important part of visiting the Eternal City! Whether you’re looking for delicious food or awe-inspiring art, Rome has it all.
If you think that with so much history, art, and culture, Rome must be full of Instagram worthy places, you are absolutely right!
The Eternal City is full of Insta eye candy that goes from the smallest details to world-famous ancient attractions. From hidden gems tucked away in quiet corners to popular tourist attractions in the heart of the city center, there’s no shortage of breathtaking spots to capture.
Keep reading to find out some of the most Instagram worthy places to get the best content while exploring the entire city that was once the epicenter of the Roman Empire.
The Most Instagrammable Places in Rome
1. Trevi Fountain
Chances are you are eager to see the gorgeous Trevi Fountain. It attracts millions of visitors yearly to gasp at the beauty of its huge sculptures and turquoise water.
Tossing a coin into the fountain to make a wish is part of the fun. “Toss one coin, and you’ll return to Rome with two coins and make a wish, toss three coins, and fall in love.”
But after you’ve done that, Trevi also happens to be one of the best views in Rome!
It is easier said than done, though. Trevi Fountain is one of the prettiest Rome Instagram spots, so it’s no wonder that you’ll have to deal with crowds.
The best way to get around that is to go during early morning, which means 6 a.m. Getting a super early start is well worth the effort if you want to shoot from several angles and capture the fountain in all its glory.
You may even get a chance to photograph it during the golden hour when the sunlight creates a dreamy glow over the cascading water.
2. The Spanish Steps
The image of the Spanish Steps in Rome became extremely famous thanks to a scene played by Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck in the movie Roman Holiday.
That image of the 1723 staircase that links the Piazza di Spagna square to Santissima Trinidad dei Monti church went around the globe. To this day, it remains one of the most famous in the film industry.
The iconic moment captured in the 138-step staircase by the film industry has gone around the globe several times since it came out in 1953. Souvenir vendors and gift shop owners in Rome have reproduced it millions of times.
Of course, there was no social media in the 1950s. Otherwise, Hepburn and the Spanish Steps would have indeed broken the Internet. What did happen is that she jumped into fame, which seems like a good auspice for creating content in this spot.
As an added bonus, you’ll find the beautiful fountains of Baroque Rome, like the Fontana della Barcaccia, at the bottom of the Spanish Steps. It’s a fountain designed to look like a sinking boat and is also very Instagrammable.
3. The Colosseum
One of Rome’s most relevant highlights, the Colosseum, is a glimpse into the past. And it’s a huge Instagrammable spot to capture that journey to the times of Roman gladiators and emperors.
This humongous arena was built in the year 72 A.D. for theatrical performances, gladiator spectacles, and public executions, hosting 50,000 visitors at a time.
Although the Colosseum has suffered damage from earthquakes and the passage of time, its impressive architecture has made it one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
As you might have guessed, it can get crowded. But its sheer size guarantees you’ll find plenty of spots for content creation inside and outside.
For the best shots, bring a wide angle lens to capture the full grandeur of this iconic landmark.
As with other popular tourist attractions in this touristy city, your best bet is to show up early morning before opening time (9:30 am) in order to snap stunning pics without hoards of people getting in the way. Check rates for the skip-the-line tour.
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4. Temple of Julius Caesar
Built in 44 BC by Augustus to honor Julius Caesar after he was killed, it is the Roman Forum’s main structure and one of Rome’s most important monuments.
The super tall columns of the Temple of Julius and the arch above make this one of the most Instagram worth places in Rome, especially if you capture the sheer size in relation to small humans!
The Temple of Julius is located near Piazza Venezia, making it easy to visit while exploring ancient rome landmarks like the Colosseum and Roman Forum.
5. Galleria Borghese
Galleria Borghese is an art museum within a gorgeous mansion where works of art by world-famous artists are exhibited.
These include paintings by Raphael and sculptures by Canovas and Bernini, as well as mosaics and other works from the first, second, and third centuries.
Stepping inside to admire the collections is very much worth your while. But if Instagrammable spots are what you’re after, you’ll find more than enough here, too.
The mansion that houses the museum is gorgeous, with arches, sculptures, and a staircase that could hold a great deal of content. The intricate details and stunning décor make it one of the best Rome Instagram spots for art lovers.
Additionally, the surrounding gardens are beautiful and nicely tended, as they belong to Villa Borghese, the largest park in Rome. Here, you’ll also find hidden gems like small fountains, statues, and elegant pathways perfect for photography.
You’ll find you can shoot plenty of pics for your feed without crowds being a problem – something much appreciated in busy Rome. Check the latest ticket prices and availability.
6. Terraza Beldevere di Gianicolo
For great views of Centro Storico, Vatican City, and Monti, head to Terraza Belvedere di Gianicolo.
This elevated terrace provides picture-perfect vistas from a viewpoint different from most of the famous landmarks in Rome.
An added bonus is that the Beldevere di San Giacomo terrace is nestled inside the Orto Botanico di Roma botanical gardens. More than 7,000 plant species and a butterfly house dwell within, with gorgeous sculptures dotted here and there.
The presence of orange trees in the garden adds a touch of vibrancy, especially during bloom season!
7. Vatican City
Despite being set within Rome’s city limits, Vatican City is a small independent country. The Vatican offers a closer look at the dwellings of the Catholic Church authorities as well as its stunning architecture and art.
The main highlights are St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museum. Visiting the three highlights is highly recommended, regardless of whether you are religious or not. Check the latest prices of skip-the-line tickets.
The Vatican is stunning historically and culturally, but camera-wise, the best shots are taken outdoors at St. Peter’s Square. That’s because flashes are not allowed inside the buildings, but you can take flash-free pictures.
8. Trastevere
The Trastevere neighborhood in Rome is a must-visit area with nice restaurants and bars.
If you’re after delicious food, traditionally cooked Italian fare, this is a great place to go, especially if you enjoy people-watching. Trastevere attracts locals and tourists who flock here to enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and the food.
Trastevere is also extremely photogenic, with cobblestoned streets and charming terracotta and rose houses, shops, and trattorias – small restaurants.
The best way to find the perfect backdrop for your content is to take a stroll through several streets and small squares. Great pics with a picturesque, rustic look are guaranteed.
While you’re in the area, you might want to walk or take the bus to Tiber Island (Isola de Tiberina), which is less than a mile away.
This small island is right smack in the middle of the Tiber River and the heart of Rome. It’s connected to one bank by the Ponte Fabricio bridge and the other by the Ponte Cestio bridge.
Even though it is small, Isola de Tiberina offers cool views of the river’s banks and bridges. If you’re up to it, Piazza in Piscinula, in Trastevere, is the closest point to the islet, which is not on most people’s radar.
9. Palazzo Massimo
Palazzo Massimo Alle Colonne is a Renaissance palace in Rome in Piazza de Massimi, a very small plaza close to Piazza Navona.
Built in the nineteenth century as a Jesuit School, the palace is now a museum. The architecture and frescoes on the wall are quite striking, even though they have been damaged over the years.
The palace and columns make an excellent setting for a photography session, especially if you’re looking to get some unique Rome content with an ancient air different from the usual touristy spots.
10. Castel Sant’ Angelo
Castel Sant’Angelo is an incredibly imposing fortress that can be spotted from many parts of the right bank of the Tiber.
Emperor Hadrian built it as his mausoleum, which was eventually used as a defense fortress, prison execution site, and papal residence.
The monument and its exhibits are worth the trek across the river. This is especially true if you want to glimpse how much Rome has changed over the past twenty centuries.
At the top of the fortress, you’ll get breathtaking panoramic views of Rome, the Vatican, and the river. This makes it a great photo-op and one of the most Instagrammable spots in Rome.
Instagrammable Spots in Rome Wrap-Up
Rome is truly one of the most Instagram worthy places in the world! Whether you’re capturing the grandeur of Ancient Rome at the Colosseum, the stunning views from Aventine Hill, or the charming streets of Trastevere, there’s no shortage of beautiful spots to fill your feed.
From popular tourist attractions like the Trevi Fountain and Piazza San Pietro to hidden gems like the Orange Garden, this city is a dream for photographers. Don’t forget to visit during golden hour for that soft, magical light, and consider using a wide angle lens to capture the full beauty of these historic locations.
Have you visited Rome? Did you find some favorite Rome Instagram spots that aren’t on this list? Maybe a unique photo opportunity in a quiet alley or a breathtaking view near Piazza Venezia? Share your best Instagram photos and recommendations in the comments—I’d love to hear about them!
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