9 of the Best Views in Rome and Where To Find Them

The scenic Pincio Terrace overlooking Piazza del Popolo is renowned for sunset views and its romantic ambiance—it has long been a favorite of lovebirds. Open to the public both day and night, the most popular time is when the sun begins to set, and couples gather here to take in the endless view stretching across Rome’s central rooftops to St. Peter’s Dome on the far side of the Tiber River.

Book a late afternoon guided tour to Villa Borghese and the Borghese Gallery (known for its collection of dazzling Bernini statues) and then stop on the terrace to capture the skyline from one of the top Rome cityscape photography spots after.

Rome’s skyline is punctuated by the domes and cupolas of its hundreds of churches, but there's one that tops them all. St. Peter’s Dome, designed by Michelangelo and towering more than 300 feet (100 meters) above the city, provides a 360-degree view encompassing Vatican City and beyond.

Climb to the top by entering St. Peter’s Basilica and purchase a ticket for the elevator that covers the first leg of the climb. Then, take on the final 320 steps for an unobstructed, 360-degree vista of the Eternal City. Alternatively, opt for a tour of the Basilica that includes a dome visit to learn more about its history and architecture as you savor views from the highest cupola in Rome.

Scroll any social media feed and sooner or later you’ll come across the image of St. Peter’s Dome perfectly framed by what has become known as the “Knights of Malta keyhole," located in the door of the Priory of the Knights of Malta headquarters on Aventine Hill.

Once a hidden gem, this vantage point has become internet famous and there’s almost always a long line to take a peek ... but it's worth the wait.

Insider tip: This unique, framed view though a keyhole is situated outside Rome’s center, so the best way to visit is with a tour on wheels—e-bike, scooter, golf cart, or car.

For a serene setting with views over the Tiber River, head to the Orange Garden (Giardino dei Aranci) just up the street from our aforementioned keyhole. This lush, free to enter terrace offers the same vista as the Knights of Malta keyhole from its front balustrade, without wasting time in line. Plus, the area stretches wide enough to offer plenty of room to snap a photo or linger for a while.

The small public park is shaded by towering umbrella pines and dozens of orange trees—which give the garden its name—and is an ideal spot to take a break from the downtown crowds as well as being one of Rome's best observation points. To add some extra Italian flare, book a vintage Fiat 500 self-driving tour to reach the garden when your feet need a break.

Vittorio Emanuele II Monument, Rome’s grand monument, is known locally simply as the Vittoriano. Set at the far end of the Roman Forum, the massive complex offers one of the must-see viewpoints in Rome from which you can admire the ancient ruins from above. In fact, it's equipped with an elevator leading to a rooftop terrace offering panoramic city views.

Once you reach the rooftop terrace (after purchasing a ticket), you'll get glimpses of the Colosseum and Forum to one side and the Historic Center of Rome to the other; so, you can easily visit before or after a tour of the Colosseum.

Insider tip: For more panoramic views of ancient Rome, consider pairing your visit to the Vittoriano terrace with a walk up Palantine Hill, part of the Roman Forum complex. It offers elevated views of the ruins and Colosseum with fewer crowds.

For a dramatic sunset backdrop in Rome, head to Janiculum Hill (called Gianicolo in Italian) where expansive views over Trastevere and central Rome make it one of the top panoramic viewpoints in the city at sunset. Stake out a spot at the sumptuous marble Fontana dell’Acqua Paola (known locally as the “Fontanone," or "Big Fountain") in the late afternoon, and watch as the whole of the historic center takes on that golden hour glow.

This spectacular perch is also an ideal location for admiring the city by night, and many evening scooter, tuk-tuk, and driving tours make a stop here to take in the view.

One of the best spots for photographing Rome's landmarks, Castel Sant’Angelo offers nearly 360-degree views—from the statue-lined Sant’Angelo Bridge over the Tiber River to St. Peter’s Basilica. This round mausoleum is one of the most unusual ancient sites in Rome, built for Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD and later used as a papal residence and fortress.

Today it houses the Castel Sant’Angelo National Museum. After perusing the collection of art and artifacts, head up to the rooftop terrace to take in arresting views from its perimeter. Book your tickets for this popular attraction in advance to spend more time admiring the view and less time in line.

For a free, unobstructed view of the Roman Forum, 24 hours a day, stop at Capitoline Hill. Known as Campidoglio in Italian, this hilltop is home to Piazza del Campidoglio, designed by Michelangelo and ringed by the Capitoline Museums and Rome’s city hall.

Walk past the city hall to the slightly hidden panoramic overlook—not to be confused with the ticketed Caffarelli Terrace—for photo-worthy views of the Roman ruins by day or night. You can also stop here before or after a tour of the Capitoline Museums, which hold some of Rome’s premier ancient art.

Insider tip: The Vittoriano, one of the most famous landmarks in Rome, also offers a bird’s-eye vantage point over the Roman Forum, but you must purchase a ticket to enter and the terrace closes in the evening.

Most lists of where to find the best views in Rome focus on high-altitude vantage points, but not all vistas require a climb. The street-level Ponte Umberto I bridge, spanning the Tiber River, offers one of the most enchanting perspectives of the city, with the Ponte Sant’Angelo bridge in the foreground and the towering dome of St. Peter’s Basilica rising in the distance. It’s easy to access the bridge as part of a Rome sightseeing tour.