Rome is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. In this article, I’m sharing 15 of the best views in Rome, whether you’re looking for the perfect sunset spot, the best Colosseum viewpoint, or a great place to photograph the city’s skyline.
Many of these viewpoints are free, but if there’s a cost, I’ve made note of it. If you’re short on time, scroll to the end to see my top five must-visit views in Rome!
Best Views of Rome
1. Ponte Umberto I
Ponte Umberto I connects Rome’s historic center with the Prati neighborhood and has one of the most picturesque views of the Tiber River. From here, you get a beautiful view of Ponte Sant’Angelo with the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in the background.
Sunset is the best time to visit when the sun lights up the city’s skyline.
2. Altar of the Fatherland
The Altar of the Fatherland is impossible to miss. This massive, 266-foot-tall monument was built to honor Italy’s first king after unification, Vittorio Emanuele II.
For what I think is the best view of Rome, head to the café-level terrace and follow the signs to the elevator that takes you to the very top.
From here, you’ll get a breathtaking panoramic view of the Roman Forum, Colosseum, and the historic center of Rome.
In 2024, the elevator ride cost $17 – a bit steep, but absolutely worth it! Find out more on the official website.
3. Trinità dei Monti
Trinità dei Monti is a 16th-century church located at the very top of the Spanish Steps. Just below the church, Piazza della Trinità dei Monti has a fantastic view overlooking the steps and Piazza di Spagna below.
This spot is always busy, making it perfect for people-watching, one of my favorite past times. For a less crowded experience, I recommend arriving around or before 7:30 AM. It’s pretty quiet at this time of the day and the morning light is nice for photos. The steps are free to visit.
4. Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica
The dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City is one of the largest in the world – and yes, you can climb all the way to the top!
For the best view of Vatican City, make your way up the dome. To get to the dome, you’ll need to wait in line to enter St. Peter’s Basilica and follow the signs for “Cupola.” Be prepared to wait a while, especially during peak season.
You have two options:
- Elevator + stairs (€10): Skip part of the climb and tackle only 320 steps.
- Stairs only (€8): A budget-friendly but more strenuous climb—551 steps in total!
I took the elevator, and it was worth it, especially after a long day of walking. Either way, the view from the top is absolutely stunning.
5. Capitoline Hill
For some of the best views of the Roman Forum, head to the top of Capitoline Hill, the most famous of Rome’s seven hills.
There are two balconies here, and both are worth checking out. The first is on the left side of the Senatorial Palace, the large orange-colored building at the center of the hill.
The second balcony is on the opposite side of the palace with a different but equally stunning view of the ancient city below.
The cost to visit the balconies is free.
6. Caffarelli Terrace
Also on Capitoline Hill are the Capitoline Museums, which I highly recommend visiting. They have a fascinating collection of ancient Roman artifacts, which is particularly thrilling for a history buff like me.
Inside the museum is a cafe and bar called Caffarelli Terrace. You can visit the cafe for free, even without a museum ticket, which is a huge perk.
From the terrace, you’ll get a beautiful view overlooking the Jewish Ghetto, including the Theater of Marcellus, as well as part of the Roman Forum. For opening hours and more info, check out the cafe’s official website.
7. Janiculum Hill
For one of my favorite panoramic views of Rome, head to Janiculum Hill, the second tallest hill in the city. It’s a bit tricky to get here from the center of Rome. The easiest way is to walk up the hill from Trastevere. You can also take a bus if needed, but the walk isn’t too bad.
Make your way to Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi, where you’ll get a beautiful view of all of Rome. The best time to visit is around sunset when the whole city is lit up.
On your way up, don’t miss Fontana dell’Acqua Paola, a beautiful Baroque fountain that’s just as impressive as the Trevi Fountain but without the crowds!
8. Villa Medici
Villa Medici sits on Pincian Hill, right next to the Borghese Gardens. This stunning Renaissance villa was once owned by the powerful Medici family and is now home to the French Academy of Art. From the garden terrace, you’ll get a wonderful view of Rome below.
To visit, you’ll need to book a guided tour, which costs €14 for a full-price ticket. I booked one of the last time slots of the day and was treated to a gorgeous sunset view—highly recommend! To book a tour, go to the official website.
9. Pincio Terrace
Stop by Pincio Terrace for a nice view overlooking Piazza del Popolo. It’s located in the Villa Borghese Gardens, so it’s an easy, quick stop on your way through the park.
10. Giardinetto del Monte Oppio
For one of the best views of the Colosseum, head to Giardinetto del Monte Oppio, a small park just above the Colosseo metro stop.
Once you exit the metro, look for the stairs and climb to the top. Walk along the balcony, and you’ll get a stunning viewpoint of the Colosseum, framed by trees and greenery.
11. Castel Sant’Angelo
Castel Sant’Angelo was originally built as the Mausoleum of Hadrian for the tomb of Emperor Hadrian in 139 AD. Over the centuries, it has transformed from a mausoleum into a military fortress, a castle, and even a prison.
For 360° views of Rome, head to the upper terrace. From here, you can see St. Peter’s Basilica, the Tiber River, and central Rome. Definitely a reason worth visiting!
Full price tickets cost €16.
12. Trajan’s Forum
Along Via dei Fori Imperiali, you’ll find a series of ancient ruins that you can explore for free. Elevated walkways take you above many of the sites, and one of my favorite views is of Trajan’s Forum.
The highlight here is Trajan’s Column, a 126-foot-tall monument completed in 113 AD, which tells the story of Emperor Trajan’s military victories across Europe through intricate carvings that spiral up the column.
13. Terrazza Belvedere Aventino
Located in the Giardino degli Aranci (Orange Garden) atop Aventine Hill, this is one of the most peaceful and scenic viewpoints in Rome. Also on Aventine Hill, don’t miss the Knights of Malta Keyhole. Peek through it for a perfectly framed view of St. Peter’s basilica.
It’s just a short walk from Circus Maximus, making it an easy detour if you’re exploring the area.
14. Palatine Hill
For one of the best views of the Roman Forum, head to Terrazza Belvedere del Palatino on Palatine Hill. From this vantage point, you’ll get an amazing view of the ancient ruins, including temples, basilicas, and arches that once formed the heart of Imperial Rome.
Palatine Hill is part of the Colosseum and Roman Forum ticket. It’s well worth taking the extra time to explore this area that was once home to Rome’s elite, like emperors and aristocrats!
Tickets range from €18 – €24, depending on the type of ticket you purchase. For tickets and opening hours, check out the official website.
15. Terrazza Viale del Belvedere
Just a 4-minute walk from Pincio Terrace, along Via della Trinità dei Monti, is Terrazza Viale del Belvedere. If you’re walking from Pincio to the Spanish steps, you’ll pass this overlook along the way.
The terrace has a beautiful view of the Eternal City’s terracotta rooftops and historic buildings.
Top 5 Views of Rome
- Altar of the Fatherland
- Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica
- Capitoline Hill
- Ponte Umberto I
- Janiculum Hill
Map of Rome’s Viewpoints
To save the map to Google Maps on your phone or computer, click the star next to the title. This will add it to your “Saved Maps” list, making it easy to access later on your phone.
To view a list of all the locations on the map, click the box with the arrow on the left. To enlarge the map, click the box on the right.