Rome, with its colorful buildings, elaborate fountains, lush parks, impressive squares, and precious archaeological sites, is truly one of the most beautiful cities in the world – if not the most beautiful.
There’s no doubt that wandering along its tiny, winding streets is a feast for the eyes, but for those who are interested in taking enviable selfies, who love photography, or who simply want to take in a different perspective of the Eternal City, getting up high is where the magic begins.
Here’s my list of the best viewpoints in Rome for the most awe-inspiring views of Rome from above, made even more spectacular at sunset.
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9 Best Viewpoints in Rome
1. Terrazza del Pincio
Starting at one of my favorite places in the city, Piazza del Popolo, take the stairs on the northeastern side of the square; be prepared for a bit of a hike.
Your efforts will be rewarded as you reach one of the entryways to the famous Villa Borghese Park, the Pincian Terrace, which offers a breathtaking view over Piazza del Popolo and of St. Peter’s in the distance.
From here, I recommend walking the high road from the terrace (Viale Adamo Mickievicz); not only does it lead to the beautiful Villa Medici and the Trinita dei Monti, both of which offer gorgeous views of the city, but it also affords a lovely look at the rooftops of Rome.
2. Trinita dei Monti (Top of The Spanish Steps)
Whether arriving directly from the Pincian Terrace or hiking the many stairs from the bottom of the square, this colorful view will make you fall in love with the city.
Why not linger and enjoy it a bit longer with an aperitivo at Il Palazzetto Hotel rooftop bar on the corner? You’ll pay for the view, but hey, when in Rome!
From here, make your way south, perhaps on Rome’s main shopping street, Via del Corso, until you reach the imposing structure that offers one of the best 360-degree views of the city – Altare della Patria.
3. Altare della Patria
One of the least visited yet most photographed sites in Rome, this massive, marble monument located in Piazza Venezia will take your breath away.
Just before sunset, on clear afternoons, it’s illuminated in gold by the setting sun, casting dramatic shadows.
There are also elevators that lead up to the Terrazza delle Quadrighe, where you will be met by 360-degree views of the city, second to none, to admire the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Vatican.
From here, there is a fork in the road, and either way you go, there are more views to be enjoyed. To the left, you’ll reach the Colosseum, and to the right, you’ll reach the Jewish Ghetto and continue to the other side of the Tiber River.
4. Largo Gaetana Agnesi – Ponte degli Annibaldi – Colle Oppio Park
For the best views of the Colosseum, these three locations, all clustered nearby, offer the finest spots to take selfies in front of the Colosseum that will make your friends swoon. Largo Gaetana Agnesi is also the meeting point for many of our Colosseum tours.
If you’d like to escape the crowds, head to the nearby Oppio Hill Park, which offers some added natural scenery to the view.
5. Palatine Hill
If you’re visiting Rome, chances are you’ll take a tour of the Colosseum. In this case, along with having a deeper understanding of one of the most iconic symbols in the world, you will also get to see Palatine Hill, the founding place of the Eternal City.
Perched high above the city, this historic site is also one of the best viewpoints in Rome. Part of this archaeological area is the Orti Farnesiani, one of the oldest botanical gardens in Europe, if not the oldest.
This 16th-century oasis in the middle of the city isn’t only beautiful, but also opens to incredible views of the Roman Forum from a number of its strategically-placed terraces.
You will also see the wonder of Augustus’ Palace, which overlooks the incredible Circus Maximus below. You see, Augustus wanted to have the best seat to watch the chariot races.
6. Aventine Hill
As you continue past the Colosseum, you’ll make your way to Circus Maximus, which leads to Aventine Hill.
On your way to the top, stop at the Rose Garden, another undiscovered and romantic oasis, which overlooks Circus Maximus and Augustus’ Palace from a different angle.
Continuing your hike up, you’ll come across Giardino degli Aranci, the Orange Garden, another peaceful oasis lined with orange trees. Come in the spring for a flowering wonder.
In this beautiful garden, you’ll see St. Peter’s Basilica perfectly framed by the rows of orange trees. Continue to the edge of the garden, where you’ll find a terrace with beautiful views of the Tiber River, St. Peter’s Basilica, Altare della Patria, and the iconic rooftops of Rome.
Fun fact: You can witness one of Rome’s optical illusions here. As you walk toward the basilica from the garden, the latter seems to shrink rather than grow bigger.
As you leave, you’ll likely notice a long line standing in front of a garden archway at Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta. This is the famous keyhole, which perfectly frames St. Peter’s dome.
Once you come down from Aventine Hill, make your way northwest towards the Tiber River, where you’ll arrive at the far side of the Jewish Ghetto.
I recommend stopping for an aperitivo at the rooftop bar of 47 Boutique Hotel, where you can take in a gorgeous view of the Temple of Hercules, the Temple of Portuno, the Tiber River, and part of the Jewish Ghetto.
7. Campidoglio
To end our loop, continue to circle north until you come across two massive staircases.
Take the one on the right (fortunately, it’s less steep) leading to Campidoglio, which has one of Rome’s most beautiful squares, designed by Michelangelo, and museums, where you can see the recently reconstructed Colossus Statue.
Walking through the square, go to the opening on your right to discover a unique vision of the Roman Forum, as if immersed in the middle of Ancient Rome.
If you need a break, the museum has a café that is open to the public and also has beautiful views of the Roman Forum.
8. St. Peter’s Dome
On another day, you may decide to dedicate time to admiring the best views of the Eternal City from the west of the Tiber River, with a natural starting point being none other than St. Peter’s Basilica.
Whether or not you take a tour of the Vatican, I recommend climbing up to the dome. You can either climb up all 551 steps or take an elevator and just go up the remaining 320 steps.
Once up there, you’ll be rewarded with an amazing birdseye view of the Vatican’s iconic St. Peter’s Square (designed by none other than Michelangelo), the Vatican Gardens, the Pantheon, Castel Sant’Angelo, and the Colosseum.
9. Orto Botanico – Gianicolo (Janiculum Hill)
From the Vatican, follow the Tiber River south down to the Trastevere neighborhood. On the way, stop for a picture of Ponte Umberto, the famously photographed bridge in front of St. Peter’s Basilica.
At the far end of this charming neighborhood, you’ll find two more spots for great panoramic views of the city: l’Orto Botanico (the Botanical Gardens) and Gianicolo (Janiculum Hill).
The first is a must if you’re looking for an oasis of peace that rises up the side of the hill, again offering unbelievable views from a different vantage point.
The second is ideal if you don’t want to pay an entrance fee and love a good hike. What awaits you will not disappoint: this is one of the highest vantage points in Rome with breathtaking views.
Just be sure to cover your ears at noon when they shoot off a cannon.
I hope you enjoyed this small tour of the Eternal City by way of its best views. There’s no end to the beauty to behold, and whether or not you make your way to all of these sites, no matter where you find yourself in Rome, you’ll most likely have one of these vantage points nearby.
But even if you don’t get to visit the best viewpoints in Rome mentioned in this article, just head to a hotel with a rooftop bar (there are many), where you can enjoy a drink and the views at sunset.
Here are two additional spots with great views, which are off my tour path mentioned above:
For an unbeatable view of Piazza Navona, head up to the rooftop bar of Eitch Borromini Hotel. You’ll pay for the view, but it’s worth it.
Head to the nearby Castel Sant’Angelo, stopping for a picture on the angel statue-lined bridge, and get to the top of the museum, former mausoleum, medieval refuge, and then church.
Be sure to watch Dan Brown’s Angels and Demons when you go home; this is featured in that movie.
I hope you enjoy the best viewpoints in Rome and the Eternal City as much as I do – it’s a constant discovery.
Italy Destination Expert & Rome City Host