Rome’s sizzling streets and urban bustle can get overwhelming, so escape to the respite of its quieter overlooks for dazzling views and cool breezes. Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, here's where to find the most stunning views in Rome.
LessThe scenic Pincio Terrace overlooking Piazza del Popolo has long been a favorite of love birds who gather here as the sun begins to set to take in the endless view that stretches across Rome’s central rooftops to St. Peter’s Dome across the Tiber River. Explore Villa Borghese’s shady avenues on foot or by bike, stopping on the terrace to capture the skyline from one of the top Rome cityscape photography spots along the way.
Rome’s skyline is punctuated by the domes and cupolas of its hundreds of churches, but there is one that tops them all—St. Peter’s Dome, designed by Michelangelo and towering more than 300 feet (100 meters) above the city. To climb to the top, enter 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.
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. This unique view is outside Rome’s center, so the best way to visit is with a tour on wheels.
If you want to capture the keyhole view but don’t want to wait in line, head to the Orange Garden (Giardino dei Aranci) just up the street. This lush terrace offers the same vista from its front balustrade, which 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.
Rome’s grand monument dedicated to Vittorio Emanuele II is known by many names—officially the Vittorio Emanuele II Monument, most locals call it the Vittoriano. Set at the far end of the Roman Forum, the massive complex offers one of the must-see viewpoints in Rome to admire the ancient ruins from above. Purchase a ticket for the panoramic elevator up to the rooftop terrace for glimpses of the Colosseum and Forum to one side and the Historic Center of Rome to the other.
Janiculum Hill (called Gianicolo in Italian) sits high above the Trastevere district and offers one of the top panoramic views in Rome 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 a golden glow. Many evening scooter, tuktuk, and driving tours make a stop here to take in the view.
Castel Sant’Angelo offers unique views of the statue-lined Sant’Angelo Bridge to one side and St. Peter’s Basilica to the other. 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.
The Vittoriano 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. For a sweeping vista across this ancient site that is free for the taking 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.
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 piercing the clouds behind. It’s easy to access the bridge as part of a Rome sightseeing tour.