10 landmarks to photograph in Rome (including some that might surprise you)

Rome is a city where ancient history and modern life sit side by side – and it’s just made to be photographed. From towering ruins and baroque fountains to quiet corners that tourists often miss, there’s no shortage of visual inspiration here. Whether you’re snapping on a smartphone or shooting with a mirrorless camera, these are the places you’ll want to add to your must-shoot list.

Capture the grandeur of the Colosseum from the outer perimeter

The Colosseum is easily the most photographed landmark in Rome – and for good reason. This ancient amphitheatre, nearly 2,000 years old, is not only an architectural marvel but a symbol of Rome’s enduring legacy. Its scale and curves make it a dream subject for photographers.

For the best wide-angle compositions, head to the outer perimeter of the Colosseum, particularly the elevated stretch along Via Nicola Salvi. From here, you can capture the entire structure framed by greenery, street lamps or even distant rooftops, depending on your positioning. Early morning is an ideal time to capture it – the golden light at sunrise gives the stone a soft glow and the crowds are minimal.

Another vantage point is the nearby park on the Oppian Hill (Parco del Colle Oppio), just a short walk away. This spot offers a more relaxed, slightly elevated perspective that lets you incorporate trees or foreground details for added depth. If you’re visiting in the evening, the Colosseum also lights up beautifully at night, making it worth a return for a different atmosphere altogether.

Frame St Peter’s Basilica from the Via della Conciliazione

St Peter’s Basilica, located in Vatican City, is one of the most iconic religious buildings in the world – and one of the most photographed. Its massive dome dominates the skyline and has become a global symbol of Rome. 

While the view from St Peter’s Square is impressive, try photographing it from Via della Conciliazione, the broad avenue that leads directly to the basilica. From this vantage point, the road acts as a natural leading line, pulling your eye towards the dome and giving a dramatic sense of scale.

The further back you go, the more street detail you’ll capture. It’s especially dramatic when lit up at dusk. Aim for blue hour just after sunset and set your phone to Night mode or use a small tripod for longer exposures on a camera.

Toss a coin at the Trevi Fountain

Yes, it’s touristy – but the Trevi Fountain is still a breathtaking sight. Completed in the 18th century, it’s a masterpiece of baroque design, with mythological figures, cascading water and intricate carvings all backed by the grandeur of the Palazzo Poli.

The front is usually packed with people snapping selfies or tossing coins over their shoulder (a tradition that’s meant to ensure your return to Rome), but if you want a more unique composition, head to the side near the right-hand arch. From this angle, you can capture the dramatic flow of water and more of the sculptural detail – without a sea of heads in the frame. Go early (around 6am) to get a clean shot with soft morning light before the crowds arrive.

Shoot the Spanish Steps from Trinità dei Monti

Built in the 18th century to connect the Piazza di Spagna below with the Trinità dei Monti church above, this 135-step staircase is a masterpiece of urban design – and it’s a favourite gathering place for locals and visitors.

While most people take photos from the bottom looking up, one of the most rewarding views is actually from the top near the Trinità dei Monti. From here, the steps cascade down towards the square, with the obelisks, terracotta rooftops and the dome-filled skyline of Rome stretching out behind them. It’s a view that combines the charm of the city with a strong architectural focal point – and makes for a beautifully layered image.

Look across to the Roman Forum from Capitoline Hill

The Roman Forum was the beating heart of ancient Rome – a bustling centre of politics, commerce, religion and public life for centuries. Today, it’s a sprawling archaeological site filled with crumbling columns, temples, basilicas and arches that hint at the city’s former glory. Walking through it at ground level is incredible, but if you’re looking for the best photo, you’ll want to head up high.

One of the most stunning and easily accessible viewpoints is from the terrace behind the Capitoline Museums on Capitoline Hill. From here, you get a panoramic view that layers the Temple of Saturn, Arch of Septimius Severus and Basilica Julia in one frame, all with the Palatine Hill rising in the background. 

From Piazza Venezia, climb the grand staircase leading to Piazza del Campidoglio, once at the top, head behind the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius and follow signs for the Terrazza Belvedere. It’s a peaceful (and completely free) spot often overlooked by tourists rushing between Colosseum and Forum entrances – and a hidden gem for capturing both the scale and the decay of ancient Rome.

View the Pantheon’s dome from below

The Pantheon is one of the best-preserved monuments of ancient Rome. Originally built as a temple to all Roman gods, the structure’s massive columns and classical portico are impressive, but it’s once you step inside that the real magic happens.

The dome – the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world – opens up overhead in a perfect hemisphere, with a 9-metre-wide oculus at its centre that lets natural light stream directly into the space below. 

Stand directly in the centre of the rotunda beneath the oculus and look straight up. The symmetry from this angle is powerful, and the light from the oculus adds atmosphere – especially in the morning when sunbeams are more likely to cut through. Use your phone’s ultra-wide setting or, if you’re using a camera, a 14–20mm lens to capture the full curvature without cropping out the coffered ceiling. Black-and-white filters can also enhance the drama of the geometry.

Peek through the Aventine Keyhole

This one’s a hidden gem – a secret worth sharing, but still delightfully under the radar. At the top of Aventine Hill, one of Rome’s quieter and leafier neighbourhoods, sits a modest green door that belongs to the Priory of the Knights of Malta, a historic religious and military order. 

At first glance, it looks like just another closed gate, but if you lean in and look through the keyhole, you’ll see a perfectly aligned view of the dome of St Peter’s Basilica, framed by a manicured tunnel of hedges. It’s like peeking into a secret garden with the Vatican as its centrepiece.

To find it, take Metro Line B to Circo Massimo, then walk up Via di Santa Sabina to Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta. Look for a small group of people standing quietly at a door – that’s your clue you’ve found it.

Explore the Art Nouveau charm of Quartiere Coppedè

Hidden in plain sight, Quartiere Coppedè is an enchanting and lesser-known architectural gem. Designed by Gino Coppedè in the early 20th century, this whimsical micro-neighbourhood offers fairytale turrets, mosaic facades, iron chandeliers hanging over archways and sculptural details.

This area is rarely featured in tourist guides, making it perfect for photographers who want something off the beaten path. The centrepiece is the Fountain of the Frogs in Piazza Mincio – a playful, ornate structure flanked by fantastical buildings. Look up to spot carved faces, winged lions and stained-glass windows.

Start at Via Dora, where the grand archway creates a dramatic frame for photos. The Fountain of the Frogs is best shot mid-morning when shadows are soft and details pop. Use Portrait mode or a wide-angle lens to get both the fountain and the surrounding architecture in frame.

Walk the modern curve of Ponte della Musica

Not all of Rome’s landmarks are ancient, and Ponte della Musica is a refreshing reminder of the city’s contemporary edge. Opened in 2011 and spanning the Tiber near the Auditorium Parco della Musica, this sleek pedestrian and cycle bridge combines engineering elegance with minimalist design. Its gently sweeping arches, steel beams and white-painted structure offer a striking contrast to the historical chaos of the city centre.

It’s also a fantastic location for clean, graphic photos. The interplay of curves and negative space makes it ideal for architectural shots, while its position over the river adds potential for dreamy reflections.

Visit just after sunset when the bridge lights begin to glow and reflect on the water. A long exposure smooths out the river and captures dynamic motion from passing cyclists and pedestrians.

Discover the Orange Garden

Perched high on Aventine Hill, the Giardino degli Aranci (Orange Garden) is a serene and scenic escape – and a perfect spot for panoramic photos that feel both intimate and majestic. Lined with fragrant orange trees and bordered by low stone walls, this small park offers a peaceful respite from the city noise below.

At its edge, a terrace opens up to a stunning view across the rooftops of Rome, with St Peter’s Basilica rising in the distance. It’s a favourite among locals for sunset strolls and quiet reflection, and yet still feels under the radar to most tourists.

Arrive about 30 minutes before sunset to watch the light soften over the city. Use the orange trees as natural framing or shoot a wide horizontal panorama to capture the full sweep of domes and bell towers. 

It’s also a short walk from the Aventine Keyhole, so combine both for a rewarding visit.