Rome offers not only incredible sights but also breathtaking viewpoints.
Here, we’ll introduce you to the most famous viewpoints in Rome and share some of our secret tips.
We found these lesser-known viewpoints even better, and they’re also less crowded.
Many are conveniently close to popular spots.
Our Favorites: Best Views In Rome And Rome From Above
OUR TOP 3 VIEWPOINTS IN ROME
⭐️ St. Peter's Basilica Dome
⭐️ Monumento Vittorio Emanuele II
⭐️ Palatine Hill
You can enjoy stunning views of landmarks across the city, but there are also several places where you can get panoramic views of Rome from above.
The reason for this is the seven hills on which the Eternal City was built, along with some landmarks that provide particularly remarkable vantage points.
In this guide, we give you the best views of Rome, which you can explore on a self-guided walking tour in Rome.
These viewpoints are also integrated into our daily itineraries, so depending on whether you visit Rome in one day, 2 days in Rome, or spend three days in Rome, you can plan to visit one or more of these places.
Make sure to check out our helpful guide about visiting Rome for the first time.
Rooftop Terrace Of The Vittorio Emanuele II Monument
From the imposing monument of King Vittorio Emanuele II, also known as the Altar of the Fatherland, you have a beautiful view over the rooftops of Rome.
The monument, located at Piazza Venezia, looks more like a palace. It was built on one of Rome’s seven hills and is visible throughout the city.
From here, you’ll also have a stunning view in the direction of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, as well as in all other directions.
Our Rating: 👍🏻
⭐️ Check out our Where To Stay In Rome guide!
Palatine Hill Viewpoint Over The Roman Forum
The Palatine Hill is the most important of Rome’s seven hills, as legend has it that Romulus laid the foundation stone for the city here.
From the viewpoint at the Palatine, you’ll get the best view of the Roman Forum area, the Altar of the Fatherland, Capitoline Hill, and the Colosseum.
To visit, you’ll need a ticket.
We recommend a combo ticket with a guided tour since the highlights of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill are poorly marked and described.
BOOK A TICKET FOR THE PALATINE AND ROMAN FORUM
Our Rating: 👍🏻
Colosseum Upper Floor
From inside the Colosseum, you’ll have a great view of the square, the Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum.
A visit to the Colosseum is a must when in Rome. Find more details in our article about the essential tips for visiting the Colosseum.
Our Rating: 👍🏻
Vatican: View From St. Peter’s Basilica Dome
Although St. Peter’s Basilica is technically in Vatican City, not Rome, this is still one of the best places to view Rome from above.
After climbing 551 steps, you can enjoy the view from St. Peter’s dome of St. Peter’s Square, the Vatican Museums, Vatican Gardens, and a 360-degree view of Rome.
The view directly beneath the dome into the basilica’s interior is also impressive.
⭐️ Good to know: Entry to St. Peter’s Basilica is free, but you’ll need a ticket to access the dome.
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Vatican Museums
During your visit to the Vatican Museums, home to the famous Sistine Chapel, you’ll also catch beautiful glimpses of Rome and the Vatican gardens from the windows.
We recommend skip-the-line tickets for the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.
BOOK A SKIP-THE-LINE TICKET FOR THE VATICAN MUSEUMS
Our Rating: 👍🏻
Aventine Hill And The Keyhole Of The Knights Of Malta
One of the most unique photo spots in Rome can be found at the Keyhole of the Knights of Malta, also known as the Aventine Keyhole.
At Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta, there’s a closed gate. Peeking through the small keyhole, you’ll see the garden and hedges behind it, with St. Peter’s Basilica perfectly framed in the distance.
This spot is popular, and there’s usually a line.
Expect to wait at least 30 minutes, possibly more, for a chance to peek through.
Some say you’ll need a zoom lens for the best photos, but even a phone with a zoom feature works well.
We found it hard to get the perfect shot since time is limited.
There’s a line behind you, so you can’t stand there forever to get the perfect shot.
For us, this photo spot is more of a fun quirk or worth it if you have extra time.
Our Rating: 👎🏻
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Hidden Gem: Viewpoint On Aventine Hill
Near the Aventine Keyhole is the Giardino degli Aranci (Orange Garden), one of the hidden gems in Rome.
Next to the Basilica di Santa Sabina all’Aventino, you’ll find the Terrazza Belvedere Aventino viewpoint.
From here, you can see the Trastevere district, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II, all offering excellent photo opportunities.
We preferred this terrace to the Aventine Keyhole, and it’s also much less crowded.
Our Rating: 👍🏻
Terrazza Del Pincio
You can easily reach the Terrazza del Pincio from Trinità dei Monti, a church located at the top of the Spanish Steps.
Alternatively, you can walk up from Piazza del Popolo.
The Pincio Terrace marks the beginning of the Villa Borghese Gardens.
In these expansive gardens, you can escape the noise of Rome and stroll along beautifully landscaped paths.
While this terrace is often praised as one of the best views in Rome, we weren’t particularly impressed.
You get a better view of Piazza del Popolo when you walk down from the Pincio terrace:
Our Rating: 👎🏻
Hidden Gem: Terrazza Viale Del Belvedere
A better view than directly from the Pincio Terrace can be found by walking a bit further down the path towards the Villa Medici and Trinità dei Monti church.
Here, at the Terrazza Viale del Belvedere, it’s much quieter, and you’ll get a better view of Rome and St. Peter’s Basilica.
Our Rating: 👍🏻
Gianicolo Hill Viewpoint
The Gianicolo Hill, located in the Trastevere district, is slightly outside the city center.
If you visit Trastevere, it’s not far from this viewpoint.
From here, you’ll have a view of Rome’s city center.
We didn’t visit this spot during our trip because we had already seen enough viewpoints, but it’s one of the most famous viewpoints in Rome.
Ponte Vittorio Emanuele II: View Of Castel Sant’Angelo And The Bridge Of Angels
After visiting St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums, if you head towards the city center, you’ll cross the Ponte Vittorio Emanuele II.
From here, you’ll have a lovely view of Castel Sant’Angelo and the Bridge of Angels, with the Tiber River flowing peacefully beneath.
This view is particularly stunning just before sunset.
Our Rating: 👍🏻
Ponte Umberto I At Night
Close to the Ponte Vittorio Emanuele II bridge is the Ponte Umberto I bridge.
From this bridge, you can take beautiful night shots of St. Peter’s Basilica and the illuminated Rome skyline reflected in the Tiber River.
Our Rating: 👍🏻
Map With The Best Panoramic Views In Rome
Conclusion: Best Views of Rome
Since Rome is partly built on hills, there are plenty of viewpoints across the city.
Some are known as the most beautiful, but we found that there are even better ones.
Especially if you’re short on time in Rome, we recommend visiting the Terrazza Viale del Belvedere near the Spanish Steps and Piazza del Popolo.
If you want a special view of Rome and the Vatican, we recommend climbing to the top of St. Peter’s dome or visiting Palatine Hill.
But don’t miss the view from Ponte Umberto at night—it’s a truly special experience.
You might also enjoy:
Essential Tips For Visiting Rome For The First Time
The Worst Time To Visit Rome
Rome Itineraries
