17 Fantastic Rome Instagram Spots

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There are so many Rome Instagram spots in Italy that it can be hard to choose where to go for an amazing photo. Well, you’re in luck; we visited Rome while we were studying abroad and went on a mission to find amazing photo spots throughout the city, especially since we were only there for a limited time.

If you’re looking for the perfect photo op while in Rome, Italy, you’ll want to check out these amazing spots. From the Colosseum to the Trevi Fountain, there’s no shortage of beautiful backdrops for your next Instagram post.

So grab your camera and get ready to explore some of the best Rome Instagram spots!

Rome Instagram Spots

The Roman Forum

Historically, this spot was believed to be a spot for public meetings back under the Roman Republic. Today, the Roman Forum is still worth visiting because of all its history, and there are many ruins here that make for a great backdrop in a photo to remember your trip to Rome.

The ancient ruins are a perfect backdrop for modern-day photos, and there are plenty of photo opportunities throughout the site. Whether you’re taking a selfie in front of an old pillar or getting a group shot with friends, you’re sure to get some great shots at the Roman Forum.

Vatican Museums

Though the Vatican Museums are located in Vatican City, they are one of the best spots to take photos near Rome. These museums are filled with tons of historical art pieces, ranging from paintings to statues and everything in between.

While you can’t take photos in famous spots like the Sistine Chapel, there are still many photo opportunities throughout the museums.

I definitely recommend getting there earlier in the morning, perhaps by getting one of their breakfast tickets, which is what we did. This allows you to enter before the museums are officially open to the public.

The Colosseum

Obviously, this list of the best Rome Instagram spots would not have been complete without including the Colosseum. This is one of the most iconic structures in Italy, let alone in all of Europe. This piece of architecture may have a gruesome past, but today, it’s an epic place to snap an unforgettable photo.

Now, most people make the mistake of thinking that the best photo is taken from the inside. However, we found that the best way to get a great photo is by trying to get to a higher vantage point. We climbed up the small hill right across from it to get this great photo, and we love it.

If you want a picture that will really wow your followers, head to the Colosseum at sunset. The golden hour light will give your photos an ethereal glow.

Ponte Umberto I

One of the best views of Vatican City can actually be seen from a bridge in Rome called Ponte Umberto I. This bridge has such a great vantage point of the surrounding area. Be sure to walk across it and look over to see the basilica in the distance.

For a really unforgettable view, consider coming at sunset when the sky changes into beautiful colors. It really helps to create a completely different vibe in your photo, and you won’t regret it. Your followers will be envious!

Trastevere

If you’re looking for the perfect photo op while in Rome, look no further than Trastevere. This picturesque neighborhood is known for its charming cobblestone streets and quaint cafes. No matter what time of day you visit, Trastevere is sure to be bustling with activity.

One of the best things about Trastevere is that it’s relatively tourist-free compared to other parts of the city.

Unlike some of Rome’s other popular attractions, you won’t find yourself fighting for space to snap a photo. Instead, you can wander the streets at your leisure and take in all the beautiful sights this neighborhood has to offer.

Villa Borghese

While many of the places on this list of best Rome Instagram spots are focused on architecture, Villa Borghese is actually just a beautiful park worth visiting for some photos. There’s a pond as well as some museums and other landmarks throughout the garden.

This area is incredibly relaxing, too, making it a perfect spot to visit if you want to avoid the busyness of the rest of the city for a photo. There is no entrance fee to visit this area either, so it’s great if you are looking to take a photo on a budget.

Piazza di Spagna

Piazza di Spagna is one of the best Rome Instagram spots because it is an incredibly beautiful and historic square! Located in the heart of Rome, Piazza di Spagna is right next to the iconic Spanish Steps. There are endless photo opportunities in this stunning square.

What makes Piazza di Spagna even more special is that it is surrounded by some of Rome’s most popular shopping streets. So, if you’re looking for a great place to take a break from all the sightseeing and do some shopping, this is definitely the spot for you!

Keep in mind this is one of those places that is almost always busy, even if you visit in the early morning. You’ll just have to prepare for it!

Piazza Campidoglio

When in Rome, you’ll want to make sure to get a picture at Piazza Campidoglio! This spot is one of the most popular Instagram spots in Rome because it offers a stunning view of the city. From this vantage point, you can see many of Rome’s iconic landmarks.

It was the first contemporary square in Rome, but historically, this spot was used for the government and religion. If you’re looking for a picture-perfect spot to snap a photo on your next trip to Rome, be sure to check out Piazza Campidoglio!

Pantheon

If you’re looking for a must-visit Instagram spot in Rome, look no further than the Pantheon. One of the best-preserved ancient Roman buildings, the Pantheon was completed around 125 AD and is a masterpiece of engineering and design.

The massive columns and soaring dome are truly awe-inspiring, and the light that streams in from the oculus (the hole in the center of the dome) is simply magical. Trust us; your followers will be green with envy when they see your photos from this incredible spot!

Even if it’s raining, the Pantheon is one of the best Rome Instagram spots.

Orange Trees Garden

For something a little more outdoorsy, consider going over to the Orange Trees Garden for some great photos. There are many beautiful trees and other plants throughout that make for an incredible backdrop for any photos that you take.

One of the things that makes Orange Trees Garden so great is that it’s one of the more romantic spots on this list. So, if you are headed to Rome with your partner, this is a great spot to visit to take some photos for your memories!

🌳 Many of Rome’s gardens make perfect Insta spots. Check out our post on gardens in Rome for more.

Piazza Navona

You may be thinking, another piazza? But yes, this one is so beautiful and picturesque!

Piazza Navona is home to three different fountains and was built back in the 1st century. Be on the lookout for the Fountain of the Four Rivers, which is the most famous fountain here.

Surrounding the plaza are a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes, so you can definitely get some of them in the backdrop of your photo, too. As a plaza, this is another spot that’s often always busy, but you can try to get there around sunrise to avoid crowds as much as possible.

Arch of Constantine

Located right next to the Colosseum is the Arch of Constantine. It’s an Instagram-worthy spot in Rome that many people overlook, especially as they wait in line to enter the Colosseum. However, its detailing alone is enough to stop you in your tracks.

Because most people are usually in line when standing near here, it’s pretty easy to get fairly close to the arch to snap a photo. Be sure to angle the camera so you can try to cut the fence out of the photo if you want so that it’s just you and the arch!

Spanish Steps

The Spanish Steps are one of the best places to take a picture because of how iconic they are! Located right in Piazza di Spagna, the steps are beautiful year-round, but especially in spring when they are covered in photos.

The steps were built in the 18th century and quickly became a popular Roman meeting area. In fact, many artists, models, photographers, and more would come to congregate here. There’s also a historic church at the top of the steps.

They really grew in popularity after the Audrey Hepburn movie Roman Holiday was released in the 1950s. Other pop culture references can be found here, too, including the historic home of Mary Shelley (yes, the author of Frankenstein) and John Keats.

We visited back in 2019 when people were still allowed to stop on the steps, but now that is no longer allowed. Be sure to do some research to see what can and can’t be done during your visit, so that you don’t break any rules while trying to get a photo.

Castel Sant’Angelo

Next is the Castel Sant’Angelo, which is another historic spot in the city. It is most well known for being a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian but has had many other purposes over the years, including as a fortress and even a palace.

The structure has a unique architectural style, and with all the history associated with it, it’s worth visiting to take a photo during your trip to Rome. Because it’s also now a museum today, you can even go inside and learn a bit during your trip!

This is one of those spots that looks absolutely breathtaking when the sun starts to go down in Rome.

St. Peter’s Basilica

Another of the must-visit spots for a photo in Vatican City is St. Peter’s Basilica. It’s completely free to visit, and the interior is one that will truly leave you blown away. With its marble textures, gold facades, and incredible detail, there’s a lot to look at.

While it is free to visit, note that depending on the time of year that you go, you will have to wait in line for quite a while before you can enter. Just know that it’s worth it. To avoid the long lines, try to get there earlier in the morning.

We visited in May 2019, and it took us around 30 minutes to get in, which was way less time than we had heard it would take from others.

Victor Emmanuel II National Monument

If you want to get the perfect photo in Rome, then you need to head to the Victor Emmanuel II National Monument. This spot is one of the best photo spots because the building is truly breathtaking, and made of marble.

Many people overlook visiting this monument, but it’s so large and regal in size and is an underrated place to visit in Rome. There’s even a little garden area across from the monument that’s filled with colorful plants and flowers during the spring and summertime.

Trevi Fountain

Trevi Fountain is one of the most popular Rome Instagram spots because it is a beautiful and historic fountain. The fountain has been featured in many movies and TV shows, including The Lizzie McGuire Movie.

If you’re looking for a place to take a gorgeous photo in Rome, the Trevi Fountain is definitely the place to go! Be sure to properly throw a coin into the fountain too. Keep in mind that the fountain is almost always busy; we got there around 9 a.m., and there was a crowd, but it wasn’t too bad.

We hope you enjoyed this post about the best Rome Instagram spots!