In this Rome Instagram guide I am sharing some of my favourite places in Rome that are amongst the best places in Rome to take photos. Whether you’re a content creator, looking for Instagrammable places in Rome or just want some cute photos from your Roman holiday this guide can help you find some of the prettiest places in Rome.
My Instagram guide also serves as a mini Rome travel guide too as I share restaurant, hotel and bar recommendations as well as some of the most popular tourist attractions found in the ancient city of Rome.
If you are planning a trip to Rome, Italy you may also be interested in:
6 Rooftop bars and restaurants in Rome, Italy.
6 Best coffee bars in Rome, Italy.
Watch this space also for a Rome travel guide coming soon.
Rome, Roma in Italian, is the capital city of Italy and one of the most famous in the world. It’s also where you’ll find the smallest country in the world, the Vatican City. The centre of what was the capital of the ancient Roman Empire, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, hosted the 1960 Summer Olympics and is the birthplace of Baroque and Neoclassicism style.
Though Rome is known best in history as the capital of the ancient Roman Empire approximately 2,000 years ago, discoveries of archaeological evidence suggest that the grounds of Rome have been occupied for over 14,000 years. Artefacts excavated from Palatine Hill suggest human presence from as far back as the Palaeolithic and Neolithic eras.
Rome is one of my favourite cities in the world. When I think back to our last trip to Roma I feel a longing to be back that aches like a hole opened in my heart. Sipping cappuccinos whilst looking down on the crowds arriving to throw their three coins in the Trevi Fountain. Eating more cacio e pepe than my stomach could handle. Strolling through the streets at night, heels in hand, on my way home from intimate cocktail bars. Pausing to imagine this ancient metropolis 2,000 years ago and how life would have looked. Taking one last look at the Trevi Fountain from my bed before my heavy eyelids closed for the night – these memories are everything to me and I hope that through my blog posts about Rome, you can make the same beautiful memories too!
Before we get into my Rome Instagram I also want to let you know that everywhere in Rome is beautifully photogenic. On the day we arrived during our 2021 trip we freshened up from our flight and just strolled the streets of Rome. With no goal in mind other than to get gelato we took so many beautiful photos of all the streets we walked through and it wasn’t the only day we did this. So yes, these 14 Instagrammable places in Rome are here to inspire you and help you plan out your trip to Rome but know that you don’t have to plan great content in Rome, Rome will do that for you.
Here’s 14 best places in Rome to take photos for your Instagram:
1. Trevi Fountain
Fontana di Trevi
The Trevi Fountain is probably the second most famous attraction in Rome.
In 19 BC the location of Trevi Fountain marked the end of the Aqua Virgo aqueduct. A fountain was built in its place during the Renaissance era but the Trevi Fountain that we know wasn’t built until 1762.
Trevi gets its name from “Tre Vi” which means “three ways” and the Trevi Fountain is located where three streets meet.
Rumour has it that you must throw three coins into the Trevi Fountain. The first is to return to Rome, the second is to find love and the third is to marry the love you found. Throw your coin with your right hand over your left shoulder.
The Trevi Fountain has been featured in countless TV and film productions but its most famous appearance is La Dolce Vita (1960) where Marcello (Marcello Mastroianni) and Sylvia (Anita Ekberg) spend a late night frolicking in the fountain.
Things to know when visiting the Trevi Fountain
- The coins within the fountain are removed at dawn on Monday’s and towards the end of the week. The fountain steps are roped off for about an hour to complete this task and you will be denied access.
- You are no longer allowed to sit on the edge of the fountain and will be promptly told to get up by the police who are there morning – night.
- You will receive a fine for entering the Trevi Fountain.
- You cannot throw anything but coins into the Trevi Fountain.
Location of the Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi)
Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi) is located within Piazza di Trevi in Trevi, Municipio I.
Ticket cost to visit the Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi)
Visiting the Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi) is free.
The best time to visit the Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi)
Arrive a little before daylight in order to claim your spot for taking photos at the Trevi Fountain. As you have no doubt imagined it gets very busy very early so if you want to avoid other people in your photos or videos you will need to arrive just before dawn.
Trevi Fountain is always magical at nighttime when its lit up fo the evening so I recommend a return visit when the sun has gone down.
2. Hotel Fontana
Hotel Fontana is where my fiancé and I stayed during our last trip to Rome.
Located dead opposite the Trevi Fountain, the window within the bedrooms and restaurant above open out to offer the most unrivalled and sensational view of Fontana di Trevi day and night.
Just thinking about those nights I fell asleep looking up at the fountain, the light reflections of the ripples dancing across the faces of the statues still makes me weepy. Every day I lost track of lost time simply gazing out the window imagining I was in La Dolce Vita.
Waking up and falling asleep to this magical view of the Trevi Fountain long before and after the flocks of tourists have come and gone are amongst some of the most treasured memories of my life.
Read more about how you can get the same view of the Trevi Fountain from Hotel Fontana without needing to book a room in my blog post 6 Rooftop bars and restaurants in Rome, Italy.
With all of this said though it is important that you know Hotel Fontana is a very old building and it’s likely that the rooms within have not seen so much as a lick of paint in decades. Plug sockets can’t be trusted (truly), you’ll fall off the broken toilet seat, you can’t get into the wardrobe because the bed takes up most of the floor space and it’s loud AF from the foot traffic below but if you’re willing to make the sacrifice it can actually be one of the most romantic rooms in Rome.
Location of Hotel Fontana
Hotel Fontana is located within Piazza di Trevi, opposite the Trevi Fountain.
Cost for a room at Hotel Fontana
The room rate for Hotel Fontana fluctuates but I can tell you that we paid £205 per night in October 2021 – this was on sale through American Express.
We booked a 1 double/2 twin beds room with a fountain view.
The best time to stay at Hotel Fontana
September/October is when the weather is still hot and sunny but most of the summer crowds have left. Double check the European school holidays/breaks as there is usually a half term break in October where Rome can get busier.
I haven’t visited during any other months but I would suggest mid spring and early autumn are the best times to stay.
3. Ristorante Roma Sparita
Ristorante Roma Sparita is one of my favourite restaurants in Rome.
Tucked away within a quiet piazza on the other side of the river to most of Rome’s most popular tourist attractions is Roma Sparita, where traditional Roman and Lazio dishes have been served for more than 30 years.
On a beautiful sunny day, take a seat within their terrace and lose track of time over a bottle of wine and delectable dishes such as their cacio e pepe which is served in a Parmesan crisp bowl. A wobbly table adorned with a gingham table cloth offers no thrills but my goodness is this intimate terrace romantic AF. What I would give to go back there…
Remember pasta is served as a first course, not main dish.
PFH Fun Fact: Anthony Bourdain visited in 2009.
Location of Ristorante Roma Sparita
Ristorante Roma Sparita is located in Piazza di Santa Cecilia in Trastevere. It’s about a half an hour walk from or to the Colosseum.
We had lunch at Ristorante Roma Sparita after visiting the Vatican City as we were already on that side of River Tiber.
Cost to dine at Ristorante Roma Sparita
The last time we dined here the cacio e pepe served in a parmesan crisp was €14 with main dishes ranging between €12-22 with some shared dishes at €40-45. A bottle of wine ranges vastly between €10-210 with most being at the €20 price point.
Browse the menu here.
The best time to dine at Ristorante Roma Sparita
Ristorante Roma Sparita is open for lunch from 12.30pm – 2.30pm and 7.30pm – 11pm for dinner though I believe it is closed on Sundays and Mondays which are considered their holy days. Double check this when you make your reservation though.
Ristorante Roma Sparita is popular within the area so I advise booking a table for when they open at 12.30pm.
4. Museo Nazionale Romano, Palazzo Altemps
Museo Nazionale Romano, Palazzo Altemps is a Renaissance Greek and Roman sculpture museum. Palazzo Altemps is a 15th Century palace decorated with frescos on the walls and ceilings. It’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve been to in Rome and I feel like no one ever talks about it!
Location of Palazzo Altemps
Palazzo Altemps is located within Municipio I and just a 2 minute walk from Piazza Navona.
Ticket cost to visit Palazzo Altemps
Entry to Palazzo Altemps is €7 for adults, €3.50 for EU citizens aged 18-24 and free for people under 17 and over 65 years old.
The ticket will give you entry to the four buildings of the National Roman Museum:
- Palazzo Altemps
- Palazzo Massimo
- Terme di Diocleziano
- Crypta Balbi
The best time to visit Palazzo Altemps
Palazzo Altemps is open Tuesday – Sunday from 9am – 7.45pm. The museum is closed on Mondays.
We went in the afternoon after lunch on a weekday and it was so quiet that we only saw four other people in the whole museum.
5. Bramante Terrace at Bio Hotel Raphaël - Relais & Châteaux
Bio Hotel Raphaël is a 5 star hotel that has been open since 1963. The vine-covered hotel is a sort of art gallery as it’s filled with paintings, sculptures and antiques from the likes of Picasso and more.
Bramante Terrace is the bar located on the same split terrace as their restaurant Mater Terrae. Enjoy pretty much any cocktail you could possibly image to be on a menu as you take in views of the pretty terracotta rooftops of Rome, Piazza Venezia and St. Peter’s Basilica over in the Vatican City.
Learn more about their contemporary vegetarian and vegan restaurant, Mater Terrae, here.
Location of Bramante Terrace at Bio Hotel Raphaël
Bio Hotel Raphaël is located on Largo Febo, next to Piazza Navona.
Cost of Bramante Terrace at Bio Hotel Raphaël
Cocktails ranges from €16-22 each.
Browse the menu here.
The best time to visit Bramante Terrace at Bio Hotel Raphaël
The best time to book a table at Bio Hotel Raphaël is about an hour before sunset so you can bathe in the glow of golden hour.
The rooftop bar at Bio Hotel Raphaël is open 12pm – late.
6. Via Nicola Salvi & Via degli Annibaldi for views of the Colosseum
Where the roads Via Nicola Salvi and Via degli Annibaldi meet is probably one of the most photographed spots in Rome as it’s where you can sit on a wall that looks out onto the Colosseum.
Any of the photos you’ve seen of people sitting, standing, dancing, kissing, licking gelato or pretending to eat pizza with a backdrop of the Colosseum are taken here.
Arrive here about 30-45mins before the time of your Colosseum ticket entrance to take a few photos before you queue up to go in.
Location of the Via Nicola Salvi & Via degli Annibaldi
Via Nicola Salvi and Via degli Annibaldi are two streets next to the Colosseum. They can be accessed via a staircase found street level on Piazza del Colosseo.
Cost of photos at Via Nicola Salvi & Via degli Annibaldi
Via Nicola Salvi and Via degli Annibaldi are just two streets and don’t cost a thing to access.
The best time to get photos of the Colosseum from Via Nicola Salvi & Via degli Annibaldi
You can arrive pretty much any time to get photos of the Colosseum. Even though it gets busy it’s not a place where only one person can take photos at a time, the wall is long and there’s room for everyone plus people move on quickly.
7. Roman Colosseum
Originally named Flavian Amphitheatre, the Roman Colosseum is one of the most iconic and instantly recognisable landmarks in the whole world. Built 2,000 years ago it originally served as an amphitheatre for 500 years! Somewhere between 50-80,000 spectators at once could come to watch the execution of prisoners and gladiators fight to the very death for nothing more than entertainment for the masses – sickos.
In just one example of this, the emperor Titus inaugurated the Colosseum with 100 days of games, which took the life of more than 2,000 gladiators.
PFH Fun Fact: in 2007 the Colosseum became one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
Location of the Roman Colosseum
The Roman Colosseum is located within Piazza del Colosseo in Municipio I.
Ticket cost to visit the Roman Colosseum
As of 2022 ticket prices start from €21 per adult, purchase them here.
Make sure you get the audio guide for a fascinating and immersive experience.
Tickets include access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill which you can see more of next.
The best time to visit the Roman Colosseum
Anytime is a good time to visit the Roman Colosseum.
Entry to the Colosseum is every day from 10.30am – 7.15pm excluding Christmas and New Year’s Day.
8. Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
Forum Romanum
Included within the ticket cost of the Roman Colosseum is access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
Legend goes that the wolf Luperca raised the infamous brothers, Romulus and Remus, in a cave on Palatine Hill. When they grew older they decided to build a city but when they couldn’t agree on how, Romulus killed Remus and created the city of Rome.
The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill are the oldest ancient ruins in the city of Rome and there’s hundreds for you to see whilst visiting.
Take in breathtaking views of both the Roman Forum and Colosseum from Palatine Hill.
A day spent exploring the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill is a long day when spent on foot so wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water. I’m stressing this point because the first time we visited I didn’t and I had blistered feet, was dehydrated and hella stroppy by the end of the afternoon.
Location of Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
Access Roman Forum and Palatine Hill from Via della Salara Vecchia or Via di San Gregorio.
Ticket cost to visit Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
As of 2022 ticket prices start from €21 per adult, purchase them here.
The best time to visit Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill are open 8.30am – 7pm every day excluding Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Arriving in the early morning or later in the afternoon means a shorter queue for entry but it’s best to head straight there after your visit to the Colosseum.
There is very little shade in the Roman Forum so keep this in mind when choosing a time to visit during the warmer months.
9. Hotel de Russie
Also featured on my list of 6 Best coffee bars in Rome, Italy is Hotel Russie. The gardens out the back of this hotel are beautiful and between the fountains and palm trees you could be forgiven for thinking you entered the Mediterranean when you walked outdoors.
Hotel de Russie is a hotel so you can’t just walk straight in to take photos but you can eat or enjoy a drink in their terrace restaurant after which you can take a stroll around the ground and snap a few pics en route.
Location of Hotel de Russi
Hotel de Russie is located on Via del Babuino which is just 1 minute from Piazza del Popolo.
Cost to dine at Hotel de Russie
Alcoholic beverges start from €22 each.
The best time to visit Hotel de Russie
Come for brunch or afternoon cocktails at Stravinskij Bar located within the garden courtyard of Hotel de Russie.
Stravinskij Bar is open from 10am – 1am.
10. Museo Canova Tadolini
Featured on my list of 6 Best coffee bars in Rome is Canova Tadolini, a cafe and restaurant within a museum.
Antonio Canova and Adamo Tadolini were Italian, neo-classical sculptors. You can find their life’s work on display in the peculiar museum come restaurant, Museo Canova Tadolini.
Grab a table nestled between centuries-old artwork and never feel alone as you dine with some of the most noble members of times gone by.
Location of Museo Canova Tadolini
Museo Canova Tadolini is located on Museo Canova Tadolini and is about a 4 minute walk from the Spanish Steps.
The best time to visit Museo Canova Tadolini
Museo Canova Tadolini is open from 8am – 11pm. You can make a reservation but I’m not sure that they actually keep track of them because they weren’t expecting us!
There are a couple of rooms where you can dine surrounded by Tadolini’s sculptures but to get your pick of the tables arrive for when Museo Canova Tadolini opens at 8.30am and enjoy a cappuccino and sweet Italian pastry.
11. Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona is a Baroque-style public square in Rome. Back in 86 AD the square was originally the Stadium of Domitian (Circus Agonalis) and had encompassing stalls that could host 20,000 spectators. In the centuries that followed the fall of the Roman Empire the stalls were replaced by buildings and the grounds became Piazza Navona.
There are three fountains within Piazza Navona. The largest is in the centre and is called La Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (The Fountain of the Four Rivers) and depicts four statues that represent Donau, Ganges, Nile and Rio de la Plata. The fountain also has a 16m high obelisk.
The other two fountains, located on both ends of Piazza Navona are Fontana del Moro (Fountain of the Moor) and Fontana del Nettuno (Fountain of Neptune). Both were created by Michelangelo’s apprentice, Giacomo della Porta.
The square is lined by restaurants and shops and in the afternoons and into the evening Piazza Navona is bustling with tourist and street performers. Visit but don’t eat here, it’s a tourist trap.
According to rome.net, up until the 19th Century the fountain drains would be blocked every summer with the intent of flooding the piazza to create the Lake of Piazza Navona for locals to cool off.
Piazza Navona is home to one of Rome’s most famous Christmas markets which is usually open from the start of December to the beginning of January.
Location of Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona is just a 4 minute walk from the Pantheon.
Ticket cost to visit Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona is free to the public.
The best time to visit Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona is open 24/7.
The best time to go to Piazza Navona for photos and a peaceful walk is first thing in the morning. It likely won’t get busy until after 10am.
12. Spanish Steps
Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti
Built in the early 18th Century, The Spanish Steps is 135 steps that climb up from Fontana della Barcaccia (Fountain of the Ugly Boat) to Trinità dei Monti church.
Perhaps the most famous feature of the Spanish Steps is the scene from Roman Holiday (1953) where Joe (Gregory Peck) finds Princess Ann (Audrey Hepburn) eating gelato whilst leaning on the steps.
Eating and sitting on the Spanish Steps is no longer allowed and the popular tourist spot is monitored by the police during daylight hours. So unfortunately you won’t be able recreate any gelato licking scenes from Roman Holiday. Sorry folks!
Location of the Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps are located within Piazza di Spagna, meaning Square of Spain.
Ticket cost to visit the Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps are free to visit.
The best time to visit the Spanish Steps
The best time to arrive to the Spanish Steps for a photo with no one else around is just after sunrise or just before sunset. On a clear day you will be able to enjoy sunset from the top of the Spanish Steps.
13. Mouth of Truth
La Bocca Della Verità
La Bocca Della Verità meaning the Mouth of Truth is a 1.75m wide round, marble sculpture of the face of a bearded man. The sculpture is said to date back to the 1st Century AD.
Legend has it that the Mouth of Truth will bite the hands of liars.
Its actual use is unidentified but theories include drain cover and the usage of drainage for the blood slaughtered cattle. Yeah, maybe I should have left this bit out.
You may recognise this from one of the most iconic movie moments in cinema history. In Roman Holiday (1953) starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck, the pair visit the Mouth of Truth and in an authentic on-camera but off-script moment, Joe (portrayed by Peck) gives Princess Ann (Hepburn) quite a fright when he pretends his hand has been seized within the Mouth of Truth.
Any Roman Holiday (1953) fan should have La Bocca Della Verità (the Mouth of Truth) on their list of places to visit for a photo of their Audrey Hepburn moment.
Location of the Mouth of Truth (La Bocca Della Verità)
Mouth of Truth is located in the portico of Santa Maria in Cosmedin Church, a medieval church with the tallest medieval belfry in Europe.
You will need to enter and exit via the church so respectfully wear appropriate clothing.
Santa Maria in Cosmedin Church also claims to have the skull of St.Valentine which you can see whilst you are there.
Ticket cost to visit the Mouth of Truth (La Bocca Della Verità)
La Bocca Della Verità – Mouth of Truth – now costs €2 per person over the age of 10 years old. The donation goes towards the preservation of Santa Maria in Cosmedin Church.
The best time to visit the Mouth of Truth (La Bocca Della Verità)
The Mouth of Truth is open from 9.30am – 5.50pm, 10 minutes before the Santa Maria in Cosmedin Church itself closes.
As viewings for the Mouth of Truth (La Bocca Della Verità) work on a ticketed, one-way system you don’t run the risk of other people being in your photo. Avoid a long wait by arriving earlier in the day.
Don’t feel rushed to take your photos, everyone is there for the same thing but of course be mindful of others waiting in line. General rule of thumb here is to ask the people behind you to take a photo of you if you are travelling solo or want one of everyone as there won’t be time to set up a tripod.
14. Arco degli Acetari
Arco degli Acetari is a picture-perfect courtyard featured across many postcards found in the countless souvenir shops of Rome.
The 16th Century courtyard is surrounded by vine-covered ochre and burnt sienna buildings. Find potted plants scattered in organised chaos and spy a local’s push-bike on its last legs or perhaps a resident enjoying a cigarette between the open shutters above.
Though small, a moment spent in Arco degli Acetari is an intoxicatingly peaceful retreat from the busy streets of Rome.
Location of Arco degli Acetari
Arco degli Acetari can be found on Via del Pellegrino, through a humble arch within the wall and beyond a short passageway.
Ticket cost to visit Arco degli Acetari
Arco degli Acetari is free to visit.
The best time to visit Arco degli Acetari
The two times I have been were in the late afternoon and no one else was there. I don’t imagine it gets busy but if in doubt, arrive early.
There you have your Rome Instagram guide to the 14 best places in Rome to take photos.
If beautiful places, delicious food and exquisite cocktails speak to your soul then take a look at:
6 Rooftop bars and restaurants in Rome, Italy
6 Best coffee bars in Rome, Italy
Do more on & for the planet, Gabriella
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