Rome feels like the city to end all cities - the ancient sites, the medieval art and architecture, and the modern culture that make up this vibrant, living city show all over every wall, building and street corner. There are seemingly endless places to stop for a photo - but we rounded up the top 8 to not miss on your next trip - with a mix of iconic spots and hidden gems - and the best place for perfect Colosseum photos.
Start here for a deep dive and full breakdown of the best travel cameras at every budget!
1. The View of the Colosseum from Via Nicola Salvi
Unlike most famous spots, where you have to wake up and get there by sunrise to get a photo that's not filled with others (which is what we did for this one at the Duomo in Florence), the elevated road and walkway just to the East of the Colosseum makes the perfect spot for unobstructed photos at any time of day.
Where To Stay Nearby: Hotel Artemide - This Via Nazionale hotel is a convenient base for exploring Monti and central Rome on foot.
What To Do Nearby: Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill tickets - Continue beyond the exterior viewpoint with timed Colosseum admission and an audioguide for the ancient sites.
2. Trastevere Neighborhood
Almost everyone we spoke to - and every single local Roman - told us that Trastevere was their favorite neighborhood in the city, and after we walked over, there was no question as to why. The neighborhood feels more like a bustling village than a major city - instead of tour buses and modern buildings, there are stone streets, little cafes on sidewalks, and wine bars everywhere. It felt like every little alley was a perfect new place to shoot.
Where To Stay Nearby: Trastevere Roma, UNA Esperienze - Stay in Trastevere for easy access to its lanes, restaurants, and evening photo walks.
What To Do Nearby: Trastevere food and wine tour - Explore the neighborhood over tastings, wine, and a pasta dinner on a guided evening walk.
3. Ponte Garibaldi Bridge
This bridge crosses the River Tiber, connecting the main heart of the city to Trastevere, with great views on both sides. Especially at sunset, you can watch the sun setting over the neighborhoods and see the night market at the river's edge below the bridge start to illuminate.
Where To Stay Nearby: Trastevere Roma, UNA Esperienze - Stay in Trastevere for easy access to its lanes, restaurants, and evening photo walks.
What To Do Nearby: Jewish Quarter and Tiber Island walking tour - Cross into the nearby Jewish Quarter to explore its history and Tiber Island with a guide.
4. The Rooftop Pool at the Aleph Rome Hotel by Hilton
Italian summer afternoons need a rooftop pool, and this one at the Aleph Rome Hotel by Hilton is a perfect place to cool off in the city AND get some amazing photos.
Where To Stay Nearby: Aleph Rome Hotel - Stay at the hotel featured here for its rooftop pool and location near Piazza Barberini.
What To Do Nearby: Borghese Gallery and gardens guided tour - Pair your stay near Via Veneto with a guided visit to the Borghese Gallery’s art collection and gardens.
5. The Trevi Fountain
One of Rome’s iconic photo stops. Early morning can be quieter, although clear views are never guaranteed. Since February 2026, tourists and non-residents need a €2 ticket to enter the lower viewing area during ticketed hours; check the official Trevi Fountain information before your visit.
Where To Stay Nearby: Aleph Rome Hotel - Stay at the hotel featured here for its rooftop pool and location near Piazza Barberini.
What To Do Nearby: Early-morning Rome walking tour - Visit central Rome’s squares and fountains with a guide before the busiest part of the day.
6. The Streets
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When I first visited Rome when I was 15, I was so completely overwhelmed with how much beauty, history, and life is in the streets - from ancient ruins dotting every corner to medieval buildings and markets, and the village-like streets covered in vines and lined with cobblestones, Rome has to be one of the most photogenic cities I've seen. Get out, explore, and see what you can find!
Where To Stay Nearby: Hotel Artemide - This Via Nazionale hotel is a convenient base for exploring Monti and central Rome on foot.
What To Do Nearby: Private Rome photography masterclass - Explore Rome with a professional photographer and work on composition and camera settings as you walk.
7. Monti Neighborhood
Similar to Trastevere, but placed right in the middle of all the iconic Roman sights, Monti is beautiful, and close to the Colosseum, with the Pantheon farther across the historic center. Especially if you're strapped for time, this is a great way to get all sides of Rome in a quick walking tour.
For a great, cheap meal here, stop at Pasta Chef, located right in the middle of the neighborhood.
Where To Stay Nearby: Hotel Artemide - This Via Nazionale hotel is a convenient base for exploring Monti and central Rome on foot.
What To Do Nearby: Monti pasta, pizza and gelato tour - Taste your way through Monti’s winding streets while learning about the neighborhood with a local guide.
8. Onyx Bar
The lobby bar in the Aleph Rome Hotel by Hilton is S T U N N I N G. Marble floors, tables, accents, and this glowing white Onyx bar is a perfectly modern and decadent place for a craft cocktail and a fantastic photo of it.
Where To Stay Nearby: Aleph Rome Hotel - Stay at the hotel featured here for its rooftop pool and location near Piazza Barberini.
What To Do Nearby: Capuchin Museum and Crypt tour - Walk to nearby Via Veneto for a guided or audio-led visit to the Capuchin Museum and its unusual bone crypts.
Get Inspired:
Waiting for dinner outside a cafe in Monti
Sun on our balcony at the Aleph Rome Hotel by Hilton
Colosseum Views
The streets and doorways of Trastevere
The beautiful street scenes of Rome.
Ancient sites and ruins around every corner. Don't miss The Pantheon and Mercati di Traiano
Sunset on the Ponte Garibaldi Bridge
Italian summer afternoons need a rooftop pool, and this one at the Aleph Rome Hotel by Hilton was such a perfect place to cool off in the city.
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