Where to Find the Best Views in Rome

Church domes, hilltop gardens, and ancient mausoleums—here are the best panoramic perches in Rome.

2 min readJul 30, 2019By Rebecca Winke

A couple sit along the river Tevere, called Lungotevere, in front of Castel Sant'Angelo, Rome, Italy

Hi, I'm Rebecca!

Rebecca’s first visit to Italy was a coup de foudre and her affection for Il Bel Paese has only grown over almost 30 years of living here, during which time she has mastered the art of navigating the sampietrini cobblestones in heels but has yet to come away from a plate of bucatini all’amatriciana with an unsullied blouse. She covers Italy travel, culture, and cuisine for a number of print and online publications.

Escape the urban bustle of Rome’s busy streets by heading above its rooftops to take in sweeping views from church domes, hilltop gardens, and other scenic spots across the city. For particularly unforgettable photos, head to your favorite overlook to catch the soft golden light at sunset at these, the best viewpoints in Rome.

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Pincio Terrace at Villa Borghese

Ideal for love birds.

Arguably the most romantic spot in Rome, this scenic terrace above Piazza del Popolo offers a dazzling view straight across Rome’s rooftops to St. Peter’s Dome. Follow the shady avenues of the Villa Borghese to the terrace to steal a photo (or a kiss).

Tour the Borghese Gallery

St. Peter's Dome

One dome to rule them all.

In a city of countless domes and cupolas, there is one that tops them all—Michelangelo’s stunning St. Peter’s Dome. Take the elevator up from the basilica, then climb 320 steps for an unobstructed, 360-degree view of the Eternal City.

More St. Peter's Dome tours

Interior of the St. Peter's Dome in Rome.

St. Peter's Dome is magnificent inside and out.Photo Credit: Viacheslav Lopatin / Shutterstock

Keyhole of the Knights of Malta and the Orange Garden

Iconic Roman views.

One of the most photographed views of Rome is the image of St. Peter’s Basilica framed through the keyhole of the Knights of Malta, located in a door on Aventine Hill. If you’re not interested in waiting in line to snap a picture, head next door to the Orange Garden where you can enjoy the same view without the crowds.

More Aventine Hill tours

Vittoriano

Sweeping views over Roman ruins.

This monument to Vittorio Emanuele II is known by many names—the Vittoriano, the Altar of the Fatherland, and the Vittorio Emanuele II Monument. Whatever you call it, the grand complex has one of the best views over the city’s ancient ruins. Take the Roma dal Cielo elevator up to the rooftop Terrazza delle Quadrighe for glimpses of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum from above.

Visit the Vittoriano

For bird's-eye views over Roman ruins.Photo Credit: Silvia Longhi / Viator

Janiculum Hill

For those ideal sunset snaps.

This hilltop above Trastevere (called the Gianicolo in Italian), is the second highest in the city and a popular spot to watch the sunset glow on the domes and rooftops. The view encompases the historic center and includes the Vittoriano on the horizon.

More Janiculum Hill experiences

Castel Sant’Angelo

Regal views over Rome.

For a glimpse of the Tiber River and St. Peter’s Basilica from above, there’s no better spot than Castel Sant’Angelo. This round mausoleum, built for the Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD, offers arresting views from the circumference of its rooftop terrace.

More Castel Sant'Angelo tours