I lived in Italy for enough time to have visited a lot of the most instagrammable places in Rome I’ll tell you about today, but not long enough to have really taken in all the magical atmosphere I should have.
There’s something about living in Rome that makes you happy and grateful to be alive, and that was definitely my case.
I spent days walking around the Vatican and the Botanical Garden, and spent many more in what I consider the best cafes to work in Rome.
I might be a digital nomad, but a girl’s still got to earn her bread, right?
Whether you’re a traveler taking your first trip to Italy, are a local, or a student or freelancer newly moved to Italy, I want to tell you about all the best and most instagrammable places in Rome, from palaces to villas, and from gardens to quaint streets.
25 Most Instagrammable Places in Rome To Visit At Least Once
I have personally been to many, many of the cute photo spots I’ll mention here today, but in some cases, I have only been for a day, or a half-day – definitely not enough, but when you’re always on the go, you try and take in what you can!
Be aware I have not mentioned the Trevi Fountain in this guide, even if, indeed, it’s one of the most instagrammable places in Rome, even when it’s filled with tourists.
I just felt like telling you about more underrated spots, like the Quartiere Coppede and the Botanical Garden, or even Via del Boschetto, such a cute street to take a few pictures of the dangling greenery!
Most Instagrammable Places in Rome: Piazza del Popolo
Piazza del Popolo is one of my favourite places to see in Rome because you simply have everything at arm’s length; Via del Corso and its many shops, Villa Borghese, the Tiber River, the Flaminio neighborhood.
It’s basically a large piazza with a huge obelisk and lion statues which will remind you greatly of Trafalgar Square, if you’ve ever been in London.
All around Piazza del Popolo, you have many statues, from phoenix to human representations, and it’s in my opinion one of the most instagrammable places in Rome simply because it echoes the famous saying: ‘Rome is an open-air museum.
Read: The Most Colorful Cities in Europe
Most instagrammable places in Rome: Coliseum
The Coliseum is none other than one of the world’s seven wonders, and there are oh-so-many tourists there at every hour of the day.
The monument is close to 2000 years old, and given its age, you can clearly understand that the ruins have been very well-preserved.
Some angles of the Coliseum (Colosseo in Italian) are more famous than some others, and when you walk around it, you’ll discover plenty of other angles perfect to snap a few Instagram pictures.
One of my favorite things to do is actually to go to the Coliseum at night, something I did many times with friends met in a hostel, and spend some time in the towering garden nearby. It’s a perfect spot, especially if you get everything ready from street food to speakers!
Read: The Most Instagrammable Places in Lisbon
Most instagrammable places in Rome: Ostia Lido
One of the best and easiest day trips from Rome is a visit to the closest beach, Ostia Beach. It costs only a couple of euros for the round-trip ticket since you’re taking the metro to go.
Very easily accessible from all stations on the Metro B line, and about 40 minutes from Termini station.
When I go to Ostia, I usually change either at Manzoni or Basilica San Paolo to catch the Lido train, whose price is included in the metro ticket.
Obviously, since it’s a beach, Ostia Beach is indeed one of the most instagrammable places in Rome (although it’s another town, it’s still considered part of Rome).
Try out the Time Out ice creams – they’re some of my favorites in the entire world, so creamy, with many, many different unusual flavors!
Read: The Most Instagrammable Places in Istanbul
Most Instagrammable Places in Rome: Eataly
Eataly is not only one of the best Italian supermarkets in London, where it has a huge branch – it’s also one of the most instagrammable places in Rome for whoever is interested in a sober background.
Not only that, though, as Eataly specializes in delicious, artisan and high-end Italian food products and brands.
If you’re ever looking for places to study in Rome, you have Caffe Letterario in Ostiense, not too far, along with amazing street art.
In any case, whether you’re just looking for delicious breakfast in Rome or beautiful photo spots, Eataly is a huge building, made in glass, filled with greenery and products unlike anything you might have seen before.
Read: The Most Instagrammable Places in Edinburgh
Most instagrammable places in Rome: Pigneto
When I used to live in Termini, I spent quite some time in the Pigneto neighborhood, especially because one of my favorite study cafes in Rome, La Bottiglieria, is there.
Pigneto is one of the top places to find the best street art in Rome, from beautiful murals to cute little coffee shops and winding streets all around the area.
At Pigneto, the best thing is to visit for the street art, that’s for sure, and you’ll also find cute Airbnbs and hostels.
I’ve taken many pictures of the neighborhood when I was in Rome, and if you’re looking for some type of open-air museum type of vibe, authentic Italian buildings and great coffee, that’s the spot you want to visit.
Read: The Best Jewish Ghetto Restaurants in Rome
Most instagrammable places in Rome: Hendrik Christian Anderson Museum
The Hendrik Christian Anderson museum is located a stone’s throw away from the Vatican, and it’s one of the best hidden gems in Rome if you’re an artist at heart.
The museum is open every day from 9.30 am to 7.30 pm except on Mondays, so you can just pop in and marvel at the sights.
It’s a completely free Roman museum, and one of the only where you’ll see so many beautiful white sculptures – I really enjoy that kind of sight, and anyone after really different instagrammable places in Rome will love, love, love the Hendrik Christian Anderson museum.
It’s none other than the home of the artist, and there, you’ll find plenty of incredible sculptures and paintings. A great spot whether you’re looking for romantic places to have a date in Rome or bring the kids to open up their artistic mind.
Read: The Best Maritozzi in Rome
Most Instagrammable Places in Rome: Botanical Garden
One of my favorite things to do when I’m alone in Rome is paying a little visit to the Botanical Garden – I have to say it’s pretty much one of my go-to safe spaces on Earth.
I love Japanese gardens, for one (if you’ve read my guide to the best non touristy things to do in London, you’ll have found there Kyoto Garden, one of the cutest Japanese gardens outside of Japan).
In the botanical garden of Rome, though, you won’t only find a Japanese garden but also vines from all over Italy, as well as a sea of towering palm trees and bamboo.
When the weather is very hot, it’s one of the most instagrammable places in Rome to spend an afternoon at, and if you’re with kids, a visit to the House of Butterflies is always a great idea.
Read: The Best Halal Restaurants in Rome
Most instagrammable places in Rome: Gelateria Della Palma
Another one of the most instagrammable places in Rome, and this time, no museum, no garden, but an ice cream shop: Gelateria Della Palma.
Not just any ice cream shop, though, since Gelateria Della Palma is one of the most famous ice cream shops in Rome, and located really close to both Trastevere and the Tiber River.
Finding the very best ice cream in Rome is kind of tricky, since there are literally ice cream shops, or Gelateria at every corner – and every Roman will tell you about some place you have never been to.
However, if I am not going to Ostia Beach and trying out the timeout ice cream, I will be going to Gelateria Della Palma as they have over 150 flavors, amazing architecture and even seats inside where you can snaps some more shots.
Read: The Best Vegan Restaurants in Rome
Most instagrammable places in Rome: Temple d’Esculape
I will be mentioning Villa Borghese as a whole later down this guide, but can tell you for sure is that the Temple d’Esculape is a sight you really can’t miss there.
As any and every tourist, I have taken my fair shares of pictures in front of this oh-so-picturesque temple, which you can recognize from Instagram and Pinterest pictures quite easily.
The Temple d’Esculape is nestled at the end of a lake, on which you can row with boats to be rented for quite cheap, and you’ll see plenty of ducks swimming about carelessly.
Palm trees all around, sculptures and half-broken busts coupled to vivid water and the neoclassical structure of the Temple d’Esculape definitely all make for one of the most instagrammable places in Rome.
Read: The Most Instagrammable Cafes in NYC
Piazza Navona
You know the saying ‘every road leads to Rome?
In my experience, every road leads to Piazza Navona and its three historical fountains.
Ah, if there is something you must see in Rome, it’s Piazza Navona. The architecture of this ancient stadium turned popular square is incredible. Incredible.
Aside from getting just a coffee at a nearby cafe, I wouldn’t really recommend eating in any of the restaurants on the Piazza, as they’re mostly tourist traps.
However, for the sights and if you’re looking for the most instagrammable places in Rome for pictures, Piazza Navona offers oh-so-many angles and plays on the light that make photos truly memorable.
Read: The Most Instagrammable Cafes in Rome
Most Instagrammable Places in Rome: Trastevere
I talked a lot about some of the best restaurants in Trastevere a while back, as well as pasta restaurants specifically, but there’s so much more to discover in Trastevere.
The name itself simply means ‘beyond the Tiber river’, and once you cross it, there, you’re in Trastevere.
Walk around Piazza Trilussa, as that’s the very center of Trastevere, but there are many old streets to get lost in, and at every corner, you’ll find some picture-worthy angles.
From the paved streets to the worn-down, colorful buildings, Trastevere is a sight you really, really cannot miss – one of the most colorful places in Rome, and one I have always felt amazing in.
Read: The Most Instagrammable Cafes in Paris
Most instagrammable places in Rome: Villa Torlonia
Villa Torlonia, just like the Orto Botanico (botanical garden) we’ve talked about earlier in this guide, is another one of the best hidden gems in Rome.
It is a huge villa and a park that used to belong to the Torlonia family, and you have plenty to see here as well – without spending even one cent.
At Villa Torlonia, you’ll want to check out Casina Delle Civette, a fairytale house at the back of the gardens, and you’re probably going to want to relax a bit around the fountains too.
Don’t forget to check out the Musei di Villa Torlonia, in which you’ll find the Serra Moresca, beautiful with its mosaics. You do have to pay to enter, but that’s one of the most beautiful museums in Rome indeed.
Villa Torlonia is one of my favorite places in Rome, and I’ve spent many days there with friends, or just reading, or writing articles on my laptop.
If you’re looking for some shadow, you’ll want to find one of the big palm trees, though, as there are not many shadow spots in Villa Torlonia (and you’re going to need them, especially if you visit during the summer months).
Read: The Most Instagrammable Cafes in London
Most instagrammable places in Rome: Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps at Piazza di Spagna are one of the most visited, and most instagrammable places in Rome.
Piazza di Spagna is a huge square, and all around it, you’ll find many luxury shops in the streets leading up to Via del Corso.
I have always loved checking out the haute couture window shops on Via dei Condotti, and there, you’ll find the most famous Italian luxury brands, from Gucci to Prada, and from Bulgari to Pomellato.
There are always many tourists visiting Piazza di Spagna, and with the fountain in its midst, you can easily understand why it’s so picture-worthy.
And then, if you feel like shopping, some of the best makeup shops in Rome are also located nearby, from Wycon Cosmetics to Kiko Milano, and many more.
Read: The Cutest Pink Cafes in London
Most Instagrammable Places in Rome: Galleria Sciarra
May argue that the Trevi fountain is one of the most Instagram about places in Rome.
In my opinion, it is stunning but one of the most overrated photo spots in Rome, so I am going to talk about something a bit different: Galleria Sciarra.
The Art Deco design is breathtaking; I don’t see another way to put it. All golden and maroon with touches of color here and there, the frescoes are topped by glass which brings light from above.
It’s located only a couple of minutes away from the Trevi fountain, and yet it offers architecture unlike anything you will see in Rome unless you visit the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj or the inside of the Basilica San Pietro in the Vatican.
From whatever angle you choose to shoot, no matter whether you are coming for an Instagram shot or a photographer’s portfolio, Galleria Sciarra is one of the really unmissable photo spots of Rome – especially since it’s a completely free passage.
Read: The Most Colorful Streets in Camden London
Most instagrammable places in Rome: Tiber River
The Tiber River is another one of my favorite instagrammable photo spots in Rome, and the Biondo Tevere (blonde Tiber), as the Roman call is, offers plenty of different angles to snap photos here and there.
There are many bridges in Rome crossing the Tiber River, and it’s in my opinion one of the best places to see the sunset in Rome, as the sky appear to be catching on fire.
I do think that probably, my favorite photo spot to snap a picture of the Tiber River is the Ponte Sant’Angelo (which leads to Castel Sant’Angelo, a couple of minutes away from the Vatican).
From there, you can get pictures of the sun setting over the Vatican, and you don’t even have to be very lucky to catch some birds in your shots as they’re flying around relentlessly.
Read: The Most Colorful Streets in Notting Hill London
Most Instagrammable Places in Rome: Quartiere Coppedè
I still have to write a complete review of the Quartiere Coppede, but if you’re at least remotely interested in architecture and history, this is one of the best hidden gems in Rome.
Quartiere Coppede is actually located not too far from Villa Torlonia and its fairytale house, which I’ll talk about later in this guide, and both are absolute must-see places in Rome.
In the Quartiere Coppede, a plethora of sculpted heads, a fountain of frogs, golden decorations and frescoes blend with the Art Nouveau, baroque, Greek and Mannerist architecture.
This is one of the most instagrammable places in Rome, no doubt.
But beyond that, Quartiere Coppede is also part of the Trieste neighborhood, one of the richest areas of the city where taking a stroll is mandatory if you want to marvel at unforgettable facades.
Read: The Best Free Views in London
Most Instagrammable Places in Rome: Basilica di Santa Maria in Ara Coeli
The Basilica di Santa Maria in Ara Coeli is easily accessible from both the Coliseum and Via del Corso, and in just a few minutes from the Altare della Patria, you’ll get to this huge basilica.
From the outside, it’s certainly not the most beautiful church in Rome, but inside… Inside, you’ll be blown away.
Since Basilica di Santa Maria in Ara Coeli is a religious space, do your best to keep quiet as it is visited by people coming to pray.
However, it is indeed one of the most instagrammable places in Rome if you’re a lover of architecture.
I’ll probably write about the most beautiful churches in Rome at some point soon, but with this basilica, you’re on a whole new level.
Read: The Best Breakfast in Notting Hill
Most instagrammable places in Rome: The Pantheon
Originally, the Pantheon was a temple for Roman gods, but for a long time now, it has been a church which is still active today.
The Pantheon is completely free to visit, and whether you take it from the outside or the inside, with beautiful columns and frescoes, it’s undeniably one of the most instagrammable places in Rome.
One thing though, since you’re in one of the most touristic areas of the city: be careful with your belongings, and try to come as early as possible, as the queue can lengthen and lengthen considerable with tourists during the day.
Another thing which has saved me more times than I have cared to keep track of; there are a few fountains from which you can drink delicious Roman water when the weather is really too hot to bear.
Read: The Best Cafes to Work in London
Most instagrammable places in Rome: Via del Boschetto
I was wandering on my own, one of my first days in Rome, and came across Via del Boschetto, really close to the Coliseum.
Via del Boschetto is actually located right between the Coliseum and the Trevi Fountain, and I love it because of its really typical Roman architecture.
The house with dangling greenery has been like that for ages, and it makes for one of the prettiest photo spots in Rome from every single angle.
Another thing I could recommend when visiting Via del Boschetto is a little trip to the small artisan shops.
Among those, visit Pucci Gioielleria d’Arte, a custom-made jewelry shop from which I bought two of the most stunning silver rings I’ve ever seen in my life.
Lots of small coffee shops and restaurants at Via del Boschetto and all around, and really one of the most instagrammable places in Rome whether you’re looking for food spots or just colorful buildings.
Read: The Best Cafes to Work in Manhattan
Most instagrammable places in Rome: Palazzo Doria Pamphilj
Strong vibes of the Versailles Castle with the Palazzo and the Galleria Doria Pamphilj, just fifteen minutes away from the Coliseum!
The picture above shows the Gallery of Mirrors, which is not only one of the most stunning spots of the palace, but also clearly one of the most instagrammable places in Rome – pretty hard to top that.
You’re right at the beginning of Via del Corso with the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj, and like many places in town, the outside hides very well the treasures you’ll find inside.
Works of famous artists like Bernini, Raphael and Caravaggio and enclosed in those walls, all more beautiful than the previous one.
And while you wouldn’t dare think for a minute that such richness oozes from the famous Galleria when you’re outside, it’s one of the must-visit photo spots in Rome.
Read: The Best Makeup Stores in London
Most Instagrammable Places in Rome: Villa Borghese
I can’t clearly remember how many afternoons I spent at Villa Borghese, simply because it’s a mere 20-minute walk from Termini Station.
That one is a true open-air museum; I talked about Piazza del Popolo at the beginning of this guide, and you can reach it from one end of Villa Borghese.
Inside, you have everything from arches to statues, half worn down busts and heads, and beautiful works of art.
One thing you have to do there is take a stroll to the Pincio, which offers a direct view of Piazza del Popolo.
Make some new friends at the hostel, meet locals, and take a walk to Villa Borghese – it’s not only one of the most instagrammable places in Rome, it’s also an amazing spot to read, to draw, and simply to relax.
Read: The Most Instagrammable Cafes in Istanbul
Most instagrammable places in Rome: Arch of Constantine
There is a clear resemblance between the Arch of Constantine and the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, and when you’re taking a look at the Coliseum, you’ll see the Arch of Constantine, since it’s right in front of it.
The Arch of Constantine in Rome was built in honor of the emperor Constantine the Great, and you can take absolutely gorgeous pictures of it with the Coliseum in the background.
However, from each and every angle, the arch simply looks magnificent, and that’s a fact. Just look out for pickpockets and street vendors, since you’re in one of the most frequented places of Rome.
Read: The Best Cafes to Work in Barcelona
Most instagrammable places in Rome: Vatican City
Of course, of course, I couldn’t write a guide to the most instagrammable places in Rome without talking about the Vatican!
It’s always surprised me, independently of the number of times I’ve visited, that with a single step, you leave Italy and enter Vatican City.
Lots of tourists there, but it’s really understandable – anyone looking for the most beautiful churches in Rome and basilicas will have to pay a visit to the Vatican and the Basilica di San Pietro.
With towers all around the square, you have plenty of possible angles to take really stunning pictures, and there are also fountains from which you can drink.
I know how long of a walk it is to go from Trastevere to the Vatican, which you might find yourself doing.
If you choose to visit St Peter’s Basilica, make sure you’re not wearing short shorts or a short skirt – they probably won’t let you in unless you’re wearing something below the knee (I’m talking from experience).
However, the Basilica is one of the most beautiful in the entire city, and you’re definitely going to want to check out all the sculptures and gold-clad frescoes.
Read: The Best Cafes to Work in Lisbon
Most Instagrammable Places in Rome: Orange Garden
The Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci) is located in one of the highest hills of Rome (there are seven historical hills in Rome), the Aventine Hill, and boy, is that a sight.
If the Orange Garden is one of the most instagrammable places in Rome, it’s not really because of the garden itself, although it is incredible.
No, that’s because if you’re looking for the best free views in Rome, the Orange Garden is located at the top of the Aventine Hill, and you will be able to snap some unforgettable shots there.
One of the most famous things to see on the Aventine Hill is the Aventine Keyhole.
From the keyhole, you can see a straight view of the dome of the Vatican – so many tourists there during the summer, but really a cool thing to do, and completely free!
Read: The Best Restaurants in Knightsbridge London
Most instagrammable places in Rome: Via del Corso
Via del Corso isn’t one of the most instagrammable places in Rome per se; as you look around, all you see are shops.
However, look up and you’ll see many possible photo angles with colorful buildings, and the surrounding streets are paved, old school, and really stunning.
Via del Corso is one of the most famous streets in Rome, and since there are almost no cars passing by, you’re literally free to walk around and do some cool shopping.
On one side of Via del Corso, you have l’Altare della Patria, and at the very end of it, you have Piazza del Popolo.
Go sideways, and you’re either at Piazza di Spagna or the Tiber river. Just one of the best photo spots in Rome all around, and there’s so much to do there!
Read: The Best Coffee Shops in Shoreditch
Most Instagrammable Places in Rome: Manufactus
I only visited Manufactus once, but I did get a few items that caught my eye from the street.
You would think that every shop and cafe near the Pantheon is a tourist trap, but there are two places which have made me feel otherwise; the Dolce Rotonda coffee shop, and Manufactus.
Manufactus is basically another way of saying ‘handmade’, and it’s clearly, not only one of the most instagrammable places in Rome, but also one of the best stationery shops in Rome.
Since the notebooks you’ll find at Manufactus are made from real leather and they sell real quills, the prices obviously follow.
However, I still got a few bottles of ink, a quill with three different tips, and a beautiful leather notebook that I will probably review very soon so you know more about this stunning stationery shop.
Read: The Best Coffee Shops in Brixton London
25 Most Instagrammable Places in Rome To Visit At Least Once
And there you have them, all the most instagrammable places in Rome, perfect photo spots and beautiful places to see at least once in your life!
Some of my favorite are obviously the places in which you’ll find that crazy architecture that can’t be seen anywhere else in the world.
That could translate to something like Villa Torlonia (although Park Guell and Casa Batllo in Barcelona remind me greatly of that vibe!) and the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj.
And in a city where everything is to be relished and immortalized, I would also recommend taking some time off walking around from attraction to attraction just to rest in places like the Orange Garden, the Pincio in Villa Borghese, or the Botanical Garden.
Until next time!
Other Travel Posts
- The Best Markets in Shoreditch
- The Best Free Things to Do in Rome
- The Best Halal Restaurants in East London
- The Best Cafes in London Bridge
- The Best Cat Cafes in London