14 ABSOLUTE best Rome Instagram Spots

12 Best Rome Instagram Spots for influencers photography places

My first ‘corona trip’ by plane is a fact. On September 7th 2020 my sister and I flew to the eternal city: Rome. We stayed for five days and had the time of our lives! Since many people simply can’t come or don’t dare to visit, Rome is far less crowded than usual. That means shorter waiting lines. Plus less people blocking your shots. An Instagram dream! Of course I took great advantage of this unique opportunity. I was able to tick all the Instagram hotspots in Rome. And no, I didn’t wake up at the crack of dawn or waited ridiculously long for my turn. In this article I’m sharing my favorite Rome Instagram spots with you! They’ll still be awesome if you visit ‘apres COVID’. Just keep in mind that you probably do need to set your alarm clock in order to ‘get the shot’.

TIP: Check the map below or click here to save my list of Rome Instagram Spots in Google Maps!

#1 The Trevi Fountain

Rome’s number one Instagram spot is hands down the famous Trevi Fountain. Even during COVID it was still pretty busy. It was nothing like the usual crowds though. Pre corona it simply wasn’t possible to get a solo shot if you didn’t set your alarm very-very early. Now you can go at whatever time fits your schedule. You just might have to wait a few minutes to get a shot without other people. I was lucky! I got two amazing shots without having to wait at all. PS: If you were a huge Lizzie McGuire fan back in the days, you might recognize this location. In the movie where Lizzie went to Rome the Trevi Fountain is where she spotted Paolo for the first time.

Address: Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Roma RM

#2 Colosseum

The colosseum is one of the world’s most recognisable structures in the world. It’s also one of the best Instagram spots in Rome. I definitely recommend you to go inside. But the most amazing pictures are taken from the outside. I’m sharing two great spots with you.

Via Nicola Salvi parking lot

The best place to capture it’s immenseness is as follows: From the Piazza del Colosseo at the northern part of the Colosseum you’ll find stairs  leading to the Via Nicola Salvi. Up there you’ll find a parking lot with an amazing view of the Colosseum. Just take a seat on the wall and you’ll have the perfect Colosseum backdrop. Definitely one of the most Instagram worthy places in Rome if you ask me! Be aware that this is a popular Colosseum Instagram spot though. Many people equal many street vendors.They’ll try to sell you everything from bracelets to selfie sticks. Just make very clear you have no intention of buying anything. Eventually they’ll stop their attempts.

From the Palatine Hill 

Another great Colosseum Instagram location is from the Palatine Hill, in front of the Temple of Venus and Roma. You can only access this spot with tickets for the Palatine Hill (included in your Colosseo and Forum Romanum ticket). This means less crowds and no vendors. So are you visiting during a very busy time? Then you’ll probably have better luck capturing a great Colosseum Instagram photo from the Palatine Hill.

Address: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM

#3 Roman Forum

If I have to choose a favorite out of this entire list of Instagrammable spots in Rome, this is it! I’m obsessed with life during the Roman Empire. The Roman Forum – also known by its Latin name Forum Romanum –  gives a very good glimpse into what it must have been like. It was the center of Roman day-to-day life. I especially found the view from above very intriguing. That’s where I decided to take my Instagram photo.

Address: Largo della Salara Vecchia 5/6, 00186 Roma RM

#4 Pantheon

Remember what I said about the Colosseum? That the best pictures are taken from the outside? Well, the same goes for the Pantheon. It’s definitely worth having a peek inside. But again, the best pictures are taken from outside the temple. Right in front of the Pantheon there’s a beautiful fountain. Simply lean into it to get a great photo of both the Pantheon and the fountain.

Address: Piazza della Rotonda, 00187 Roma RM

#5 Spanish Steps

After the Trevi fountain, the Spanish Steps are probably the most photographed. I personally prefer other spots. Simply because Roman has so many iconic spots. A couple of stairs didn’t seem very special to me compared to all the other beautiful sights. If you’d place these stairs in another – less breathtakingly beautiful – city though, I’m sure I’d be in complete awe. I simply got a bit spoiled. Still I wanted to get the shot. I mean, I’m here now right? Usually the Spanish Steps are extremely crowded. When we were there the steps were nearly empty though! So getting a solo shot was fairly easy. Lucky me!

Address: Piazza di Spagna, 00187 Roma RM

#6 Il Vittoriano

The monument of Vittorio Emanuele II – better known as ‘Il Vittoriano’ – definitely belongs to this list of most instagrammable places in Rome as well! The building itself is very pretty (although the Romans themselves disagree). But I found the views even more impressive! And the best part? Entrance is completely free!

Address: Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II, Piazza Venezia, 00186 Roma RM

#7 Piazza Navona

Rome is home to many beautiful fountains. The Trevi fountain is hands down the most impressive one. But the Fontana die Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers) is a stunning piece of craftmanship as well. This fountain is located at the Piazza Navona, a square I passed many times on route to other sites. Therefore I saw the fountain at different times of the day. Usually I prefer daylight for my photos. But for this specific location I liked night time better. I loved how the fountain lit up!

Address: Piazza Navona, 00186 Roma RM

#8 St. Peter’s Square

Officially this spot – and the next two – aren’t in Rome. They’re located in Vatican City, the world’s smallest state. One of the most recognizable spots is the St. Peter’s Square. Or Piazza San Pietro in Italian. You obviously must get a shot with the St. Peter’s Basillica in the back. Other great photo ops at the square are the colonnades, obelisk and fountain. Just play around with your angles.

Address: Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Vatican City

#9 Inside St. Peter’s Basilica

Now that you’ve taken your photos outside the Basilica, it’s time to go inside. Entering the church is completely free. Just make sure your shoulders and knees are covered. Inside you’ll get completely ‘wowed’ by the stunning architecture and famous art works. The attention for details is amazing! In my opinion the best Instagram photo spot is at the back of the aisle. Aim the camera slightly up to capture the pretty gold detailed ceiling. When the sun is shining, you might also be able to catch the light beaming through the dome windows. 

Address: Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Vatican City

#10 Vatican Museums

You probably know Michelangelo’s image of God creating Adam. The famous fresco is part of the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling, which is a section of the Vatican Museums. Unfortunately taking photos at the glorious Sistine Chapel is prohibited. Don’t worry though. The Vatican Museums offer many other great photo spots. Just have a walk around and seize an opportunity when you spot one. Here are a few examples.

Address: Vatican Museum’s Entrance, Viale Vaticano, 00165 Roma RM

#11 Borghese Gallery

Are you a (neo)classical art lover like I am? In that case you absolutely must visit the Borghese Gallery as well. It houses seven Bernini statues, among them ‘Apollo and Daphne’. The most breathtaking statue is ‘Ratto di Proserpina’. It actually looks like the hands of the God touching Prosperina actually sink into her skin. Isn’t it amazing how a material so hard can look so soft? I must admit I didn’t fully take advantage of all the great Instagram spots at Galleria Borghese. I was simply too much in awe to care about Instagram. I did manage to get two shots though.

Address: Piazzale Scipione Borghese, 5, 00197 Roma RM

#12 Cat Sanctuary

The ruins of the oldest temples in Rome can be found at the Area Sacra del Largo Argentina. It’s the place where Julius Caesar was murdered. Nowadays it’s more famous for its residents though: hundreds of kitties. I really love cats, but my sister absolutely ADORES them! The ‘cat sanctuary’ actually was what she was looking forward to most. My sister isn’t very keen on posing, but for this special location she made an exception. I decided to make this ‘her moment’ and not ask her to take (yet another) photo of me. So for this tip I’m using her photos as an example. If you’re lucky (or bring kitty treats) you might also get a cat in the shot. Just like my sister did!

Address: Area Sacra del Largo Argentina, Via Arenula corner, 00186 Roma RM

#13 Ponte Sant’Angelo

When you search for ‘best Instagram places in Rome’ the bridge leading to Castel Sant’Angelo will definitely pop up. The bridge is faced with beautiful marble angel sculptures. Very Insta worthy! If you want a good photo, I recommend you go around a time of the day when the sun is low. During the golden hour for example. I was there when the sunlight was too harsh and therefore I’m not particularly pleased with my photos. I think they could have turned out great during a different hour though. That’s why I do think this location belongs to the list of Rome Instagram spots!

Address: Ponte Sant’Angelo, 00186 Roma RM

#14 Skybridge at Campidoglio

My last tip is a spot I discovered myself. When leaving the Campidiglio – a square designed by Michelangelo – I bumped into this beautiful skybridge. You can lean into a pillar whilst the skybridge serves as the perfect backdrop. I bet you won’t find this one in any other Instagram places in Rome guide. You’re welcome!

Address: 2 Via del Campidoglio, 00186 Roma RM

That’s it! I hope you enjoyed my Rome Instagram Guide. Have you got a trip to Rome planned? Great, click here and save my list of Rome Instagram spots in Google Maps. Or have you already been to Rome? If so, I’d love to know the best Instagram places in Rome according to you. Drop your tips in the comments below!

Oh, and don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @redreidinghood!

xoxo,
Rowan