Returning from a trip to Rome with a collection of photographs to keep and revisit over time is like bringing home fragments of eternity. Each image captures a unique moment, a whisper from the past that resonates in the present. Rome, with its millennia-old history and untouched charm, offers glimpses that make each photo a work of art, a precious memory that illuminates the heart and mind.
Here are some of the most memorable places for Instagram posts that will make a splash.
The Umberto I Bridge and Saint-Pierre/Chiara Ercini
St. Peter’s Basilica from the Umberto I Bridge
At sunset, when the Roman sky takes on pink and orange hues, head towards the Umberto I Bridge. From there you will have the most beautiful view of Saint Peter’s Basilica, whose dome stands out against the firmament. The lights reflecting on the surface of the Tiber create a play of colors that makes each shot a masterpiece. This bridge from the end of the 19th century. is a tribute to the unification of Italy and offers an ideal setting to grasp the spiritual and architectural immensity of the Vatican.
And advice : the perspective is perfect from the opposite bank.
Where to eat nearby : Tuscan cuisine and seafood at Da Cesare, authentic regional cuisine at L’Arcangelo, and starred dishes and great wines at Il Convivio Troiani.
The Roman Forum from Via di Monte Tarpeo/Chiara Ercini
The Roman Forum from Via di Monte Tarpeo
One of the most picturesque and least known places in Rome, a street located a few steps from Piazza del Campidoglio, owes its name to the Rupe Tarpea, a rocky cliff from the top of which, according to Roman tradition, the traitors were thrown away in Antiquity. The Via di Monte Tarpeo is a privileged observation point, offering a unique panoramic view of classical Rome.
At sunset, the ruins of the forum are illuminated with a golden light that accentuates the architectural details and creates an almost unreal atmosphere. This street, rather quiet and less frequented by tourists, allows you to fully enjoy the show away from the crowds that often invade other sites: a must for your photo album.
A word of advice : the first light of the morning or the soft light of the sunset illuminate the ruins in a way that makes them almost alive. This will allow you to capture the majesty and mystery of this ancient part of the city.
The Colosseum/Chiara Ercini
The Colosseum from Via Nicola Salvi
The best viewpoint for those looking for the perfect photo of the Colosseum in the background. From here you can experiment with different angles: in the highest part of the street, the low walls provide perfect scenes for a picturesque shot. The pedestrian bridge that crosses both sides of the street gives a “suspended” effect to your walk in front of the Colosseum.
And advice : This area is very popular with tourists, it is advisable to arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds and enjoy a less crowded plateau. The street is located exactly above the Colosseo metro stop.
Where to eat nearby : at the Michelin-starred restaurant Aroma, Mediterranean and creative cuisine with a view of the Colosseum.
Monte Ciocci Park/Chiara Ercini
The sky above Rome from the Monte Ciocci park
Monte Ciocci Park, also known as Pineto Park, is one of Rome’s hidden gems. It is a vast setting where history and the beauty of nature combine with spectacular views of the Eternal City.
The great attraction of the place is a phrase inscribed on a low wall, taken from the song « The sky above Rome » from the Colle der Fomento group: “But tell me how many times you have seen the sky above Rome and said to yourself, “How beautiful it is.” This quote, immortalized in this inscription, captures the essence of the park, a place where the sky seems closer and every perspective is magnificent.
This is one of the most popular places for young Roman Instagrammers. They benefit from this tag and the numerous works of street art of the park to create the perfect photo, thus obtaining the emotion of ancient Rome – including the majestic dome of Saint Peter’s Basilica standing a few hundred meters away – through a very urban and contemporary angle of view. This unique perspective also offers a panorama of four railway lines, creating a fascinating contrast between the tranquility of this green space and urban vitality.
Where to eat nearby : unmissable local cuisine at Romanè, one of the best Bib Gourmands in the city (remember to book!)
Le Trastevere/Chiara Ercini
Trastevere and its streets
With its picturesque streets, Trastevere is a place where time seems to have stood still. To understand its essence, you have to focus on the details that make this neighborhood unique. Cobbled streets, decorated gates and flower-filled balconies add a touch of magic to any photograph.
By browsing the Cedar Alley and the Tower alleywe breathe the authenticity of Roman life. The colorful houses, climbing plants and clothes hanging between buildings are all scenes that capture the soul of Rome, its warm welcome and its indomitable spirit. THE Athlete’s Alley and the Arco Alley of San Calisto are perfect examples of the beauty hidden in the details. Here, the light filtering through the buildings creates plays of light and shadow that make each shot extraordinarily evocative. In the Moroni Alleyyou’ll often find clothes hanging from the wires that connect buildings, like a post-war neo-realist movie scene.
A tip: in the evening, the lanterns that light up the alleys give a timeless and romantic atmosphere, ideal for nighttime photos that convey the tranquility and charm of the neighborhood.
Where to eat in Trastevere : you could say anywhere, but the MICHELIN guide recommends in particular the elegant and traditional Antica Pesa, in the surprising Osteria della Trippa, one of the best Bib Gourmands in Rome, or in the starred Glass Hostaria and Zia
The ‘Square Colosseum’/Chiara Ercini
The square Coliseum of the EUR district
The Square Colosseumas the Romans call it, or the Italian Palace of Civilizatione, is an emblem of the rationalist architecture of the fascist period. Its geometric lines and symmetrical arcs create a play of light and shadow that makes each shot incredibly evocative. This building, inaugurated in 1940, represents a dialogue between the past and the future, a reminder of the Colosseum and a reference to futurism. Now home to Maison Fendi, it is accessible at certain times. It nevertheless offers extraordinary photographic perspectives from the outside, particularly from the rear staircase.
Choose the right time of day: early morning or late afternoon is ideal, when natural light highlights the lines and shapes of the building, creating sharp contrasts and deep shadows. Focus on the architectural details, the inscriptions on the walls and the majestic marble statues placed at the corners of the building.
Shooting in black and white is another option that enhances the drama and elegance of the building, emphasizing its pure forms and rigorous architecture.
A tip: one of the most interesting perspectives is obtained by standing at the base of the building and looking upwards, so as to accentuate the symmetry of the arches and the verticality of the structure. Using a wide angle lens allows you to capture the full majesty of the building in a single shot.
The Wall of the Constitution/Chiara Ercini
Rome, from the Constitution Wall to the Janiculum
From Janiculum Hill, looking at the Constitution Wall (a monument celebrating the Italian Constitutional Charter), you can enjoy one of the most evocative views of Rome. Before you, the city spreads out like a tapestry, with the Tiber winding between the red roofs and domes.
And advice : at dusk, the golden light of the setting sun illuminates the city, a unique opportunity to capture the beauty and soul of the city. Don’t just focus on the view: through its inscriptions or its design, the Constitution Wall is already an element worthy of interest. Taking photos of the details of the Wall, with the city as a background, creates powerful and meaningful images.
Palazzo Zuccari/Chiara Ercini
The Palazzo Zuccari and its “monstrous” facade
The Zuccari Palacealso known as House of Monstersis one of the most curious and fascinating buildings in Rome. Located on Via Gregoriana, near the Church of the Trinity of the Hills, this palace is famous for its facade decorated with enormous monstrous masks, with gigantic gaping mouths that act as doors and windows and seem to swallow all those who enter. Designed by the artist Federico Zuccari in the 17C, this masterpiece of Baroque fantasy is a unique example of decorative architecture that never fails to surprise and delight visitors. You will have the best view of the facade of Palazzo Zuccari during the day.
Focus on the details of the masks: textures, expressions, and complex shapes deserve close-ups that showcase the artistic prowess.
A word of advice : A macro or zoom lens can be useful for this purpose. Take a selfie while entering its jaws/doors backwards: “wow” effect guaranteed on your Instagram profile!
Where to eat nearby : at Imàgo, a starred restaurant with panoramic views of the city, or at Colline Emiliane, for a tasty foray into the world of browse themthese extremely thin fresh pasta.
The Dome from the keyhole/Benedetta Gelli/iStock
Spy on Saint-Pierre through the keyhole
To finish in style, here is the most extraordinary view in Rome: the keyhole of Mount Aventine. Looking through this opening in the door of the Palace of the Priory of the Knights of Malta (Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta 4), onto the Aventine, one can admire a perfectly framed view of the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica. This point of view, with its play of perspectives offering a unique and surprising view, is an enchantment for any photographer, an emotion difficult to describe, which it will be up to you to immortalize in a photo that will forever embody the beauty of Rome.
Cover image: View of the Roman Forum/valentinrussanov/iStock
Written by
The MICHELIN Guide
