The best views in Rome: 6 great spots for pictures

Rome is absolutely beautiful from all angles. Seeing its familiar monuments on the skyline, at sunset, is one of the best ways to view the city. Finding the best views in Rome takes work and if you’re committed to hitting all of them up on your trip to the Eternal City, you should include the following locations in your travel plans.

Giardino degli Aranci (Orange Garden)

While I've already written a post all about Rome's Orange Garden, it deserves its own place on this list of Rome's best views. This garden overlooks Rome's skyline from one of its famous 7 hills, L' Aventino, and St. Peter's and the Vittoriano are both visible from the viewing platform.

Pincio

If you're in the center of Rome, near Piazza del Popolo, Via del Corso, or Piazza di Spagna, you're almost required to take the stairs from Piazza del Popolo up to Villa Borghese and take in one of the best views of Rome, Pincio. While this spot is busy day and night, it's popular with tourists for a reason. From this vantage, you can see the entire city from the center, while also overlooking the famous piazza below. Bonus: if you need a selfie-stick, there are plenty of vendors to be found there.

Piazza di Spagna (The Spanish Steps)

One of Rome's most romantic monuments, the Spanish Steps are a well-known viewing place for the city's breathtaking sunset. While eating and drinking on the newly renovated steps are now prohibited, you can spend time with friends or your partner on the stairs during Rome's golden hour and pretend to be in a famous Roman film (i.e. Roman Holiday or The Lizzie McGuire Movie).

Gianicolo

Gianicolo is less well-known than the previous spots, and gives a romantic view of Rome with the benefit of a gorgeous fountain in the background. You can take a trip up here from Rome's famous Trastevere neighborhood and reward yourself for the climb with an aperitivo buffet or full pasta lunch.

Castel Sant’ Angelo

The famous view from the duomo of St. Peter's basiliica is always crowded, not matter the season or time of day. But 500 meters away, the papal residence of Castel Sant' Angelo has a great view of the Tiber River, the Vatican, and the center of Rome. Once you're through looking at the museum and ancient papal relics, head to the to the top of the monument for a spectacular view.

Vittoriano Monument

In the direct center of the city, the Vittorio Emanuele II monument presides over famous Piazza Venezia. Mussolini built this monument to celebrate Italy's first king, who united the smaller Italians states into one country. The Vittoriano boasts views of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and a breathtaking view straight down Via del Corso, Rome's most popular shopping road. To access the top, you have to pay €7 and take an elevator ride up. While stunning during the day, this view is on another level if you see it at sunset.

While vacation isn't ALL about the pictures, photos from your trip can help you remember all of the amazing times and document the places that you've been. Not to mention, many of these places are perfect for a sunset drink, picnic, or lounge area when you have an hour to spare while in Rome. All of the included photos were taken during my study abroad term in Rome, on one of the frequent trips I've made here after, or during the past year, and all serve as proof when someone asks me, "Why is Rome your favorite city?"