Rome is one of those cities where it feels like there is something worth photographing around every corner. Ancient ruins sit beside busy streets, church domes rise above terracotta rooftops, and some of Rome’s most famous landmarks look completely different depending on the time of day and where you are standing.
We first visited Rome in 2014 at the beginning of our year-long trip around the world, returning years later for a longer visit. This collection brings together some of our favorite photos from both trips, from the Colosseum and Roman Forum to Vatican City, Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain, and the rooftops of Rome.
Looking for the exact locations where we took some of these photos? See our Photographer’s Guide to the Best Views of Rome, which includes our favorite viewpoints and photo locations around the city.
Rome in Photos
In this photo journey through Rome, you’ll see:
- The Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Ancient Rome
- St. Peter’s Basilica and Vatican City
- The Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and Piazza Navona
- Castel Sant’Angelo and the Tiber River
- Rome’s churches, piazzas, streets, and rooftops
- Panoramic views from some of our favorite viewpoints
Overlooking the Roman Forum and the Colosseum from the Altar of the Fatherland
Inside St. Peter’s Basilica
The Fountain of the Four Rivers on Piazza Navona
Ponte Sant’Angelo and Castel Sant’Angelo
A unique view of Altar of the Fatherland (photo taken at Oro Bistrot…this is a great photography spot so a few more photos from here will be appearing later in this post)
The view of the Roman Forum from Terrazza sul Foro
The ceiling of the Sancta Sanctorum
The dome of St. Peter’s Basilica and the top of the Baldacchino
The view from the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica
Overlooking the Roman Forum from Palatine Hill
Another unique view of Rome from Palatine Hill
The Altar of the Fatherland at sunset (photo taken from Oro Bistrot)
Cocktails at Oro Bistrot
The modern Bramante Staircase in the Vatican Museums. On an early morning tour of the Vatican, it is possible to get this photo without people in it.
The original Bramante Staircase in the Vatican Museums. This is one of the “secret rooms” of the Vatican.
Sunset view of Rome from Divinity Restaurant & Lounge Bar
The Appian Way
On top of the Altar of the Fatherland
The School of Athens fresco in the Raphael Rooms of the Vatican Museums
The amazing view over the Spanish Steps from Imàgo restaurant
The view of the Roman Forum and Colosseum from Palatine Hill.
Café in Trastevere
And you can’t share photos of Rome without having at least one picture of gelato.
Plan Your Trip to Rome and Italy
- Want to find the best viewpoints? → See our Best Views of Rome guide for panoramic viewpoints, rooftop views, and some of our favorite photo locations around the city.
- Only have a few days? → Choose from our 2 Days in Rome, 3 Days in Rome, and 4 Days in Rome itineraries.
- Visiting the Vatican? → Read our How to Visit the Vatican Museums & St. Peter’s Basilica guide for practical planning tips.
- Interested in travel photography? → See our Travel Photography Gear Guide for the cameras, lenses, and accessories we use on our trips.
- Looking for more beautiful places to photograph in Italy? → See our guide to 20 Gorgeous Views of Italy for some of our favorite photo locations around the country.
- Planning more of Italy? → Start with our Italy Travel Guide for itineraries, destination guides, and trip-planning advice.
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