It is definitely worth wandering around the quaint streets of Rome, but the Italian capital is as wonderful when you see it from a certain distance. Here´s a compilation of the best panoramic views of Rome, including a map at the end with all the locations mentioned throughout this post.
Below you will find the eleven viewpoints that I consider are the best panoramic spots in Rome. They are mentioned clockwise. In the map at the end of this post, you will find a pin for each location in addition to the nearest metro stop. Enjoy!
11 Roman viewpoints to admire the Eternal City
Terrazza del Pincio
The first viewpoint on the list is the Pincio terrace. Carefully designed by Giuseppe Valadier, it is famous for being an incredible viewpoint of Piazza del Popolo, the basilica of Saint Peter, the Roman rooftops and beyond. These views were already much appreciated by the romantic writers back in the 19th century. Stop by the exclusive Casina Valadier to enjoy a romantic drink or meal overlooking the Italian capital. If it’s at dawn or dusk, even better!
Note that the Pincio is a hill in Rome located in Villa Borghese, which is the largest park in Rome. The area is surrounded by statues of Italian notables and by an obelisk commissioned by emperor Hadrian to honor his lover Antinous.
Nearest metro stop to visit Terrazza del Pincio: Lepanto
Piazza della Trinità dei Monti
The majestic staircase (Scalinata della Trinità dei Monti) in Piazza di Spagna designed by Francesco de Sanctis between 1723 and 1726 leads to a great panoramic view of Rome. After going up the stairs, you will find yourself in Piazza della Trinità dei Monti. From here you will see the lively city of Rome, including the exclusive via Condotti lined up with luxury brands.
This spot is one of the most popular in the city, so don’t be surprised to see many tourists at any time of the day or night.
Nearest metro stop to visit Piazza della Trinità dei Monti: Spagna
La Rinascente in via del Tritone
La Rinascente is a flagship store offering fashion, gourmet food, design or cosmetics. You will find many of its branches across Italy.
When in Rome, head to the panoramic terrace located in the top floor of La Rinascente in via del Tritone for breathtaking views of the Italian capital. Once up there, you can enjoy the various options in the food hall: from gourmet Italian and international food and wine, to pizzas and sandwiches or a selection of gourmet products.
The store of La Rinascente in Piazza Fiume features a panoramic restaurant and food hall as well.
Nearest metro stop to visit La Rinascente in via del Tritone: Barberini
Vittoriano (Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II)
The fourth viewpoint on the list is the panoramic terrace on top of the massive monument dedicated to Vittorio Emanuele II, also known as Vittoriano.
By taking a lift in a glass elevator to the panoramic terrace, you can experience a unique perspective of the capital of Italy. You will find two bronze chariots representing Unity and Freedom. Thanks to the breathtaking 360° view from more than 70 meters high, you’ll be able to admire the Colosseum, the Imperial Forum, the Pantheon, Saint Peter’s Basilica and Via del Corso. Adult tickets to access the panoramic terrace cost 16 EUR, and admission is free on the first Sunday of the month. Make sure to check the info and timetables.
Located near Piazza Venezia and via dei Fori Imperiali, the Vittoriano is a symbol of the Italian nation and of its democratic and European values. Other attractions here include the Altar of the Fatherland (Altare della Patria; free access), the Imperial Forums Wing (currently undergoing restoration) and the Central Museum of the Risorgimento (Museo Centrale del Risorgimento; you can access if you bought the ticket to the panoramic terrace).
Nearest metro stop to visit Vittoriano: Colosseo or Cavour
Campidoglio
An unforgettable staircase known as Cordonata leads to an oval square (Piazza del Campidoglio) devised by Michelangelo in the 16th century. At the top you can see the Emperor Marcus Aurelius dispensing peace on the back of his horse. The twin palaces on both sides of the square, Palazzo Nuovo and Palazzo dei Conservatori, house some of Rome’s greatest treasures.
For a free and panoramic view of the Roman Forum and the Colosseum, you may head to the balcony on the right flank of the Palazzo Senatorio behind the Campidoglio. This viewpoint is even more spectacular when the historic monuments are illuminated at night.
Nearest metro stop to visit Piazza del Campidoglio: Colosseo
Terrazza Caffarelli in the Musei Capitolini
The Terrazza Caffarelli is located in the heart of Rome, on the Capitoline hill, next to the Capitoline Museums (Musei Capitolini). This panoramic rooftop offers a breathtaking view of Rome, making it the ideal location for unforgettable events and ceremonies. A section of the underground passage connecting the Capitoline Museums known as Tabularium (the old official archive of Rome) also offers magnificent views of the Roman Forum.
The twin palaces of Palazzo Nuovo and Palazzo dei Conservatori form the neighboring Capitoline Museums, which house ancient sculptures, statues and paintings.
Nearest metro stop to visit Terrazza Caffarelli: Colosseo
Terrazza Belvedere Aventino
There are certainly plenty of locations featuring breathtaking viewpoints of the Italian capital, but one of my all-time favorites is Giardino degli Aranci (the Orange Garden). Located on top of a hill near the Circo Massimo, you will first pass by the Rose Garden, a place radiating beauty specially during the spring and summer months. Continue along the old wall, enter the Orange Garden and walk until you reach Terrazza Belvedere Aventino to enjoy the view of the river, the Trastevere neighborhood and St. Peter’s Basilica.
Right next door lies the church of Santa Sabina all’ Aventino.
Another popular stop is the nearby 18th century square (Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta) by Giambattista Piranesi to look through the famous bronze keyhole framing the dome of Saint Peter.
Nearest metro stop to visit Terrazza Belvedere Aventino: Circo Massimo
Belvedere del Gianicolo
This viewpoint (belvedere in Italian) is located on top of the Gianicolo Hill, in the Roman district known as Trastevere. From here, you’ll enjoy one of the most evocative views of the historic center of Rome.
Under the viewpoint you will find Parco Gianicolo, a park of 3.5 hectares that encompasses the Botanical Garden (Orto Botanico di Roma), a Japanese Garden (Giardino Giapponese) and even an elaborate fountain (Fontana dei Tritoni).
The promenade (Passeggiata del Gianicolo) leading to the viewpoint and surrounding Parco Gianicolo is lined up with busts of citizens who fought alongside Garibaldi for the defense of Rome and the proclamation of the Roman Republic. Two equestrian monuments are actually dedicated to Giuseppe Garibaldi and his wife Anita.
By the way, if you’re walking around this area at noon, don’t be surprised to hear a cannon shot. It’s a tradition dating back to 1904!
Nearest metro stop to visit Belvedere del Gianicolo: Circo Massimo
Castel Sant’Angelo
Over the centuries, this fortress by the Tiber river and close to the Vatican has been used as a mausoleum, a prison and military quarters. Nowadays, Castel Sant’Angelo houses a museum.
In addition to its fascinating history, Castel Sant’ Angelo is an excellent location for panoramic views. Make sure to head to the upper terraces to enjoy memorable 360 degree views of the Tiber river with the Ponte Sant’ Angelo just below, the city of Rome and Vatican City. If you can time your visit around sunset, even better!
Nearest metro stop to visit Castel Sant’ Angelo: Ottaviano or Lepanto
Dome of St Peter’s Basilica
When Michelangelo designed a dome to expand the enormous transept of the basilica dedicated to Saint Peter, he made it 42 meters in diameter with deference to the 43m dome of the Pantheon.
To reach the dome of St Peter’s basilica, you can take an elevator most of the way, but you will still have to go up 330 stairs to access the outer deck. From the 132 meter-high lantern dome, I can guarantee you’ll be speechless when admiring the majestic views of the city of Rome and the Vatican City, including the colonnade of Saint Peter and nearby Castel Sant’ Angelo.
Check out the opening hours of the dome. The ticket costs 10 EUR if you first use the elevator and then walk up to the dome. Should you wish to walk the entire way, you can do so for a reduced price.
Nearest metro stop to visit the dome of Saint Peter’s Basilica: Ottaviano
Parco Mellini
This panoramic spot is definitely off the beaten path.
Located near the Rome Observatory in Monte Mario, this viewpoint in Parco Mellini offers a different perspective of looking at the city of Rome, its surrounding hills from the northwest and even Colli Albani.
Other popular attractions in the area include the romantic path of Vialetto degli Innamorati, Villa Madama or Villa Mazzanti.
Nearest metro stop to visit Parco Mellini: Cipro
Map with the best panoramic views of Rome
Below is a map with all the Roman panoramic spots mentioned throughout this post, including the nearest metro stops. Save it for later reference!
Rome and beyond
If you’d like to read more content about Rome in particular or Italy in general, you will find some related links below:
- Italy destination page: your go-to place with basic facts about the country, things to do, food and much more.
- Make sure to check out my Italy folder on Instagram including stories of my most recent trip to Rome
- Rome: find inspiration about the Italian capital in these posts, where I spent a year (2007-2008) thanks to the Erasmus exchange program.
- 12 things to see and do in Rome
- Rome travel guide (+map)
- What to see in Sicily (Erasmus edition)
How did you like this post compiling the best panoramic views of Rome? Feel free to leave your questions and comments below.
