Do you know where to find the best views in Rome?
If Rome amazes at every step while walking through its streets and squares, its views also stand out as truly unique. From above, the city takes your breath away. In a city built on seven hills, many spots let people admire it, each one more beautiful than the last.
Let’s take a tour together of its most famous and striking panoramas.
On the Gianicolo Terrace between the “Fontanone” and cannon shots
The Gianicolo is one of the most famous panoramic spots in Rome. A pleasant walk from the Trastevere neighborhood or from the Villa Doria Pamphilj park brings visitors there.
Several bus lines also serve the area.
The easiest way is to get there by Vespa, thanks to the “Sidecar Tour in Rome” route dedicated to the Gianicolo. This is the most fun and complete way to explore this part of Rome!
From the Gianicolo, the view stretches from the Colosseum, the Imperial Forums, and St. Peter’s. The overall view really creates a wow effect.
Besides the beautiful panorama, the Gianicolo also has many other points of interest. For example, locals simply call the Fontana dell’Acqua Paola the
“fontanone” (the big fountain). Pope Paul V had it built between 1610 and 1614. Another fun fact about the name: Giovanni Fontana designed it. As they say in Italy: a name, a destiny.
The park also includes a bit of Italian history, with marble busts of figures from the Risorgimento. That period, between 1815 and 1871, marks the unification of Italy.
On the Gianicolo Terrace, another traditional Roman ritual takes place: the midday cannon shot. This custom started in 1847 to signal the time for the whole city. Even today, every day, soldiers fire a real cannon loaded with blanks—this one dates to World War II. Tourists and locals gather, watching the countdown before the bang.
The Pincio Terrace and its view in the city center
Across the Tiber River stands another famous viewpoint in Rome, the Pincio. Many call it the twin view of the Gianicolo, but the “postcards” from these places look quite different.
From Piazza del Popolo, a short walk through greenery leads to the large panoramic terrace. From here, people see the square with its obelisk in the center, the fountain with the lions, and all the other details right below. And then there’s all of Rome’s historic center, including St. Peter’s Basilica, which almost always appears in every Roman panorama.
After stopping to admire Rome from this incredible spot, two options await (and both are possible). Behind the terrace lies the large Villa Borghese park, perfect for a relaxing walk among the trees. It’s possible to stop by the small lake, with Neptune’s temple in the middle, and maybe even take a short rowboat ride. The Borghese Gallery also shows its art and exhibitions (tickets must be booked in advance).
Afterward, people can return to the panoramic terrace and from there take the pedestrian path toward Trinità dei Monti. Along the way, the views of Rome continue, all the way to the top of Piazza di Spagna. After soaking in all this beauty, descend its famous staircase.
The Orange Garden and the most famous keyhole in the world
The next stop is the Aventine Hill, one of the original “seven hills” where Rome began.
The Orange Garden, although a popular spot for tourists, offers a real oasis of peace and shade. People can reach it easily from Circus Maximus or the Testaccio neighborhood. After a few flights of stairs, a tree-lined garden with a terrace overlooking Rome opens up. From here, the Tiber River, the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, and Ponte Sant’Angelo all stand out. Again, the vastness and beauty of the whole urban landscape make the strongest impression.
And this isn’t the only view here. Just a few steps from the garden stands an important historic building, the Priory of the Knights of Malta. Its door hides a surprise: looking through the keyhole, visitors see the dome of St. Peter’s perfectly framed like a miniature.
It’s best to go early in the morning, since many know this “secret” and a line often forms to peek at the “cupolone.”
See Rome from the top of Monte Mario
Rome isn’t just any city. Among its unique features stands a mountain within its limits. That’s Monte Mario. Even though it rises only about 140 meters, it still gives a special view of Rome. The Rome Astronomical Observatory sits at the top.
This area lies in the northwest part of the city, a fairly modern zone that doesn’t attract many tourists, but still stays close to the center.
The Monte Mario Nature Reserve holds trails and scenic viewpoints, where visitors can see almost all of the Eternal City: from the Tiber to St. Peter’s, from the Altare della Patria to the Castelli, the hills southeast of Rome. It offers one of the widest views of the city.
The Capitoline Hill gives an imperial view!
If nature gave Rome countless viewpoints, Romans have added even more over time.
The Capitoline Hill—also one of the seven hills—has always served as the center of political and administrative power in the city. It lets people see a true panorama of history.
After climbing the long staircase, Piazza del Campidoglio opens up, designed by Michelangelo. The equestrian statue of Emperor Marcus Aurelius stands in the center, surrounded by City Hall and the Capitoline Museums.
Cross the square and the wonder of the Roman Forum appears. This grand view of the archaeological area looks like something out of a Romantic painting.
But that’s not all, because on the Capitoline Hill, the Caffarelli Terrace—the café of the Capitoline Museums—lets visitors enjoy one of the most amazing views in Rome with a coffee or a snack. From here, in addition to the ruins of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, people can see all the main monuments of the city.
From the Dome of St. Peter’s, a 360° view of Rome
If one place lets people see all of Rome, it’s the dome of St. Peter’s. At about 120 meters high, it ranks as the second highest point in the city after Monte Mario. The outer gallery circles the dome, offering a view of Rome—and even its surroundings—in every direction.
Besides the view outside, people can also enjoy a unique view inside the basilica.
Of course, first, visitors need to reach the top. Start by buying a ticket, which also includes a visit to the basilica with a digital audio guide. Then choose to climb all 551 steps or take the elevator for part of the way, and then walk the remaining 320 steps.
Either way, everyone climbs some stairs on foot, but it’s worth the effort.
The greatness of Rome from the Altare della Patria
The top of the Altare della Patria, also called the Vittoriano in memory of King Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of Italy, gives another nearly complete view of Rome.
This monument stands in Piazza Venezia, near the Capitoline Hill, and the panoramic elevators bring visitors to the terrace of the monument, 70 meters high.
The Quirinale, a view for popes and presidents
Among the seven hills of Rome stands the Quirinale, which over time has housed the royal residences of popes and then the kings of Italy. Today, the President of the Republic lives there.
This spot sits just steps from Via del Corso, Via Nazionale, and Piazza Barberini, so reaching it is easy. The Quirinale is the highest of Rome’s seven hills, and from here, people enjoy a beautiful panoramic view over the city’s rooftops, especially at sunset.
Rome from above looks beautiful in every direction, and its views, especially at sunset, linger in the memory.
Not sure where to start?
The Sidecar Tour in Rome guides take visitors on board the classic Vespa to the city’s most beautiful panoramic spots!
