A must-see guide for catching the best skyline views of the Eternal City.

Rome is a city layered with history, architecture, and soul. There’s no better way to take it all in than from above! Whether you're a first-time visitor, a remote worker in Rome, or simply on a weekend break, these 10 iconic viewpoints in Rome give you a moment to pause and admire the city from a fresh perspective.

From central landmarks and leafy terraces to lesser-known belvedere spots, here’s your guide to the top scenic views in Rome in 2025.

📍Central Landmarks with Classic Views

Terrazza del Pincio – Villa Borghese

Overlooking Piazza del Popolo, this 19th-century terrace delivers a wide view of central Rome. It’s especially popular at sunset, when the light cuts across rooftops and church domes.

Trinità dei Monti – Above Piazza di Spagna

Located at the top of the Spanish Steps, this spot gives you a direct line of sight over Via dei Condotti and the rooftops beyond. The early morning hours are quieter and ideal for photography.

Altare della Patria (Vittoriano) – Piazza Venezia

Take the elevator to the top of this national monument for one of the most extensive views in Rome (cost p.p. €10). From here, you can see the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Vatican dome in a single panorama.

Local tip: Visit an hour before sunset for golden light.

📍Aventine Hill: Peaceful Elevation

Terrazza Viale del Belvedere – Aventine Hill

This shaded overlook provides a long view across Trastevere toward St. Peter’s Basilica. It’s located along a quiet residential road on one of Rome’s oldest hills.

Giardino degli Aranci (Orange Garden)

Set among orange trees and stone walls, this garden offers a wide view of the city with the dome of St. Peter’s prominently in frame.

Local tip: Pair your visit with a stop at the nearby Keyhole of the Knights of Malta, where a perfectly aligned view of the dome is framed through a distant arch.

Giardino di Sant’Alessio – Aventine Hill

Adjacent to the Orange Garden, this lesser-frequented garden offers similar views in a more private setting.

📍Ancient Rome in Full View

Belvedere di Via Monte Tarpeo – Capitoline Hill

A small terrace just behind the Capitoline Museums, this viewpoint offers one of the best angles over the Roman Forum, with the Colosseum visible in the background.

📍Broad Perspectives Across the City

Belvedere del Gianicolo – Janiculum Hill

Located above Trastevere, this is one of Rome’s highest natural points. From the terrace, the city spreads out in a panoramic sweep. A traditional cannon is fired here daily at noon.

Local tip: Combine the visit with a walk down to the Fontanone (Acqua Paola fountain).

St. Peter’s Dome – Vatican City

Visitors can climb to the top of Michelangelo’s dome (cost p.p. €22) for a circular, open-air view across the Vatican and Rome. The climb is steep, but the vantage point is unique.

Local tip: Morning visits offer better light and shorter queues.

📍Off-Route Elevation Points

Monte Ciocci – Balduina

This elevated park in a residential zone west of Vatican City provides a clear view of St. Peter’s Basilica from an uncommon angle. It’s a quiet spot nand mainly frequented by locals!

Final Thoughts

The Eternal City never looks the same twice. When you climb above the street-level chaos, Rome shows you her softer side made of domes, layers, and sky. So next time you’re hunting for the best views in Rome, add one (or all) of these to your list.

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