One of my favorite things to do when visiting my city is observe the city from above. It is not easy to choose which are the best panoramic views of Rome: there are many,, and every local has his or her favorite.
My two favorites are the one from the hill of Monte Mario (the neighborhood where I grew up) and the one from Janiculum Hill.
After walking through the busy streets and passing through squares full of life, it gives me relief to rise above all the hustle and bustle and see only domes and rooftops interspersed with green areas.
For someone like you who sees Rome for the first time, it will also be fun to identify which roofs belong to the ancient buildings you have visited. And you will also be able to get an overview of the city.
In addition to the places I have already mentioned, other famous views of Rome are those from the terrace of the Orange Garden and that from the Capitoline Hill. But there are several others.
I will tell you about them in this post and also tell you how to get there.
14 Best panoramic views of Rome
1. Via dei Fori Imperiali St.
Here is a place where I never fail to pass by when I walk through the historic center.
It is a street elevated a few meters that allows you to admire the Imperial Forum on one side and the Roman Forum on the other in the grandeur of their ruins.
The history of this street is interesting. In fact, the street did not exist before the 1930s. Benito Mussolini ordered its construction and inaugurated its completion as part of the tenth anniversary celebrations of the March on Rome.
Taking it from Piazza Venezia, you will find yourself in front of the Colosseum, which stands majestically at the end of Via dei Fori Imperiali-a real thrill.
TIP: If you are in Rome for a few days and do not have time to tour the Roman Forum, consider that admiring it from here is just as worthwhile.
2. Monte Mario Park
At the edge of the trendy Prati district, which borders the Vatican, it begins a slightly steep climb to Monte Mario Hill (139 meters above sea level).
The Parco di Monte Mario is a leg of the pilgrimage route Via Francigena and, thanks to the majestic view of the city, one of the best panoramic spots in Rome.
Here are some essential notes to help you reach there without much hassle; read on.
How to get there:
- On foot: Walk up the hill through Via Delle Medaglie D’Oro St. from Piazzale degli Eroi
- By public transport: If you opt to take the public transport, take the 913 directed to Stazione di Monte Mario in Via Andrea Doria, 20, get off at Medaglie D’Oro/Tito Livio, and then walk through the Passeggiata di Monte Mario to the park.
I have already mentioned that this is my favorite view of Rome. I used to come here very often as a girl with friends, chatting until the evening. And then also with the first boyfriends to hug each other looking at the view: what memories….
3. Janiculum Terrace
The Janiculum Terrace, on top of Janiculum Hill, is the locals’ favorite spot for enjoying panoramic views of the city.
From here you will enjoy the most pleasant view over the rooftops of the Old Town: the domes of the monuments you loved while strolling will all be there before you.
It should not be difficult to include a walk to the Janiculum in your Rome bucket list, because you can reach the place from the Trastevere neighborhood, where you will surely pass if you see Rome for the first time.
Locals like me have become familiar with this place since childhood because their families used to take them to hear the firing of cannon blanks at noon.
That’s right, just at noon, a shot is fired from an old cannon from a small balcony below the of Janiculum Terrace: you’re warned, so don’t be scared!
The Janiculum Terrace is a very romantic spot, perfect for sunset gazing. A couple of small stalls selling coffee and drinks are nearby, in case you want to admire the best of Rome while sipping a glass of wine.
How to get there:
The easiest way to access this location is to walk from Piazza Trilussa in the Trastevere neighborhood through the tree-lined “Passeggiata del Gianicolo” (roughly 1 km or 0.62 miles).
You can also get here by bus 115 from Piazza Trilussa to the Janiculun Terrace (14 minutes).
Besides enjoying the panoramic view, don’t forget to look at the Acqua Paola Fountain and the line of busts portraying Italian patriots.
The statue of a soldier on a horse at the center of the square with the terrace represents Giuseppe Garibaldi, a fundamental figure in the period leading to Italy’s unification in 1861.
4. Capitoline Hill
The Capitol Hill has much more to offer than a beautiful Renaissance square and the Capitoline Museums ( of course this is no small thing…).
If climbing the stairs leading to the Capitoline Hill Square doesn’t scare you, you’ll reach Piazza del Campidognlio, designed by Michelangelo.
Cross the square with the statue of Emperor Marcus Aurelius (one of the most famous statues in Rome), and take the small street that runs to the right of the Senatorial Palace, namely Via del Campidoglio St.
You will find yourself on a balcony that enjoys a privileged view of the Roman Forum, from here you will take fantastic photos of:
- Temple of Vespasian and Titus
- Temple of Thundering Jupiter
- Temple of Saturn
- Basilica Julia
5. Caffarelli Terrace rooftop bar and café
Among my favorite panoramic views in Rome we must also add that from the ” Caffarelli Terrace.”
The Caffarelli Terrace is one of the most beautiful cafes in Rome. It is also located on the Capitoline Hill, on the side of the building that houses the Capitoline Museums, on the third floor. You do not have to buy a museum ticket to enter.
Go up, have a coffee, and enjoy the view. This place exceptionally manages to stay off the beaten tourist track, so I highly recommend you stop by here.
6. Orange Garden
The search for quieter and more delightful places in the historic center of Rome has led me many times to the Aventine Hill.
Although there are many interesting historical places to see on this hill located about 1 km from the Colosseum, you will never find crowds here. In fact, come in the morning on a working day and you will probably be the only ones walking these quiet streets.
At the top of the Aventine there are beautiful churches and two gardens from which you have a spectacular view of the rooftops of the city.
The most famous of these gardens is the Orange Garden, also known as the Lovers’ Garden.
If you visit this romantic spot with your sweetheart, you could sit on a bench and exchange a promise of love. Or simply enjoy the unique view of St. Peter’s dome, the trees growing along the Tiber, and the other monuments of Rome.
A short walk from the Orange Garden is the Historic Garden of Sant’Alessio, named after the church. Here too there is a terrace with a magnificent view, and the church is definitely worth a visit.
7. The Aventine Keyhole
The Aventine hides at least one more interesting, or at least peculiar, sight. Continuing past the Church of St. Alessio, one comes to Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta. On one side of the square is a Villa with a park that houses the Embassy of the Priory of Malta.
Access to the villa is precluded, its portal barred.
Yet you’ll notice a line of people waiting to get closer to the door, bending down and, they approach the keyhole with their eyes.
But why? Because they want to look through the “little hole,” as they call it in Rome.
I don’t want to spoil the surprise for you, it’s just that there are much better views in Rome and I don’t think it’s worth waiting in line to see this one after all. From the keyhole you can see the dome of St. Peter’s in direct line.
8. Pincio Terrace
I highly recommend adding a stop at the Pincio Terrace to your itinerary.
This terrace is an integral part of the architecture of Piazza del Popolo, one of the most beautiful squares in the city.
Reach the square on foot from the Spanish Steps or by taking the subway and getting off at Flaminio. After visiting the beautiful churches and fountains of Piazza del Popolo, climb the worn stone steps that lead you to the terrace.
There is always a bunch of enthusiastic people taking photos and admiring the privileged view of the Baroque art of the square below.
9. Terrace of the Trinità Dei Monti Church
The viewpoint I am about to describe to you now is already on your list of places to visit in Rome without your knowing it.
It is in fact the Trinità dei Monti Church, which stands at the apex of the Spanish Steps, better known as the Spanish Steps.
The neo-Gothic style church with two bell towers dates back to the late 16th century. It is part of a monastery and was desired by the then King of France to house French monks in Rome.
The church’s facade opens onto several terraces overlooking the Spanish Steps and Via Frattina, one of Rome’s busiest shopping streets.
To reach the vantage point, all you have to do is climb the 135 Spanish Steps. Or you can kill two birds with one stone: first enjoy the view from the Pincio Terrace and then walk to the Trinità dei Monti Terrace; it’s a short walk.
10. Colle Oppio Park
Among the unique photographs you’ll want to take in Rome, I’m sure is the one of the Colosseum. We Romans are used to seeing it and know all its details.
After visiting it and walking around it, I recommend you take a walk in the surrounding neighborhoods to admire some unusual views.
One of the most pleasant is from the Colle Oppio Park. The park has several entrances; if you are in a hurry, head straight for the ” Giardinetto del Monte Oppio.”
11. View from the Piazza del Quirinale Terrace
Another stunning and free view of the rooftops of Rome can be reached by walking about 5 minutes from the Trevi Fountain.
I’m talking about the Quirinale Square on Quirinale Hill. Besides being one of the legendary seven hills on which the city was born, this hill is home to the seat of the President of the Italian Republic, namely the Quirinal Palace.
You can access Quirinale Square by climbing the wide stairway in Via Dataria St.
12. Vittoriano Terrace – Altar of the Fatherland
If all these viewpoints in Rome that I have recommended are not enough for you, then let’s start with some paid views. One of the most popular among travelers is the one from the Quadrighe Terrace.
The terrace is located on one of Rome’s monuments that is difficult to miss: the Altar of the Fatherland, or Vittoriano.
This imposing building dating from the late 19th century stands in Piazza Venezia, halfway between the Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum.
To reach the terrace, you have to take one of three paid elevators (€15). The view from the terrace is breathtaking, and there are also free binoculars to go into detail.
The problem with this place is that it is typically touristy and always quite crowded, especially on the first Sunday of the month which is free.
In my opinion it is not worth spending €15 to look at the city from above, however, the choice is personal, you see!
The elevators are at the three entrance gates of the monument in Piazza Venezia, in Via di San Pietro in Carcere, and on the side with the Ara Coeli church.
12 St. Peter’s Dome
If you are ready to pay for the best view of Rome, then I recommend climbing the St. Peter’s Dome.
At that point it would be worth buying a ticket, at least you are visiting an architectural masterpiece of the Renaissance, a work by Michelangelo Buonarruoti. By now you have probably figured out that I prefer ancient art to modern art.
If I have already convinced you, be aware of a few things.
First, to get to the top of St. Peter’s Dome you have to climb 551 small steps and go through some claustrophobic passages. The ticket to do this costs €8.
Even if you are trained, be warned that the climb is quite exhausting, and you may be so tired that you cannot enjoy the exceptional view at the mere thought of the descent.
There is a way to get a little less tired: take an elevator that will save you about 200 steps; the cost for the ticket that includes the elevator ride is €10.
13. Monte Ciocci Park
And now I want to reveal another of the panoramic views in Rome that I am most fond of. I waited until now to tell you because this view is located outside the historic center, in a place absolutely off the beaten path.
It is the Belvedere Monte Ciocci in the northern part of the city. Doc Romans (like me) also know this place through cinema: in fact, the cult film set in Rome “Brutti Sporchi e Cattivi” was filmed here.
If you want to do something really unusual in Rome (and you like to walk), you can get here by taking the 10 km pedestrian and bicycle path that starts from Monte Mario Station.
Once you get to the lookout point, you’ll already be close to the historic center: coming down the hill you’ll soon reach Valle Aurelia Station and the Prati neighborhood.
14. Via Piccolomini St.
Only a few know about this hidden gem located just a short walk away from the beautiful Villa Pamphili Park.
The protagonist is again the cupolone, or St. Peter’s dome. Nothing is a coincidence in relation to the main dome of Rome, which Michelangelo designed.
In the Via Piccolomini St. of the Monteverde district, you will see an interesting example of a visual effect created by the dome.
Once you access the Via Piccolomini, you will notice that it aligns with St. Peter’s church. You will see the dome.
As you progress walking toward the belvedere at the end of the street (and so further toward the church), the dome will gradually get smaller and smaller. After you’ve reached the viewpoint and admired the view of the Vatican and the nature surrounding it go back slowly to the starting point of the street.
Every few steps, look back at the dome and see how it surprisingly gets bigger and bigger until it will be huge! This optical effect is best enjoyed when the dome is lit up at night. This is really a fun thing to do in Rome.
