As a travel photographer, I’ve developed a bit of an obsession with sunrises and sunsets. There’s something magical about capturing a city bathed in golden light—especially one as timeless and grand as Rome.
On my second visit this autumn, I decided to skip the usual tourist sights and instead focus on finding the best spots to photograph sunrise and sunset across the city. Here’s what I discovered:
Best Places to Watch the Sunset in Rome:
Giardino degli Aranci (The Orange Garden)
Giardino degli Aranci (the Orange Garden) is arguably the most romantic garden in Rome. It offers a panoramic view over the city, and you’ll often find couples sitting on benches, watching the sun dip behind Rome’s ancient rooftops. One of its quirks is the nearby famous keyhole at the Knights of Malta gate, through which you can see a perfectly framed view of St. Peter’s Basilica in the distance—truly a hidden gem.
When I visited, the garden closed at 6 p.m., but it looks like they may stay open later during the summer months, so it’s worth checking the current hours before you go. On my first day, I got there right at 6 and was turned away by a guard already closing the gates. I returned the next day in time, but unfortunately, the skies were cloudy. It was still gorgeous, and the photos turned out surprisingly well with the soft light.
Terrazza del Gianicolo
From Terrazza del Gianicolo, you get one of the best panoramic views of the city. It’s a public terrace perched on a hill, offering sweeping views of both Rome and the Vatican. If you arrive early enough, you’ll see the city bathed in beautiful golden light as the sun sets behind the Vatican. I was late (again), and it was already getting dark, but the sky still had a lovely post-sunset glow. The place is so charming that I lingered for a while, even though I had missed the best part of the sunset.
Best Places to Watch the Sunrise in Rome:
Terrazza del Gianicolo
After my sunset experience, I had a feeling this place would be even more magical at sunrise—and I was right. I took a bus up the hill early in the morning, and when I arrived, I was completely alone. The silence, combined with the rising sun casting a golden hue over the city, made for one of the most mesmerizing sunrises I’ve seen in a while.
If you’re looking for a peaceful, crowd-free spot to start your day with a camera in hand, this is it. Check out the pictures!
St. Peter’s Basilica
If you’re already nearby for sunrise at Gianicolo, make your way down to St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City afterwards. The dome opens around 7:00–7:30 a.m., depending on the season, and it’s one of the best spots to catch a breathtaking sunrise view. You can take bus number 115 or 870 down the hill—the same ticket from your earlier ride is still valid for 100 minutes. It’s not a long walk either, about 2 km, but I took the bus to save time and made it there right as they opened.
Getting there early means you’ll beat the crowds and have a chance to watch the morning light spill over Rome from the very top of the dome. It’s absolutely worth the climb—the view is spectacular, especially with the soft morning glow stretching across the city.
The Best Hotels in Rome with Rooftops to Enjoy Sunsets or Sunrises
Rome offers several stunning hotels with rooftop terraces offering spectacular views of the city. These rooftops provide the perfect setting to enjoy both sunsets and sunrises in a more private and relaxed setting.
Here are some hotel options:
Located just across the street from Campo de’ Fiori, Navona Queen Rooftop is set in a charming 19th-century building. The panoramic terrace features a hot tub and offers breathtaking views of Rome, including Castel Sant’Angelo and the Gianicolo hill. Piazza Navona is just a 5-minute walk away, making it a convenient and scenic spot to unwind.
You can book the hotel on Booking.com.
The Pantheon Iconic Rome Hotel, Autograph Collection
Located a few steps from Pantheon and 250 metres from Piazza Navona, The Pantheon Iconic Rome Hotel, Autograph Collection features a panoramic terrace with views of the Pantheon and a bar.
You can book the hotel on Booking.com.
Sophie Terrace Hotel offers comfortable accommodations with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and city views. Each room comes equipped with a work desk, free toiletries, and a TV. Guests can relax on the rooftop terrace to enjoy the city views.
You can book the hotel on Booking.com.
For more Rome travel tips, check out a post Rome in a Weekend from Greta’s Travels for a 2-day walking itinerary.
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2 comments
Awesome post, I must try some of these!
Just, pssst, it’s “degli”, not “decli” Aranci 😀
Thanks for correcting. It’s my auto-correct which is for English and doesn’t recognize Italian words. I’ve changed it now.