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 focus on finding the best spots to photograph sunrise and sunset across the city. Here’s what I discovered:
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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.
Sunset & Sunrise Tours in Rome (Best Photo-Friendly Experiences)
If you want to enjoy Rome’s sunsets and sunrises without worrying about logistics — or if you’re visiting for a short time — joining a guided tour can be a great option. Many sunset and golden-hour tours are designed specifically for photography lovers and first-time visitors, taking you to the most scenic viewpoints at exactly the right time of day.
Here are some of the best sunset and golden-hour tours in Rome, all bookable online in advance:
🌅 Colosseum Sunset Tour with Entry
Visit Rome’s most famous monument, the Colosseum, on a guided tour timed for golden hour. Skip the long ticket lines and head straight inside after passing through security, allowing you to focus on exploring the arena and learning about its history in softer, more atmospheric evening light.
This is a great option if you want to see the Colosseum at one of the most photogenic times of day while avoiding the busiest crowds.
Best for: Iconic sunset photos, history lovers, first-time visitors
👉 Check availability & prices here
🌇 Rome Sunset Walking Tour (Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain & Pantheon)
Discover Rome’s ancient monuments at sunset with a local guide, when the city is bathed in warm golden light and the daytime crowds start to thin out. This guided walking tour takes you through some of Rome’s most iconic landmarks, including the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, and the Pantheon — all perfectly timed for the transition from daylight to dusk.
It’s a great option if you want beautiful sunset photos, a relaxed pace, and insight into Rome’s history without navigating busy streets on your own.
Best for: Golden-hour photography, first-time visitors, lighter crowds
👉 Check availability & prices here
🍷 Sunset Views Over Rome: Tivoli Sunset Walking Tour with Aperitif on a Terrace
Located just outside Rome’s city center, this guided walking tour takes place in Tivoli, a historic town known for its peaceful atmosphere and scenic viewpoints. You’ll explore tranquil alleys and hidden corners with a local guide, learning about Tivoli’s history and culture along the way.
The route includes panoramic viewpoints, where you can admire sweeping views toward Rome from one of Tivoli’s most beautiful terraces. The experience ends with a sunset aperitif, featuring a selection of local wines and authentic regional specialties — a relaxed way to enjoy sunset away from the crowds.
Best for: Romantic sunsets, terrace views, slow travel lovers
👉 Check availability & prices here
📸 Rome Private Photoshoot at Sunrise or Sunset
If you want professional photos in Rome’s most photogenic light, this private photoshoot is a fantastic option. You can choose sunrise or sunset and explore iconic locations with a professional photographer who knows exactly how to capture Rome at its best.
Best for: Solo travelers, couples, content creators
👉 Book a private photoshoot here
🚲 Rome: Sunrise or Sunset E-Bike Tour with Breakfast or Gelato
This small-group e-bike tour is a great way to experience Rome either early in the morning or as the sun sets, when the light is at its best and the city feels calmer. Riding through nearly empty streets at sunrise — or glowing piazzas at sunset — gives you a completely different perspective on familiar landmarks like the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Piazza Venezia.
Depending on the time of day, the route includes a climb up Janiculum Hill or Aventine Hill, both offering panoramic views over Rome that are especially beautiful in soft morning light or during golden hour. Sunrise tours finish with a classic Italian breakfast of cappuccino and cornetto at a local café, while sunset rides end with a stop for gelato — a perfect way to wind down the evening.
It’s ideal if you want to cover more ground than a walking tour, enjoy great viewpoints, and experience Rome at its most atmospheric, all with a knowledgeable local guide.
Best for: Active travelers, scenic viewpoints, sunrise or sunset experiences
👉 Check availability & prices here
🛵 Rome Golden Hour Vespa Sidecar Sunset Tour
Experience Rome at its most magical hour on a Vespa sidecar tour through the historic center. The route passes some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Colosseum and Circus Maximus, before ending with an Aperol Spritz at sunset — a very Roman way to finish the evening.
This is a fun and effortless way to enjoy golden hour without long walks, especially if you want a unique perspective on the city.
Best for: Unique experiences, couples, relaxed sightseeing
👉 Check availability & prices here
⛲️Rome Piazzas and Fountains Sunset Tour with Aperitivo
Soak up the atmosphere of the Eternal City on a relaxed sunset walk through Rome’s most beautiful piazzas and fountains. Led by a local expert guide, this tour combines gentle sightseeing with stories from Rome’s history, all while the city glows in the warm evening light.
The experience ends with a traditional Italian aperitivo, making it a great way to enjoy sunset in Rome at an easy pace without rushing between landmarks.
Best for: Easy sunset experience, first-time visitors, aperitivo lovers
👉 Check availability & prices here
📝 My Tip for Choosing a Sunset or Sunrise Tour in Rome
- Photographers: Look for tours that mention golden hour or photography-focused
- Short stays: Choose a guided tour to maximize viewpoints in limited time
- Romantic trips: Rooftop sunset experiences are ideal
- Early risers: Sunrise tours offer the most peaceful experience of Rome
Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during spring, summer, and autumn when sunset tours often sell out.
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.
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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.