Rome, the Eternal City, is a city that is like an open history book. It feels like you’re in one big open-air museum. Around every corner lies a breathtaking monument or significant archaeological site. Rome isn’t just about sightseeing; it’s about immersing yourself in the rich history and everyday magic that makes it truly unique.

Some of history’s most famous artists have left their marks across the city, from Michelangelo to Bernini. Whether it’s the iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and Vatican City or the hidden corners that offer a glimpse into local life, there is no shortage of things to photograph and experience.

It’s not just about the history, though. A vibrant food scene also draws travelers from across the globe.

For travelers and photographers, Rome is an endless treasure trove—ancient ruins, stunning art, romantic alleyways, and vibrant street life. In this guide, I will provide my best advice for where to stay, when to go, where to eat, and, of course, the best photography locations.

Where to Stay: Luxury and Mid-Level Options

Rome is a city of many neighborhoods, each with its own personality; for most travelers, I would recommend the Centro Storico (the Historical Center) as a great place to stay. It's central and atmospheric and offers easy access to Rome’s iconic sites.

Luxury Hotels:

1. Hotel Eden Rome — One of Rome's finest hotels, boasting spectacular views and sophisticated luxury.

2. Hotel de Russie — Set between Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps, this hotel offers an opulent stay with a lush secret garden.

3. The St. Regis Rome — A stunning luxury hotel near Via Veneto, complete with lavish rooms and personalized butler service.

4. Six Senses - located on Via del Corso, one of Rome’s main arteries, this former noble palazzo, the 15th-century Palazzo Salviati Cesi Mellini, was also a bank before becoming a luxury hotel.

5. Bulgari Rome - With 114 rooms, a restaurant, and cafe by Niko Romito, a rooftop terrace with sweeping views over all of Rome, and a spa with the atmosphere of ancient Roman baths, Bulgari Hotel Roma was designed to be the crown jewel of the Bulgari Hotels & Resorts.

6. The Portrait Rome - Portrait Roma, owned by the Salvatore Ferragamo family and part of the Lungarno Collection, is a grand townhouse and stylish refuge in Rome’s most exclusive address on Via Condotti.

Mid-Level Hotels:

1. Hotel Artemide — Centrally located on Via Nazionale, Hotel Artemide combines comfort, modern amenities, and warm hospitality.

2. Nerva Boutique Hotel — Nestled right next to the Roman Forum, this charming boutique hotel offers a warm and welcoming vibe.

3. Albergo del Senato — Located next to the Pantheon, this mid-level option provides elegant rooms with unbeatable views of the historic center.

How Long Should You Stay?

4 to 5 days is the ideal amount of time to experience Rome's splendors fully. This allows you time to explore the famous attractions, venture into local neighborhoods, and perhaps even take a day trip to places like Tivoli or Ostia Antica.

Best Time to Visit Rome

The best time to visit Rome is April to June or September to October. These months provide mild weather, perfect for long days of exploring and photography while avoiding the high summer crowds. April offers beautiful spring blooms, while September provides warm days without the summer heat.

Getting Around Rome

Rome is easy to navigate thanks to its combination of public buses, trams, and metro. Walking is often the best way to see Rome, particularly within Centro Storico. Uber and local taxi services are available, although they're pricier compared to public transit. Renting a scooter can also be a fun way to explore like a local—just ensure you're comfortable with Rome’s chaotic traffic!

Where to Eat?

The one thing I cannot resist in Rome is eating Cacio e Pepe Pasta. I have it for lunch or dinner every day. If you have never tried it —try it —you will thank me later.

There is Pasta and then Pasta in Italy

There are so many different shapes of varieties of pasta in Italy.

When it comes to food, Rome offers everything from traditional family-run trattorias to elegant fine dining. Here are some top recommendations:

1. Da Enzo al 29 — A traditional Roman trattoria in Trastevere known for its authentic carbonara and classic Roman dishes.

2. Roscioli — Part delicatessen, part restaurant, Roscioli is a must for cheese, cured meats, and fresh pasta.

3. Piperno — One of Rome’s most famous Jewish-Roman restaurants, offering iconic dishes like carciofi alla giudia (fried artichokes).

4. Armando al Pantheon — A family-run restaurant serving traditional Roman fare right next to the Pantheon.

5. Trapizzino — An affordable street food staple, serving pockets of pizza dough filled with traditional Roman stews.

6. Ristorante Dillà (Via Mario de' Fiori, 41, 00187 Roma RM, Italy)

7.  200 Grams - One of the best deli sandwiches I have ever had. Conveniently located across from the Vatican Museum, you can grab a delicious, freshly made panini. Portions are huge, ingredients are fresh, and the service is fast and friendly

Coffee Shops:

• Sant'Eustachio Il Caffè — Famous for its secret coffee recipe, it's the perfect spot for an espresso break near the Pantheon.

• Tazza D’Oro — One of the city's classic coffee spots, known for strong and rich espressos.

Gelaterias:

Eating gelato in Rome is must. Here are a few of my favorite spots.

• Giolitti — One of the oldest gelaterias in Rome, serving rich, creamy gelato with classic flavors since 1900.

• Gelateria del Teatro — Known for its artisanal gelato made with fresh, high-quality ingredients and unique flavors.

• Fatamorgana — A favorite among locals, offering innovative and natural flavors that push the boundaries of traditional gelato.

PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS

• My Canon R5 camera. Any good DSLR or Mirrorless Camera will do Nikon Z7, Fuji, etc.

• A wide-angle lens of 15-35mm to be able to photograph the Churches and City Streets

• A medium telephoto, such as 70-200mm. This will come in handy when you need to zoom in on the subject.

• A good, sturdy tripod so you can take photos at sunrise and sunset.

• Neutral-density filters (3, 6, and 10). There are lots of opportunities for long exposures. So, having an ND filter is a good idea.

WHAT TO PHOTOGRAPH IN ROme

My list of the best photography locations in Rome is found below

The Vatican

The Vatican is one of the most photographed sites in Rome (technically, it’s not in Rome). The Vatican City is an independent city-state ruled by the Pope with a prestigious history. At only 110 acres and with a population of around 800 people, it is the smallest state in Europe.

The best time to photograph the Vatican is before sunrise. Early in the morning you will have the place to yourself.

There are lots of different angles to photograph. I love the fountains.

VATICAN Spiral Staircase (located in the Vatican Museum Gift shop)

This is a double helix staircase that is simply amazing. It is located at the exit of the Vatican by the bookstore. The only way to photograph it without people is right when the museum opens. You will need a very wide lens at least 15 mm.

inside the Vatican Museum

I would highly recommend taking a tour of the Vatican. Some of the private tours will take you to places that are not open to the general public.

Shots inside St. Peters Basilica (Piazza San Pietro, The Vatican)

The inside of the Basilica is incredible. This is a location that I need to go back and photograph again.

Sistine Chapel 

The Sistine Chapel is one of the most famous religious and artistic sites in the world, located in Vatican City. It is known for its stunning Renaissance art, particularly the frescoes by Michelangelo.

One of the most iconic masterpieces in art history, the Sistine Chapel ceiling was painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512. The ceiling features a series of Biblical scenes, with the most famous being the Creation of Adam, in which God reaches out to touch the hand of Adam.

Ponte UMBERTO 1

This might be my favorite location in Rome. You can get an incredible image of St. Peters at sunset.

Victor Emmanuel II Monument

This location is often called “The Typewriter”. This is a great location at sunset.

The Pantheon (Piazza della Rotonda)

The Pantheon is a sunrise location before the crowds.

There are some very interesting fountains in this location

The Roman Forum

For centuries, the Forum was the center of day-to-day life in Rome. This is where the Romans gave their public speeches and where the gladiatorial matches took place. This is a sunrise location.

If you go at sunrise, you will have the forum to yourself.

Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona is one of the most beautiful squares in Rome, home to some of its most famous fountains, like the Fountain of the Four Rivers and the Fountain of Neptune.

If you are lucky, you might catch a photo of a priest.

With a wide lens at sunrise, you can photograph the entire piazza without the tourists.

The Spanish Steps (Piazza della Trinità dei Monti)

The Spanish Steps in Rome are one of the city’s most beloved landmarks, drawing tourists and locals alike to their elegant beauty and sweeping views. This grand staircase, known as Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti in Italian, links the Piazza di Spagna at the base to the Trinità dei Monti church at the top, with 135 steps that flow up in a striking, curved design.

Palazzo Sciarrico

Palazzo Sciarra, officially known as Palazzo Sciarra Colonna di Carbognano, is a historic palace located at Via del Corso 239 in Rome's Colonna district. Constructed in the late 16th century for the Sciarra branch of the Colonna family, the palace showcases architectural contributions from Flaminio Ponzio and Orazio Torrioni.

Sant Agnese in Agona church

The Sant'Agnese in Agone is a stunning baroque church in Rome’s Piazza Navona, known for its dramatic architecture and rich history. Designed by several prominent architects of the 17th century, including Giacomo della Porta, Carlo Rainaldi, and the famous Francesco Borromini, this church showcases the exuberance and intricate detailing characteristic of Roman baroque art.

Parochial Santa Maria in Via

Santa Maria in Via, often referred to as the "Madonna del Pozzo" (Madonna of the Well), is a historic church located near the intersection of Via del Corso and Via del Tritone in Rome's Trevi district. The church's name, "in Via," refers to its proximity to the ancient Via Flaminia, historically known as "La Via" due to its significance.

Sant Ignazio in Loyola Church

The Church of Sant'Ignazio di Loyola is a breathtaking Baroque masterpiece located in the heart of Rome. Dedicated to Saint Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuit order, this church is known for its stunning frescoes and architectural illusions, making it a fascinating site for both art lovers and photographers.

Andrea Pozzo, a master of perspective painting, created the church’s famous ceiling fresco in 1685. This artwork, titled Apotheosis of Saint Ignatius, is a visual masterpiece that appears to extend the church’s architecture into the heavens. Pozzo used trompe-l'œil techniques to create an optical illusion of a grand dome, and as you stand in the right spot on the floor, the ceiling looks like it opens up to infinity.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the church is its flat “dome.” Instead of a real dome, Pozzo painted a perspective illusion of one on the ceiling, creating a sense of depth that tricks the eye into seeing a three-dimensional structure. The effect is so convincing that many visitors don’t realize it’s flat until they get closer.

Colonna di Marco Aurelio 

The Column of Marcus Aurelius (Colonna di Marco Aurelio) is a remarkable monument located in Piazza Colonna in Rome, Italy. Erected in 193 AD to commemorate the victories of Emperor Marcus Aurelius in the Marcomannic Wars, this column is not only an impressive piece of architecture but also a significant historical artifact.

Sant’Ivo alla sapienza Church

Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza is a stunning Baroque church in Rome, Italy, designed by the brilliant architect Francesco Borromini. Completed in the 17th century, it stands as one of Borromini's most creative works, showcasing his unique, almost whimsical approach to design and geometry. The church is tucked within the courtyard of the Palazzo della Sapienza, once the seat of the University of Rome, making it a hidden gem for those exploring Rome's historic center.

Castello Angelo

Castel Sant'Angelo, also known as the Mausoleum of Hadrian, is a remarkable fortress located on the right bank of the Tiber River in Rome, Italy. Originally commissioned by Emperor Hadrian in 135 AD as a mausoleum for himself and his family, the structure has undergone numerous transformations over the centuries, serving as a papal residence, fortress, prison, and now a museum.

The Coliseum

The Colosseum is one of the symbols of Rome. The Colosseum is one of the most iconic landmarks in Rome. The amphitheater is located right next to the Roman Forum. This is a sunrise location.

There is always construction at the Colosseum. So make sure you check it out beforehand so that you do not go at sunrise and find the structure full of scaffolding.

Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is one of the most famous fountains in the world and one of the best locations in Rome to photograph. Go at sunrise before the crowds.

It is also fun to capture couples in this location

Model Shoot

While I was in the workshop, we had the opportunity to photograph a beautiful model.

If you have been to a Scott Kelby workshop, you will know Willey. Willey is one of the best humans I have ever met. He has become a close friend; we even went to Tanzania together.

During our workshop, I noticed the woman on the left sitting on the bench. Her friend joined her. Then Willey went to sit next to them. More friends joined them, and finally, our model sat with them.

Street Photography

Finally, there are lots of opportunities for Street Photography in Rome.

A few photos from my walks around Rome

Rome is more than just a city—it's an experience, a feeling, a story that unfolds around every corner. With ancient ruins, timeless art, and bustling street scenes, Rome will awaken your creativity and fill your camera with extraordinary images. Whether you're photographing grand landmarks or intimate street scenes, Rome has something to inspire every traveler.

If you enjoyed this guide to Rome, you can check out my other Photography and Travel Guides at this link. And don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for more travel inspiration, photography tips, and exclusive content straight to your inbox!