Best Views in Rome at Night

By Vicky · Published Apr. 3rd, 2024

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To see the best views in Rome at night follow this walk from the Colosseum to the Vatican via famous monuments elegantly lit up in the dark.

Map of the Best Views in Rome at Night

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Best Views in Rome at Night

The best views in Rome at night are listed below. One top tip if you want photos without people, instead of walking this tour in the evening, walk very early in the morning before it gets light. At this time nobody else will be about, you’ll have the famous monuments all to yourself. You can then also enjoy the dawn. Alternatively, take a guided nighttime tour* to visit these monuments and explore some of Rome’s most scenic neighbourhoods.

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1. Colosseum

The Colosseum is atmospherically lit up at night. The view from the front of the Colosseum is a classic, while to get a photo with trees instead of people, head up into nearby Parco del Colle Oppio. For daytime views of the Colosseum, check our article Best Viewpoints of the Colosseum.

2. Imperial Forums

The Imperial Forums, on either side of the Via del Fori Imperiali, are atmospherically lit at nighttime and it’s a great place to take a stroll.

3. Trojan’s Market

Trojan’s Market is particularly well-lit at nighttime. Just next to the market is Trojan’s Column, another temple with grand pillars and a church, all lit up and very picturesque.

4. Victor Emmanuel II Monument

The Victor Emmanuel II Monument is one of the best things to see in Rome at night as it feels even grander than during the daytime. You can’t climb to the top, but you can walk around the base to get some great photos.

5. Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is extremely crowded in the evening and until well into the night. If you want to experience it without the crowds, wake up as early as you can manage. It’s very pleasant and peaceful first thing!

6. Marcus Aurelius Column

The column of Marcus Aurelius stands in the centre of a grand square near the centre of Rome. In the night you can see the detail of the sculptures on the column much better than during the day.

7. Pantheon

The Pantheon is definitely one of the best monuments in Rome to see in the dark. The tall columns and pediment at the front are lit up, highlighting the detail of the marble and the inscription on the front.

8. Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona is a popular place in the evening and night since it’s surrounded by many restaurants and a lovely place to wander about. Grab a drink or a bite to eat here before continuing on this walk to see the best sights in Rome at night.

9. Castel Sant’Angelo

Castel Sant’Angelo is one of the best things to see in Rome at night for the contrast of the bright castle against the dark sky. The angel statues on the bridge are also silhouetted against the night. Take a photo from the bridge, then pop down the stairs to the river’s edge to get a photo with reflections. It can still be crowded in the evenings, so come early in the morning to avoid the crowds. If you want to visit during the day, read our Guide to Visiting Castel Sant’Angelo.

10. Vatican City

Vatican City is full of tourists during the day, but at night or at dawn it’s rather peaceful and serene. If you want to visit St Peter’s Basilica, get here at 7am when it opens to avoid the long queue. Read more about what to see in Vatican City here.

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