The Eternal City of Rome contrives some of the most breathtaking sunset views one could dream about. Combining the ancient ruins with the lively streets and panoramic hills creates a magical environment in which to watch the sunset. Be it for an avowedly romantic moment, a photo opportunity, or as a chill-out finale to your day, below is what you need to find the ultimate setting for a sunset: the best places to catch a sunset in Rome.
1. Gianicolo Hill (Janiculum Hill)
Why it’s special: Gianicolo Hill is one of the highest viewpoints over Rome, giving a close-to-bird’ s-eye panoramic view of the city. It is a bit off and, therefore, much less crowded than other spots, enabling you to contemplate the scenery in peace.
What can you expect? You will see here Rome’s famous domes and rooftops of gold, owing to the setting sun. Starting with St. Peter’s Basilica, it extends its visual directly up to the Colosseum, therefore being one of the widest sights in the city.
How to get there: Gianicolo is easily reached on foot or by bus from Trastevere, one of Rome’s most charming neighborhoods. It’s a bit of an upward climb, but well worth the view.
Pro Tip: The area around the Piazzale Garibaldi main square- will get pretty busy with locals and tourists alike, so make sure to arrive early to get a good spot.
2. Pincio Terrace
Why it’s special: Pincio Terrace is another famous lookout point that provides a great panorama over the city, especially over Piazza del Popolo and the surrounding neighborhoods of the city. It is set in the Villa Borghese Gardens.
What you can expect to see: Because this terrace faces west, you will have an uncensored view of the sun as it goes below the horizon. Adding to this spectacular moment will be a backdrop of city rooftops and domes.
How to get there: The Pincio Terrace is within walking distance of the Piazza del Popolo. You can also reach it with a leisurely stroll through the beautiful Borghese Gardens.
Pro Tip: After the sunset, set out for a pleasant walk in the Borghese Gardens, which look their best early in the evening. This is also one of the favorite places of photographers, so take your camera along to shoot some breathtaking views.
3. St. Peter’s Basilica Dome
Special feature: The dome of St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the highest and most spectacular views over Rome. Watching the sunset here enables you to see this city from a different perspective where Vatican City and Rome lie below.
What to expect: You get a 360-degree view of the Rome skyline, and during sunset conditions, this is when golden light magically creates an effect to light up both the Vatican and the Tiber River. More interactive because you get to be surrounded by the architecture of the city.
How to get there: This involves going up the dome with stairs and elevators combined. The effort therein is an exhaustive but worthwhile process.
Pro Tip: Time your visit to be at the top when the sun starts setting. Note that access to the dome closes early evening, so it’s best to enquire about the opening hours in advance.
4. Castel Sant’Angelo
Why it’s special: Castel Sant’Angelo is an instantly recognizable fortress on the shores of the Tiber. Its panoramic rooftop affords excellent views over the river and the Vatican, making it an ideal place to enjoy the sunset.
What to expect: At sunset time, you will be able to enjoy the fascinating view of St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican all brightly lit. The Tiber River reflects shades of gold in the sky, adding serenity to the atmosphere.
How to get there: The castle is just a short walk from Vatican City or Piazza Navona; you can also cross the famous Ponte Sant’Angelo bridge, adding to the experience.
Pro Tip: Having seen the sunset, enjoy your evening breeze along the Tiber River or cross the Ponte Sant’Angelo for the best night views of the Vatican.
5. Aventine Hill (Giardino degli Aranci)
Why it’s special: Giardino degli Aranci is one of Rome’s best-kept secrets, nestled on Aventine Hill. This little park perches atop the city, lending a quaint ambiance and a great view for sunset.
What to expect: This is a panoramic view of St. Peter’s Basilica from the terrace, framed with the greenery of the garden. The tranquil atmosphere makes it a proper spot for couples looking for a romantic moment and any person looking for quiet, reflective moments in the setting sun.
How to get there: Aventine Hill is a short walk from the Circus Maximus. Being that it’s off of the main tourist path, it’s even less crowded than some of the other stops.
Pro Tip: Bring a picnic or snacks-the hill is perfect to sit and enjoy in the evening light. The Orange Garden is also super romantic, making it a great spot for a date.
6. Ponte Umberto I
Distinguishing feature: The Umberto I Bridge is one of the prettiest in Rome, offering a perfect view of St. Peter’s Basilica across the Tiber River. There is just something so stunning about the view this bridge gives of both the river and basilica, especially at sunset when embraced in golden light.
What to expect: It is a postcard-perfect scene that affords the reflection of St. Peter’s in the river, combined with the warm hues of the sun. This is an excellent spot if you are into urban landscape photography or simply enjoy taking in the cityscapes.
How to get there: Ponte Umberto I is just a short walk from both the Piazza Navona and the Pantheon; thus, it is a rather easy stop during a day of seeing sights.
Pro Tip: This tends to be a pretty crowded location, so get there early if you want a good sunset spot. Afterwards, head down to the nearby Piazza Navona, or grab dinner in the neighborhood.
7. Vittoriano (Altare della Patria)
Why it’s special: The Vittoriano-also known as the Altare della Patria-is an enormous monument in Piazza Venezia. Its rooftop terrace is one of the highest, most epic views in Rome, offering a panorama of the historical center and Roman Forum.
What you will see: The panoramic view from the terrace encompasses some of Rome’s most iconic sights, from the Colosseum and Roman Forum to several other domes of its churches. At sunset, ancient ruins and monuments are exquisitely colored.
How to get there: The Vittoriano is located centrally in Piazza Venezia and can be reached using the transport system very easily, or on foot, coming from the Roman Forum and Colosseum.
Pro Tip: There is an elevator going up to the rooftop, so if you are looking for a convenient sunset spot with no physical effort, it would be perfect.
8. Terrazza del Pincio
Why it’s special: Another spot inside Villa Borghese, Terrazza del Pincio offers similar views to Pincio Terrace but with more seating and space, making it a bit more comfortable for long sunset viewing sessions.
What to expect: The sunset view is about the same as Pincio Terrace, but because of the extra space, it is much easier to get comfortable and relax with the view.
How to get there: Terrazza del Pincio also happens to be close to Piazza del Popolo and can be accessed via a pleasant walk through the Borghese Gardens.
Pro Tip: Once the sun has gone down, make your way back to Piazza del Popolo for a night-time stroll or to have a drink at one of the many cafes around there.
Conclusion
Itineraries ranging from quiet corners in the gardens to busy-to-bustling terraces of famous monuments adorn this city with beautiful spots to enjoy sunsets. The Eternal City has something for everyone: the romantic moment, the peaceful escape, or that great shot for Instagram. These places of beauty will let the visitor catch more than a spectacularly beautiful Roman skyline but lifelong memories.
