Visiting Rome and looking for the perfect Colosseum photo spot? Look no further!
Witnessing the historic, legendary and iconic Roman Colosseum is a must-do activity on your Italian vacation — and so is taking photos of and with the monument.
Regardless of whether you’re a professional travel photographer or an amateur Instagram-loving tourist, these 8 best places to take pictures of Rome’s Colosseum will produce absolutely jaw-dropping photos.
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Prepare To Take Instagram-Worthy Colosseum Photos
Before we jump into this epic Colosseum photo spot list, there are three steps you need to take to ensure excellent photos.
- Gather your camera gear — even if that’s just your iPhone. (I’ve listed all of the best budget camera gear for travel photography here.)
- Learn the basics of taking amazing travel photos (as you can find here).
- Learn a couple of poses for your travel photos. (Here are 25 easy poses for travel photos with examples.)
Now for the Colosseum photo spots!
Can You See The Colosseum From Outside?
You won’t be able to see the interior ruins from the outside, but yes! You can see the vast majority of the Colosseum from the outside. In fact, the best views of the Colosseum are seen from the outside.
Most of the best Colosseum photo spots are located outside of the Colosseum, too.
1. Outside The Colosseo Metro Station (Colosseum Photo Spot)
Whether or not you use the public transportation system during your time in Rome, the outside of the Colosseo metro station is a must-see Colosseum photo opportunity.
Immediately after you exit the metro station, you are met with a unbelievable view of the massive Colosseum. Seriously, it’s so remarkable that you won’t be able to stop yourself from muttering, “Wow.”
Just be sure to watch for pickpockets inside and around the metro station. Keep your valuables unreachable and an eye on your surroundings.
2. Via Nicola Salvi (Colosseum Photo Spot)
Just down the street from Colosseo toward the Colosseum is Via Nicola Salvi. Similar to Colosseo, Via Nicola Salvi offers an epic ground-level view of the Colosseum.
But, unlike the metro station, there are innumerable creative angles for photos, as this Colosseum photo spot is actually an entire street next to the Colosseum.
3. The Colle Oppio (Oppian Hill)
Furthermore, while you walk down Via Nicola Salvi, you will eventually pass a cobblestone staircase. This staircase leads to the iconic Colle Oppio, AKA Oppian Hill (labeled Oppio Caffe on the map).
Colle Oppio boasts an extremely photogenic, Instagram-famous view of the Colosseum from a higher level.
There will likely be a crowd of tourists taking photos here (and for good reason), but if you wait your turn, you shouldn’t have any issues taking photos without people in the background. Otherwise, early morning is always the best time to avoid crowds.
4. Outside Terrace Seating At La Biga Ristoracaffe (Colosseum Photo Spot)
The next best Colosseum photo spot, the terrace of La Biga Ristoracaffe, is situated right across the street from Colle Oppio (Oppian Hill), adjacent to the Oppio Caffe restaurant.
At La Biga Risotracaffe, the outdoor terrace seating offers the same magnificent view of the Colosseum as the Colle Oppio. Except, here, you’ll be able to indulge in a fabulous Italian meal while you revel in the scenery.
As you could imagine, you may have to wait a little longer for outdoor seating here, but it is so worth it.
5. Meta Sudans Near The Arco De Costantino (Arch Of Constantine
Now for the other side of the Colosseum!
The garden area called Meta Sudans, which is located next to the Arco De Costantino (Arch Of Constantine in English), is another great place to take photos of the Colosseum.
What makes Meta Sudans stand out from the other photo spots is that it features the large slanted “crack” in the Colosseum. Photos with the slanted portion of the Colosseum will evoke historic, nostalgic emotion for the viewer, which makes for excellent travel photography.
6. Palatine Hill (Colosseum Photo Spot)
Moving a little farther away from the Colosseum, Palatine Hill boasts views of the Colosseum, as well as the Roman Forum and surrounding city.
This Colosseum photo spot is almost completely unknown. The views of the Roman Forum from Palatine Hill often override the visitor’s line of sight, which means the view of the Colosseum is often overlooked. This spot is a true hidden gem!
You’ll find this exact photo spot on Palatine Hill near the fountain.
Note, you do need to purchase a ticket to enter the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, which you can purchase here. Luckily, most of the tickets include admission to the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill as well as the Colosseum.
7. Outside Seating At The Ristoro Della Salute (Colosseum Photo Spot)
Like La Biga Ristoracaffe, you can also enjoy dinner with a view of the Colosseum on the outside seating of the Ristoro Della Salute (next to Royal Art Cafe and Ristorante Caffe Martini & Rossi).
I have to admit, though, that the restaurants closest to the Colosseum tend to have the worst food, as they cater to tourists instead of locals. So, if you’re looking for authentic Italian food, walk a few streets away from the Colosseum for dinner.
That being said, La Biga Ristoracaffe (mentioned earlier) is way better than this Ristoro Della Salute in terms of food. If you choose to eat at Ristoro Della Salute anyway, opt for pizza over pasta. Nonetheless, the view is fabulous!
8. Inside The Colosseum
In addition to taking photos outside of the Colosseum, you can obviously also take fantastic shots inside the Colosseum.
As briefly mentioned earlier, entrance into the Colosseum does require buying tickets. But, again, most of the tickets available for purchase also provide access into the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
Where Is The Best Place To Take Pictures In The Colosseum?
The best place to take pictures in the Colosseum is on the overlooks of the Colosseum’s interior. As you walk through the inside of the Colosseum, you will come across various overlook points on both sides of the monument.
From the overlooks, you can take pictures of the city ruins on the floor of the Colosseum and see the arena from an ancient Roman spectator’s point of view.
Do you know another Colosseum photo spot that isn’t listed here? Let me know in the comment section below!
And, be sure to follow me on Instagram where I post daily travel inspiration and photography tips.
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Hi! Could you please be so kind to send me the exact spot to my email account? Just send a screenshot where you have marked the exact spot to my mail. I To publish a comment I have to send the email, so just type back to that please.
For this location: 3. The Colle Oppio (Oppian Hill)
I tried to google it but coudnt see it..:/
Hey Dina! If you plug “Oppio Caffe” into Google Maps, it should come up with directions to Oppian Hill! It’s also labeled as “Oppio Caffe” on the map at the beginning of this article. The photo spot is located just across the street from the caffe. There will probably be lots of people taking photos here, so you’ll see it!