12 Romantic Things to Do in Rome
Rome is undoubtedly one of the most splendid cities in Italy, and perhaps the whole world. With its wealth of culture, architectural beauty and inclusion in numerous romantic books, films and poetry, it’s no surprise that Rome is also a top choice for couples planning a getaway together.
Italian’s are known for their passion, and it’s hard not to get swept up in the romance and emotion of the country’s capital city when you visit with someone you love. There are countless opportunities for romantic Rome experiences across the city, whether you’re a couple who enjoy history and art, you’re looking for an indulgent break filled with wine and fine dining, or you are planning a honeymoon.
From visiting the city’s famous monuments together to picnicking in beautiful gardens or dressing up for a grand night out, here are 12 of the most romantic things to do in Rome.
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1. MAKE A WISH AT THE TREVI FOUNTAIN
If you want to truly indulge in romance during your vacation in Rome, make sure that a visit to the magnificent Trevi fountain together is on your to-do list. This beautiful water feature is one of the most-visited sites by tourists who come to Italy’s capital city, and is a particular favorite for couples.
You may have heard that tossing a coin into the fountain guarantees that you will return to Rome, which is certainly worth doing if you and your partner are enjoying your time in the city. But the tradition also states that throwing three coins into the fountain with a special someone is said to lead to marriage, which certainly won’t hurt your chances if you have long term romantic plans!
2. ENJOY A PERFORMANCE AT TEATRO DELL’OPERA
Teatro dell’Opera di Roma is one of the finest opera venues in Europe and the ultimate destination for a romantic night of culture. The building’s interior is lavishly decorated with gilding, velvet seats, an ornate chandelier and Renaissance frescoes, and it’s a brilliant excuse to get dressed up with your partner for a grand night out.
Operas, concerts and ballet performances are held in the Teatro dell’Opera, so if you’re a fan of either music or dance you’re sure to find tickets to something spectacular. As well as a range of classic shows, contemporary performances are also hosted in the theatre which has helped it gain a reputation as of one of Italy’s finest cultural venues. For an evening you’ll never forget, a visit to the Teatro dell’Opera is a must.
3. TAKE A PICNIC TO THE AVENTINE HILL
There are seven famous hills in Rome and some of the finest views can be found from the Aventine Hill, which is the southernmost hill in the city. This is one of the most romantic places in Rome because it offers peace and quiet away from the rest of the city, and is a perfect spot to take a picnic with your partner.
If you’re visiting the Aventine Hill then the best romantic spot is the Giardino Degli Aranci (Orange Garden) where you can bag a sunny spot on the grass or find a bench on the terrace that overlooks Rome. With the sweet scent of citrus in the air and incredible views of the city, bring a basket of food and a bottle of wine and either enjoy a lazy afternoon or come and watch the sunset together.
4. VISIT THE VILLA BORGHESE GARDENS
Another green space in the city that is a top romantic location is the Villa Borghese Gardens, which is also the third-largest public park in Rome. If you need a break from the noise of the city then there are over 80 hectares of land to stroll through hand in hand, enjoying the flowers, lakes and sculptures dotted around the area.
If a romantic walk isn’t really your speed, couples can also hire bikes or even roller skates to explore the paths that wind through the gardens. After you’ve admired the greenery and stopped to soak up the sunshine on the grass, you can also visit the Borghese Gallery and Museum for a bit of culture or wander to the nearby Pincio Terrace for a fantastic panoramic view of Rome.
5. RENT A VESPA
If you want to feel like your vacation in Rome is straight out of a romantic movie, why not hire a classic Vespa scooter and take a ride together through the city’s streets? The Vespa motorbike was made famous by its inclusion in the classic film ‘Roman Holiday’ starring Aubrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck, and has been associated with romance in the city ever since.
Forget organized sightseeing; riding a Vespa together will allow you to explore Rome at your leisure and feel incredibly stylish whilst doing so, as well as providing some unforgettable photo opportunities!
6. ESCAPE TO TRASTEVERE
When you’re on a romantic vacation there’s nothing like visiting a city’s classic sightseeing spots, but if you’re looking for a bit of adventure then why not venture off the beaten track and visit the Trastevere neighborhood. Found right beside the River Tiber, this area of the city has a brilliant bohemian vibe that feels a lot more authentic than other parts of Rome, and is a great place to spend an afternoon or an evening.
Amongst the historic building and narrow alleys, you’ll stumble across countless little cafes, restaurants and piazzas that make Trastevere a brilliant place to sit and people watch together. In the evening the neighborhood comes alive with music and you can enjoy some of the best nightlife in the city alongside the locals, then enjoy an early morning walk back to your hotel along the cobbled streets.
7. DINE ON A ROOFTOP
Admiring spectacular views is one of the top romantic things to do in Italy, and Rome has a skyline that is perfect for this no matter what time of day it is. Enjoying a candlelit dinner in one of the greatest cities in the world should also be on your list of romantic activities, so what not combine these two and enjoy some of Rome’s finest food at a rooftop restaurant?
There are numerous different locations for rooftop dining in Rome, offering views that range from the Colosseum to the Vatican City. Food is one of the highlights in Rome, and you can combine spectacular local cuisine with unbeatable views for the ultimate romantic experience.
8. CRUISE DOWN THE TIBER
For a real piece of Rome romance, take the one you love on a river cruise down the Tiber. Enjoy the rolling views of the city from the water as a unique sightseeing experience, passing under some of Rome’s most famous bridges and floating past iconic landmarks such as St Peter’s Basilica.
There is a range of different riverboat cruises available in Rome, with many different romantic tour options including trips with dinner, live music or complimentary wine. For the ultimate romantic Rome experience, book your boat trip at sunset and watch as the sky turns golden above you and the city becomes silhouetted against the sky.
9. SEE ROME WITH A CARRIAGE RIDE
A trip in a horse-drawn carriage is a romantic experience straight out of a fairytale, and you can make this fairytale a reality on your vacation with a carriage ride tour of Rome. Several different tours offer you and your partner a private trip around the city from the comfort of a stylish horse-drawn carriage, letting you experience Rome like those who lived there when only horse-carts were allowed into the city.
You’ll not only be delighted by the ornate carriage you’ll be riding in, but also by the unique stories that your guide will tell you as you travel around some of the city’s most popular landmarks. There’s no other romantic experience quite like it, and afterwards, you’ll wonder why you don’t travel by horse and carriage more often!
10. EXPLORE THE VATICAN MUSEUMS
The independent city-state in the middle of Rome known as the Vatican City is one of Italy’s most popular attractions, and is a brilliant place to spend a romantic afternoon soaking up the history and art of the Vatican Museums. It’s the opulent architecture and beautiful decor that makes this such a romantic place, providing an elegant and almost dreamlike atmosphere that is perfect for a vacation filled with romance.
There is a huge range of different galleries and buildings to explore in the Vatican Museums, offering spectacular masterpieces everywhere you turn. Your final stop will be the incredible Sistine Chapel, home to artist Michelangelo’s heavenly frescoes. It’s impossible not to be moved by the beauty and scale of these works, offering a perfect end to your romantic museum trip.
11. VISIT THE TEMPLE OF VENUS
Whilst this temple was built to honor the goddess Roma Aeterna (the genius, or personification, of the city), it was also dedicated to Venus, the ancient Roman goddess of love. Whilst the temple stands in ruins now it is still an incredibly impressive structure that offers great views of the Colosseum, and if it’s love you’re looking for in the city, you can’t get much better than a whole temple dedicated to it!
A trip to Italy’s ‘eternal city’ is always an unforgettable experience, and there’s no better way to experience the drama and passion that the city has inspired in so many travelers than with your amore. With romantic sights and locations across the city, countless couples can testify that love is well and truly in the air in Rome.
12. INDULGE WITH DELICIOUS GELATO
Italy is famous for its food, with pizza, pasta and gelato at the top of the list of the finest cuisine that the country has to offer. Whilst ice cream isn’t known as an aphrodisiac, the incredible dessert that can be found in numerous gelaterias across Rome is certainly an indulgence, and sharing a cone or two as you wander the city streets can be a very romantic experience.
One of the best places for gelato in Rome is Giolitti’s, which is the city’s oldest gelateria and home to a huge array of delicious flavors. You can’t visit the capital of Italy without sampling this ice-cold sweet treat at least one, and what better way to experience it than with the one you love?
If you’ve been inspired by this post and want to find out for yourself why Rome is such a perfect destination for a romantic escape, contact Italy4Real to talk to one of our team about planning a unique trip to this beautiful city.
