Romantic Things to Do in Rome - The Best Insider Tips

Since I met my Roman husband while backpacking in Rome, is it any wonder I think of Rome as one of the most romantic places on earth?

And because we've been happily married since 1999 and living in Rome since 2001, I know lots of romantic things to do here.

Romantic Things to Do in Rome - How to find the best spots

Whether you're looking for romantic things to do in Rome for a special weekend away or a honeymoon, you need to choose wisely. 

A lot of things you might think of as romantic are also popular with tourists in general, so you might find yourself jostling with a lot of people to get the perfect sunset view or to find a place to kneel down and pop that question.

Whether you're looking for somewhere to propose, the best spot to enjoy a magical evening out, breathtaking views, a secluded picnic spot, or just a charming quiet street for a leisurely stroll, here are some of our favorite romantic things to do in Rome that should do the trick:

Panoramic Romantic Views

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These are some of our favorite places for stunning views in Rome, and they are all special any time of day.

But for a more romantic experience, you may want to head here for sunset or at night:

View of the Roman Forum

Start in Piazza Venezia facing the Complesso Vittoriano (the Altar of the Fatherland.)

Walk up Michelangelo's ramp towards Campidoglio, Capitoline Hill where City Hall is today (and where we got married.)

After taking a little stroll around the piazza, head towards the back to the right of the mayor's office.

From here, you can see the Roman Forum spread out below you, with the Colosseum peeking up from the back. The Palatine Hill is across from you to the right.

This view never fails to wow me, whether I see it during the day, at sunset, or at night.

For whatever reason, it's usually not very crowded at night.

And I think it's one of the most romantic spots on earth.

Gianicolo

On our very first date, Alessandro took me to the other side of the river and up to the Gianicolo Hill, high above Trastevere (Gianicolo is part of Trastevere but it feels like its own special spot.)

It turns out this is a favorite place for Romans to come on a romantic date, but that's ok with me.

I love it any time of day but I find it most romantic at nighttime when I can see the city lights twinkle between the domes below.

Terrazza Caffarelli

Most people think of Campidoglio (Capitoline Hill) as a place to visit the Capitoline Museums, or perhaps to get stunning views of the Roman Forum (see above).

But there are other parts of this historic hill that are less well-known and even less crowded.

One of these is the Terrazza Caffarelli, which actually has two levels.

Once you go up the ramp to Campidoglio, if you take an immediate right, you'll find a doorway you can walk through.

It will take you right to the lower level of the Terrazza Caffarelli, where you can already get some beautiful views of Rome. This is open 24 / 7.

If you head inside and up the stairs, you wind up in the café of the Capitoline Museums, which anyone can visit, whether you visit the museums or not.

And while you can certainly have something to eat or drink at the cafe if you like, you can also just head out onto the terrace for some stunning rooftop views.

You'll usually find yourself nearly alone there.

This upper level is only open when the museum is open, so you likely won't get many night views, but you can certainly enjoy a sunset here.

More romantic views

Some more wonderful points in Rome for beautiful views include the Giardino degli Aranci (Orange Tree Garden) on the Aventine Hill and the Pincio overlooking Piazza del Popolo.

But those are two very popular places with small lookout points, and they are often crowded.

Just keep that in mind if you're looking for something a little more intimate.

Click here to visit our complete guide to the Best Views in Rome.

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Take in an Opera, Concert, or Ballet

If you both enjoy seeing a show, we have plenty of options in Rome for just about any budget.

Rome Opera House

Rome has a beautiful opera house and you can enjoy shows there but also at one of its other theaters.

In summer in Rome, the same opera company puts on operas, ballets, and concerts in the Baths of Caracalla.

This is one of my favorite things to do in Rome in summer, and I think it's a wonderful way to enjoy a romantic evening together in a stunning setting.

Rome Auditorium

You might want to catch a world-class concert at Rome's Auditorium.

Opera in a church or on a rooftop

Finally, there are plenty of smaller venues where you can catch some opera or other singing in a special setting like a church or rooftop.

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Romantic Evening Strolls

Just walking around Rome should be romantic by itself, but when it's packed with people during the day, it might not feel that way.

And while people are still out at night, taking a long walk under the night sky - even better with some moonlight - can be just the thing to put you in a romantic mood.

Historic Center

You can just walk around the historic center, passing monuments like the Spanish Steps, Pantheon, and Piazza Navona.

All are beautifully lit up at night.

The one area you likely won't find so cozy is the Trevi Fountain.

It's busy from early morning till way past midnight.

If you come to Rome in the dead of winter and visit the Trevi Fountain really early (6 AM) or late at night (after 11 PM), you MAY find it fairly uncrowded, but otherwise, don't count on this.

I know several Rome photographers and this is their least favorite place to take couples for photos precisely because of how crowded it is now.

Angel Bridge to Vatican Square

As dusk falls, take a walk from the Angel bridge towards Castel Sant'Angelo.

Once you arrive at the castle, turn left and walk past Piazza Pia and its fountains.

You'll see Via della Conciliazione in front of you and Saint Peter's Basilica at the end.

You can walk all the way down to Saint Peter's Square which is open until 11 PM.

It's a gorgeous walk, and in my opinion, a wonderful thing to do as a couple, or really for anyone.

Via dei Fori Imperiali

Start at Piazza Venezia and take a long walk down the Via dei Fori Imperiali, or Street of the Imperial Forums.

Head for the Colosseum.

Once you get there, you can walk around the monument and the Arch of Constantine, and then come back the way you came, or head towards Celio or Monti for a romantic dinner.

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Confetteria Moriondo e Gariglio, and choosing chocolate for my valentine.

Choose the size of your red-ribboned box, wait while they line it with gold foil, and then start choosing which hand made chocolates should go in.

There is something about putting together my own choices that I love.

Confetteria Moriondo e Gariglio, Via del Pie’ di Marmo 21/22

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"Ideas for romance (from a non-local) include a romantic rowboat ride in the adorable laghetto of Villa Borghese’s public park (reminiscent of the Notebook), or a fancy drink in the picturesque courtyard of Hotel de Russie..."

"Wine lovers might prefer iconic wine bar Il Goccetto.

Last but certainly not least is a classical music or opera show at 'hidden in plain sight' gallery, Palazzo Doria Pamphilj."

"A beautiful opportunity to enjoy one of the city’s most ornate, and interesting, historical galleries that many people miss despite its central position."

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"The bar at the Hotel Locarno is a little bit of hushed luxury close to the busy Piazza del Popolo..."

"...Go there for pre-dinner drinks or linger for longer with an aperitivo – a selection of choice nibbles will accompany each drink you order.

The atmosphere evokes an old style glamour which is neither stuffy or formal.

I’ve had cocktails with friends here, but it’s best with a significant other.

In summer there is a leafy garden courtyard with hidden corners and in winter the art-deco bar is cosily lit with a real roaring fire.

Rome is a city to stroll through hand in hand - try to find a view from one of the many hills, a square or a bridge particularly at sunset.

However, if your idea of romance calls for something less chaotic than the city centre, escape to the peace and tranquillity of Rome’s most ancient highway and walk back through the ages along the original Roman road, the Appia Antica..."

"...This tree-lined ancient stone path travels across miles of Rome’s countryside and provides catacombs to explore, ancient mausoleums and monuments and an occasional sheep along the way.

Stop at L’Archeologia Restaurant for lunch and you have the pretty perfect day."

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