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 since we've been happily married since 1999 and living in Rome since 2001, I know a lot of great romantic things to do in our city.

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

If you are looking for romantic things to do in Rome and ways to make your visit even more wonderful, you need to choose wisely. 

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

Below are some suggestions for romantic things to do in Rome that are a bit more unusual and special:

Romantic Things to do in Rome

Whether you're looking for somewhere to propose, the perfect spot to enjoy a magical evening out, someplace with a view, a secluded picnic spot, or just a lovely quiet place for a stroll, here are some of our favorites.

They are all equally fabulous, so this is in no particular order.

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Moonlit evening

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.

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Take in an Opera or Ballet

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

And in summer, you can enjoy opera, ballet and concerts in the Baths of Caracalla.

Tickets are also really affordable compared to other opera houses in Italy, so this can be a budget-friendly experience.

A special view

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 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.

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, 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, and I think this is a most romantic place to enjoy Rome.

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Elizabeth Minchilli

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"One of the most romantic things I can think of in Rome is stopping by my favorite chocolate shop, Confetteria Moriondo e Gariglio, and choosing chocolate for my valentine . . . "

" . . . I like to go old school. I choose my size of red-ribboned box, they line it with gold foil, and then I 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

- Elizabeth has thousands of followers on Instagram, there's a reason! -

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Rick Zullo

Rick Zullo is an American who has lived many years in Rome, and publishes the popular blog Rick's Rome.

He is author of several eBooks all about Rome and Italy, and has his own podcast to boot!

Here is one of Rick's favorite Romantic Things to Do in Rome:

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"One of my favorite romantic spots in Rome is Castel Sant’Angelo at night.

Only at night.

During the day it swarms with tourists.

But when they (occasionally) open it up after dark, it’s uncrowded and the evocative mood recalls furtive affairs, forbidden trysts, and tales of heroic lovers risking the dungeon in order to fulfill their hearts’ desires. . . "

". . . There’s even a “secret passage” lined with tiny lights that winds all the way to The Vatican, should you feel compelled to confess your sins after the affair is over. "

Rick even has two posts on his blog related to our theme:

Valentine's Day and Dating Rules in Italy.

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Diana Simon

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"I love sunset moments and the Pincio Terrace is one of the most romantic places to take in the stunning light show when in Rome."

"To make it even more special, head to Casina Valadier to enjoy a spectacular view over drinks and dinner that will make for an unforgettable evening.

It’s an exclusive place doesn’t come cheap but you’ll have a sensational experience."

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Maria Pasquale

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"A walk to Rome's Gianicolo (Janiculum Hill) is a must on any romantic Rome trip.

While this may not be on of the official seven hills of Rome, it sure offers a spectacular view."

"The panorama of the eternal city spreads out like a postcard before your eyes and hell - if you can steal a kiss under the moonlight, this could very well be one of the most romantic spots in the world."

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Gian Pietro Leonardi

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"St. Valentine's Day in Rome can be very queer when you're gay and vegan but it can also be fun: follow me through the streets of the Tridente as I am reaching my husband for a romantic dinner out."

"Let's begin our stroll from via di Santa Maria dell'Anima (the same spot where Elio and Oliver kiss in André Aciman's book Call Me by Your Name) and then walk through the vicoli (little streets) of the Rioni Parione and Sant'Eustachio."

"The typical pink sunset of Rome is the natural background of our walk that leads us to Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Steps) but before we reach it there is time for another stop, by the Hotel d'Angleterre, the place where Oscar Wilde stayed in 1877 when he visited 'the one city of the soul'"

"I don't want be late for my date:

Il Margutta vegetarian food & art is the right place to spend a romantic evening with your significant other, especially when you love quality vegan food, biodynamic wines and a creative atmosphere."

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SASKIA BALMAEKERS

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"Everywhere you go in Rome, you meet the great sculptor and architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

The Fountain of the Four Rivers in Piazza Navona, the Triton Fountain in Piazza Barberini, the splendid statue of Apollo and Daphne in the Galleria Borghese, the cleverly designed St. Peter's Square that embraces the numerous visitors and pilgrims.

In the square there is a stone connected to a sad love story "

"When Bernini worked on St. Peter's Square, he was very in love with a Roman lady.

He could only think about the color of her eyes, her silky hair, the sound of her voice.

Unfortunately, despite Bernini’s dreams, his love was unanswered. Moreover, Bernini had to focus all his time and energy on the major papal project; there was no time for love.

Bernini hid as a sort of antidote to his broken heart into the pavement of St. Peter's Square.

You’ll find his broken heart close to the marble plate with the wind (Libeccio) north of the obelisk."

"Once you have found Bernini's broken heart, forever set in stone, you will look at his masterpiece with mixed feelings.

What did he have to give up for this major project?

What sacrifices he did he have to make to pave the most important square of the eternal city?" (caveat here**)

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Eleonora Baldwin

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"I believe in day-long dates.

I need to be charmed, entertained, knocked off my feet.

And on a full stomach.

In my book, a romantic Rome jaunt should include idyllic, sappy and picturesque spots for a full day of romance, with pitch-perfect mood, food and ambience.

Meeting place: Giardino degli Aranci, an orange orchard on the Aventine hill, located next door to the city’s most famous keyhole"

"Leaning over Rome’s most romantic balustrade is for tourists.

I much prefer a private watercolor/sketching class for two.

Sketching Rome Tours does a magnificent job.

Your teacher will provide all materials, you remember to bring the ice bucket and the bubbly. 

Renting a vespa and kissing on Ponte Sisto just as the sun dips behind the Renaissance skyline is so Roman Holiday.

Nothing beats the romance of that languid, pink-tinted panorama.

Church bells chime, sparrows dive overhead and hearts skip a beat."

"If zipping on two wheels is not your idea of flirtation, book a couple’s wellness treatment at a spa, like Argileto Piccola Metro Spa, or AcquaMadre Hammam."

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Gillian Longworth McGuire

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"Rome is at it’s most romantic when you feel like you have the place to yourselves.

Take an early morning walk along the Fiori Imperiali stopping for a selfie near the temple to Venus (goddess of love) and Rome."

"Wind your way up to the Campidoglio and admire Michelangelo’s magnificent public square with only local police in sight."

"Cross over to the Circo Massimo and finally find the Giardini di Aranci on the elegant Aventino hill with a view out towards San Pietro."

"Have an indulgent pasta lunch with a glass of wine and decadent tiramisu at Flavio al Velavevodetto (via di Monte Testaccio) in Testaccio."

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Natalie Aldern Kennedy

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"Most people wait in line to see the Mouth of Truth, but few realize that St. Valentine’s skull lies just inside the same church (and there is no queue to see it)."

"The skull of the priest is bedecked with flowers inside Santa Maria in Cosmedin – but bones are rarely romantic.

What IS romantic is the sake St. Valentine gave his life for: love."

"The priest secretly married Christian couples at a time when it was outlawed in Rome.

He had to let the romance live, and was willing to pay the ultimate price." (caveat here**)

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Linda Martinez

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"On a scooter with my arms around my husband, the wind on my face, the hum of the engine and that intangible feeling of freedom is pure romance.

Zipping along under the warm golden glow of the street lamps, I feel like I'm living in a movie and even Rome's defects are captured lovingly in that magical light."

Some prime scootering spots are the road up the Gianicolo hill in Trastevere to catch the sunset, the Lungotevere (post rush-hour only), and anywhere in Rome's center especially at night."

You can rent a scooter at one of Rome's many scooter rental companies such as Bici & Baci or Vespa Style.

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Georgette Jupe Pradier

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"The Eternal city for me is always more beautiful at night when the monuments are delicately illuminated.

Walking home after dinner can be a breath-taking affair."

"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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Catherine Simes

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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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