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Valentines Day in Rome 2023 - Romantic, fun, and unusual things to do

By Elyssa Bernard

December 14, 2022

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Valentines Day in Rome - what could be more romantic?

Enjoying a quiet moment in one of the Eternal City's most iconic spots - what could be more romantic?

From stunning piazzas to beautiful views to intimate restaurants, you are spoiled for choice.

Valentines Day in Rome - things to do in 2023

With Valentine's Day around the corner, you may be looking for a romantic getaway, and Rome is the perfect destination.

Rome can be a very romantic place to spend Valentine's Day.

Whether you're looking for intimate restaurants for a quiet dinner, a special place to take in a sunset view, or the best ideas for where to propose, I've got you covered!

If you’re thinking of spending Valentines Day in Rome, read on to find out some of the best things to do this February 14, 2023:

What’s the weather like in Rome in February?

If you're thinking of spending Valentines Day in Rome, don't let the weather stop you.

In February you can count on chilly days. You will likely encounter some fog and/or rain.

On the rare occasion it has snowed in Rome, it’s happened more often in February than any other month, but still, snow is rare.

Average temps in mid-February are 14 Celsius/57 Fahrenheit during the day and 3 Celsius/38 Fahrenheit at night.

You should come prepared for winter with proper layering and scarf, hat, gloves and waterproof comfortable shoes.

Find out more on my dedicated page about what to pack for Rome in February.

Does it snow in Rome?

Rome on a rainy day

Winter in Rome

Best time to visit Rome

Romantic places to stay in Rome

If I were planning a romantic getaway over Valentines Day in Rome, I’d want to stay right in the historic center to get the most out of my visit.

This means staying near the Pantheon, Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, Piazza del Popolo, or Campo dei Fiori.

Monti is another lovely neighborhood that's central and a bit more hip and lively.

If you prefer to be just a bit away from all that but still in a romantic setting, then Trastevere or Parioli near the Villa Borghese would be my next choice.

Visit my complete Rome neighborhood guide here.

Choosing where to stay can make or break your Rome getaway.

Click here to visit my dedicated page all about romantic hotels/B&Bs where you can spend a romantic Valentines Day in Rome.

Romantic apartment rentals

An alternative to romantic hotels in Rome can be staying in an exquisite private home in Rome.

Pensieri Stupendi private apartment overlooking the Pantheon. Photo credit - The Plum Guide

Visit The Plum Guide to find the most select romantic private homes in Rome.

Where are the best spots in Rome to propose?

Thinking about places to propose while spending Valentines Day in Rome?

Iconic spots like the Trevi Fountain or in front of the Pantheon come to mind.

But when Rome is crowded, and yes, it can be crowded in February, certainly on February 14, you may want to have a few tricks up your sleeve to find that perfect romantic location to get engaged.

Here are just a few ideas:

Someplace with a beautiful view, like the Orange-tree garden
Near one of Rome's iconic fountains, like the Fontanone high up on the Gianicolo hill
At Rome's Aqueduct Park
In a rowboat on the lake inside the Villa Borghese
In one of Rome's secret gardens
At a rooftop bar (yes, many of them are open in winter)
At a romantic restaurant with a stunning view of Rome

Some spots you can make romantic if you go before 8 am

None of these spots will feel romantic when you are surrounded by tourists, musicians, artists, vendors, etc.

Saint Peter's Square at 7 AM - almost nobody here.

These include:

Saint Peter’s Square
Yes, the Trevi Fountain, but only if you go super early!
Ditto for Piazza Navona. Super early!

Where piazzas and fountains are concerned, these can be crowded late into the night, so if you want to have a quiet moment, you will have to go very early indeed.

Places to avoid if you want to get engaged in Rome

If you're looking for the best spots to get engaged while spending Valentines Day in Rome, these places might sound romantic but chances are you could be disappointed.

Looking for the perfect place to propose in Rome? - Avoid the top of the Spanish Steps and head to the terrace of the Pincio for a more romantic setting.

For each of them, I'll give you an idea for what to try instead.

Top of the Spanish Steps – there is not actually a good view from there until you get close to the railing. Also it’s usually pretty crowded. Go to the Pincio instead.
Anywhere along the Via dei Fori Imperiali or around the Colosseum – It’s almost always going to be crowded. If you really want to get engaged with the Roman Forum or Colosseum as a backdrop, I suggest going inside the Palatine Hill, and making your way to the one of the overlook spots. It’s typically quieter there and you’ll have some green space plus a view.
Any type of riverboat cruise – Rome just does not have the same types of riverboat options as say Paris or Budapest. If you do find a riverboat that offers dinner, it will be pretty touristy and crowded. And there is almost no view. Try a rowboat in Villa Borghese instead.
The Tiber River banks – there are spots that are nice for taking photos but often this area is just not as nice as you might think. One option could be the Tiber Island as long as the Tiber has not flooded.

Romantic Rome restaurants

Some of Rome's best restaurants offer special menus for Valentines Day in Rome.

sunset rooftop view from hotel la minerva

Some romantic restaurants don't have a view, but some have views like this.

Visit my dedicated page here to see all my recommendations for romantic places to eat in Rome.

And if one of these restaurants is offering a special Valentines Day in Rome dinner, you'll find a link to their event and/or menu.

You may also want to check out these restaurants that offer fantastic views of Rome.

Ready to plan your trip?

Romantic things to do in Rome

I met my husband Alessandro in Rome, and had a romantic time “dating” him, and eventually marrying him here . . . and now of course we sometimes look for romantic things to do in Rome together.

So I have some first-hand knowledge on the subject!

Here's a short list of some of my favorite romantic things to do in Rome:

Disclosure: If you make a purchase through a link on this page, I may receive a small commission - at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my site!

Romantic place for a coffee/cocktail - Cafe in the Chiostro del Bramante with its velvet chairs and a view to Raphael's Sybils inside the church below.
Romantic place for drinks with a view - The newish NH Fori Imperiali knocks my socks off! One of the most romantic things to do in Rome is to catch the sunset up here (or any Rome rooftop bar). It's not inexpensive but if you're looking for something special, this is the spot!
Romantic enoteca/wine-bar - Da Achille al Parliamento
Romantic park - Villa Torlonia. I think one of the most romantic things to do in Rome is visit one of the museums in this park, have a drink at the outdoor lemon tree garden, and then lay down and soak up some sun in the grass.

sunset overlooking saint peter's basilica

Romantic Things to Do in Rome

Romantic Restaurants in Rome

view of rome rooftops from eitch borromini

Restaurants with a View in Rome

Romantic Hotels in Rome

Disclosure : If you make a purchase or a booking through a link on this page, I may receive a small commission - at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my site!

Unusual things to see and do on valentines day in rome

If you're looking for something a bit off the beaten track, here are some of the more unusual things to do on Valentines Day in Rome:

Visit my dedicated page all about unusual things to see in Rome for even more ideas.

Keep reading for more things to do on Valentines Day in Rome, including current museums exhibitions and concerts:

Current events and exhibitions in Rome's museums

Whether you're visiting Rome on February 14, on that weekend, or any time in February, here are the current events and exhibitions at Rome's museums - UPDATED FOR 2023

Palazzo Bonaparte

Van Gogh

Sixty works - including the famous self-portrait - and numerous biographical testimonies reconstruct the human and artistic history of the sensitive Dutch painter, today universally celebrated but with a tormented life.

8 October 2022 to 26 March 2023

Regular hours:

Monday to Friday from 09.00 - 19.00

Saturday and Sunday 09.00 - 21.00

Book your tickets here.

Capitoline Museums

The Colours of the Ancient Santarelli Marbles

The exhibition in the Palazzo Clementino rooms at the Capitoline Museums presents a wonderful selection of over 660 polychrome marbles from the imperial age.

13 April 2022 to 30 April 2023

Book here

Cursus Honorum: the government of Rome before Caesar

This exhibition focuses on the public offices of magistrates of the Republican age, the cursus honorum, a fundamental aspect of the political life of ancient Rome.

24 March 2022 to 23 April 2023

Book here

MAXXI Museum

Bob Dylan Retrospectrum

The first European monographic exhibition exploring the broad oeuvre of Bob Dylan, an iconic figure whose talent and work span across mediums and disciplines.

16 December 2022 to 30 April 2023

Concerts and shows in Rome in February

Taking in a concert, opera, ballet, or other show can be a romantic way to spend Valentines Day in Rome.

Get your Rome Opera Pass to choose from a number of shows inside a scenic and suggestive setting in central Rome (locations vary).

These wonderful opera singers put on a mini-production of various operas, often in full costume.

Visit the extraordinary Capuchin Crypt, then head into the recently restored church to listen to sacred music in a gorgeous setting.

Wednesday afternoons.

Don't miss this unique opera + aperitivo on one of Rome's most amazing rooftops, the Borromini Terrace. Combine beautiful music, with the stunning baroque setting on Piazza Navona, and a special aperitivo, to make for a fabulous evening in Rome.

There's a maximum 30 people (including an art historian guide), to keep this experience exclusive and special.

Friday evenings.

The Three Tenors - Nessun Dorma

See the "Three Tenors" in a beautiful church setting.

You will be treated to three of Rome's most famous tenors singing some of the best-known and loved songs of Neapolitan opera, accompanied by the Mandolin Orchestra.

Music from La Traviata, Rigoletto, Tosca, and many others.

Saturday evenings. From 25€.

Enjoy private access to one of Rome's most exclusive rooftops right on Piazza Navona, while sipping your aperitivo and listening to Italian opera classics from Verdi, Rossini, and Puccini.

Tuesday and Sunday early evenings.

Valentine's Day Concerts in Rome

The Great Opera and Ballet St Valentine's Special Edition

Combining the great Italian opera arias with ballet dancers, this special event takes place in the evocative Caravita Church, between the Trevi Fountain and Pantheon.

Tuesday February 14, 2023 at 8:30 PM

Book your tickets here

Opera Concert with traditional Italian dinner

Combine a delicious dinner with operatic performance in a historic church setting in the heart of Rome.

February 14 2023 at 7:30 PM, as well as other dates.

Book your tickets here.

The perfect 3-day itinerary in Rome

Trying to figure out how to organize your visit to Rome? I've got the perfect 3-day itinerary for first-time visitors (or those who have not been here in a while.) It works for a 2.5 day visit as well.

In my 3-day itinerary, you'll see all the major must-see Rome attractions like the Vatican, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Spanish Steps, Castel Sant'Angelo, and much more.

And if you have more time, or want suggestions for extra/other things to do, you'll find that there too.

Visit my page with the best 3-day itinerary in Rome for first-timers.

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