Searching for the ideal trip with your special someone? Romantic Rome, the Eternal City of Love, is the place to start. Here are the top 10 romantic things to do in Rome, from breathtaking sunsets to solitary strolls through historic alleyways.
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Love is in the Air: Discover Rome’s Most Romantic Activities
Since ancient times, visitors and romantics have been drawn to Rome, the Eternal City of Love. Rome is the ideal location for a romantic holiday because of its magnificent architecture, fascinating history, and lovely surroundings.
Rome has all you need to make wonderful romantic experiences, whether you want to indulge in a candlelit supper, wander through historic streets, or watch breathtaking sunsets. The top 10 romantic activities in Rome, the Eternal City of Love, are covered in this article.
Top 10 Romantic Things to Do in Rome, the Eternal City of Love:
- Watch the Sunset from Pincio Terrace – One of the most romantic things to do in Rome is to watch the sunset from the Pincio Terrace. Located in Villa Borghese, this beautiful terrace offers stunning views of the city, especially at sunset.
- Take a Romantic Walk Through Trastevere – Trastevere is one of Rome’s most charming neighborhoods, with its cobbled streets, historic buildings, and charming restaurants. Take a romantic stroll through the streets of Trastevere, hand in hand with your loved one, and soak up the ambiance.
- Visit the Trevi Fountain – The Trevi Fountain is one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks and a must-visit for any romantic couple. Legend has it that throwing a coin into the fountain guarantees a return trip to Rome.
- Enjoy a Romantic Dinner at a Rooftop Restaurant – Rome is full of fantastic rooftop restaurants that offer stunning views of the city. Enjoy a romantic dinner with your loved one, surrounded by the stunning architecture of the city.
- Explore the Villa Borghese Gardens – The Villa Borghese Gardens offer a romantic escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Take a romantic walk through the gardens, admire the beautiful fountains, and relax in the peaceful surroundings.
- Take a Sunset Boat Ride on the Tiber River – A romantic boat ride on the Tiber River is an excellent way to see the city from a different perspective. Watch the sunset over the city as you cruise down the river with your loved one.
- Visit the Colosseum at Night – The Colosseum is one of Rome’s most famous landmarks and is even more impressive at night. Take a romantic stroll around the Colosseum at night, when the crowds have dispersed, and the city is quieter.
- Enjoy Gelato at Giolitti – Giolitti is one of Rome’s most famous gelaterias and is the perfect spot for a romantic treat. Choose from a range of delicious flavors and enjoy a sweet treat with your loved one.
- Take a Day Trip to Castelli Romani – Just a short train ride from Rome, the Castelli Romani is a beautiful area filled with charming towns, vineyards, and stunning countryside. Take a romantic day trip with your loved one and explore this beautiful region.
- Visit the Vatican Museums – The Vatican Museums are home to some of the most beautiful art in the world and are a must-visit for any romantic couple. Explore the stunning galleries, admire the artwork, and soak up the atmosphere of this incredible museum.
A Week-Long Itinerary for a Rome Romantic Getaway
Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Trastevere
- Arrive in Rome and check into your hotel
- Take a stroll through the charming neighborhood of Trastevere, stopping at cafes and shops along the way
- Enjoy a romantic dinner at a cozy restaurant in Trastevere
Day 2: Ancient Rome and Sunset at Pincio Terrace
- Start the day by exploring the ancient ruins of the Colosseum and Roman Forum
- Take a break and enjoy a romantic lunch at a local trattoria
- In the evening, head to Pincio Terrace in Villa Borghese to watch the sunset over the city
- After sunset, enjoy a romantic dinner at a rooftop restaurant with stunning views of Rome
Day 3: Vatican City and Villa Borghese
- Begin the day by visiting Vatican City and touring the incredible St. Peter’s Basilica and Sistine Chapel
- Take a romantic stroll through the beautiful Villa Borghese gardens and enjoy a picnic lunch
- In the evening, head back to Trastevere for a romantic dinner at one of the many charming restaurants in the neighborhood
Day 4: Day Trip to Tivoli
- Take a day trip to the nearby town of Tivoli, home to the stunning Villa d’Este and Villa Adriana
- Enjoy a romantic lunch in Tivoli and spend the afternoon exploring the gardens and grounds of the villas
- Head back to Rome in the evening and enjoy a romantic dinner at a cozy restaurant in Trastevere
Day 5: Trevi Fountain and Gelato at Giolitti
- Visit the iconic Trevi Fountain and toss a coin into the water for good luck
- Explore the nearby streets and take in the charming architecture and atmosphere of Rome
- Stop by Giolitti, one of Rome’s most famous gelaterias, for a sweet treat
- In the evening, head to a romantic rooftop bar for drinks and stunning views of the city
Day 6: Shopping and Castel Sant’Angelo
- Spend the day shopping in the trendy neighborhood of Monti, known for its boutiques and vintage shops
- Take a break and enjoy a romantic lunch at a local cafe or trattoria
- Visit Castel Sant’Angelo in the afternoon and take in the breathtaking views of the city from the rooftop terrace
- End the day with a romantic dinner at a cozy restaurant in Trastevere
Day 7: Sunset Boat Ride and Farewell Dinner
- Take a romantic sunset boat ride along the Tiber River and take in the city from a different perspective
- After the boat ride, enjoy a farewell dinner at a romantic restaurant in the heart of Rome
- Take a final romantic stroll through the streets of Rome before heading back to your hotel
This itinerary includes a mix of iconic Rome attractions, romantic activities, and plenty of time to relax and enjoy the city with your loved one. Have a great trip!
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FAQs About Romantic Rome
What is the best time of year to visit Rome for a romantic trip?
The best time to visit Rome for a romantic trip is in the spring (April-May) or fall (September-November), when the weather is mild and the crowds are thinner than in the peak summer months. The city is also particularly beautiful during these times, with blooming flowers in the spring and fall foliage in the autumn.
What are some romantic activities to do in Rome besides the typical tourist attractions?
Besides the typical tourist attractions, some romantic activities to do in Rome include taking a sunset boat ride along the Tiber River, strolling through the Villa Borghese gardens, enjoying gelato at a local gelateria, and taking a cooking class together to learn how to make traditional Italian dishes.
What are some romantic restaurants in Trastevere?
Trastevere is home to many romantic restaurants, including La Parolaccia, which is known for its intimate atmosphere and delicious pasta dishes, and Antica Trattoria Da Carlone, which serves traditional Roman cuisine in a cozy setting. Other great options include Ai Spaghettari, Dar Poeta, and La Tavernaccia.
What are some romantic rooftop bars in Rome?
Some romantic rooftop bars in Rome include the Terrazza Caffarelli, which offers stunning views of the Colosseum and Roman Forum, the Sky Bar at the Hotel Artemide, which offers panoramic views of the city, and the Aroma Restaurant at the Palazzo Manfredi, which overlooks the Colosseum and serves gourmet Italian cuisine.
What is the best way to get around Rome as a couple?
The best way to get around Rome as a couple is by walking or taking public transportation. The city is very walkable, and many of the major attractions are located within walking distance of each other. However, if you need to go further, the metro and buses are affordable and easy to use.
What are some romantic neighborhoods to stay in in Rome?
Some romantic neighborhoods to stay in in Rome include Trastevere, which is known for its charming atmosphere and excellent restaurants, Monti, which is trendy and hip with plenty of shops and cafes, and the historic center, which is close to many of the major attractions and has plenty of romantic hotels and restaurants.
What are some romantic day trips to take from Rome?
Some romantic day trips to take from Rome include visiting the nearby town of Tivoli, which is home to the stunning Villa d’Este and Villa Adriana, taking a wine tasting tour of the nearby countryside, or visiting the picturesque town of Orvieto, which is known for its stunning cathedral and charming streets.
How to Get to Rome from the USA
There are several ways to get to Rome from the USA, but the most common options are by plane or by boat. The quickest and most popular way is by flying directly into Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO) from major cities in the US, including New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
Several airlines offer non-stop flights from the US to Rome, including Delta, American Airlines, and Alitalia. Depending on your departure city, flight times can range from around 8 hours to over 12 hours. It’s always a good idea to compare prices and flight schedules to find the best deal for your travel dates.
Another option is to take a cruise from the USA to Rome. Many cruise lines offer transatlantic crossings that stop in Rome, including Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and MSC Cruises. Depending on the itinerary, a transatlantic cruise can take anywhere from 10 to 16 days, with several stops along the way.
Once you arrive in Rome, there are several options for getting from the airport to the city center, including taxis, buses, and trains.
The Leonardo Express train is the quickest and most convenient option, taking just 32 minutes from the airport to the central Termini Station. Taxis and buses are also available, but can be more expensive and subject to traffic congestion.
Overall, traveling to Rome from the USA is relatively easy and straightforward, with several options available to suit different budgets and preferences.