23 Most Romantic Things to Do in Rome
Planning a romantic getaway in Rome but not sure what to do while there? Then this list of romantic things to do in Rome will come to your rescue!
When you think about romantic cities in Europe, Paris immediately comes to mind, but Rome is just as magical.
The city is filled with art and beauty, and many of the famous buildings and monuments are illuminated at night, making for a fairy-tale walk through the streets of Rome and by the river Tiber.
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Whether you’re planning a vacation together, a honeymoon, or you just want to surprise your partner with a romantic trip to Rome, the city has many activities to suit couples that you might even feel a little overwhelmed by the choices.
From enjoying a meal at a rooftop restaurant, watching the sunset together in a beautiful park, taking a nighttime tour on a Vespa, or spoiling yourselves with a couples spa experience, here are some of the most romantic things to do in Rome to help you plan your Rome romantic getaway.
23 Most Romantic Things to Do in Rome
Whether you’re into art or food as a couple, this list of romantic things in Rome has a little bit of everything to you!
1. Have a Dinner Date at a Rooftop Restaurant with Stunning Views
Having dinner together at a rooftop restaurant with spectacular views of the city is one of the most romantic things to do in Rome.
You can enjoy a glass of wine, taste delicious Italian food, and gaze at a beautifully illuminated city while toasting with your loved one.
One of the best spots to consider is the Michelin-starred Aroma which is on the fifth floor of the Palazzo Manfredi Hotel.
It has an intimate atmosphere with outstanding views of the Colosseum, and although you can come for lunch, I suggest going for dinner as the Colosseum looks spectacular when illuminated at night.
La Terrazza, also Michelin-starred is another one of the most romantic places in Rome to spend the evening.
It is on the top floor of Dorchester’s Hotel Eden and gives a 360-degree view of the city.
The soft lighting enhances the romantic atmosphere and the tasting menu with wines chosen by a sommelier adds a bit more romance to the already charming ambiance.
If you are vegan or vegetarian, you don’t need to feel left out as the Mater Terrae restaurant on top of the Raphael Hotel in the Piazza Navona only serves organic, vegan, and vegetarian dishes. It also offers panoramic views of Rome.
For added romance, head to Mirabelle at the Hotel Splendide Royal where you can listen to live piano music while enjoying a romantic candlelight dinner. From here, you also can see the Pantheon and the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica.
2. Have a Romantic Couple’s Photoshoot
Many companies offer photoshoots in Rome, so why not let a professional photographer take you and your partner on a tour of the iconic landmarks, all the while taking professional photos of you?
It is one of the most fun things to do in Rome for couples and allows you to be models for the day!
On this private couple’s photoshoot, your photographer will help you pose so that you look natural and will find the best backdrops for your photos, such as the Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum, or the Spanish Steps. Plus, you will get a digital gallery of your photos within 2 days.
It might sound cheesy for some people but it will be a wonderful reminder of your romantic trip to Rome.
✅ Click here to book your couple’s photoshoot with a professional photographer.
3. Have an Aperitivo at The Court
Italians love an aperitivo, which is a drink or two before dinner usually served with a few nibbles like olives, some charcuterie, and cheese.
There are many places in Rome that serve aperitivo but one that stands out is The Court in the Palazzo Manfredi Hotel. If you are looking for romance in Rome, this is one of the top places to find it.
The Court is located right opposite the Colosseum with an intimate vibe that even gets better at night when the Colosseum is illuminated!
What could be better than sitting holding hands, sipping a Campari and soda or Apero spritz, and gazing at this marvel of the ancient world?
The Court is, however, not the cheapest place! The drinks are pricey so if it’s above your budget, you can check out other equally beautiful Aperitivo spots like Freni e Frizioni in Trastevere, Il Sorpasso, Pimm’s Good, Ai Tre Scalinima, and more.
Plus, most of these places have an outdoor seating where you can enjoy your aperitivo as you people-watch. It’s really one of the cool things to do for couples in Rome to unwind at the end of a busy day.
4. Watch the Sunset from the Pincio Terrace at the Villa Borghese Gardens
One of the most romantic date ideas in Rome is watching the sunset together, and the ideal place to do so is on the Pincio Terrace in the Villa Borghese Gardens. The sunset here is a vivacious mix of colors that covers Rome in an orange glow.
The Pincio Terrace on Pincian Hill offers spectacular views of the Piazza del Popolo, the Aurelian Walls, and even the Vatican in the distance.
You can easily spend some time here admiring the sunset or even watching live music from street musicians who grace this place almost every day.
Before watching the sunset, take a walk around the gardens hand in hand, and enjoy the plants and trees, the statues, and the fountains.
The Borghese Gardens also houses an art gallery, the Borghese Gallery showcasing masterpieces by famous Italian artists such as Caravaggio and Bernini.
5. Take a Night Stroll by the River Tiber
An evening stroll by a river with the lights from the buildings reflecting on the water can be very romantic, and a walk by the river Tiber in Rome with your partner is no exception.
It is the perfect way to end a day of sightseeing or even after having dinner at a rooftop restaurant.
One of the most romantic spots in Rome at night is Castel Sant’Angelo which is right by the river.
Although it is closed at night, it is illuminated and you can take a walk along the bridge, Ponte Sant’Angelo to fully take in the beauty of the illuminated castle, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the river.
You can also walk along Ponte Umberto I where you’ll be able to see St. Peter’s Basilica illuminated!
Cross one of the bridges to Tiber Island where you can have a drink or a meal, and head to the Bohemian Trastevere district for the rest of the evening.
6. Have a Couple’s Spa Day
If you want to be pampered while on your romantic getaway to Rome, there is no better way to do so than going to a spa. Thankfully, Rome has a number of them, be it in luxury hotels or wellness centers.
Most of these offer special spa packages for two, and this will no doubt be one of the most relaxing and romantic experiences you can share.
Depending on the spa package you choose, you can expect a massage with massage tables placed next to each other so that you can enjoy the experience together.
You can either have the same type of massage or choose your own, but the massages always last the same length of time.
The spa experience can also include the use of a hot tub, a jacuzzi, a sauna, or a hammam.
What is even better is that these couple packages usually come with fruits, champagne, wine, cheese, and other delicacies, all of which will enhance your romantic experience.
Not sure where to go? Some of the best spas in Rome for couples include; Cavalieri Grand Spa Club, BAHR City Spa, Rocco Forte Spas, and more.
7. Watch an Opera at the Teatro dell’Opera
Lalupa at it.Wikipedia, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
If you are both fans of Opera music, ballet, or traditional performances, then watching a show at Teatro dell’Opera is one of the best Rome date ideas.
It can be romantic dressing up in your best clothes and sitting together to watch an opera, ballet, or concert.
Teatro dell’Opera is open from October until June and puts on performances such as Puccini’s Tosca, Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, and many others.
Besides the shows, the theatre itself is a work of art with a beautiful frescoed ceiling, chandeliers, cool seating arrangement, and an opulent room overall.
If you are in Rome in July or August, an even more romantic treat awaits you as the Teatro dell’Opera changes venue to the ancient Baths of Caracalla in the open air. It is magical to watch and listen to an opera with such a magnificent backdrop.
Since the shows change, I recommend checking the official website to see what’s showing on the day you want and make sure that you book your tickets in advance to guarantee a spot.
However, if the show at Teatro dell’Opera is sold out or above your budget, then you can check out this intimate opera show at Waldesian Church or this one at St. Paul’s Within the Walls Church. They may not be in Rome’s Opera House but they’re still outstanding.
8. Have a Picnic at Villa Doria Pamphili
Villa Doria Pamphili is located just outside the city center and is surrounded by the largest maintained public park in Rome.
The park is so large so it never feels crowded making it one of the romantic places in Rome to go for a picnic.
It is so beautiful that you can simply wander around the well-manicured gardens while taking in the stunning 17th-century architecture and later find a spot to picnic.
The park is 184 hectares, with 94 hectares open to the public so regardless of how many people visit, you’ll always have a quiet area to yourselves.
The park also has other attractions that make it worth visiting including Lake Belvedere which is probably the highlight of any visit and an ideal spot to picnic, Casino del Bel Respiro which is the most beautiful building in the park, a number of fountains, and well-maintained gardens.
Pack a few goodies or even a bottle of champagne for an added romantic touch, then lay a blanket on the grass or use the benches and tables.
If you don’t feel like packing anything, you can ask the onsite cafe, Vivi Bistrot to prepare a picnic for two if you feel like spoiling yourselves.
9. Take a Food Tour in Trastevere
Trastevere is a Bohemian neighborhood in Rome with narrow streets lined with Medieval buildings.
It is a lively area, especially at night when locals and tourists alike flock to the restaurants, trattorias, and bars that overflow into the streets! In fact, it is one of the best places to visit in Rome at night.
Although you can visit independently, the best way to see this area while also tasting some of the famous Italian dishes is by going on this food walking tour.
On this tour, you will learn more about Rome through its food from an experienced tour guide and will even meet local chefs who will share cool stories about their dishes.
You will get a chance to try Italian delicacies such as suppli, which are rice balls filled with cheese, cured pork meats, pizza, and sweet Sicilian cannoli.
Included is a glass of wine and a beer to wash down the food and you will end the tour with delicious Italian ice cream, Gelato.
✅ Click here to book your street food tour in Trastevere
10. Learn How to Make Pasta and Tiramisu
One of the fun things for couples to do in Rome is to take a cooking class!
If you want to have a little friendly competition to see who can make the best dishes or even pick up a few skills in Italian cooking, then this is the best activity for you.
What can be more Italian than fettuccine and the famous dessert, tiramisu? There are many cooking classes in Rome that teach how to make both but this particular one is what I recommend!
It is run by a local chef who uses simple and fresh ingredients, is passionate about Italian food, and will share some secrets in Italian cooking.
If you’ve never made pasta before, you will be surprised that it isn’t as difficult as you thought, as you learn how to make dough and cut it into various shapes.
When you’re done with pasta, you’ll also learn how to make tiramisu and later sit down together to enjoy the food you created accompanied by a glass of wine.
✅ Click here to book your Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class
11. Throw A Coin In The The Trevi Fountain
A trip to Rome is incomplete without visiting the Trevi Fountain. It is one the most stunning fountains in the world and, one of the most romantic things to do in Rome is to go there in the evening when the fountain is beautifully illuminated.
Another advantage of going after dark is that there aren’t as many people crowding the area as during the day.
It is common to throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain as legend has it that if you do, you will return to the city, and if you throw in 3, you will get married!
Why not do this at the same time as your partner to ensure that you will return together or better yet get married?
Next to the Trevi Fountain, there is a small fountain that is nothing more than a basin with two spouts. Although it’s quite unknown to tourists, it’s one of the most romantic spots in Rome.
It is called the Fountain of Love (Fontanella degli Innamorati) and if you both drink from it, you will be together and in love forever. It’s worth a try!
12. Go on a Nighttime Vespa Tour
One of the most exciting romantic activities in Rome is to go on this nighttime Vespa tour.
The Vespa was made famous by the movie set in Rome, Roman Holiday in which Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn whizzed around Rome on a Vespa.
You could rent one yourself, but I don’t recommend doing this unless you are an experienced biker as the traffic in Rome is crazy.
Instead, take this tour with experienced riders who also double as tour guides.
Yes, you will be on separate Vespas, but you will make cool stops during the tour. You can leave the itinerary to your tour guides, or have it customized to your wishes.
The tour starts at sunset and will stop at popular places like the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, and Vatican City.
At every stop, your guide will share fascinating stories and facts (and myths) about the attractions. You will also make a stop for a cup of strong Italian coffee or, if you prefer, gelato.
This is truly one of the cool ways to see Rome at night with your loved one! Plus, you’re insured on this tour.
✅ Click here to book your night tour on a Vespa
13. Take an Evening City Tour in a Golf Cart
If you prefer to ride in the same vehicle with your partner, then this Rome evening tour in a golf cart will suit you down to the ground.
During the tour, you will pass by attractions like the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, the Victor Emanuele II Monument, Navona Square, and the Roman Forum. There is also a stop for gelato along the way.
Your guide will also tell you fascinating stories about the places that you drive by.
✅ Click here to book your night tour of Rome in a Golf Cart
14. Row a Boat in the Villa Borghese Lake
I have already mentioned the beautiful Villa Borghese Gardens, but what you may not know is that it’s possible to row a boat on its lake.
If you are looking for something that is reasonably priced, this is one of the cheapest things to do in Rome for couples as currently, it costs just 3.50 euros for 20 minutes.
You can take it in turns to row so that you each get a chance to admire the scenery since the rate is per person not per boat.
The lake is surrounded by beautiful trees, and you can also admire the ancient temple of Asclepius, a replica temple dedicated to the god of medicine.
15. Watch a Movie at an Open-Air Movie Theater
What can be more romantic than sitting together under the stars while holding hands and watching a movie in the warm summer evening air?
Rome is one of the best places to do this as piazzas and villas become open-air movie theaters when the hot weather arrives.
During June and the first half of July, a festival called Il Cinema in Piazza is held in some of Rome’s famous piazzas. The best thing is that it is free to watch the movies!
The Villa Borghese Gardens is one of the top Rome romantic places, and in July and August, it houses an open-air cinema. All the films are in their original language with Italian subtitles.
If you want to see recently released international films, head to Monteverde and Il Cinema sotto le Stelle. They even have a food area so you can get snacks to share while enjoying the movie.
16. Take in The View of Rome From the Victor Emmanuel II Monument (Altar of The Fatherland)
Il Vittoriano is an enormous Neo-Classical building built to celebrate the unification of Italy in the 19th century.
It is 135 meters (443 feet) wide and 70 meters (230 feet) high, and from the top, you get a stunning 360-degree view of Rome.
This makes it one of the many romantic things in Rome as these views are best shared with someone you love.
To get to the top of Il Vittoriano, you ride up in a glass elevator where you’ll watch the beautiful scenery unfold.
From above, you’ll be able to see the Roman Forum, and the Colosseum and Vatican City in the distance.
However, if your budget is limited and don’t want to spend on this, you can still enjoy the views from the lower terrace of the Victor Emmanuel II Monument.
And when you have had your fill of the beautiful surroundings, have a drink together at the Terrace.
17. Admire The Beauty of The Vatican City
At first sight, visiting the Vatican City doesn’t seem to be one of the most romantic things to do in Rome but this couldn’t be further from the truth.
If you are both fans of stunning artwork and architecture, you will be in your element, and sharing the experience with your loved one adds to the experience.
St. Peter’s Basilica is the largest church in the world and houses artwork by artists such as Michelangelo and Bernini. Climb up to the dome and you’ll have spectacular views of the city.
The place is usually crowded, and it has no skip-the-line ticket so I recommend either going there early in the morning or late in the afternoon when crowds have reduced.
The Vatican City is also home to the Vatican Museums, a collection of 54 museums, and the famous Sistine Chapel.
It is most famous for Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes which showcase scenes from the Bible. These are spectacular and will definitely blow your mind.
Since the Vatican museums are always crowded, I recommend booking this skip-the-line ticket to enter through a dedicated line! I bought it on my visit and never spent even 5 minutes in a queue.
Alternatively, you can book this guided tour that includes the Vatican museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica.
✅ Click here to buy your skip-the-line ticket to the Vatican museums and Sistine Chapel
18. Go on a Wine-Tasting Tour
One of the most fun dates in Rome is a wine-tasting tour.
There are plenty of choices on offer including a tasting in a wine bar in the city, but if you want the experience to be even more special, then consider taking this half-day wine tour to Frascati in the countryside. It’s even perfect if you love Frascati wine!
Located about 40 minutes from Rome, you’ll be transported from your hotel to a 300-year-old winery where you’ll learn about the history of wine-making in Italy and the entire wine-making process.
And then to the good stuff, you’ll be able to taste a variety of wines while your knowledgeable sommelier gives you tips on how to recognize different scents and flavors in any wine.
You’ll also be served with some local snacks to accompany your wine! The tour is on the higher end, but if you’re looking for something special, then you can’t miss it.
✅ Click here to book your half-day wine tour to Frascati
19. Bike The Appian Way
If you want to get away from the bustle of the city or just want to do something adventurous with your loved one, biking the Appian Way is a great solution.
The Appian Way was the first ancient Roman road to be built, dating to 312 BC. It stretches for hundreds of miles to southern Italy and is lined with pagan tombs, Christian catacombs, and monuments.
You can go biking on your own by renting bikes around the city, but if you want to go with someone with experience, then sign up for this Appian Way biking tour.
The tour comes with electric bikes, so even though the way is a bit challenging, thanks to the cobblestone road and some parts being made of boulders, it’s still enjoyable E-bikes.
On your way, you’ll make various stops including at The Catacombs of St. Callisto where you’ll hear stories about ancient Rome from your guide.
You’ll also make a stop at the Park of the Aqueducts where you’ll see remains of aqueducts built during the Roman Empire.
And on the way back, you will stop at a natural spring for a picnic lunch with wine. Just try not to drink too. Save it for an aperitivo in a romantic rooftop bar later in the evening.
✅ Click here to book your Appian Way Guided E-Bike Tour
20. Savor Delicious Gelato Together
Indulging in Gelato with your partner is one of the best couple things to do in Rome. Actually, even if you’re traveling solo or with family, having a gelato is more of a given.
This Italian ice cream is denser and creamier than the ice cream you are probably used to.
You will find gelaterias everywhere in the city, so how do you decide which one to choose?
I suggest Gelateria dell Palma which is near the Pantheon and has 150 different flavors. As well as traditional flavors like chocolate and vanilla, it offers unusual flavors such as basil, Kit-Kat, and zabaglione. It even makes vegan gelato too!
Gelateria Come il Latte is another good choice. It offers unusual flavors in addition to the traditional ones such as parmesan, brie, and sweetcorn.
All their gelato is produced in the building and is made with milk from grass-fed cows and fruit from local farms. And every day, around three vegan-friendly flavors are also made.
I also love Venchi ice cream! They have stores in almost all major cities in Italy, but every time I got one, I was never disappointed!
21. Take a Romantic Stroll Through the Botanical Garden of Rome
The Botanical Garden of Rome is large, covering an area of 12 hectares with 2,000 square meters (21,528 feet) of greenhouses.
For some reason, it is often left out of most tourists’ itineraries so it’s never that busy. This is perfect if you want to take a romantic stroll with your partner without having to fight through crowds of people.
The garden is beautiful and is just the place to stroll hand in hand with your love. The best way to see the park is to follow a circular path that will take you past hundreds of species of trees and plants.
A highlight is the Japanese Garden with its lovely cherry trees, magnolias, small waterfall, and ponds.
The Rose Garden is also beautiful in spring and the greenhouses are impressive, especially the Greenhouse of Orchids which houses hundreds of species of orchids.
Along the way, there are places with benches so you can have a well-earned rest or even a picnic.
It’s easy to spend an entire afternoon in the garden, especially if you have had a few hectic days of sightseeing! If you’re looking for something low-key, then this is definitely one of the most romantic things to do in Rome.
22. Take a Romantic Night Segway Tour of Rome at Night
Another fun activity for couples is to go on this segway tour of Rome at night. You will have so much fun that it will set you up for a romantic dinner and drinks afterward.
No need to worry if you haven’t been on a segway before as you will have an orientation lesson beforehand and your tour guide will ensure that you are safe.
The experience lasts for two and a half hours, and you will make stops along the way to see different attractions upclose and hear exciting stories about the history of Rome.
You will visit sites such as Capitoline Hill, the Temple of Hadrian, the Pantheon, and the Spanish Steps.
The final stop is at the Trevi fountain where you and your partner can throw in coins to ensure that you come back to Rome together, or even three for a chance at marriage.
✅ Click here to book your night segway tour of Rome
23. Take an Evening Tour of The Colosseum
One of the most romantic activities in Rome is visiting the Colosseum at night.
It is a fascinating experience as you will be taken back to ancient Rome and the gladiatorial fights. These nighttime tours are limited so be sure to book in advance.
Take your partner’s hand and follow your guide while he or she tells you stories about the gladiators and the combats they faced.
You will go underground into a maze of tunnels where you will see where the wild animals were kept and the remnants of their cages. It can be a little eerie so you will appreciate being with your partner.
You will then head up to the arena floor through the Gate of Death where the gladiators would enter the arena.
It isn’t difficult to imagine the spectators shouting at the fights, and while you may not think that this is the most romantic setting, I find it super cool to experience with a loved one.
✅ Click here to book your night-guided tour of the Colosseum
Final Thoughts on the Most Romantic Things to Do in Rome
I hope that this article has inspired you and that you now know what things to do for couples in Rome.
Whether it’s the first vacation with your partner or a surprise trip for your husband or wife, there should be something to suit everybody.
With this list of romantic things to do in Rome, I hope that I have shown you that Paris isn’t the only romantic city in Europe.
Regardless of whether you spend a weekend in Rome or even 4 days, you will be spoiled for choice of what to do!
Check out these posts to help you plan your trip to Rome
- Rome Instagram captions
- Instagram captions for Italy
- Rome bucket list
- Best things to do in Rome at night
- Famous piazzas in Rome
- Where to get the best views of Rome
- Best museums in Rome
- Famous churches in Rome
- Best movies set in Rome
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