10 Best Things to Do for Couples in Rome
Rome’s Most Romantic Places
Rome has no shortage of romantic places, often based around its rich collection of historical landmarks and charming piazzas. Quaint, cobblestoned streets connect them all, providing romantic walks throughout the city. Straddling the Tiber, ancient stone bridges like the Ponte Sisto connect the two halves of Rome, and crossings can be truly magical at sunset.
We’ve gathered some of Rome’s most romantic places, some of which also happen to be among the major landmarks that are simply not to be missed on any visit. From intimate strolls through the lush gardens at Villa Borghese, to enjoying a classical ballet or dining with a view, you can plan your romantic trip with these best things to do for couples in Rome.
1. Trevi Fountain
Throw coins together for romantic luck
Good for: Budget, History, Photo
Many couples visiting Rome put a stop at the iconic Trevi Fountain, the city’s largest, on their list. Flipping coins into the water from over your shoulder supposedly promises you a return visit to the Eternal City.
If you’re feeling great about your relationship and looking to the future, try throwing in a third coin, as it’s said to help lead the way to marriage. All in all, a visit to this massive, beautiful water feature with its ornate sculptures of Roman gods, tritons, and horses is not to be missed.
Location: Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Rome, Italy
Trevi Fountain
2. Ponte Sisto
Dreamy walks across a Roman bridge
Good for: Budget, History, Photo
Picturesque alleyways and lovely, cobblestoned roads lead you past the Campo de’ Fiori market to Ponte Sisto, one of Rome’s delightful stone bridges straddling the Tiber. By day, Ponte Sisto offers amazing views of the Vatican on the skyline.
From this centuries-old bridge, you can also make out some of the other bridges further along the river. It gives you a good view of the charming neighborhood of Trastevere. However, it’s most atmospheric and romantic at dusk. Across the bridge, you can discover beautiful mini piazzas surrounded by neo-classical buildings. Read more
Location: Piazza Trilussa, 00153 Rome, Italy
Ponte Sisto
3. Rome Carriage Ride
A romantic journey through the city center
Good for: Couples, Photo, Unusual
This is a fun and unique way to discover the beauty of Rome and its majestic landmarks. A traditional horse-drawn carriage takes you around at a steady pace, and can help you relive the scenes of ancient times when it was the primary mode of transportation.
Stylized carriages are often fitted with comfortable leather seats that are perfectly sized for couples, and a wide canopy for shade. The sights of Rome’s landmarks will be even more memorable when accompanied by the sound of hooves along the city’s cobblestoned streets.
4. Tiber Cruise
Sightseeing from a watery perspective
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
This is one of the most popular sightseeing options in Rome. Multiple passenger boats cruise steadily along the Tiber, so you’ll have lots of choice when it comes to a cruise. You’ll enjoy viewing the ancient Roman bridges along the river from a new perspective, including the iconic Ponte Sisto.
There are even occasional sightings of river birds along the way. A river cruise at sunset can be especially magical, with the silhouette of the giant dome of St. Peter’s Basilica on the city skyline. Boats depart at least every 30 minutes at each pier.
5. Vatican Museums
A vast collection of Renaissance masterpieces
Good for: History, Photo
Deepen your mutual love of art on an immersive tour of one of the world’s largest museums. You can get pleasantly lost in its 50 galleries, where some of the most significant artworks of maestros such as Da Vinci, Raphael, and Bellini, are on display.
Tours end with a walk down the famous Bramante “double helix” staircase at Pio Clementino Museum. You can then proceed to the Sistine Chapel, which houses Michelangelo’s most beautiful 16th-century ceiling frescos, most notably “The Creation of Adam”.
Location: Viale Vaticano, 00165 Rome, Italy
Open: Monday–Saturday from 8 am to 8 pm (closed on Sundays)
Phone: +39 06 6988 3145
Vatican Museums
6. Villa Borghese
A stroll through charming, landscaped gardens
Good for: Budget, History, Photo
As one of Rome’s vibrant green spaces, the vast gardens at Villa Borghese provide a quiet and intimate escape, away from the rushing traffic of the city hub. Pathways wind throughout the park, allowing for romantic walks with plenty of tree-shaded spots to pause and take in the views.
Small spaces where couples can huddle among blooming flowers can also be perfect for proposals. Lovebirds often head up to the hilltop Pincio Gardens, where a viewpoint balcony overlooks the beautiful Piazza del Popolo.
Location: Piazzale Napoleone I, 00197 Rome, Italy
Villa Borghese
7. Aventine Hill
Rome’s most iconic vista, through a keyhole
Good for: Budget, History, Photo
As one of Rome’s 7 famous hills, Aventine Hill has a piazza honoring the Knights of Malta. It’s a quiet neighborhood filled with groves, gardens, and ruins, which is great for couples. You’ll find a big green door here, take a peep through its keyhole and enjoy the famous vista that perfectly puts St. Peter’s majestic dome in a unique frame.
From here, you can further explore the traditional neighborhood of Testaccio, down the hill southwest of Aventine. Enjoy the lively atmosphere at Testaccio’s market, which features fresh Italian produce, including fruits and flowers.
Location: Aventine Hill, 00153 Rome, Italy
Aventine Hill
8. Teatro dell’Opera di Roma
Splendid opera house in the heart of Rome
Good for: Couples, History, Nightlife
Teatro dell’Opera di Roma is a beautiful opera house that regularly stages lavish classical opera and ballet productions, as well as modern music concerts. Not only does this 19th-century theater feature great acoustics, its auditorium’s interiors are splendidly furnished with gilded accents and classic maroon draperies.
A large chandelier hangs from its central dome ceiling, illuminating Renaissance frescoes. Teatro dell’Opera is not as large as most other Italian opera houses, giving it an intimate atmosphere. All seats in its boxes, over 4 levels, provide a good view of the stage. Read more
Location: 7 Piazza Beniamino Gigli, 00184 Rome, Italy
Open: Hours vary by event
Phone: +39 06 481601
Teatro dell'Opera di Roma
9. Trastevere
A quaint and charming neighborhood
Good for: Couples, Food, History
Rome offers plenty of romantic walks and this lovely, cobblestoned neighborhood on the Tiber’s western riverbank can be truly atmospheric for couples. You can explore Trastevere after crossing the gorgeous Ponte Sisto bridge from the Campo de’ Fiori market.
Charming, narrow streets and alleyways twisting between tall Renaissance buildings are lined with quaint bars and cafes. They lead you to small piazzas such as the Piazza di Santa Maria, with its centerpiece fountain before the Basilica of Our Lady in Trastevere. Read more
Location: Piazza Trilussa, 00153 Rome, Italy
Trastevere
10. Rooftop Candlelit Dinner
Dining with spectacular views over the Eternal City
Good for: Couples, Food, Luxury
In Rome, you can expect a good combination of romantic settings, great food, and fantastic cocktails, all topped by amazing views. There are rooftop bars in plenty of luxury hotels, as well as first-class standalone restaurants.
Among the favorites are “Settimo Roman Cuisine & Terrace” on the top floor of the Sofitel Roma Villa Borghese, which offers a cityscape with the Vatican in full panorama. The “Aroma” fine-dining restaurant is also fantastic combination of great food and views, with its balcony providing stunning, and romantic, views of the Colosseum.
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