10 Best Romantic Things to Do in Rome

Boy do Italians love love! With its grand monuments, beautiful fountains, resplendent piazzas and cobblestoned streets, Rome is undoubtedly one of the words most romantic cities.

For a romantic stroll, head to the historical center or even Trastevere at night. The monuments all lit up are breathtakingly beautiful and the city just basks in this magical glow. Here, the Spanish Steps or Trevi Fountain and it’s legend of making wishes come true are just the place to steal a kiss under the moonlight. 

The Tiber river is another favorite for lovers with many bridges a great vantage point to view the dome of St Peters Basilica. Why not take a walk north of the city to Ponte Milvio, Rome’s famous ‘Love Locks’ bridge where couples attach locks here as a token of their love and throw the key into the Tevere to reinforce it. Columns and chains have been purposely erected for this lovers ritual.

For that extra special occasion (gentlemen take note – you know exactly what I’m talking about!), book a table in advance at Rome’s 3 michelin star restaurant La Pergola at the Waldorf Hilton Astoria. The terrace provides a view of all Rome and is truly an unforgettable experience.   

Whether your in town with the love of your life, looking to rekindle that love or to propose to that special someone, with this list, 10 Best has got you covered for a little (or a lot of) romance in Rome. 







Campo dei Fiori and the Jewish Ghetto

Photo courtesy of WikiMedia

Ironically, the “Field of Flowers” (as the name translates) is the location where Giordano Bruno was burned at the stake in the 1600s for suggesting that the earth revolved around the sun and where Caravaggio is supposed to have murdered an opponent for winning a game of tennis. Today, visitors don’t have to be on guard to visit the Renaissance homes, caf�s and specialty stores here. The nearby Jewish Ghetto is the site where nearly 8000 Jews were housed by order of Pope Paul IV in the mid-1500s. Today, this historically tragic area wears a new face and is the location of many restaurants popular among tourists. Tram: 8.

Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: Campo de Fiori is one of Rome’s largest and famous outdoor markets.

Maria’s expert tip: Head to the market around lunchtime so you can buy some fresh bread and salumi for a picnic along the river which is a short walk away.

Read more about Campo dei Fiori and the Jewish Ghetto →



Trastevere


Trastevere

Photo courtesy of HeartRoe

In Rome, nothing is more romantic than the ‘passeggiata’ – a leisurely stroll. And Trastevere is just the neighborhood for it. This quarter prides itself on its authenticity and devotion to Roman culture. Narrow streets lead to quaint homes that display gardens on roofs and spacious piazzas. The original inhabitants of this area across the Tiber have their own version of the Roman dialect and their own defining cuisine. This is the place to experience true Roman dining. Though the ambience here during the day is fairly quiet, when the sun goes down the atmosphere becomes beyond lively. TRAM: 8, BUS: H.

Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: Tratevere is the ‘old Rome’ and its winding cobblestone streets make for a very romantic evening stroll.

Maria’s expert tip: End your passeggiata at one of Rome’s best spots for authentic gelato, Fatamorgana (Piazza San Cosimato).

Read more about Trastevere →



Piazza Navona


Piazza Navona

Photo courtesy of Romewise

You can’t get anymore Baroque beautiful than Piazza Navona. This piazza has it all: three glorious fountains, Bernini sculptures, a lovely outdoor caf? scene and the magnificent Sant’Agnese in Agone church. In the first century A.D., this piazza was built over the Stadium where Emperor Domitian hosted chariot races and other contests. The most prominent of the fountains in the piazza is the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi. Bernini created the fountain for Pope Innocent X in 1651. The fountain represents the four rivers and four corners of the world: the Nile; the Plata, the Danube and the Ganges. BUS 40, 64, 492, 30.

Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: With its Bernini fountains the centerpiece, Piazza Navona is one of the most beautiful squares in the city.

Maria’s expert tip: Make sure to head on over to Frigidarium Gelateria located just around the corner from Piazza Navona on Via del Governo Vecchio.

Read more about Piazza Navona →



Via Veneto


Via Veneto

Photo courtesy of TripAdvisor

This famous boulevard hails from the 19th century, but it was the 1960s that saw the area enjoy its cultural zenith during the \”Dolce Vita\” period. Featured in numerous films and frequented by the famous, the Via Veneto still has some alluring boutiques, turn-of-the-century lodging, and outdoor caf�s, but is frequented mainly by anonymous tourists and business people now. With it’s grand buildings and trees dotted throughout, it makes for a lovely romantic stroll at any time of day. The world famous Harry’s Bar is located on the strip and is open daily for dining or a drink. METRO: Barberini.

Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: Via Veneto remains one of the most visited streets in all of Rome and is lovely for a romantic stroll day or night.

Maria’s expert tip: Don’t break the bank with a dinner at the famed Harry’s Bar, but try for an aperitif instead.

Read more about Via Veneto →



Teatro dell'Opera di Roma


Teatro dell'Opera di Roma

Photo courtesy of Teatro Dell’Opera Di Roma, Silvia Lelli

Over the course of several renovations and name changes, Rome’s premier opera house is known today as Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, a 1,600-seat venue. Renamed in 1946, the opera house underwent renovations a short time later that remain to this day. Some of the upgrades included air-conditioning, floor replacement and a newly designed facade. Known for its fantastic acoustics, the opera house (originally opened in 1880) can still compete with any other venue in the world in terms of sound quality. Each season features a wide variety of ballet, dance and theater showcasing local and international performers. METRO: Repubblica, Cavour.

Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: The opulence of Rome’s Opera House makes for a classy and romantic night out.

Maria’s expert tip: Book tickets online and in advance to score a bargain.

Read more about Teatro dell’Opera di Roma →


With its dominant presence looming over the Tiber River, it’s hard not to marvel at the immense landmark, Castel Sant’Angelo. The castle was originally built to serve as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian but in the 6th century, was turned into a papal fortress. Thanks to secret passage ways (as featured in the blockbuster hit Angels and Demons), popes were able to escape from danger to various palaces within the Vatican. Today, the castle has a museum where visitors can keep themselves entertained by the trap doors, ditches, draw bridges, dungeons, weapons and papal apartments. The castle also has a lovely terrace offering spectacular views of the Roman city skyline. BUS: 80, 87, 280, 492. METRO: Lepanto

Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: There is nothing more beautiful than a twilight stroll along the Ponte Sant’Angelo – Rome’s Bridge of Angels.

Maria’s expert tip: During the summer, the city of Rome often organizes outdoor events and concerts on the terrace of the castle.

Read more about Castel Sant’Angelo National Museum →



Spanish Steps


Spanish Steps

Photo courtesy of Maria Pasquale

The Spanish Steps were completed in 1726 and ever since, people have looked upon this massive staircase with wonder and awe. The three flights and landings represent the Trinity, and you almost feel as though you could be climbing toward Heaven’s Gates as you ascend. Once at the very top, you have a breathtaking view of the eternal city, with historic buildings surrounding you and a sea of people bustling below. The Steps are a popular meeting place for young Romans and tourists, and you are likely to see artists at work around the area. BUS: 117, 119 or 590. METRO: Spagna

Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: The Spanish Steps is the biggest staircase in all of Europe and a great choice for lovers wanting to recreate their own Roman Holiday.

Maria’s expert tip: Walk in the footsteps of Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck in Roman Holiday but don’t sit – it’s now prohibited.

Read more about Spanish Steps →



Villa Borghese Park


Villa Borghese Park

Photo courtesy of WikiMedia

Dubbed the ‘Central Park’ of Rome, Villa Borghese is a favorite for tourists and the locals. The resurrection of the park was commissioned during the 17th century and used by the Borghese and Bonaparte families. Though, it’s not the largest park in Rome it is the most popular thanks to its central location and its beautiful scenery. Villa Borghese is also famous for its historical buildings and world-class museums such as the Galleria Borghese, a children’s cinema, and a place where you can rent bikes. It’s a great place for a run, walk or romantic picnic. BUS 495, 490, 88. METRO: Flaminio.

Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: Villa Borghese is just the place for a romantic stroll or a picnic lunch.

Maria’s expert tip: Once you reach Villa Borghese, head to the Pincio gardens for a breathtaking view of the city skyline and Piazza del Popolo from the terrace.

Read more about Villa Borghese Park →



Janiculum Walk


Janiculum Walk

Photo courtesy of HeartRome

This area is not easily accessed by public transportation, but the walk up to the top on Via Giacinto Carini is well worth it. You are surrounded by lovely views of the Alban Hills. Make sure that you go to Villa Lante before you leave the area, where you can get the best view of the city. The ‘Fontana dell’Acqua Paola’ is one of Rome’s prettiest and biggest and is the centerpiece of the area. A cannon fires from ‘Gianicolo’ at midday each day to mark this historic battle for Rome. BUS: 115 or 870 to the top or 44 and 75 to Via Giacinto Carini

Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: The view of Rome from Janiculum Hill is breathtaking and is located only a short walk from the center.

Maria’s expert tip: Visit the big fountain, colloquially referred to by Romans as ‘er fontantone’. It’s one of the most romantic in all of Rome.

Read more about Janiculum Walk →



Trevi Fountain


Trevi Fountain

Photo courtesy of Romewise

Thanks to Fellini’s Dolce Vita, the Trevi Fountain has served as a picturesque backdrop for Hollywood blockbusters like Three Coins in a Fountain and Roman Holiday and a dream come true for young women looking for love. Legend has it, throwing a coin into the Trevi Fountain, will ensure you a return trip to the Eternal City. The fountain is a dramatic aquatic marvel for visitors thanks to its vast basin ensconced between three tiny streets (the “tre vie,”) with cascades of water that appear to be streaming from the wall of Palazzo Poli. Believe it or not, the Trevi Fountain is quite the money maker. Authorities say it rakes in some �600,000 a year, all of which is donated to charity. The fountain was completely restored recently and opened in 2016 thanks to a major Fendi funded project.

Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: Always a crowd favorite, but the Trevi Fountain remains one of the most romantic spots in Rome.

Maria’s expert tip: Make sure you know how to toss the coin in the right way. Toss the coin with your right hand over your left shoulder and your back to the fountain. Express a wish with your first coin and throw the second to ensure your return to Rome.

Read more about Trevi Fountain →


Source link

Share with your friends!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Get more stuff like this
in your inbox

Subscribe to our mailing list and get interesting stuff and updates to your email inbox.

Thank you for subscribing.

Something went wrong.