10 Best Romantic Things to Do in Rome

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.