Rome is probably the best romantic destination! Exceptional architecture, delicious cuisine, magnificent surroundings: everything is in Rome for a perfect couples trip. So, to make sure you don’t miss a thing, discover now our TOP 25 of the best things to do in Rome for couples, and choose the ones you like the most.
1. Make a wish in Trevi Fountain
Simply magical! Built between 1732 and 1762, the Trevi Fountain is a symbolic monument of Rome. You cannot miss it: it is located right in the city’s historic center. At nightfall, the fountain lights up and presents an entirely different face.
Good to know. According to custom, throwing a coin into the Trevi Fountain while turning your back on it is a guarantee of returning to Rome one day. Each year, the pieces fished out exceed one million euros and are donated to a charity association. Tossing a coin is not obligatory, and the wish may be anything other than that of returning to Rome. You can revisit this tradition in your own way.
Avoid the crowds. During the day, there are a lot of people. If you are visiting Rome as a couple, come here early, around 7 am, or after midnight for a more intimate moment. This is how you will enjoy the most of this magnificent fountain, an open-air artwork.
2. Visit the Pantheon in Rome
What a building! The history of the Pantheon begins in the 1st century BC. Initially, this monument was a temple dedicated to all the deities of the ancient region. Then it was transformed into a basilica. The dome of the Pantheon is the largest dome of all Antiquity! To visit this place today, in the 21st century, is just incredible!
Inside the Pantheon. Admission to the Pantheon in Rome is free. The only direct light source comes from the oculus in the center of the Pantheon cup. This entry of the sun’s rays into the place makes it even more magical. A must-visit in Rome!
3. Take an ice cream break in Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona is undoubtedly the most famous square in Rome. It is just a 5-minute walk from Rome’s Pantheon. This large square is a beautiful place to visit in Rome but also very touristy. In the middle of the square, you will see the splendid fountain of the 4 rivers, La Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, which represents the Danube, the Ganges, the Nile, and the Rio de la Plat.
4. Lose yourself in the small streets of the historic center of Rome
Rome is one of the most visited cities in Europe and the world. If you visit Rome in the middle of the tourist season (from May to September), expect to see many people. Getting off the beaten track is essential to appreciate this extraordinary city better. During your walk in the historic center of Rome, turn in the small alleys to find more calm. See some lovely streets not to be missed: Via Margutta, Via del Babuino, Via dei Coronari.
5. Taste the delicious Italian cuisine
Romantic restaurants in Rome. Italian cuisine is a mandatory stop on a romantic Rome getaway. Nonetheless, finding a good restaurant can be challenging. Read our selection of the best restaurants in Rome to eat at.
Restaurant Alfredo alla Scrofa. Famous for its Fettuccine, this restaurant is an institution. The setting is perfect for a romantic meal. For more information: rates and booking.
6. Visit the Borghese Gallery in Rome as a couple
Incredibly beautiful. Among the best things to do in Rome for couples, there is the unmissable Borghese Gallery in Rome. This museum is located in the magnificent park of Villa Borghese. The exhibited works are marvelous. It is a lovely visit to do in Rome.
How to visit. Allow about 1h30-2h to visit the Borghese Gallery. You can book tickets with quick access (see prices and reviews). The entrance is not easy to find, and one can confuse the Borghese Gallery and the Villa Borghese. For better orientation, here is the gallery’s location on Google Maps.
7. Take a boat trip in the Ville Borghese park
Not to miss! A pleasant walk in the gardens can accompany the visit to the Borghese Gallery. Here you will see beautiful fountains, statues, and green nature, and you can even take a boat tour of the lake. The Villa Borghese park is ideal for recharging your batteries and spending a pleasant moment together. For all these reasons, a visit to the Borghese Gallery is part of our itinerary for a romantic weekend in Rome.
8. Tour Rome on an iconic Vespa
Typically Italian! To visit Rome as a couple in an unusual way, rent a Vespa! Thanks to this mythical scooter, you will explore Rome like a local and effortlessly climb the city’s famous hills. Vespas are rented by the day.
Convenient for sightseeing. If you want to visit several places in one day, it’s perfect. On this day, you will avoid public transport. Several companies offer this rental service. Here are two examples to compare: OnMovo Scooter Rental and Eco Move Rent Tours.
9. Admire Rome from the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica
The tallest dome in the world! The majestic St. Peter’s Basilica is located in the Vatican, just a 20-minute walk from Piazza Navona. The dome of the basilica is over 130 meters high. A fantastic view of Rome and the Vatican awaits you.
Impressive. Magnificent on the outside and splendid on the inside, Saint Peter’s Basilica is a must-see to visit during a romantic couples trip to Rome. Visitors from all over the world flock to see this basilica. Therefore, the wait to buy the tickets can be very long, especially during the holidays of the Catholic calendar. Book in advance to save time once there: guided tour.
10. Marvel at the beauty of the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums
Infinite beauty. The Sistine Chapel is one of the most beautiful monuments in the world. The ceilings, the paintings, the statues: everything is glorious. It is a wonder! If you are going to visit Rome, this visit is almost essential. To enjoy the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums more quietly, you can take a guided tour with an early entry (less crowded). Remember to book in advance: admission tickets.
Visit the treasures of the Vatican. The most practical is to book a visit including all the essentials to do in the Vatican: the Sistine Chapel, Saint Peter’s Basilica, and the Vatican Museums. You will save a lot of time! Book your visit in advance: see rates and availability for a guided tour.
11. Walk on the Sant’Angelo Bridge
Built in 134. Walking on an ancient bridge adorned with ten white marble angels? Yes, it is possible in Rome! This magical bridge is undoubtedly the most beautiful in Rome. So, if you visit Rome, this is a place not to be missed.
The visit to the castle. If you go to Rome for more than 3 days, you can visit the Castel Sant’Angelo. It is one of the emblematic monuments of Rome. It is an exciting visit to Rome for lovers of history and beautiful panoramas. Take a skip-the-line ticket to avoid queuing. There are fewer visitors in winter, but from May to September, it’s a different story.
12. Visit the Colosseum in Rome
Majestic! The Colosseum in Rome is a massive and impressive monument. How could he survive all these centuries? Come and discover this fantastic place and its history directly on the spot during your couples trip to Rome. To book tickets, see prices and availability: skip-the-line ticket for the Colosseum in Rome (mainly to avoid queuing under a scorching sun).
At the Moonlight. Take an unforgettable tour of the Colosseum in Rome! Come and discover this immense Roman monument at nightfall. In English, you can also take this tour with a guide: Colosseum Moonlight Tour.
13. Take a romantic stroll through the Trastevere district of Rome
Compared to the historical center, the Trastevere district is on the other side of the Tiber. It is a district that is becoming increasingly touristy but remains much less visited than the historic center of Rome. Here you can stroll through the narrow streets, have ice cream to take away, and have lunch or dinner. It is a charming district to visit in Rome as a couple! To get here, cross the small pedestrian bridge: Ponte Sisto.
14. Listen to an opera or a concert in Rome
Opera and concert evenings are among the best activities in Rome as a couple! A magical moment to share for two during your couples trip to Rome. You can opt for an opera on an open-air terrace or a concert in a baroque hall. What do you prefer? Here are some examples: An opera show on bar rooftop, the Open-air opera Terrazza Borromini with aperitif, or a Vivaldi concert in a secret princess apartment. A memorable evening awaits you!
15. Visit Rome as a couple at nightfall
Another look at Rome. A night stroll through the streets of Rome is one thing to do. After 11 pm or midnight, the streets of the historic center empty. You will discover Rome under a completely different face thanks to the illuminations. It’s an open-air nocturnal spectacle!
Evening guided tour. Instead of taking a guided tour during the day, you can choose in the evening. There are fewer people, and the visit is more pleasant. Here is an example of an itinerary: a guided tour of the historic center of Rome. The visit is done on foot.
16. Discover Rome from Pincio Hill
Stroll. The city of Ancient Rome was built on 7 hills, including the Pincio hill. Come here to stroll through a tranquil and peaceful garden and discover a picturesque view of the city of Rome. The Pincio is just a 20-minute walk from the Trevi Fountain and a 15-minute walk from the Borghese Gallery. It is an ideal location for a long walk.
Another lesser-known point of view. Terrazza Viale del Belvedere is another excellent vantage point located right in the center of Rome. It is a 2-minute walk from Pincio.
17. Discover the magnificent Baroque staircase in Piazza di Spagna
Piazza di Spagna is a magnificent pedestrian square located in the historic center of Rome. You can easily walk to the Pantheon or the Trevi Fountain. You will admire a Baroque staircase on the square with the Church of the Trinity-des-Monts at the very top. A must-see in Rome!
18. Make your romantic couples trip to Rome even more memorable
Unique keepsake. If you visit Rome as a couple, do a private photo session! Professional photos have nothing to do with selfies: see sample photos and prices here. Take advantage of the tips and skills of a personal photographer to immortalize your couples trip to Rome!
19. Climb on the observation platform of the Monument to Victor-Emmanuel II
The Monument to Victor Emmanuel II is one of the most impressive monuments in Rome. It celebrates the unity of the Italian nation. You can climb this colossal white marble building to admire an incredible view of Rome. The ascent on foot is free. The elevator ride is chargeable.
20. Visit Villa d’Este and Hadrian’s Villa in Tivoli from Rome
The visit to Villa d’Este and the City of Hadrian is a visit to do while visiting Rome for more than 4 days. They are located in Tivoli, 40 km from Rome. You can get there by renting a car or by taking the metro and then the train. Another solution is to book a guided tour that includes round-trip transportation (see guided tour prices). Few travelers still come here. Yet these villas are a real treasure! They are part of the UNESCO World Heritage. Plan a day for this visit.
21. Take a romantic cruise to Rome
The quays of the Tiber are not as nice as the quays of the Seine in Paris. A boat trip to Paris will be prettier. Nevertheless, a cruise on the Tiber is one off the best things to do in Rome during a couples trip, especially if it is your second time to the Eternal City. In general, cruises on the Tiber are accompanied by an aperitif with appetizers. You can book this activity here: Evening Cruise.
22. Take a romantic stroll through Rome’s Orange Garden
Nice panorama. The Orange Garden sits on top of Aventine Hill, one of Rome’s historic hills. This garden is known for the view it offers from its belvedere. A morning visit will give you calm and serenity, while a late afternoon visit will give you a beautiful sunset over Rome. The Orange Gardens are a 16-minute walk from the Colosseum in Rome.
Another vantage point. Among the 7 hills of Rome, the Janiculum (Gianicolo) also offers a city view. This hill is on the right bank of the Tiber, south of Vatican City.
23. Take an Italian cooking class
Playful. If you are looking for a fun activity in Rome as a couple, take an Italian cooking workshop! You will learn new things together. Meals and drinks are included. So it’s a 2-in-1 activity! If you love tiramisu, this workshop will please you: pasta and tiramisu workshop with dinner.
24. Visit the Botanical Garden of Rome
For nature lovers. The Botanical Garden of Rome sits on the slopes of Rome’s 8th hill, the Janiculum. This magnificent garden is currently home to more than 3000 plant species. It is a visit to Rome as a couple if you have already visited the great must-sees of the city. You can see the Botanical Garden as a free visitor or on a guided tour. Find the timetables and entry prices on the official website of the Botanical Garden.
25. Visit Tuscany from Rome
If you visit Rome in 7 days, you can take the opportunity to discover the region of Tuscany. Several companies offer day trips, including lunch and Tuscan wine tasting. This an excellent opportunity to discover the picturesque landscapes of Tuscany as a couple! Here is an example of an excursion: Tuscany from Rome.
When you go to visit Rome as a couple, do not hesitate to think outside the box. It is one of the best ways to make your couples trip to Rome more romantic. Plan your trip while keeping time for the unexpected, but also for the lovely surprises and discoveries that await you there.
