Top 10 ideas for a romantic weekend in Rome
Planning a romantic weekend break in Europe with your special someone? Take them to Rome.
With its cozy trattorias, picturesque picnic spots, and breathtaking viewpoints, it’s the ideal place to spend some quality couple time.
To help you plan your break, here are ten romantic things to do in the Eternal City.
Tip: Norwegian offers a range of flexible ticket options, so if you need to change your flights or cancel your trip, you can do so quickly and easily.
Fly to Rome.
1. Rent a Vespa
Experience the charm of the Italian capital’s narrow, labyrinthine streets while holding onto your loved one. All your senses will come alive as you zip around the city on one of these iconic scooters. Zoom by the busy markets and lush parks, admire the ancient architecture, and soak up the buzz of this vibrant city on two wheels.
This is one of the best ways to take in the city, but if you prefer four wheels on your vehicle, why not hire a Fiat 500?
2. Enjoy a picnic for two on Aventine Hill
Fancy an al-fresco picnic? Grab some prosciutto, bruschettas, a bottle of Prosecco, and head to Aventine Hill. One of the seven hills on which Rome was built, it’s an idyllic setting for a romantic date, especially if you eat in the colourful Giardino degli Aranci (Orange Garden).
As you leave, keep an eye out for the Cavalieri di Malta (Maltese Knights) gate. A peek through the keyhole will give you a perfectly-framed view of the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica.
3. Make a wish at Fontana di Trevi
The most romantic scenes in the classic film, La Dolce Vita, were shot at the Trevi Fountain, one of Rome’s most iconic attractions.
While you can’t mimic Anita Ekberg’s splashing antics in the fountain anymore, you can still take part in the tradition of throwing a coin over your left shoulder into the water using your right hand. This supposedly ensures a return to Rome!
4. Check out the Campo de’ Fiori market
The Piazza Campo de’ Fiori (Field of Flowers) is a historical square in the Parione district, in the centre of Rome. The best time to visit is when the piazza is transformed into an open-air marketplace (every day except Sundays).
Take a stroll hand-in-hand with your other half, and bask in the smell of Italian bread fresh from the oven, try some local delicacies and pick up a token of your romantic weekend in Rome.
5. Visit St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel
No visit to Rome is complete without a visit to these two iconic buildings in Vatican City.
The long queues will be worth the wait when you see Michelangelo’s breathtaking frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. Whether you’re religious or not, you’ll recognise the stunning ‘Creation of Adam’ on the ceiling.
After the Sistine Chapel, move on to St. Peter’s Basilica, which was the world’s largest church until 1990. The size of this Renaissance basilica is incredibly impressive – it can hold a whopping 60,000 people.
6. Explore the picturesque district of Trastevere
Rome is packed with intimate alleyways, colourful shutters, and cobbled piazzas. And the district of Trastevere has no shortage of them.
Head across the river Tiber to this part of the Italian capital, and get lost in the winding streets, with their terracotta buildings and coffee bars.
When the sun sets, Trastevere is a great place for a romantic dinner. Head to restaurant Dar Poeta for some delicious pizza cooked in a wood-fired oven.
Tip: If you’re a fan of the doughy stuff, check out our 6 top places for the best pizza in Rome.
7. Discover the secrets of the Colosseum
Another sightseeing hotspot is the historical Colosseum. The world’s largest amphitheatre, this magnificent structure was completed in the year 80 A.D and is still standing strong.
From the stone balconies, you can imagine the roar of the 50,000-strong crowd that attended the gladiator battles. But did you know there were trap doors to make animals and scenery appear and disappear? Or that the Colosseum was deliberately flooded from a nearby aqueduct to stage mock sea battles?
This may not sound particularly romantic, but if you take a guided tour of the Colosseum, you’ll discover some interesting secrets and collect some long-lasting, shared memories.
8. Experience ancient splendour at the Roman Forum
The ancient vibes can be felt in the historical ruins of the Roman Forum, where the commercial, political and religious centre of Rome was situated. The ruins and columns are a reminder of the city’s splendour and glory.
To make the most of your time, you can combine tours of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palentine Hill, but you’ll need a full day to do so.
9. Take an evening stroll around Piazza Navona
Widely regarded as the most beautiful square in the world, Piazza Navona is built on the ruins of the Stadium of Domitian and Circus Agonalis, where the Romans went to watch sporting events.
It’s beautiful in the evening – perfect for a romantic stroll among the fountains and baroque architecture.
10. Relax in the Villa Borghese park
The Villa Borghese is one of the largest public parks in the city and can be found in the northeastern quarter of Rome.
This heart-shaped spot is an ideal spot to spend a laid-back, sunny afternoon. You can visit the manicured gardens, enjoy a quiet picnic, and take a boat ride on the small lake. It also offers some fantastic panoramic views of the Piazza del Popolo and Rome’s many domes.
Reward tips: Earn CashPoints on tours, activities, and entrance tickets
A perfect city break in Rome with your sweetheart requires some planning. Check out sightseeing tours and tickets with GetYourGuide where you can reserve your activities in advance and earn CashPoints on all bookings.
Top 5 romantic hotels in Rome
Book a special hotel room for a long weekend city trip for two. Below are five recommended hotels:
1) Portrait Roma – exquisite hotel with a roof terrace in Via Boccia di Leone, 23
2) Hotel Artemide – hotel with spa near the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma
3) Lifestyle Suites Rome – townhouse with bar/lounge near Piazza Navona
4) Residenza Napoleone III – bed & breakfast in the centre and within walking distance from the Spanish Steps
5) Daniel’s Hotel – excellent 4-star hotel near the Pantheon