Rome for couples: the most romantic things to do

Looking for romantic activities in Rome? We've put together a list of the best date ideas for adventurous couples. You'll find a wealth of great things to do in Rome for couples, from amazing meals to secret corners to explore. Every night that you spend in the Italian capital with your love will be unforgettable, whether you choose to wine and dine, see the sights, or take a night tour.

Some of our special dates are good enough for memorable anniversary ideas. Fall in love with Rome with these romantic ideas and find some things to add to your Roman itinerary.

Romantic things to do in Rome at a glance

Best places for a romantic evening: Share a magical moment at the Trevi Fountain at night or enjoy a rooftop dinner overlooking the Colosseum.

Most scenic spots for couples: Wander through the charming streets of Trastevere or watch the sunset from the Pincio Terrace at Villa Borghese.

Unique date ideas in Rome: Take a Vespa tour through the city or enjoy a private wine tasting in a hidden cellar.

Relaxing experiences for two: Stroll through the Orange Garden or enjoy a picnic at the Appian Way Regional Park.

Best food experiences for couples: Join a pasta-making class or sip Aperol Spritz on a piazza with views of St. Peter’s Basilica.

1. Zip around town on the back of a Vespa

When you're riding a Vespa, you'll feel like a true Italian. With the wind whipping through your hair, you'll weave through the traffic with your love. This is going to be a date you'll never forget.

Best time to go:

You can rent a Vespa for a day or more. This way, you can see the best of the city, enjoying the sights by day as well as taking a sunset ride up one of the seven hills.

2. Take a hands-on cooking class together

They say that the way to the heart is through the stomach. With an authentic Italian cooking class, you can make your own mind up. Learn to make spaghetti from scratch, followed by a deliciously rich tiramisu.

Best time to go:

This feast is delicious at any time of year. It's best to go after a long day of sightseeing when you've worked up a real appetite.

3. Enjoy the views from Castel Sant'Angelo at sunset

This ancient fortress was first built as a mausoleum by Emperor Hadrian. It's far more romantic today. Climb to the terrace for great riverside views that stretch across the city, and gaze hand in hand across the Roman skyline.

Best time to go:

For a truly romantic experience, visit Castel Sant'Angelo in the early evening and head up to the terrace to watch the sunset with your partner next to you.

4. Listen to arias at a private opera show

Opera is one of the most exquisitely romantic genres of music. With a private show that focuses on love songs and arias, you'll be whisked away to another world.

Best time to go:

This open-air concert is best in the summer months. The warm Mediterranean evenings are pleasantly balmy and add to the incredible atmosphere.

5. Make a wish at the Trevi Fountain

This is one of the most famous fountains in the world. If tossing a coin isn't enough for you, then organize a private photoshoot. It's the ideal way to celebrate an engagement, an anniversary, or just another day in your relationship.

Best time to go:

The fountain is beautiful at any time of year, but we recommend going just before sunset. The so-called golden hour is the best time of day for taking photos to capture your memories of this iconic place.

6. Enjoy an indulgent meal at Rome's finest restaurants

A tasting tour is one of the best ways to try Roman produce. From cheeses and cured meats to truffles and pasta, there's something for everyone.

Best time to go:

You'll eat well in Rome at any time of year, but the fall is a particularly good time. That's when black truffles are in season, so get ready for a taste sensation.

7. Mix art and wine at a private Caravaggio experience

This is the perfect date for any art lover. Enjoy fine wine tastings as you admire Caravaggio's masterpieces and learn about the artist's life. You'll also have top sommeliers on hand to help you learn about the art of wine appreciation and enhance your experience.

Best time to go:

This is a delightfully romantic occasion at any time of year. It's a good indoor option for cozy couples' activities during the winter months.

8. Admire the Renaissance works at the Borghese Gallery

If art gets you in the mood for love, go hand-in-hand with your loved one to the Borghese Gallery. Admire the works by Italy's greatest artists before going for a relaxing picnic in the gardens.

Best time to go:

The gallery is great all year round. In summer, you can also dine al fresco in the Borghese Gardens, which really adds to the experience.

9. Take a thrilling ride into nature and underground

An e-bike tour of the Appian Way makes for a very original date. You'll get out of the city into a beautiful green meadow before taking a spine-tingling trip into the underground catacombs.

Best time to go:

You can go at any time of year, but spring is the best time to see flowers along the Appian Way. It won't be stiflingly hot yet, either.

10. Explore the lake at Castel Gandolfo in a two-person kayak

If you want to get out of the city, Castel Gandolfo makes a great day trip. Those who love adventurous dates can head out on the lake. Paddle your way to one of the secret beaches together and dive into the refreshing clear water.

Best time to go:

This is ideal for the summer, as it's an excellent way to cool off and escape the city heat.

11. Go back in time to a gorgeous medieval town

Take a day trip to Sermometa and the Garden of Ninfa. This is one of the most romantic locations around Rome, with medieval architecture and gorgeous flowers.

Best time to go:

Visit in spring to see the most stunning landscape as the colorful flowers are bursting into bloom.

12. Spend a day tasting wine on an epicurean date

Outside Rome, the Frascati wine region is the perfect spot for a special date. Visit a 300-year-old vineyard on your tour and enjoy some wine tasting and gourmet snacks.

Best time to go:

The countryside here has great weather from spring to fall. You could even go in winter, but you'll need to bring a warm jacket just to be on the safe side.

FAQs

What are the most romantic activities to do in Rome?

Start your date by visiting the Trevi Fountain, where you can toss a coin. Take care. Local legend says that if you throw two coins, you'll get married, but if you throw three, you'll break up and find a new love. A walk around the center, with stops at the Spanish Steps and the Colosseum, is a great romantic activity.

What are some offbeat romantic things to do in Rome?

For a quirky date, take a pasta-making class. You'll have a great time when you and your partner are both up to your elbows in flour. Best of all, you'll get to eat your very own pasta when you're done.

What are the most romantic spots to watch the sunset in Rome?

The terrace of Castel Sant'Angelo is a wonderful place for sunset views. You can also go to the Giardino degli Aranci, set high on a hill with the best views of the Vatican and St Peter's Basilica. This is a public park, so it's an ideal spot for enjoying a picnic with your partner as you watch the sunset.

What are some romantic day trips from Rome?

There are so many great options for romantic day trips from Rome. Try Castel Gandolfo, which has a gorgeous lake, as well as the Pope's incredible summer gardens. Sermoneta is a charming medieval village high in the hills. You can also take a day trip into the nearby wine region, where you can sample the local vintages. In summer, you may also want to head out to the gorgeous villages of the Amalfi Coast for a day by the sea.

What are the best places to take romantic photos in Rome?

Any of Rome's famous monuments are ideal for romantic photos. They include the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, St Peter's Basilica, and the Colosseum. You can also take a great picture from the terrace of Castel Sant'Angelo, with the city as your backdrop. Finally, you'll find lots of options around the Borghese Gardens. This is Rome's most popular public park, and it has many beautiful spots that are ideal for romantic photoshoots.