DISCOVER: Rome’s Most Romantic Spots
They say all roads lead to Rome. What they don’t tell you is that once you’re here, all paths also lead to love – whether you’re sharing gelato by the Spanish Steps or making wishes at Trevi Fountain with someone special.
From secret gardens that make poets’ hearts skip a beat to ancient ruins that look better by moonlight than any filter could manage, we’re about to show you why Rome makes even the most hardened cynics believe in love at first sight. Grab your partner (or future lover — we’re optimistic like that) and discover the most swoon-worthy spots in the Eternal City together.
Villa Borghese Gardens
Sprawling across 198 acres of manicured perfection, the gardens of Villa Borghese are Rome’s answer to Central Park, only with significantly more Italian flair. Rent a rowboat and drift across the lake while pine trees sway overhead; get your culture fix in the gallery to the east, or spread out a picnic blanket near the secret rose garden. Our recommendation? Grab some gelato and find a secluded bench near the Water Clock as the sun sets. The golden hour here makes everyone look like they’ve stepped out of a Botticelli painting.
Good to know
Book your tickets for Galleria Borghese as early in the day as possible. Arrive any time before 10:00 and you’ll have Bernini’s marble gods all to yourself, then go hit the lake and hire a boat for the afternoon like a boss.
Pincio Garden & Terrace
South-west of Villa Borghese, perched above Piazza del Popolo, the Pincio Terrace serves up views that’ll make your heart skip several beats. The garden’s winding paths seem designed for hand-in-hand strolls, leading to that jaw-dropping terrace where Rome’s domes and spires spread out before you like a lover’s gift. Time your visit for sunset, when the sky puts on a show that makes even the most seasoned Romans stop and stare.
Don’t miss
Duck into Villa Medici’s hidden orange grove just off the main terrace – it’s perfect for escaping the heat and snapping photos through the citrus trees.
Trevi Fountain
Sure, it’s on every tourist’s checklist, but hear us out – there’s magic in this marble masterpiece that can’t be captured in photos. Visit at dawn (trust us on this one) when the morning light plays on the water and the crowds are still hitting snooze. Toss in your coins, make your wishes, and steal a kiss while Neptune’s not looking. Legend has it that couples who throw coins together are destined to return to Rome – though we suspect that’s just an excuse for another romantic getaway. (easily done when art’otel Rome Piazza Sallustio is your love nest).
Top tip
Post-selfie and obligatory coin toss, take a quick 200m walk along via del Lavatore up to Gelateria Valentino for some of the best ice cream you’ve ever tasted. The pistachio, dark chocolate and tiramisu are simply to die for.
Janiculum Hill
Even as one of the city’s lesser-known lookouts, locals know that Janiculum Hill (or Gianicolo in Italian) is where real romance happens. Bring a bottle of wine, find a spot on the ancient walls, and watch as church bells ring across the city. When the noon cannon fires (yes, there’s actually a cannon), use the startled jump as an excuse to cuddle closer.
Top tip
Circle behind the lighthouse (yes, Rome has a lighthouse!) to find a tucked-away garden cafe.
Spanish Steps
Made famous by countless films (Roman Holiday and The Talented Mr Ripley, just to name two), these baroque beauties have witnessed more marriage proposals than we can count. Find your spot among the cascading flowers, perhaps near the spot where Keats penned his love poems. Whether you’re sharing gelato or simply people-watching, there’s something about these steps that makes time slow down and hearts speed up.
Worth knowing
Duck into the often-missed Keats-Shelley House at the foot for the coolest view of the steps through the poets’ original windows (plus blessed air conditioning).
Giardino degli Aranci
The Orange Garden is proof that Mother Nature is a hopeless romantic. This intimate garden on the Aventine Hill is pure poetry: fragrant orange trees, manicured lawns, and a terrace view that’ll leave you speechless. Through a perfectly framed arch, St. Peter’s dome appears like a painting against the Roman sky. Come here with someone special, and suddenly those love songs on your playlist start making perfect sense.
Pro tip
Head through the tiny door in the far right corner — it leads to a forgotten medieval herb garden where monks once grew medicinal plants.
Tiber River
The Tiber plays matchmaker as it winds through Rome’s heart. Take an evening stroll along its banks, where twinkling lights reflect off the water and street artists serenade passersby. Cross the Ponte Sisto at sunset, when the bridge’s golden glow turns every snapshot into a romantic masterpiece. In summer, the riverside comes alive with pop-up bars and restaurants – perfect for that spontaneous date night that turns into an unforgettable evening.
Insider Tip
Grab two glasses of wine from Roscioli’s enoteca, then sneak down to the summer riverside bars – they pop up like magic from June to September.
Santa Maria in Trastevere
If buildings could tell love stories, this church would write bestsellers. Santa Maria in Trastevere glows with golden mosaics and centuries of romancem, but it’s the piazza outside that steals hearts. grab a table at one of the cafes, order two espressos, and watch as Trastevere’s evening theatre unfolds. Street musicians provide the soundtrack to your own Roman holiday.
Must see
Head through the tiny door in the far right corner — it leads to a forgotten medieval herb garden where monks once grew medicinal plants.
Colosseum
By day, it’s impressive. By night, it’s pure magic. When the sun sets and the lights come on, the Colosseum transforms from historic hotspot to romantic icon. Walk hand in hand around its illuminated arches, imagining the countless love stories these ancient stones have witnessed. Yes, it’s seen its share of drama, but nowadays it’s all about creating softer memories – especially when moonlit against a velvet sky.
Quick Tip
Book the Underground and Arena Floor tour at dusk – you’ll stand where gladiators stood and get that golden light hitting the archways when the crowds have thinned out.
