Wine glasses on a table in Rome
Photo by Casina Valadier

The Most Romantic Places in Rome

We know, we know: George Clooney chose Venice. But to our minds there are few more romantic cities in Italy, let alone the world, than Rome. Between gorgeous lookouts, intimate piazzas, and the general ardor of the natives, Rome is one sprawling romantic setting. The itinerary below will have you waxing sappy and gushing “Ti amo” from dusk till dawn. 

Romantic lake at sunset
Fabio Stefano Alla/Flickr
Laghetto di Villa Borghese

Take your lover for a gentle row around Villa Borghese’s idyllic lake. Boats can be rented daily from 9:30am to sunset.

The Casina Valadier
Photo by Casina Valadier
Toast the sweetness of life at Casina Valadier

The garden cafe/bar of the fancy Casina Valadier restaurant is one of the loveliest spots in the city and more than conducive to canoodling.

Boy and girl running up stairs in Pincio gardens
Robert Taddeo/Flickr
Pincio

The utterly tryst-worthy Pincio gardens are recommended during the lingering glow after sunset, or in the full dark of night. 

Man and woman standing together at sunset
Jose Manuel Rios Valnient/Flickr
Stroll over to the Roof Bar at Raphael Hotel

Head here for a pre-dinner aperitivo or post-meal digestivo. The views can't be beat.

The bridge at sunset
Moyan Brenn/Flickr
Ponte Sant’Angelo

The bridge, lined with Bernini angels, is especially bewitching by night. 

Man and woman silhouette with Rome in background
(Waiting for) Godot/Flickr
Gianicolo

No romantic Roman itinerary is complete without the city’s make-out point par excellence, the Janiculum Hill. The tree-lined ridge above Trastevere is perfect for a lovers’ stroll.

The bridge at sunset
Moyan Brenn/Flickr
Ponte Sisto

The “kissing bridge” is characteristic because of its central oculus, Latin for “eye,” and sensual humped footpath. It connects two fashionable nightlife areas, Campo de' Fiori and Trastevere, and provides the perfect sunset backdrop for romance.

Campidoglio at sunset
Diego Albeo Roman/Flickr
Campidoglio

The sublime, deserted piazza is a fine place to be at night, but the evening view from the Campidoglio terraces over the Roman Forum is quite possibly the most rapturous sight in the world.

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