Romance in Rome: The Ultimate Honeymoon Guide & Itinerary

Rome, Italy - Piazza San PietroSaint Peter's Square

Words: Rhonda Bannister

Rome, the timeless city brimming with history and romance, is the perfect backdrop for newlyweds looking to create lasting memories on their honeymoon. With its breathtaking architecture, delectable food scene, and lively cultural experiences, the Italian capital knows how to put its best foot forward. Rome offers an idyllic setting for a European honeymoon, where couples can indulge in everything from authentic pasta dishes and some of the most fascinating historical sites in the world to romantic strolls along the Tiber River, high-end shopping and dining, or sampling street food at local markets.

As you get ready for your honeymoon in Rome, think of this guide as your go-to travel companion, helping you discover all the highlights for an unforgettable getaway in this beautiful city.

Is Rome Good for a Honeymoon?

With its unique blend of ancient history, romantic ambience, and modern luxury, Rome is an ideal destination for a honeymoon. The city’s enchanting piazzas, historic landmarks, exquisite cuisine, and intimate hideaways offer countless opportunities for couples to create lasting memories. Its vibrant culture and timeless beauty ensure a magical and unforgettable honeymoon, inspiring love and romance at every turn.

Day One – Explore Ancient Rome:

Morning

Colosseum-Rome

Start your day early to take control of your experience and beat the omnipresent crowds while you visit Rome’s most famous monuments, starting with the iconic Colosseum. This ancient Roman arena was built to host the Gladiatorial fights viewed by up to 80,000 war-loving Romans. Hopefully, you’ll have booked a tour or pre-purchased tickets that include the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Otherwise, you’ll be in a long line in the hot sun. Some tickets now include visiting the Colosseum’s attic level, which features sweeping city views.

Rome, Italy - Ruins of the Roman Forum

Nearby are the awe-inspiring ruins of the Roman Forum, an epicentre of antiquity and once the political and commercial hub of ancient Rome. It’s where politicians vied for power and gathered to debate laws while Rome’s citizens carried on market business in the adjoining cobbled streets. The historical significance of this place, which will leave you in awe, cannot be overstated. Here, you’ll find the Arco di Tito, a triumphal arch said to be the inspiration for the Arc de Triumph in Paris. You’ll need an hour or more to wander through the archeological park before going to Capitoline Hill to visit the world’s oldest Museum (circa 1471), which houses splendid historical sculptures and artworks, a unique, not-to-be-missed experience. After all that walking, treat yourself to a cold beer or a glass of vino at the Museum’s exclusive rooftop restaurant.

Afternoon

After lunch at a local trattoria, it’s time to immerse in the iconic, must-see sites of the city.

Rome, Italy - Trevi Fountain

Immortalised in Fellini’s film ‘La Dolce Vita,’ the Trevi Fountain is a place of enchantment. You can toss a coin (or three!) to guarantee your return to Bella Roma. Next, go to the Spanish Steps, Europe’s longest and widest steps. If you’re up to it, climb the steep steps to the top, where you’ll find the Trinita dei Monti, a 16th-century French church.

Related: Italy’s Must-See Famous Landmarks

Rome, Italy - Art museum at Villa Borghese

From here, you can walk to Villa Borghese to visit Rome’s premier art museum. Pre-booking is essential for this visit. The Museum houses splendid historical sculptures and artworks and is considered one of the world’s finest small museums, making it a must-see for art and sculpture lovers.

Evening

Rome, Italy - Pantheon

It’s been a full day of discovery, but it needs to be finished with a late afternoon visit to the Pantheon, which has represented the most significant expression of Rome’s glory for more than two thousand years. It is the only ancient Roman building that has remained practically intact through the centuries. The Pantheon inspired Raphael, one of the greatest architects of the Renaissance, who requested it be his place of eternal rest.

After dinner (see our recommended restaurants and trattorias), end your evening at Piazza Navona with a nightcap at the rooftop bar of Hotel Raphael, where you can take in the magical views of the eternal city.

Day Two – Explore Rome’s Neighbourhoods:

We hope you’re the kind of people who love to find the city’s essence in its everyday culture by soaking up the atmosphere of its neighbourhoods. We’ve compiled a list of areas you’ll love wandering through, so spend your second day discovering the soul of Rome and its people.

Trastevere

Rome, Italy - Trastevere

This charming area’s colourful buildings, cobblestone streets, and countless restaurants and bars make it a must-visit. They say you can taste the authentic Roman cuisine in Trastevere, so its restaurants and trattorias are usually busy for lunch and dinner. You can reach Trastevere by walking along the road alongside the Tiber River, calling into Tiber Island, the smallest inhabited island in the world, for a sightseeing spot.

Monti

Rome, Italy - Monti

One of the oldest residential areas in the capital and a short walk from the Colosseum, the bohemian village of Monti is a delightful combination of past and present. Its excellent traditional trattorias, trendy boutiques and galleries, and fabulous vintage stores stand side by side. Some of the city’s best bars can also be found here.

Pigneto

A hipster arty area around 25 minutes from the centre that’s just becoming trendy with plenty of cafes, bars, lively restaurants and arthouse cinemas. Pigneto is not usually thronged with tourists, so its mellow vibes provide a respite from the crowded tourist areas. Wander through the via del Pigneto to grasp this trendy neighbourhood’s sounds, smells and sights.

Prati

Rome, Italy - Prati

Bordering the Tiber River’s west bank, this art nouveau district symbolises the elegance, history, and beauty of Rome with tree-lined streets and majestic buildings and monuments. It is an affluent residential neighbourhood with the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica practically at its doorstep. The boulevards come to life at night with a mix of al fresco wine bars, stylish cocktail lounges, and gourmet restaurants. Prati also has some of the best shopping in Rome via Cola di Rienzo and Ottaviano, where you will find many well-known Italian brands. Leave enough time to wander through the colossal food market, Mercato Trionfale, while in the area.

You might also like: A Honeymooner’s Guide to Italy

The Jewish Ghetto

Rome, Italy - The Jewish Ghetto

The oldest Jewish settlement in Europe, dating back to the 2nd century B.C., is an atmospheric area studded with kosher bakeries, exciting shops, and famous trattorias. Located a stone’s throw from Piazza Venezia and Capitoline Hill, this neighbourhood couldn’t be more central and easy to reach. It’s handy to note many restaurants are closed on Friday evening and through Saturday for religious reasons.

The Great Synagogue is the area’s main attraction. Inside the Synagogue, the Museo Ebraico di Roma’s seven galleries trace the story of the Ghetto. As you’re walking through the streets, keep an eye out for brass memorial plaques sited in the cobblestones commemorating the city’s Holocaust victims. Each one names a person and gives the date and destination of their deportation and death. They are placed outside the victims’ homes. About 2,000 Jews of the area’s 7,000 were rounded up in a single day in 1943 and sent to concentration camps. Only 16 survived. Today, Rome is said to have less than 20,000 Jewish residents, only a few hundred of whom live in this quarter.

Day three: The Vatican

Morning

Rome, Italy - Vatican

No visit to Rome is complete without experiencing the grandeur of Vatican City, the world’s smallest sovereign state within the city itself. You will need at least a half day here as the Vatican is Rome’s most popular tourist destination and is always busy. The best way to organise your day is with a small-group tour. This is the world’s largest church with so much history, art and architecture to see, such as St Peter’s Basilica – a breathtaking Renaissance masterpiece, St Peter’s Square, the Sistine Chapel – Michelangelo’s masterpiece where the celestial frescoes adorn the ceiling, and the Vatican museums. Sounds exhausting, and it is!

Related: Your Guide to Tuscany’s Saturnia Hot Springs

Afternoon/evening

Rome, Italy - restaurant

Before you leave Rome, we strongly recommend joining a culinary tour where you’ll meet local shopkeepers and restaurateurs and discover the heart and soul of the city through its food. We’ve picked three tour companies as they rate highly, but there’s much more to choose from. Enjoy!

Culinary Delights: A Feast for the Senses

Rome is known as one of the world’s top food cities; its culinary scene celebrates flavours that will tantalise your taste buds. Enjoy authentic Roman cuisine at cozy trattorias, where generations-old recipes are lovingly prepared.

Trattoria Da Enzo al 29 – Trastevere

There’s always a line to get into this classic old-fashioned trattoria, but you are okay with waiting when the food’s this good.

Trattoria Pennestri

In a city known for good dining experiences, Trattoria Pennestri stands out like a shining star. The food is excellent, and the service is friendly. Make sure to book!

Ceasare al Casaletto – Trastevere

It is an off-the-beaten-path restaurant with excellent service and fantastic food that consistently gains great reviews, especially for the fried appetisers and traditional pasta dishes. It’s a 15-minute taxi ride from the city, but it’s worth it!

Santo Palato

An excellent lunchtime restaurant, Santo Palato is where chef Sarah Cicolini creates magic with a daily-changing chalkboard menu packed with gems that keep her regulars returning for more.

Ristorante Roscioli

In the heart of the capital, a few steps from Campo de Fiori, this historic Roman restaurant has an extensive menu based on the freshest ingredients. More than a restaurant, Ristorante Roscioli is the kitchen of Rome’s premier baking family and a trove of high-quality products from Italy and beyond. Pull up a stool at the counter and tuck into a classic Roman dish such as spaghetti cacao e pepe.

Trattoria Vecchia Roma

One cannot mention Rome without mentioning pasta; the Eternal City is home to some of the best pasta dishes in the country. Famous for its amatriciana and spaghetti parmigiana flambé (which means they toss the pasta in a flaming wheel of cheese), this is an excellent spot for Roman fare in the Esquilino/Monti neighbourhood.

Romantic Hideaways: Escape into Blissful Seclusion

Rome, Italy - view from Aventine Hill

Amidst the bustling city, Rome offers secluded sanctuaries where couples can retreat and bask in their newfound love. Stroll through the serene Villa Borghese gardens, a verdant oasis that invites you to lose yourselves in its winding paths and tranquil fountains. Discover hidden gems like the Giardino degli Aranci, a secret garden atop the Aventine Hill offering breathtaking city skyline views.

Accommodations Fit for Royalty

Rome, Italy - Hotel

Rome is home to a plethora of luxurious accommodations that cater to the desires of honeymooners. From opulent palaces turned hotels to intimate boutique retreats, you’ll find the perfect haven to call your own. Indulge in world-class amenities, impeccable service, and romantic touches that elevate your honeymoon experience.

Nightlife and Entertainment

Rome, Italy - nighttime

As the sun sets, Rome transforms into a vibrant playground for lovers. Embark on a romantic evening stroll through the city’s enchanting streets, stopping at cosy wine bars to sample the finest Italian vintages. Immerse yourselves in the captivating world of opera at the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, where the melodies of timeless masterpieces will transport you to a world of passion and grandeur.

Shopping Delights: Souvenirs of Love

Rome, Italy - souvenir shop

Rome is a shopper’s paradise, offering many opportunities to bring home souvenirs that will forever remind you of your honeymoon bliss. Explore the charming boutiques lining the streets of Trastevere, where you’ll find unique handcrafted treasures and locally designed fashion pieces.

Indulge in window shopping along the illustrious Via Condotti, where high-end designer stores entice with their luxurious offerings.

Romantic Excursions: Exploring Beyond the City Limits

Positana View
Positano Village

While Rome is a treasure trove of wonders, the surrounding regions offer a wealth of romantic escapades for adventurous couples. Venture to the enchanting Amalfi Coast, where picturesque villages cling to cliffs overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. Or, embark on a journey to the rolling hills of Tuscany, where vineyards and medieval towns transport you to a world of timeless beauty.

Optimal Times to Visit

Visiting Rome during peak summer can be sweltering, busy, and costly. If it’s your only option, consider planning your itinerary to explore early in the day, retreat to your air-conditioned hotel during the afternoon heat, and resume exploring in the cooler evenings.

November is a favourable time for its milder temperatures and fewer crowds. January is also recommended for its sales season, the vibrant spring weather of April, and autumn in October.

Getting There

Most travellers arrive at Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci/Fiumicino Airport (FCO). A 30-minute non-stop train ride connects FCO to Termini, the city’s central station. You can reach your accommodation via taxi, Metro, bus, or tram. Please note that ride-sharing services other than Uber Black are unavailable in Rome.

Getting Around

Rome, Italy - Transportation - bus

Rome’s historic centre is mainly flat and easily navigable on foot. Buses and the Metro, managed by ATAC, provide reliable transport for longer distances, although walking may be quicker depending on your route.

Taxis cannot be hailed on the street but are stationed at designated taxi stands, typically near tourist hotspots. Renting a car in Rome is not advisable unless you are accustomed to navigating heavy traffic, intricate one-way systems, and numerous pedestrian-only streets in the city centre.

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