Rome Romantic Vacation Ideas, Tips, & Attractions
Attractions and Tips for Great Romantic Rome Vacations
Otherwise known as the Eternal City, we often wonder what is more breathtaking about it, the beauty of the ancient Colosseum, the opulence of the Vatican, or the timelessness of the Forum. Whether it's trying to cross a busy intersection or just paying the bill for your caffe latte on a street corner cafe, Rome offers the old and the new to any romantic trip. Enjoy eating a eating chestnut gelati on a hot day, or feel the thousand years of history underneath your feet as you make your way through the ancient ruins.
Rome wasn't built in a day, and this is quickly evident while you sightsee the city. Touring Rome can be Rome exhilarating, but also exhausting, as you explore temples, residences, basilicas, churches, palazzi, piazzi, parks, museums and fountains. All this and the Vatican too! If you are visiting several archeological sites during your stay in Rome, you can also purchase the Roma Archeologia card valid for seven days, which will give you access to 9 sites in Rome, including the Colosseum, Terme di Diocleziano, Terme di Caracalla, Villa dei Quintili, and more.
The Colosseum
One of the most famous monuments of ancient Rome, it was built in 80 A.D. and stands over 160 feet high. In ancient times, over 50,000 visitors could attend events, as they entered the building through it's 80 doors. Used as a medieval fortress after it was abandoned for centuries, the Colosseum is slowly being restored, as it has suffered damage from earthquakes and war. You can enter the Colosseum and tour the inside of the famous structure. The Colosseum is open every day, except during national holidays. You will get a sense of the vast amount of history here, imagining the historic battles that have taken place within it's walls.
Vatican City and St. Peter's Basilica
With a population under 1000, Vatican City is the smallest independant state in all of Europe, and it's located in Rome. The Vatican City includes the
Vatican Museums, the
Sistine Chapel, Vatican gardens,
St. Peter's Basilica, and
St. Peter's Square. The Vatican is located on the west bank of
River Tevere and separated from the rest of Rome by a wall. St. Peter's Basilica houses numerous treasures, including Michaelangelo's Pieta, a bronze statue of St. Peter and numerous marble and gold statues throughout the basilica. Admission to the public is free, but make sure to wear proper clothing (no short sleeves or shorts), otherwise you will not be permitted to enter.
The Vatican Tourist Office, located in St. Peter's Square, offers guided tours of the basilica and the beautiful Vatican gardens. There is a small fee to enter the gardens and Michaelangelo's dome. For great views of the square below and of Rome, take the elevator to the roof of St. Peter's Basilica. Climb to the top of the dome and stroll through the beautiful Vatican gardens. Vatican Grottos, the Necropolis and the Museum of Vatican Treasures are other points of interest while visiting The Vatican.
The Spanish Steps
This is one of the most busiest sections in Rome, these famous steps extend from
Piazza di Spagna to
Trinita dei Monti. This area offers designer shops, restaurants, and bars for you to enjoy lunch or dinner. The square at the bottom of the Spanish Steps contains a beautiful fountain in the shape of a small boat, called the
Barcaccia. You will find that many visitors and locals gather here to view the fountain, you may want to climb a few stairs to get a better view. Our tip for a great view of Rome is to climb to the top of the Spanish Steps, then ascend a little higher to the entrance to the church
Trinita dei Monti. Not as many tourists think to come here from the top of the steps, and you will enjoy a better view with less crowds surrounding you.
Trevi Fountain
One of the most romantic and beautiful spots in all of Rome, the fountain is also one of the most photographed. Make a wish and toss a coin into the fountain over your shoulder, legend says that anyone who does this will return to Rome one day. At the center of the fountain is Neptune, God of the Sea according to the ancient Roman mythology. Water collects first in smaller pools underneath the marble statues and then flows to the center. The fountain is within walking distance of the
Spanish Steps and
Piazza Navona. It is situated in the
Trevi Square which, unlike the open Piazza Navona, appears very small compared to the fountain.
Roman Forum
No trip to Rome is complete without a trip to the ruins of the Roman Forum. Extending from
The Colosseum to the
Capitol, the forum is an open-air museum, displaying ancient ruins that include arches, temples, columns, and many historic buildings. Plan on spending several hours exploring the vast forum, as it takes about two hours just to walk from it's entrance at
Via dei Fori Imperiali to it's exit. You can get a great overview of the Forum from the lookout point at the back of the
Capitol. If you are short on time, view the ruins from here, without even having to enter the Forum.
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Romantic Hotels & Restaurants In Rome
Rome is a beautiful and exciting city with numerous attractions, fine restaurants and boutique shops. Below we list some favorites of ours.
Hotel de Russie - Located in the heart of Rome, many attractions are within walking distance of the hotel, including the Colosseum, the Vatican, Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain. After a hard day of exploring the ancient ruins of Rome, kick back at the full service spa, or enjoy a quiet moment and relax in the terraced gardens. Book your honeymoon suite that overlooks the gardens, Piazza del Popolo, and Roman rooftops.
Hotel Eden - Over 100 years old, Hotel Eden offers some of the most spectacular views of the city, and is just a short walk from the Spanish Steps. The hotel features an excellent restaurant, La Terrazza dell'Eden, with excellent Mediterranean cuisine accompanied by the unrivalled view over the Seven Hills of Rome.
L'Archetto Restaurant - This spaghetti house is close to the Trevi fountain and Piazza Venezia. Excellent spaghetti and superb sauces, and the variously prepared 'bruschette' is also very good. Find a table on the outside terrace which is protected by the shade, and is on a fairly quiet scenic street. Go downstairs and you will find a cool and rustic basement with lots of romantic tables. Via dell'Archetto, 26, Rome, 00187 Italy
Ristorante Tre Scalini - located in a beautiful part of Rome, the menu offers excellent Roman dishes alongside classic Italian recipes including risottos, porcini mushrooms, different types of pasta, both fish and meat dishes and cooked vegetables. Enjoy a romantic rustic setting, and make sure to leave room for the truffle ice cream, which is the restaurant's specialty. Piazza Navona, 8, Rome, 00186 Italy
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Hope you found these Rome romantic vacation tips useful and we hope that you enjoy your next Rome vacation in Italy.
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