“Romantic” & “Rome” go hand in hand – it shouldn’t be a surprise that the two share the same root. Sure, Paris is the capital of lovers, and our very own Venice has got gondole – we can not compete with that!

Nevertheless, Rome can be as cozy and… lovely for couples, provided that you look beyond the obvious places.

For instance, the Pincio Hill terrace in Villa Borghese, or its pond, are crowded with sweethearts any time of the year, while any restaurant with a view can become a perfect setting for a romantic gesture! Elsewhere in the city, the Appian Way on the wrong day of the week can be crowded with cars, and the Aqueducts Park turns into family central… But despair no more: stick with us, and you’ll discover places that will soon become your personal Roman-tic landmarks on Valentine’s Day!

Beyond Giardino degli Aranci

Sure, Giardino degli Aranci routinely ends in guide books as one of the most romantic places in Rome… Did you know, though, that there is an actual connection between St. Valentine and Rome?

The first thing to know is that two martyrs shared the same name. And that one was killed by Roman soldiers on February 14th by the Villa Glori park in north Rome, close to the Auditorium Parco della Musica. Until 1986, it was still possible to visit the catacombs below the park itself, but visits have been discontinued after major damage due to floods. Pick this hilly garden for a quiet stroll in a residential area never crowded with tourists, or visit the observation point at Lo Zodiaco, further north in the Monte Mario district, for sweeping (and romantic) views over Rome.

Trevi Fountain at dawn

Burdened by jet lag? Make the most of it by reaching Trevi Fountain before the city wakes up! Any time between 6 and 730pm is good, and the outcome will be magical: see the fountain with virtually no one around and revel in the peacefulness of the square as it was intended to be enjoyed before mass tourism hit the city.

A literal dinner for two

Most restaurants in Rome will be packed with couples on Valentine’s Day. Why not try a different route? Solo per Due in Vacone (north of Rome) or Tête-à-Tête on Via di Valle Vescovo offer just the one table with seating for two. And if you’d like something slightly different, Tramjazz will let you wine and dine on the move, as the restaurant is on an actual trolley moving through the city as a band plays live.

… And forget about the padlocks

The mayor of Rome has banned the ubiquitous “padlocks of love” that were all the rage due to a YA novel by local writer Federico Moccia.

You won’t be fined, however, to reach the bridge where it all began: Ponte Milvio, in north Rome, a 10 minutes walk from the magnificent MAXXI, the National Center for the Arts of the 21st century. Enjoy the views on the river from there, pose for a selfie or two and take a leisurely stroll in one of Rome’s poshest, lesser known (by tourists!) areas. Ponte Milvio is a short tram ride away from Paradiso Penthouse.

Rent a Vespa, but cross the river!

A Vespa ride for two can be romantic – just don’t try to ride in the city center! Instead, head across the river and uphill from the Janiculum Hill, in the Monteverde district. This area is a quieter part of Rome that’s perfect to get familiar with our very own legendary moped… And with Romans’ way of life (including their driving style).

You can reach easily Monteverde from our managed accommodations at San Pietro Lovely Apartment, Via delle Mantellate or Domus Claudiae. And if you’re staying at our newest addition on Via Alberto Mario, you’ll be smack dab in the middle of the district!