Rome’s reputation for romance is well-founded. There’s no other place like it for celebrating special occasions, given the city’s rich history, art, and food scene. But finding romantic things to do in Rome, far from the crowds, can be tricky. Italy’s capital is straining under the weight of overtourism, meaning it’s even more important to seek out exclusive experiences. That’s why we’ve written this article: to share insider recommendations for celebrating special occasions in Rome.
Make sure to use the code MEGASAVE20 at checkout for 20% off! (Valid for total bookings over €200)
Must-Do Tours with a Personal Touch
If it’s your first time in Rome, you have to visit the Colosseum. But how you decide to visit makes all the difference between whether the experience is unforgettable for the right or wrong reasons. Colosseum tickets sell out fast (and reputable tours even faster), which is why the best thing to do is book a Semi-Private Colosseum Tour (with timed skip-the-line entry, of course) several weeks in advance. For extra exclusivity, check out this Private Colosseum Tour.
The Vatican is also a must for travellers of faith, but—just between us—we think it’s overrated. Not to say that the art isn’t awe-inspiring, but the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel are so poorly managed that there’s no way of visiting without being squeezed through like sardines. If you’re looking for something extra exclusive for your special occasion, give the Vatican a miss.
Rome Honeymoon Ideas
Roma and romance go hand-in-hand, so you’ll be spoilt for choice when researching ideas for your honeymoon. Here are our top suggestions for what to see and how to see them.
Immerse yourselves in incredible art
Rome’s most romantic museum is the Borghese Gallery, a world-class collection of sculpture and portraiture set within a stunning seventeenth-century palace. Its breathtaking Bernini sculptures and portraits by the likes of Caravaggio, Titian, and Raphael are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. But be aware – you can’t just turn up on the day. Tickets must be booked weeks in advance and are valid only for specific time slots between 9 am – 7 pm on Tuesday through til Sunday.
Time your trip to the Trevi Fountain & Spanish Steps
The city’s two most romantic attractions, the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps, are also its two most popular, meaning you’ll want to go early in the morning (around 6 am) or late at night (after midnight) to enjoy them without the crowds. But go you must, ideally with a professional photographer who can capture the honeymoon shots that will sit forever on your mantlepiece.
Perfect the art of pasta and tiramisù on a cooking class like no other
When in Rome, learn to cook as the Romans do through a Rome with Chef authentic cooking class! Our best cooking class for honeymooners is the Spritz & Spaghetti Cooking Class: under the guidance of your personal Italian chef, you’ll master real Roman cooking, making handmade fettuccine alla carbonara or cacio e pepe from scratch and creamy, dreamy tiramisù. But that’s not all. You’ll also learn to mix three traditional Italian cocktails: Aperol Spritz, Campari Spritz, and Limoncello Spritz.
To celebrate with others, book our small-group pasta-making & cocktail class (max 14 guests)
For a private, extra personal cooking class, treat yourself to this private pasta & cocktail class:
Climb Rome’s hills for golden hour sunsets
One evening, you should climb one of Rome’s hills to enjoy breathtaking views over the city and catch one of Rome’s famous golden sunsets. The Janiculum Hill above Trastevere offers the most encompassing view of the historic centre. It’s a steep climb (or you can take the 115 bus from Viale Trastevere), but the views from the terrace are well worth it. To add that extra sparkle and make the moment more memorable, treat yourselves to a bottle of prosecco at the top.
The Orange Garden on the Aventine Hill offers another incredible view, though its centrepiece is St Peter’s Dome in the distance rather than the skyline of the historic centre.
Treat yourselves to an indulgent (and award-winning) food tour
For one of your evenings, make sure to book our award-winning Food Tour through Trastevere. This tour can be booked as a small-group or semi-private experience (6 guests max) and is the best way to get a taste for real Roman cuisine.
These food tours include at least 10 tastings and wine pairings at local, family-run establishments. But it’s more than the food that makes this tour so special; it’s the insight of the guide and the encounters they’ll facilitate with locals whose families have been dedicating their lives to Rome’s culinary culture for generations.
Enjoy a romantic dinner at an authentic Roman restaurant
For another night, book yourselves a table at one of the best restaurants in Trastevere, our favourite foodie district, or venture further afield to try some of the best pasta restaurants in Rome.
Celebrating Your Anniversary in Rome
Nowhere could be as perfect for celebrating a milestone anniversary as Rome, the Eternal City. The historic centre oozes romance, with quaint cobbled alleyways, ivy-clad medieval architecture, and stunning squares centred around flowing ornamental fountains. Rome’s popularity as a destination for lovers means many of its main areas can get quite crowded, however, ruining the romance if you time your visit wrong.
Here are some suggestions for how to celebrate your anniversary in Rome the right way.
Rediscover your love for cooking together 😉 on a couples’ cooking class!
What better way to celebrate your anniversary than through a private Rome cooking class for couples under the guidance of your own Italian chef? Our Private Spritz and Spaghetti Class will teach you the art of authentic Roman cooking, making handmade fettuccine alla carbonara or cacio e pepe from scratch and creamy, dreamy tiramisù. That’s not all. You’ll also learn to mix three traditional Italian cocktails: Aperol Spritz, Campari Spritz, and Limoncello Spritz.
To celebrate with others, book our small-group pasta-making & cocktail class (max 14 guests)
For something extra personal, treat yourself to a private pasta & cocktail class:
Use the code MEGASAVE20 at checkout for 20% off! (Valid for total bookings over €200)
Treat your tastebuds to an award-winning food tour
For one of your evenings, make sure to book our award-winning Food Tour through Trastevere. This tour can be booked as a small-group or semi-private experience (6 guests max) and is the best way to get a taste for real Roman cuisine.
These food tours include at least 10 tastings and wine pairings at local, family-run establishments. But it’s more than the food that makes this tour so special; it’s the insight of the guide and the encounters they’ll facilitate with locals whose families have been dedicating their lives to Rome’s culinary culture for generations.
Venture into the Roman countryside and on Rome’s first road
The Via Appia Antica (Old Appian Way) was Rome’s first major road, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the inspiration behind the saying ‘all roads lead to Rome’. Dating from the 4th century BC, the Appian Way is the most captivating remnant of antiquity in Rome, paved with polished basalt stones, populated by sheep and goats, and lined with tombs, catacombs, imperial-era villas, baths complexes, and even a remarkably preserved chariot racing track.
You can visit the Appian Way by renting bikes from EcoBike on the Appian Way or catching the 118 bus to the Basilica of St Sebastian and then walking the rest of the way. But by far the best way to experience the Appian Way is with a guide who can provide context for what you’re seeing while helping you navigate, should you branch off to explore its environs.
Treat yourself to a private tour with an Oxford historian.
Book a romantic meal at one of the world’s best pizzerias
Traditionally, Rome’s pizzerias are more rough-and-ready, rustic eateries than venues of fine dining, but there are a few places that serve gourmet pizza worthy of a honeymoon dinner, such as Seu Pizza Illuminati (voted one of the top 10 pizzerias in the world).
Ideas for Bachelorette Parties in Rome
Join a Tipsy Tour
Rome is well known for its nightlife, especially around the trendy, central neighbourhoods like Monti and Trastevere. But finding where the locals go instead of run-of-the-mill tourist bars can be tricky. That’s one of the main strengths of a Rome Tipsy Tour.
Joining your local storyteller guide, you’ll discover local cocktail and wine bars, try traditional Roman drinks, and get to hear the most scandalous stories from Rome’s fascinating history.
With thousands of five-star reviews, the Tipsy Tour is consistently rated the best nightlife tour in Rome and is the perfect way to meet other fun, international travellers in a safe environment.
Master the art of pasta on a Private Cooking Class
Before setting out on a Tipsy Tour, why not treat yourself to a cooking class like no other? Rome with Chef’s Spritz & Spaghetti Class blends the best of Italian food and drink, teaching you to make three typical Italian cocktails as well as fettuccine pasta and tiramisù from scratch.
Book your Private Pasta & Cocktail Class
Treat yourselves to an indulgent (and award-winning) food tour
Make sure to set aside one afternoon or evening for an award-winning Trastevere Food Tour. Available as a small-group or semi-private experience (6 guests max), this food tour is the best way to get a taste for real Roman cuisine.
These food tours include at least 10 tastings and wine pairings at local, family-run establishments. But it’s more than the food that makes this tour so special; it’s the insight of the guide and the encounters they’ll facilitate with locals whose families have been dedicating their lives to Rome’s culinary culture for generations.
Test your talents while sipping wine on a Private Art Class
Perfect for bachelorette parties, this 3-hour private art class combines painting with getting slowly p*ssed in an experience that will leave you with an artwork that would rival Michelangelo (if he was so utterly slaughtered that he could barely hold a paintbrush).
You’ll be warmly welcomed the Italian way with a glass of wine and some snacks before choosing your muse and get painting. Recreate iconic Roman monuments and landscapes with the help of your instructor and collaborate with your tipsy team through the power of creativity. By the end, you’ll have a masterpiece to take home with you – unless you overdo it on the vino, in which case we have plenty of space in the bins)!
For more ideas for your Rome Bachelorette Party, from brunches and spa treatments to evening photoshoots, check out this Rome Bachelorette Party idea article.
Remember to use the code MEGASAVE20 at checkout for 20% off! (Valid for total bookings over €200)
