Ciao Baby Bears!
February is one of the most romantic times of the year here in Rome. Bright, azure skies and crisp, clear nights inspire the Eternal City’s enamoured couples, who hold on to each other tight as they wander the city’s cobbled streets.
Love is in the air, especially around San Valentino (Saint Valentine’s Day). In fact, a couple of my girlfriends just got married, which means it’s time to write about the best spots where to propose in Rome (hoping that my Papa Bear Simone will read this post and start to get inspired! 😉).
Can you imagine anything better than a proposal here in the Eternal City? Lots of guests over the years have asked me where to propose in Rome. Somewhere unique that will really make that moment “The Moment”!
During my career as a Tour Guide I have seen proposals all over:
✔ on the Colosseum arena floor (I bet gladiators never would have expected that!)
✔ inside the Sistine Chapel
✔ during a food tour in a restaurant while we were all eating “Carbonara” (this is the most surprising – the lovely girl almost choked on her carbonara, as did I😊)
✔ inside the Pantheon during a city orientation walking tour
✔ on top of the Janiculum Hill during a private night tour
These are all amazing places (guys, take note!) but I would suggest you try something different. Here is my personal Top 7 romantic spots list for where to propose in Rome:
Giardino degli Aranci – The Orange Garden
Rome’s Orange Garden is simple the most romantic place ever. Perched on top of the Aventine Hill, close to the Colosseum and Circus Maximus, its orange-scented terrace offers a breathtaking view over Rome and the Vatican.
Almost exclusively frequented by locals, it’s a tiny public park open only until sunset, covering the area of a medieval fortress built by the Savelli family in the XIII century. They donated the garden to the Dominican monks living in the near church of Santa Sabina. It was then bought by The City Hall in 1932 and transformed into a public park with an amazing Belvedere.
Try heading there after a relaxing walk around the Aventine area, exploring the beautiful Church of Santa Sabina (I’ll write a post about it, promise 😉) or after a stop by the near and popular Keyhole through which you can see St. Peter’s Dome.
When there, find a spot by the terrace overlooking the Tiber river and the roman skyline and maybe make your proposal under the orange trees! Lovely!
Borghese Gardens
Known as the Green Heart of Rome because of its heart-like shape, the Borghese Gardens offer an oasis of peace and quiet in an otherwise frenetic city center.
The 200 acres Gardens date back to the beginning of the XVII century, when the cardinal Scipione Borghese used them to host his residence, the Casino Nobile. Therein, he amused his guests and above all collected countless antiquities, amazing paintings, and sculptures.
Enjoy a picnic there before popping the question in the peace and quiet of the park’s fountains, statues and trees. To enrich this moment don’t forget to visit the Borghese Gallery (the ancient mansion now transformed into a museum), with masterpieces by Bernini, Caravaggio, Tiziano and other incredible Italian masters.
Here is the link to the official website to reserve your tickets.
If you feel like rowing, visit the so called “Giardino del Lago” and rent a boat to reach the Temple of Esculapius, which sits in the middle of a small lake. Soooooo romantic!
The side of the Gardens overlooking the Spanish Steps and Piazza del Popolo area is known as the Pincian Gardens. You can get there walking through a pedestrian bridge connecting the two sectors of the park. Awesome at sunset, you can hire a bike or a segway or enjoy the amazing view from the Pincio terrace or maybe organize a romantic lunch or dinner at Casina Valadier.
The Old Appian Way
Papa Bear Simone knows how much I love strolling by the millennia-old Via Appia Antica, and as an archaeologist it really is paradise.
He loves listening to my stories of all the people that have beaten its path in the past: legionaries, emperors, horsemen, even popes.
My favourite spot is between the monumental Villa of Maxentius and the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella. Make a stop at the sprawling Roman villa and position yourself in the middle of its circus to pop the quesion. When she says yes, the ancient villa will become your magic place forever!
Then, if you’re hungry, stop by one of the cafés or restaurants nearby. Here are a couple of suggestions:
“L’archeologia”: reserve a spot on the patio and enjoy!
“Qui nun se more mai”, a picturesque trattoria, with basic but brilliant Roman cuisine.
Mama Bear’s tip: arrange a driver to get there and back; there are a few buses (bus 618, 218) but the service is less than ideal.
The Trevi Fountain at night
The Trevi Fountain is most famous fountain ever. I love this monument but I used to come here all the time at night, to get away from the crowd, and lose myself among the serene sound of its gushing waters.
Organize an indulgent dinner before coming here (please get in touch if you need any suggestion) and maybe, around midnight, when the city is sleeping, make your way there, throw a coin in (with your back to the fountain, holding the coin with your right hand and throwing it over you left shoulder) and propose!
Surrounded by the roaring water, the moon and that magic atmosphere, she will feel like Anita Eckberg in the movie “La Dolce Vita” (The sweet Life). She’s bound to say yes; it’s so romantic!
The Capitoline Hill at night
Maybe you have heard that my city was built on Seven Hills. Well, along with the Palatine Hill, the Capitol (or Capitoline Hill) is the most famous.
Although tiny, it hosts the City Hall, the Capitoline Museums and it overlooks the Roman Forum. Oh, and the square that sits atop it was designed by none other than Michelangelo.
So where should you propose here?
Try right in the middle of the square, beneath the statue of Marcus Aurelius, perhaps at night when the tiny pedestrian square is at its silent best.
Or, if you want an unforgettable view to go with your unforgettable moment, get up to the Belvedere to enjoy spectacular view over the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hil.
And the moon will do the rest!
La Terrazza Restaurant – Eden Hotel
Just a month ago one of my girlfriends got married and, together with other friends, we offered her and her husband a super romantic dinner in this restaurant, on the rooftop terrace of one the most elegant hotels in Rome.
The Michelin starred master chef Fabio Cervio will offer you an unforgettable everchanging menu that you’ll enjoy with a 360-degree view of the Eternal City, which is simply terrific and making this one of the most visually stunning places where to propose in Rome!
Reserve well in advance, ask for a panoramic table and propose for dessert 😊
Eitch Borromini Hotel terrace
If you are looking for a great and romantic place for a rooftop cocktail beforehand, you can do no better than the Eitch Hotel Terrace.
Breathtaking views encompass the Pantheon and Saint Peter’s dome! If you really want to impress her, look no further!
So there you have it: the best places where to propose in Rome
I hope to hear from you soon, please let me know if she said “YES”!
Ciao for now Baby Bears!
And remember to #sharethebeauty