Posted on Wednesday, 21 February 2018

The Eternal City is a truly captivating mix of priceless art treasures, romantic parks, unforgettable food and modern life lived at breakneck speed - at least on the roads.

While the traffic tears around with hot-blooded passion, pedestrians saunter casually, sit at street corner cafés and watch life unfold, or lean against lampposts, crooning over newspapers. Such is the relaxed attitude of the average Roman - nonchalantly pursuing the ‘dolce vita' that underlies this truly romantic city.

For couples, Rome offers an almost overwhelming number of heart-melting views, of places to visit, of things to do - and more importantly, to eat. Take your lover to the Italian capital and you'll never be short of ways to woo them.

Spanish Steps

And it doesn't get much more romantic than the Spanish Steps. Capture a selfie at the ostentatious but beautiful Trevi Fountain, then ascend the famous 138 steps, pausing to sit among the Romans and tourists and take in the hubbub.

Keats and Shelley House

On the way back down, be sure to visit Keats and Shelley House located at the foot of the Steps. This museum is dedicated to the English Romantic poets who were so enthralled by Rome - and is where Keats died at a tragically young age.

Villa Borghese

A short walk from the Steps is Central Rome's largest park, the Villa Borghese. These elegant gardens are flanked by tall pines and feature a picturesque boating lake. For three euros you can delight your lover with a romantic paddle - although the numerous resident ducks might not be so enamoured.

Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna

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On the edge of the park is the Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna, stocked to the gunnels with priceless art. If you don't have the time or the will to explore it, do pop into the adjacent café for an al fresco lunch.

Castel Sant'Angelo

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Emperor Hadrian's tomb, the mighty Castel Sant'Angelo, can then be reached by hopping on the No 19 tram. It was from here that the Romans tried to repel the Goths, but despite throwing much of their finest statuary at the German tribesmen, Rome was sacked.

And the tragedies don't stop there. It was from the top floor terrace that a heartbroken Tosca cast herself in Puccini's opera of the same name.

Heart-Shaped Pizza?

On a lighter note, nearby, Da Vittorio at via di San Cosimato 14 do pizzas from €5. And if you ask nicely, they can arrange for the pizza to arrive heart-shaped.

Collosseum & Roman Forum

Given its barbaric past, a visit to the Collosseum might threaten to spoil the romantic mood. After all, 400,000 people died in this huge amphitheatre. But these days the only aggression you'll encounter is likely to be inspired by the occasional queue jumper. Never mind, after your visit you can wind down at a quiet street café for a world-beating coffee - and perhaps a gelato.

Your Collosseum ticket includes access to the Roman Forum. You may find visiting both takes up an entire day, given the vastness of each and the considerable queues (particularly in summer). These two attractions are especially evocative of the city's ancient imperial past.

Pantheon

The best-preserved of Rome's ancient monuments is another must-do. This 2,000-year-old temple (now a church) boasts the world's largest reinforced concrete dome, and despite its ageing appearance, is still sure to delight you and your partner. Entering through the mighty bronze doors alone is an experience neither of you will forget.

Vatican City, Borgo and Prati

If you have any energy left, spend a day in Vatican City, the world's smallest sovereign state. Even if the vast dome of St Peter's Basilica doesn't do it for you (although unlikely), gazing up at the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel definitely will.

Having feasted your eyes on Michaelangelo's masterpiece, you might take your lover to one of the many smart restaurants located nearby. Be warned though, they're rather overpriced. The nearby Borgo and Prati districts are ideal if you want to spoil your lover with a spot of retail therapy.

Where to stay

Lord Byron

If you plan to splash the cash, then Lord Byron, located near Villa Borghese, might be an appealing option. It's been around for a very long time, but has lost none of its charm. The décor is a fusion of art deco and Romantic belle epoque, underpinning what is the ultimate in luxurious pampering - and sure to delight your partner.

Double rooms from £189

Mario de' Fiori 37

If you prefer being near the Piazza di Spagna without going bankrupt, the Mario de' Fiori 37 could be a great choice. A vast and labyrinthine boutique hotel featuring rooms with big canopied beds, large TVs and concealed bathrooms. Pleasant sitting areas are located along the networked hallways. Double rooms from £151

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