Valentines Day in Rome 2024 - Romantic, fun, and unusual things to do

Valentines Day in Rome - what could be more romantic?

From stunning piazzas to beautiful views to intimate restaurants, you are spoiled for choice.

Valentines Day in Rome - things to do in 2024

With Valentine's Day around the corner, you may be looking for a romantic getaway, and Rome is the perfect destination.

Whether you're looking for intimate restaurants for a quiet dinner, a special place to take in a sunset view, or the best ideas for where to propose, I've got you covered!

If you’re thinking of spending Valentines Day in Rome, read on to find out some of the best things to do this February 14, 2024:

• What’s the weather like in Rome in February?
• Where is a romantic place to stay in Rome on Valentine's Day?
• Where are the best spots in Rome to propose?
• What are some romantic restaurants in Rome?
• What are some good ideas for romantic things to do in Rome?
• Current events and exhibitions in Rome's museums
• Concerts and shows in Rome in February

What’s the weather like in Rome in February?

If you're thinking of spending Valentines Day in Rome, don't let the weather stop you.

In February you can count on chilly days.

You will likely encounter some fog and/or rain.

On the rare occasion it has snowed in Rome, it’s happened more often in February than any other month, but still, snow is rare. 

Average temps in mid-February are 14 Celsius/57 Fahrenheit during the day and 3 Celsius/38 Fahrenheit at night.

You should come prepared for winter with proper layering and scarf, hat, gloves and waterproof comfortable shoes.

Find out more on my dedicated page about what to pack for Rome in February.

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Romantic places to stay in Rome

If I were planning a romantic getaway over Valentines Day in Rome, I’d want to stay right in the historic center to get the most out of my visit.

This means staying near the Pantheon, Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, Piazza del Popolo, or Campo dei Fiori.

Monti is another lovely neighborhood that's central and a bit more hip and lively.

If you prefer to be just a bit away from all that but still in a romantic setting, then Trastevere or Parioli near the Villa Borghese would be my next choice.

Visit my complete Rome neighborhood guide here.

Choosing where to stay can make or break your Rome getaway.

Click here to visit my dedicated page all about romantic hotels/B&Bs where you can spend a romantic Valentines Day in Rome.

Where are the best spots in Rome to propose?

Thinking about places to propose while spending Valentines Day in Rome?

Iconic spots like the Trevi Fountain or in front of the Pantheon come to mind.

But when Rome is crowded, and yes, it can be crowded in February, certainly on February 14, you may want to have a few tricks up your sleeve to find that perfect romantic location to get engaged.

Here are just a few ideas:

• Someplace with a beautiful view, like the Orange-tree garden
• Near one of Rome's iconic fountains, like the Fontanone high up on the Gianicolo hill
• At Rome's Aqueduct Park
• In a rowboat on the lake inside the Villa Borghese
• In one of Rome's secret gardens
• At a rooftop bar (yes, many of them are open in winter)
• At a romantic restaurant with a stunning view of Rome

Some spots you can make romantic if you go before 8 am

None of these spots will feel romantic when you are surrounded by tourists, musicians, artists, vendors, etc.

These include:

• Saint Peter’s Square
• Yes, the Trevi Fountain, but only if you go super early! 
• Ditto for Piazza Navona. Super early!

Where piazzas and fountains are concerned, these can be crowded late into the night, so if you want to have a quiet moment, you will have to go very early indeed.

Places to avoid if you want to get engaged in Rome

If you're looking for the best spots to get engaged while spending Valentines Day in Rome, these places might sound romantic but chances are you could be disappointed.

 For each of them, I'll give you an idea for what to try instead.

• Top of the Spanish Steps – there is not actually a good view from there until you get close to the railing. Also it’s usually pretty crowded. Go to the Pincio instead.
• Anywhere along the Via dei Fori Imperiali or around the Colosseum – It’s almost always going to be crowded. If you really want to get engaged with the Roman Forum or Colosseum as a backdrop, I suggest going inside the Palatine Hill, and making your way to the one of the overlook spots. It’s typically quieter there and you’ll have some green space plus a view.
• Any type of riverboat cruise – Rome just does not have the same types of riverboat options as say Paris or Budapest. If you do find a riverboat that offers dinner, it will be pretty touristy and crowded. And there is almost no view. Try a rowboat in Villa Borghese instead.
• The Tiber River banks – there are spots that are nice for taking photos but often this area is just not as nice as you might think. One option could be the Tiber Island as long as the Tiber has not flooded.

Romantic Rome restaurants

Some of Rome's best restaurants offer special menus for Valentines Day in Rome.

Visit my dedicated page here to see all my recommendations for romantic places to eat in Rome.

And if one of these restaurants is offering a special Valentines Day in Rome dinner, you'll find a link to their event and/or menu.

You may also want to check out these restaurants that offer fantastic views of Rome.

Romantic things to do in Rome

I met my husband Alessandro in Rome, and had a romantic time “dating” him, and eventually marrying him here . . . and now of course we sometimes look for romantic things to do in Rome together.

So I have some first-hand knowledge on the subject!

Here's a short list of some of my favorite romantic things to do in Rome:

• Romantic place for a coffee/cocktail - Cafe in the Chiostro del Bramante with its velvet chairs and a view to Raphael's Sybils inside the church below.
• Romantic place for drinks with a view - The newish NH Fori Imperiali knocks my socks off! One of the most romantic things to do in Rome is to catch the sunset up here (or any Rome rooftop bar). It's not inexpensive but if you're looking for something special, this is the spot!
• Romantic enoteca/wine-bar - Da Achille al Parliamento
• Romantic park - Villa Torlonia. I think one of the most romantic things to do in Rome is visit one of the museums in this park, have a drink at the outdoor lemon tree garden, and then lay down and soak up some sun in the grass.

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Unusual things to see and do on valentines day in rome

If you're looking for something a bit off the beaten track, here are some of the more unusual things to do on Valentines Day in Rome:

• Visit one of Rome's iconic cemeteries
• Go for a Vespa ride
• Take a sunset food and wine tour
  
• Take a relaxing walking tour of Rome's fountains and piazzas
• Have a photo shoot with a professional photographer while you tour Rome
• Take a private sight-seeing tour in a vintage car
• Take a full-day day trip to Venice and ride a gondola

Visit my dedicated page all about unusual things to see in Rome for even more ideas.

Keep reading for more things to do on Valentines Day in Rome, including current museums exhibitions and concerts:

Current events and exhibitions in Rome's museums

Whether you're visiting Rome on February 14, on that weekend, or any time in February, here are the current events and exhibitions at Rome's museums - UPDATED FOR 2024

Concerts and shows in Rome in February

Taking in a concert, opera, ballet, or other show can be a romantic way to spend Valentines Day in Rome.

Valentine's Day Concerts in Rome

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