To Rome with Love

Spending St Valentine’s in the Eternal City Rivalling Paris as the most romantic city, Rome is a top destination for passion and ‘amore’. You only need to watch Vacanze Romane to get a vague idea of its infectious romance. As we approach St Valentine’s Day, we’ve put together a list of the best places to take your loved one, as recommended by our local ‘on-the-ground’ insider. So if you’re planning a (surprise?) trip to the Eternal City, take heed and follow our five step guide for a weekend to remember. 1. Bici&Baci Make the most of the mild weather and rent out two bicycles at Bici&Baci for a romantic cycle through the city. Rome’s cobbled streets were made for stolen kisses and exploring the ancient passages of the centre, so break away from the crowds of tourists and make your own memories, sightseeing your own way. 2. Secret Garden Head to the Coliseum for a breath-taking view of the old amphitheatre, passing the Roman Forum on your way. For somewhere even more romantic, visit the Giardino degli Aranci (Orange Garden) on the Aventine Hill, a stone’s throw from the Coliseum, where you can walk through the small tree-lined walled garden and sit on an old marble bench to overlook the city. Perfect at sunset. 3. Lock of Love If you want to make your love known in a more permanent way, Ponte Milvio is the place to go. Lining the side of the bridge is a wall of hundreds of padlocks locked together, binding young love symbolically. Stop off at a local kiosk, or take one off your suitcase, and affix your love to Rome forever by throwing away the key in the River Tiber. 4. Food of the heart They say the way into a man's heart is through his stomach, but in Rome it applies to both women, too. A city not shy of good places to eat, stop off for a midday sugar hit at Giolitti or GROM, around the corner from the Pantheon. With an array of multi-coloured creams to choose from sample a rich hazelnut or zesty limoncello flavour. 5. It’s all about the view Nothing says romance more than a candle lit dinner and spectacular views. Thankfully in Rome, this is quite easy to come by. If you want to splash out and really show your loved one how much they mean to you, Hotel Forum offers one of the best roof garden experiences in Rome where you can dine on fine foods and drink rich Italian wines into the night. Overlooking the Roman Forum and Piazza Venezzia, your panorama stretches across impressive domes along the skyline and tall, ancient pillars standing proud from the old cobbled streets. And one last point, in case you’re planning on it being an extra special trip to Rome... 6. A sparkly something If you’re in need of a last minute present, or a ‘little something’ to remember Rome by, wander through the cobbled streets, especially in the Monti Quarter, and you’ll be sure to stumble upon a boutique jeweller to suit your needs. If you’re after something a bit more special with a designer label, head towards the Spanish Steps, to Via Condotti where you won’t be stuck for inspiration. With an OMNIA Vatican & Rome Card you can enjoy Rome to the fullest with free, fast track and discounted entry into 30 of Rome’s most popular attractions and museums – not to mention stress-free travel with a 3 day travelcard and hop-on, hop-off bus all included in the package. Find out more, here.