Ultimate Rome Honeymoon Guide
Let us take you on a journey through the ancient and the modern and discover everything you need to know about planning a Rome honeymoon.
The backdrop to countless love stories, where ancient amphitheatres coexist with chic boutiques, and where the sun casts a golden glow on cobblestone streets and marble monuments alike.
In our eyes, a Rome honeymoon is one of Europe’s ultimate romantic escapades.
The capital city of Italy has layers, both historical and modern. Yes, it has its bustling corners and sometimes chaotic traffic, but what great love story doesn’t have a bit of drama?!
Rome is where timeless romance finds its match in modern luxury, all set against a backdrop that’s been the muse of poets, artists, and lovers for millennia.
Step into the world of Julius Caesar and Michelangelo and sip on a perfectly crafted Negroni as the sun sets over the Tiber.
Let’s dive in and tell you everything you need to know with our Ultimate Rome Honeymoon Guide!
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Best time to visit Rome for honeymoon
You can plan a Rome honeymoon year-round. However, the best time to visit Rome is from April to June and September to October. You’ll find the ideal blend of pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
In July and August, the city is busy and crowded with visitors, and the temperatures are baking, sometimes reaching the high 30s°C/90s°F.
Rome and more widely in Italy, have suffered from intense heat waves in summer. If you can travel outside of these peak months, you’ll be doing yourselves and the locals a favour!
During the winter from November to March temperatures are cool, averaging 10°C / 50°F and you should expect some rain.
Where to stay in Rome (the best neighbourhoods)
Let’s explore the best neighbourhoods and areas you can choose for your Rome honeymoon stay.
On the west side of the Tiber River, you’ll find the area of Prati and Vatican City. However, we prefer the east side of the river.
We’d really recommend staying close to the historic centre (Centro Storico) on the east side of the Tiber. From Villa Borghese, to Piazza Navona and Campo de’ Fiori to Monti.
Foodies will love Trastevere, an old working-class neighbourhood with a village feel and delectable dining options.
You’ll find Roma Termini train station in Esquilino and this a great option if you’re planning a Rome honeymoon on a budget as you’re quite close to many of the top sights.
Discover our top honeymoon hotels in Rome (for every budget!)
Things to do on a Rome honeymoon
There is an endless array of fun things to do on your Rome honeymoon.
Explore the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill to discover tales of gladiatorial combats and the ancient Roman empire.
The Pantheon, Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain are also at the top of most Rome honeymoon to-do lists.
Discover the serene beauty of Villa Borghese, meandering through its lush gardens, before indulging in the artistic wonders held within the Borghese Gallery.
Take a leisurely walk through the quaint cobblestone lanes of Trastevere and the Jewish Quarter. Stroll along the Tiber River, leading you to the grand Castel Sant Angelo.
Tick another country off your list with a trip to Vatican City. Whether you are a believer or not, the architecture is divine. A trip to see Michaelangelo’s The Last Judgment in the Sistine Chapel is a must.
Culinary adventures beckon! Delve into the heart of Italian cuisine with a cooking class or take a street food tour and let someone else do the hard work.
Museums and galleries await where history and artistry entwine in the hallowed halls of the Baths of Diocletian or the enigmatic chambers of the Capuchin Crypt.
As the sun sets, see the city’s stunning rooftop views from Terrazza del Pincio or Gianicolo Hill.
Discover the full list of Things To Do In Rome On Your Honeymoon
Where to eat in Rome
On a Rome honeymoon, food probably pips history for us! From delightful trattorias, to simple osterias and pizzerias, high end Michelin-recommended spots to cool bars and cute cafes, there truly is an endless array of dining options in Rome.
TripAdvisor has 10,000 establishments listed for the city!
Couples come to honeymoon in Rome and feast on cacio e pepe and carbonara, Roman pizza, gelato and wine.
Our top pick for honeymoon-worthy pizza has to be Piccolo Buco near the Trevi Fountain.
For a taste of authentic Roman cuisine, Babette and Antica Enoteca near the Spanish Steps are two must-try establishments. Colline Emiliane is an authentic family run establishment and a worthy addition to your Rome honeymoon food-list.
Li Rioni serves up some of the best pizza near the Colosseum. For a traditional Roman experience, Armando al Pantheon is an old favourite and one of our top picks for Rome honeymoon culinary adventures.
Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina is a delicatessen and gourmet food shop and tiny restaurant rolled into one.
In the bohemian neighbourhood of Trastevere, Peppo al Cosimato and Pasta e Vino Osteria are must-visits for authentic Italian fare.
For foodie couples, the area of Testaccio is worth exploring, and it’s worth the short taxi ride. Trattoria Pennestri is a must-try.
For couples venturing near the Vatican on their Rome honeymoon, Il Segreto is the spot for authentic Roman cuisine.
If you’re a fan of Netflix’s Chef’s Table, Pizzarium Bonci is a must-visit, though be prepared for a bit of a queue. Pizza Zizza Roma is another spot that deserves your attention.
For romantic restaurants to try on your Rome honeymoon, Ad Hoc Ristorante is a must (with a stunning second location just opened near Circus Maximus).
Imàgo at Hassler Hotel has stunning views, along with its exquisite menu for a truly memorable evening.
Of course, you’ll want to eat all the gelato and you can’t shake a stick without stumbling upon delectable flavours. Günther Gelato Italiano and Gelateria del Teatro are our top picks.
Book on TheFork and get our discount!
Good to know about Rome
Time Zone: GMT +2
Language: Italian. English is widely spoken.
Currency: Euro €
Population: 3 million
A few phrases in Italian:
Hi: Ciao
Thank you: Grazie
Goodbye: Ciao / Arrivederci
Founded nearly 3000 years ago, Rome is a city steeped in history and legend. Named after its mythical founder, Romulus, it has been the epicentre of empires and religion.
In today’s Rome, the ancient seamlessly melds with the modern.
Romans are as warm as they are proud, as passionate about their contemporary culture as they are about their history.
Rome, like most major European cities, grapples with the challenges of over tourism, particularly during the high season.
Yet you’ll still find locals eager to share their insider tips, whether it’s a taxi driver recommending a lesser-known archaeological site or a café owner waxing poetic about the perfect espresso!
Rome Honeymoon Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rome good for a honeymoon?
Art, history, and la dolce vita, Rome is one of the most romantic cities on the planet.
Sharing a kiss under the moonlit Colosseum or making a wish together at the Trevi Fountain after midnight.
A candlelit dinner at a quaint trattoria and a stroll through Villa Borghese Gardens—Italian honeymoon heaven.
How long should we stay in Rome for our honeymoon?
As they say, Rome wasn’t built in a day! The duration of a Rome honeymoon will depend on several factors, including your available time, budget, and the type of experience you’re looking to have.
A 3 to 4 night Rome honeymoon allows you to soak in the city’s highlights. If you have longer, you can spend more time exploring the city in a more relaxed manner.
You can delve deeper into its neighborhoods, explore more of the culinary scene, visit more museums and archaeological sites, and do more shopping.
Remember that a 3-night Rome honeymoon will give you two full days and 4 nights, three full days, and so on.
How do we get to Rome?
Most international flights land at Rome Fiumicino International Airport (airport code: FCO), and there are also many low-cost flights that fly into Ciampino Airport (CIA).
Ciampino Airport is actually closer to the city, although the direct airport train from Rome Fiumicino, dubbed the Leonardo Express, means it can often be quicker to get to the city from FCO.
There are 100s of flights from other destinations in Europe, plus the Middle East and North America.
If you have a lot of luggage, you can easily take a private transfer, which will have you in the city from Fiumicino in around 45 minutes and from Ciampino in around 30 minutes.
You can also take the train from other destinations in Italy and Europe, which mostly arrive into Roma Termini Station.
If you’re arriving on a cruise, the nearest port is Civitavecchia, about 1 hour by train or car from the city.
Do we need a visa for Italy?
EU passport holders can travel freely in Italy.
UK, US, Canadian, New Zealand & Australia passport holders will need an ETIAS visa waiver from 2025.
Other passport holders may need a Schengen visa. If you need help to get a visa, check out iVisa.com.
Do we need travel vaccinations for Italy?
Italy is a malaria-free and Zika-free honeymoon destination.
Some travel vaccinations may be recommended.
We encourage you to visit the Center for Disease Control website for up-to-date travel vaccination recommendations or speak to a doctor specializing in travel.
How do we get around Rome?
The Eternal City is a labyrinth of ancient streets, modern avenues, and everything in between.
If you’re short on time, you can take a hop on hop off bus tour.
Rome’s metro system is straightforward, with just three lines: A, B, and C.
However, the metro doesn’t cover the entire city, so you’ll likely need to supplement your journey with other transport, such as the extensive bus network (albeit sometimes at a leisurely pace due to traffic). Trams are another option.
Tickets for buses, trams, and the metro are interchangeable. Taxis are readily available, and you can use Uber, too.
If you’re feeling adventurous, rent a Fiat 500 or a Vespa scooter for a classic Roman honeymoon experience.
Don’t underestimate the joy of exploring on foot. Many of the city’s most iconic sites are close to each other, and the historic centre is very walkable.
Is a Rome honeymoon package expensive?
The answer is a bit of a mixed bag, really. The cost of a Rome honeymoon can be as extravagant or as budget-friendly as you make it.
Prices will vary widely depending on several factors including the time of year, the type of accommodations, the length of stay, and what kind of honeymoon activities are on your list.
From opulent five-star hotels to charming bed and breakfasts, Rome offers a range of options for sleeping. If you’re looking for Rome honeymoon luxury, be prepared to pay a premium, particularly in the historic centre.
From Michelin-starred restaurants to humble pizzerias, Rome has it all when it comes to food, so you’ll find something for every budget.
Many of Rome’s iconic sites, like the Colosseum and Vatican Museums, come with an admission fee.
However, the city is a free living museum — all you need to do is walk.
Public transport is relatively affordable, too, and a Roma Pass offers additional savings on both transport and attractions.
You can make some savings by going outside of the peak months of June to September.
Should we use a travel agent to book a honeymoon in Rome?
A good travel agent or tour operator who books Rome honeymoons regularly may have preferential rates and will be able to take care of the nitty-gritty details. It’s definitely worth checking with a trusted travel agent.
However, booking a D-I-Y Rome honeymoon package is easy!
We’d recommend choosing a flexible hotel rate with free cancellation with Booking.com. You can get great discounts with their loyalty programme.
You can book all the extras easily. We book trains with Trainline and Omio, and tours and excursions with GetYourGuide or Viator.
When you’re booking flights, if you can’t fly directly and are booking connecting flights, give yourself enough time to change planes.
If all flights are booked on one ticket, we’d recommend at least a 2 to 3-hour layover for a stress-free experience.
Give yourself plenty of time to connect to transfers and trains, although Italian trains tend to be reliable.
Don’t forget to have travel insurance in place before booking!
What about travel insurance?
Here at The Honeymoon Guide, we want you to have the best honeymoon possible. Safety is paramount, so it’s important to have travel insurance in place when you book your honeymoon.
If you don’t have travel insurance, check out WorldNomads.com to learn more.
World Nomads provide travel insurance for travellers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance from World Nomads.
What should we pack for a Rome honeymoon?
Pack light layers for daytime exploration and chic evening wear for romantic dinners.
Don’t forget comfortable shoes as you will do a lot of walking on your Rome honeymoon!
Get packing for your Rome honeymoon with our free Italy honeymoon packing list!
Where can we tag on to Rome for a multi-destination honeymoon?
Most couples planning a Rome honeymoon are exploring as part of a stunning Italian honeymoon itinerary or starting or finishing on a Mediterranean cruise.
However, there are many other countries you can tag on to Rome. You can fly to any other European country, from Reykjavik to Dublin, London, Paris, Berlin, or Warsaw, to name a few.
You can combine Italy with Greece for an island hopping itinerary add-on or Croatia.
The possibilities are endless for an incredible multi-centre Europe honeymoon!
Italy’s neighboring countries like Austria, Slovenia, and Switzerland are convenient, and you can easily take the train.
You can also fly to Middle East destinations like Dubai and destinations in North Africa, too.
Things to consider before booking a honeymoon in Rome
While we love to recommend a honeymoon in Rome, there are some potential downsides that you might want to consider so you can make a well-informed decision and plan your dream honeymoon!
- Over Tourism: Rome is one of the most popular cities in Europe. In fact, it’s the 4th most visited city. The crowds are heaving in summer with packed tourist attractions which can somewhat dial down the romance. If you can’t avoid the summer months and love the heat, then at least book skip the line tickets where you can to avoid queues.
- Tourist Traps: You’re planning your honeymoon in Italy for the food right? Rome has some incredible dining spots but it also has its fair share of tourist traps, so don’t get caught out and have a quick scan of reviews online or ask your hotel concierge.
- Weather: Summers in Rome get hot. Not exactly the kind of weather for romantic strolls. Be cautious about what time of year will suit both your comfort and energy levels.
Map of Rome
TL;DR?
too long, didn’t read? some key Points…
If you are planning a Rome honeymoon stop, we’d love to hear from you. Let us know if this guide was useful or if we left out any essential information!
Check out more of our Ultimate Honeymoon Guides series. We’re always adding new guides and please contact us if there is somewhere you’d love to see on The Honeymoon Guide!
Happy Planning x
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