3 Days in Rome: A Love Story in the Eternal City

We spent romantic 3 days in Rome in October 2023, and I must say, I was not a fan. 💁‍♀️

It was my first time in Rome, and the sheer number of tourists—the kind you don’t see in the movies—overwhelmed me!

How can you appreciate the magnificence of the Basilica of Saint Peter, the largest church in the world, when you’re surrounded by crowds, like at a Bon Jovi concert? 🤔

Of course, no great city like Rome will ever be empty, so we made the most of our three days by doing some fun and romantic things.

Looking back at our stunning Rome photos now brings wonderful memories of our vacation, rather than thoughts of the throngs of tourists at the Vatican and the Trevi Fountain. 💖

Every young couple should visit the Eternal City at least once, because Rome will enchant you with its beauty, history, and air of mystery.

Although I love traveling with my partner, I also did a solo trip to the colorful Cinque Terre just 3 weeks earlier. 💁‍♀️ Check out how to see the 4 villages in 2 days.

Come with me as we explore some fun and romantic things to do in Rome for couples.

When is the Best Time to Visit Rome, Italy?

The summer in Rome is unbearably hot. 🌞

The months of October and November are ideal if you’d rather not bake in the sun. 🙂

If you prefer mild weather (about 20°C), the best time to go is between February and April.

Despite the pleasant weather, don’t expect fewer tourists in the fall. I was let down by how crowded the Vatican, the Colosseum, and the Trevi Fountain were.

Pro tip: Pick a time of year when the temperature is comfortably around 30°C, since crowds are inevitable.

Is 3 Days in Rome Enough to Stay?

For a first-time visit, 3-4 days in Rome are perfect. ✨

Still, it depends on what you want to do and how much money you have—Rome is pretty pricey.

Is 3 days enough? Oh, absolutely.

Our three-day stay in late October was just right. 🙂

We used Viator to reserve tickets to sites like the Colosseum and the Vatican in advance.

If you plan ahead, you should have no trouble seeing the major sights in just three days.

Where to Stay in Rome?

Let’s be honest, you’ll be walking a lot in Rome, so make sure your hotel is close to the main sights. 💁‍♀️

Most importantly, wear comfortable shoes.

We stayed at an amazing hotel right next to the Colosseum—Piranesi Charmsuite—which was just a 6-minute walk to the Colosseum.

The location and price were perfect! ✨

It allowed us to walk to the main sites and see the Colosseum every day, both in daylight and at night when it’s illuminated. Truly magical.

Here are some pictures shot outside our hotel. You can see the Colosseum in all its glory. 🙂

Romantic Things to Do in Rome

Toss a Coin in the Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is one of the most beautiful and visited fountains in the world, making it a must-see for anyone visiting Rome.

Hence, the masses. 🙁

Tip: Go early in the morning or late at night to avoid the crowds and get the best photos. 💖

We got lucky visiting first thing in the morning and took some adorable photos.

Then we did something very traditional and romantic—we tossed a coin over our shoulders to make sure we’d return to Rome. 🙂

Explore the Vatican at Dawn

The Sistine Chapel and the Vatican are often so crowded with visitors that they become overwhelming. 🙁

In the midst of all the people squished together, attempting to get a glimpse of Michelangelo’s renowned ceiling, it becomes difficult to truly appreciate the art and architecture. It can get quite loud, and finding a moment of silence can be challenging.

You can significantly lessen the impact of the crowds if you visit first thing in the morning. If you want to see the Sistine Chapel and other highlights without the typical crowds, early access tours will let you get in before the general public. 💖

We were a small group of ten English speakers who arranged this trip through Viator. 

We skipped the line to enter the Vatican, and our guide had fascinating anecdotes to share.

It was an experience that comes only once in a lifetime. 😍

Take a Helicopter Ride Over Ancient Rome

Consider this a fantastic bargain if you and your partner are the adventurous type. 

I was blown away by the romantic surprise my partner planned for me—a helicopter tour of ancient Rome! 😍

Being our first experience with a helicopter, we thoroughly enjoyed this wild ride, and the pilot even performed some tricks to top it all off. 🚁

Some tours even include a stop at a vineyard or a historic estate for a private wine tasting or lunch, adding an extra touch of luxury to your day.

Step into History Together: The Colosseum’s Timeless Romance

No trip to Rome would be complete without seeing the Colosseum, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

During  a private evening tour, you can see the Colosseum illuminated under the stars. ✨

Alternatively, you can opt for the guided tour that skips the lines and takes you straight to the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and the Colosseum.

Walking inside the Colosseum, I could feel the ancient soul of this sanctuary. Standing on the arena floor made me think of the gladiators who gave their lives to appease the spectators. 😍

Regardless, everyone has their own unique experience with the Colosseum, and I know I’ll return to see it again.

Learn Italian Dishes Together in a Cooking Class

Who doesn’t love pizza and pasta? 🍕

While in Italy, why not learn how to make homemade pasta or pizza together?

Taking a cooking class is a fun way to bond and enjoy delicious food you make together. With your new skills, you can try making pizza at home—there’s nothing more romantic than that. 🙂

Consider these suggestions for cooking classes in Rome.

Try the Best Carbonara in Rome: Tonnarello

Rome is home to some of the world’s best pasta. 🍝

For the best carbonara, we dined at Tonnarello—twice!

The carbonara was so delicious, it was worth the 15-minute wait for a table. 🙂

On our last day, we returned for their amazing pizza.

A walk in the picturesque Trastevere neighborhood is the most romantic way to spend the evening after all those carbs. 😍

Sample Some of the World’s Best Cocktails

We found two bars in The World’s 50 Best Bars list: Drink Kong and Freni e Frizioni.

The Drink Kong bar was more posh and cozy; glad I picked my romantic dress to go there. 😀

They served amazing cocktails for about 16 euros each.

At the end, we ended up visiting Freni e Frizioni twice because we loved one specific cocktail! 🍹✨

Romantic Dinner at Ristorante Pacifico Roma

At home, we cook and save a lot of money. 💰

Thanks to that, we can allow ourselves to go posh on holidays. 😀

In Rome we chose the fancy Ristorante Pacifico Roma right next to the Tiber River.

Perfect for a romantic stroll after the dinner. 

If you come there during the warm days, you can even sit outside next to the pool. I found it super charming, but also the interior where we were seated was like in a palace. 😍

Nothing is More Romantic Than Cheap Street Pizza

From fancy dinners to cheap street pizza—Rome has it all! 😍

You can usually find better food on the street than in a nice restaurant.

The amazing place I recommend is called Antico Forno Roscioli. It is a famous bakery known for its crispy Roman-style pizzas.

We went there twice: once for a quick lunch to eat on the steps of a church (very romantic), and again on our last day in Rome because my boyfriend begged to come back and devour a bunch of pizza.

My boyfriend is truly a pizza enthusiast! 🍕

Conclusion

There’s so much to say about our 3 romantic days in Rome, but I’ve tried to keep it short. 😀

It was our first anniversary, so it was extra special. We had a wonderful time and enjoyed our favorite Italian cuisine, so we’ll definitely go back.

Rome is a very romantic city, but it’s not only for couples. ✨

The Eternal City is also a fantastic destination for solo travelers.

Just a few weeks prior to our Roman adventure, I went on a solo trip to two of Italy’s most picturesque locations—Milan and the Cinque Terre. Check out my solo girl’s trip guide for more tips and inspiration.

Rome is waiting for you! 🍝