So you’ve decided to pop the question. Congratulations! Whether you are into art, history, breathtaking views, Prosecco, or Jacuzzi, with so many perfect places to propose in Rome, you can never go wrong.
Utterly romantic and a source of inspiration for centuries, Rome is a fantastic city to take your fiancée to pop the question. Offering a wide range of places, experiences, quaint corners, cobbled alleys, and romantic restaurants, if you are looking for a place to get engaged in Rome, this list is for you.
Terrace of Castel Sant’Angelo one of the most famous places to propose in Rome
One of the most romantic places to get engaged in Rome is the terrace of Castel Sant’Angelo. The Hadrian Mausoleum itself is one of those landmarks any first-timer should add to their to-do list whether they are visiting Rome for a week or only for a day.
Here you can have a full meal or just order an afternoon coffee or an evening drink. But whatever you want, the place is worth it even only for the view of Saint Peter’s dome and the city.
Any time is a good time to enjoy the view from the terrace of Castel Sant’Angelo, but if you are in Rome to propose, you might want to get there in the evening. Keep in mind, however, that the restaurant follows the time schedule of Castel Sant’Angelo, so it’s not open until late. If you are in Rome in winter or even fall, you are likely to catch the sunset.
- Where: Castel Sant’Angelo, Lungotevere Castello 50.
- When: Every day 9 am-7 pm.
Ponte Sant’Angelo Bridge a romantic spot to get engaged in Rome
Without getting too far, the same Ponte Sant’Angelo bridge is a very romantic spot for those who want to get engaged in Rome. Decorated with ten marble angels, the remodeling of the Sant’Angelo bridge is one of the works of Bernini in Rome.
Unlike the Hadrian Mausoleum, the Sant’Angelo bridge doesn’t close at night so you can take there your better half and propose at sunset or later at night with a spectacular view of Castel Sant’Angelo lit up for the night and the lights flickering in the calm waters of the Tiber.
There is hardly anything more romantic and suggestive than a walk bridge to bridge along the Lungotevere in Rome after sunset. Plus, since you are already in the city center, you can tuck away into one of the alleys and end the evening in one of the local restaurants and some nice bubbles.
- Where: Ponte Sant’Angelo.
- When: Always open.
Don’t miss our article on the most famous bridges in Rome.
Monte Mario Observatory one of the highest points to pop the question in Rome
If you are looking for the best place to propose in Rome, how does the highest point in the city sound? Monte Mario natural reserve hosts Rome’s astronomic observatory and offers a fantastic view of the whole city.
Once upon a time, here there was a panoramic restaurant called Zodiaco. Its terrace was in one of the most romantic spots on the hill and it was one of the favorite places in Rome to get engaged. Now that it’s permanently closed, Romans still get to Monte Mario to propose, but they do it in the park with the stunning view being enough to create the right atmosphere.
Walk around Viale di Parco Mellini, which is the route that leads to the astronomic observatory and several panoramic viewpoints. Among these, one particularly famous and cherished by couples is aptly named “Vialetto degli Innamorati”, lovers’ alley.
- Where: Enter Parco Mellini in Via Gomenizza
- When: From dusk to dawn.
Garden of the Oranges to propose in Rome with a view
Parco Savello, or Giardino degli Aranci, is one of the most panoramic and romantic spots in Rome, so perfect if you are looking to propose. Located on the Aventine Hill, you can easily find the Garden of the Oranges near Santa Sabina Basilica.
Once inside, the intoxicating scent from the citrus trees will invade the air and you can relax from one of the marble benches or head directly to the belvedere for a fantastic view of the Tiber river, the city center, the relics of ancient Rome, and Saint Peter’s dome.
Granted, once Giardino degli Aranci was way more intimate and mainly unknown to tourists, while now visitors abound. However, if you get there early morning or in the evening, you will probably have more privacy and can pop the question without the cheering of a crowd of strangers.
- Where: Piazza Pietro d’Illiria
- When: Every day 7 am-9 pm.
The Spanish Steps to get engaged in Rome with style
The monumental staircase known as the Spanish Steps connecting the church of Trinità dei Monti to Piazza di Spagna is extremely romantic and a source of romantic inspiration. Since the local municipality put a ban on sitting and eating on the Spanish Steps because it’s actually a historical monument, the staircase, often decorated with flowers, has been clearer to see and enjoy.
This staircase is so majestic and awe-inspiring that it has been the setting for fashion shows as well as appearing in several movies. Granted, it’s still packed with people climbing up and down, but there are certain times of the day when you can find it pretty quiet and spectacular.
I would suggest heading to the Spanish Steps with your engagement ring either early morning before the city wakes up, or late in the evening when everybody is home. Doing so, it would probably be easier if you had your hotel booked in the surroundings of Piazza di Spagna.
Make sure you check out our guide to the best hotels near the Spanish Steps.
Pincio Mount Terrace to pop the question in Rome con vista
The Pincio Terrace is another of the most popular places to propose in Rome. The spectacular view over the Centro Storico and the surroundings of the stunning Villa Borghese gardens will make popping the question a much easier job. You won’t have to do much really, the location itself will do half of the job.
From Flaminio metro station, cross the large road Viale del Muro Torto, and step over the monumental Porta del Popolo gate. Right after Santa Maria del Popolo Basilica, you take the left and climb up the staircase towards Villa Borghese and the Pincio Terrace.
Pincio is always pretty popular, so unless you don’t mind popping the question with dozens of curious tourists, you might want to head there early morning for fantastic light and some quiet moments. The Pincio terrace is wonderful during sunset but I’m guessing that’s the busier time of the day. This is especially true during the high summer season, while in fall and winter you might find not too busy.
Villa Borghese Lake to propose in Rome on a boat
So let’s say that you’ve made it to the Pincio Terrace but it was too busy and your intimate moment was going to be spoiled. No reason to worry, Villa Borghese is big enough to always have a quiet spot, even during the high season.
Take Viale Giorgio Washington towards the Temple of Aesculapius and reach the lovely little lake. Here you can rent a bot to row around the little classic-style temple all around the lake. While you can only do this if it’s not raining, that’s pretty much the only condition.
Why? Because even if the park is busy, there are only this many boats that can be rented at the same time and you will hardly be bothered by the other rowers.
Rowing a boat is one of the nicest things you can do in Villa Borghese and really the environment screams romance at every corner. This is one of the best and most original places to propose in Rome. Since the park is open until sunset, you might need to do this during the day.
From here make your way to the city for a nice dinner to complete the work. In this case, I would suggest taking a nice stroll back to Piazza del Popolo and heading to Tridente and Centro Storico for a choice of places to eat.
In the immediate surroundings of Piazza del Popolo is the lovely Margutta, one of the finest vegetarian restaurants in Rome, the exclusive Ad Hoc (Via di Ripetta 43), or the Michelin-starred Jardin de Russie, the fine-dining restaurant of Hotel de Russie (Via del Babuino 9).
If it’s still early and you don’t mind taking a longer walk, make your way towards Piazza Navona. Nearby is truly one of the fanciest and highest-quality restaurants in the city center. Get ready to fork out good cash but rest assured you will make a pretty great impression on your fiancée.
Make sure you read our article about the best restaurants in Rome.
Trevi Fountain
One of the most famous places to propose in Rome that hardly shows any sign of cooling is the stunning Trevi Fountain. Just like for the other most popular landmarks in Rome, also for the Trevi Fountain, I would suggest opting for less busy times such as (very) early morning or late at night.
It’s always open so it’s up to you how much late you want to make it. At night, the lights of the fountain make it truly gorgeous and romantic.
On top of that, what not many tourists know, is that right beside the main fountain is a small fountain with two little crossed springs known as the lovers’ fountain. According to the Roman tradition, here two lovers would meet to drink the water of the fountain from a never-used-before glass and then break the glass itself. This would seal their love forever.
Why not propose in Rome following such a romantic local tradition in such as romantic context? You can pop the question near this little fountain right beside the main Trevi fountain telling your fiancée the Roman tale. End your evening at one of the nearby restaurants.
Probably for this occasion, I wouldn’t head to Baccano or Il Piccolo Buco. I think you can find a better romantic vibe in places such as Colline Emiliane or at the high-end restaurant of Harry’s Bar Trevi (Via di San Vincenzo 10).
Don’t miss our guide to where to eat near the Trevi Fountain.
Overlooking the Roman Forum behind the Capitoline Hill
I know many suggest Campidoglio as a perfect place to propose in Rome, but really, I can’t find it so romantic. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a beautiful square with a high historical value for the city as one of the key places of the foundation of Rome. I totally suggest you visit Piazza del Campidoglio and the Capitoline Museums, but maybe not to propose.
However, if you get right behind Capitoline Hill, you will find a perfect spot. Facing the Campidoglio, on your right-hand side, you will see a road for cars with a sort of ZTL. You can go up there and from behind Piazza del Campidoglio you will have a fantastic view of the Roman Forum.
Alternatively, you can take up Via di San Pietro in Carcere from Via dei Fori Imperiali and roughly get to the same point and enjoy a great view of the ruins of the Roman Forum. If you get there to wait for the sunset, the scenery will be unforgettable.
Saint Peter’s Square for a blessed engagement in Rome
Being the Vatican one of the most popular landmarks in Rome, it’s always teeming with tourists from all over the world, not just Christians and not just practicing believers. Saint Peter’s Square is one of the masterpieces by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in Rome, so you don’t really need to have a reason to visit other than your love for art and history.
However, especially if you are a religious couple, one of the most appropriate places to propose in Rome could just be in the large square in front of Saint Peter’s Basilica.
Even though the square is always crowded, it’s so big that you can find an empty spot at any time of the day. If you want to surprise your fiancée with some unexpected beauty, head there after sunset when the basilica is beautifully lit up for the night.
Make sure you check out our extensive article on the unmissable things to do in Rome.
Janiculum Hill if you want to propose in front of one of the best views in Rome
The Janiculum Hill is really one of the best and most popular places to propose in Rome because of its belvedere. Obviously, the best viewpoint is right on top of the hill. There is a terrace from where you can see the whole city center.
Some of the landmarks that will immediately stand out include the dome of the Pantheon, the Altar of the Fatherland, and also the dome of Saint Peter’s Basilica.
On the terrace of the Janiculum, every day at noon the local soldiers fire a cannon shot. This daily cannon shot is a tradition that has been introduced in 1847 by Pope Pius IX to officially mark the time so that everyone had the same hour throughout the day instead of referring to the uncoordinated bell sound of each local church.
The cannon shot remained a tradition also after Italy’s unification and was fired from its original location in Castel Sant’Angelo until 1903. It was then moved to Monte Mario for a short period and from January 1904 it was permanently transferred to Janiculum Hill.
If you know your fiancé enjoys historical anecdotes, then you propose at noon right after the cannon shot. Otherwise, you can get there for the sunset to enjoy a spectacularly romantic view and then end your evening with a great treat at Zia Restaurant, one of the best restaurants in Trastevere, easy to reach on foot from the Janiculum belvedere.
- How to reach: By bus (115, 870).
In a romantic hotel with a spa for couples in Rome
If you have decided to propose in Rome, why don’t you organize a fancy weekend by booking one of the most romantic hotels in the city? There are many hotels in Rome with a spa that arranges couples’ massages, some even have the Jacuzzi in the room.
If you need any suggestions, an interesting option would be SPA B&B Roma D’Autore Il Nido d’Amore. This is a hotel that seems to have been designed specifically for romantic gateways. Each room has a Jacuzzi extractable from under the double bed that you reach climbing a small side staircase. Rooms are very romantic and with the room service, you can have a lovely evening.
This hotel is quite far from the city center. Even though it’s easy to reach with the train (La Storta stop on the F3 railway), if you also want to go to some restaurants in the area, you will definitely need a car. If you don’t feel confident driving in Rome, you can always rely on taxis, which is totally my suggestion if you are staying for only a weekend. Some nice restaurants close to the hotel are Le Cicale di Veio (Via della Giustiniana 1012), Ristorante Burgus (Via Riccardo Moretti 6), and Eden – Il Paradiso del Pistacchio (Via Carlo Gherardini 107).
If you prefer a more central hotel to pop the question in Rome, you really are spoiled for choice. Lunetta Hotel near Campo de’ Fiori has a spa and they do couples’ massages, while SuiteSistina for Lovers near the Spanish Steps offers a Jacuzzi in the room.
Make sure you read our guide to the most romantic hotels in Rome for more inspiration.
In a rooftop restaurant to pop the question with a glass of Prosecco
There are many scenic rooftop restaurants and bars in the city, and they all make for great places to propose in Rome. Take your fiancé to a 5-star restaurant, enjoy a fancy dinner, and, aided by the view, pop the question.
Are you wondering which restaurant would be perfect for the occasion? We tried the great Settimo restaurant on the rooftop of 5-star hotel Sofitel Villa Borghese and can confirm it will live up to the expectations. Apart from the fine dining treats, the view is fantastic both day and night.
Decorated in a rustic yet very elegant “jungle-style”, the ambiance of the fine-dining Settimo restaurant is perfect for a proposal both in the green-hued interior and from its scenic terrace.
Another great restaurant to propose in Rome is Casina Valadier inside Villa Borghese. Claiming to offer Rome’s best views, Casina Valadier is a historical building designed in the early 19th century by famous Italian architect Giuseppe Valadier. Since 2004, it has been a luxury restaurant and has a few halls, one per floor.
Each floor has a different view. The most striking view over the whole city center is the one you get from the Vista Restaurant on the third floor.
Parco dell’Appia Antica to propose in Rome between history and nature
This is a great place to get engaged in Rome if you are history fans and active travelers. Parco dell’Appia Antica is not in the immediate city center but you can reach it by public transport and taxi. Or by car, if you are driving in Rome.
The park is really amazing and offers a huge range of things to do. You can take a long walk while visiting important historical landmarks in the many different parts of Parco dell’Appia Antica including the ruins of several Roman aqueducts, Tor Fiscale, Tor Marancia, Valle della Caffarella, and the ancient Appian Way. You can rent a bike and cycle all the way some 15 km of park.
To create some ambiance, you can arrange a picnic in such a huge green space surrounded by archaeological vestiges in Rome to pop the question.
Each area of the park can be reached with different means of public transport, by walk or by car. Some areas are closed to cars because of ZTL. For more info on how to reach the different parts of the park, check out the official website.
Lake Bracciano to get engaged in Rome with a scenery
An original way to propose in Rome is to take a day trip. And what’s the best place to propose around Rome than on the shores of a beautiful lake? Easy to reach by public transport and also by car, Lake Bracciano is huge and very romantic.
In the good season, you can rent a kayak or windsurf or just lay on the beach. In any other season, you can relax on the lake shores and go to one of the nice restaurants nearby. Lake Bracciano can be enjoyed from Anguillara Sabazia, Trevignano Romano, and naturally Bracciano, the main town of the area.
Make sure you read our post on the best day trips from Rome.
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