Rome wasn’t built in a day, and you shouldn’t try to see it in one. Over nearly 3,000 years, the Eternal City has layered ancient forums beneath Renaissance palaces and Baroque piazzas. This 5-day itinerary is crafted for couples seeking romance, culture, and cuisine—think moonlit walks, market-to-table meals, and masterpieces from Michelangelo to Bernini.

Expect iconic highlights—Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Colosseum, Roman Forum—balanced with slower moments that let Rome seduce you: a caffè at the counter, a glass of Frascati at sunset, and pastas twirled in cozy trattorie. We’ve woven in skip-the-line tours to maximize time, plus foodie experiences and wine-forward stops.

Practical notes: Rome is a walking city; comfortable shoes are essential. Watch for pickpockets in crowded sites, keep small bills for cafes, and book major sights in advance. For lodging, we’ve included well-situated hotels and apartment options via our trusted partners, with choices to match a mid-range budget and a romantic vibe.

Rome

Rome is a living museum where daily life hums between ruins and Renaissance domes. Neighborhoods have distinct personalities: Trastevere’s ivy-draped lanes, Monti’s indie boutiques and bars, Prati’s elegant streets near the Vatican, and the Centro Storico’s honey-colored alleys framing Baroque fountains.

Top sights include the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, and the Vatican Museums with the Sistine Chapel. Culinary highlights range from flaky maritozzi and artisanal gelato to amatriciana, carbonara, and Roman-style pizza by the slice.

• Stay (romance + mid-range budget): Trastevere’s quiet courtyards, Monti’s central-yet-local feel, or Prati for calm evenings and easy Vatican access.
• Good to know: Many restaurants close one day a week (often Monday). Aperitivo (pre-dinner drinks with nibbles) is a delightful early-evening ritual.

Where to stay (handpicked):

• Hotel Santa Maria (Trastevere): Intimate and leafy, perfect for couples. Check Hotel Santa Maria
• Kolbe Hotel Rome (near the Forum): Garden views and a serene feel steps from Ancient Rome. Check Kolbe Hotel Rome
• Hotel Mascagni (Repubblica): Solid mid-range with easy Metro access. Check Hotel Mascagni
• The Beehive (Budget boutique): Friendly, design-forward base near Termini. Check The Beehive
• Hotel de Russie (Splurge for a celebration): Lush secret garden between Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps. Check Hotel de Russie
• Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel (View lovers): Hilltop sunsets and a destination spa. Check Rome Cavalieri

Browse more stays: Hotels in Rome | VRBO apartments in Rome

How to get there and around: Fly into FCO (Leonardo da Vinci) or CIA (Ciampino). Compare flights within Europe via Omio (Flights in Europe). From FCO, the Leonardo Express train reaches Termini in about 32 minutes (≈€14–15); taxis have a fixed city-center rate. For intercity trains or airport trains, check Omio (Trains in Europe) or budget Omio (Buses in Europe). In Rome, walk, use Metro lines A/B/C, or take taxis for late nights.

Day 1: Arrival, Golden-Hour Rome, and a Candlelit Welcome

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. Ease into Rome with a gentle stroll: Pantheon (exterior), Piazza Navona’s fountains, and Via dei Coronari’s antique shops. Pause for gelato at Gelateria del Teatro or a pick-me-up espresso at Sant’Eustachio (stand at the banco like a local).

Evening: Toast the city from the Pincio Terrace above Piazza del Popolo—sunsets here feel painted. Dinner options for a romantic first night: Da Enzo al 29 (Trastevere; Roman classics, book ahead), Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina (cured meats, cacio e pepe, deep wine list), or Armando al Pantheon (old-school elegance). Cap the night with a slow walk to Trevi Fountain; arrive late to dodge crowds and share that coin toss wish.

Day 2: Gladiators, Forums, and Monti’s Wine Bars

Morning: Step straight into history with this skip-the-line experience (≈2.5–3 hours). Colosseum Arena Floor, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Guided Tour. Typical from €60–85 per person.

After the tour, grab lunch in Monti: Taverna dei Fori Imperiali (family-run, seasonal Roman plates) or Pizzeria Alle Carrette (thin-crust pies, convivial vibe).

Afternoon: Wander Monti’s cobbled lanes—peek into vintage shops and ateliers along Via del Boschetto. Coffee at La Casetta or black sesame gelato at Fatamorgana if you’re curious. Swing by the Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli to see Michelangelo’s Moses (short visit).

Evening: Aperitivo at Ai Tre Scalini (Monti institution; local wines by the glass, crostini, and salumi). For dinner, Felice a Testaccio (tonnarelli cacio e pepe tossed tableside) or Trattoria al Moro near Trevi (classic Roman recipes). Wine-forward nightcap for two: Rimessa Roscioli’s tasting flights or the creative cocktails at Drink Kong (award-winning, moody lighting—very date-night).

Day 3: Vatican Masterpieces, Prati Bites, and Tiber Twilight

Morning: Beat the crowds with a guided, priority-entry visit (≈3 hours). Skip-the-Line Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's | Small Group. Expect €75–110 per person depending on season and group size.

Lunch in Prati: Pizzarium Bonci (creative al taglio by Gabriele Bonci; order a tasting of seasonal slices) or Pastasciutta (fast, fresh pasta bowls near the Vatican).

Afternoon: Stroll Via Cola di Rienzo for shopping and pastries. Walk across the Tiber to Castel Sant’Angelo’s bridge angels, then meander along the river. For a sweet pause, try gelato at Old Bridge (near the Vatican) or Hedera (Borgo Pio).

Evening: Rooftop romance: La Terrazza at Hotel Eden for an elegant aperitivo with skyline views, then dinner at Osteria della Suburra (hearty Roman dishes) or Pierluigi (seafood, sceney piazza). Finish with a moonlit promenade along the Lungotevere.

Day 4: Markets, Hands-On Pasta, and Trastevere by Night

Morning: Start with specialty coffee and pastries at Marigold (Ostiense) or Roscioli Caffè (near Campo de’ Fiori). Browse Campo de’ Fiori’s produce and spices, then head to Testaccio Market for lunch grazing: Mordi & Vai (iconic panino with braised meats), CasaManco (inventive pizza), and fresh supplì.

Afternoon: Roll up your sleeves for an intimate cooking class near Piazza Navona (≈2.5–3 hours). 3 in 1 Cooking Class near Navona: Fettuccine, Ravioli & Tiramisu. Typically €75–110; perfect for couples who love to cook together.

Between sessions, pop into San Luigi dei Francesi to admire Caravaggio’s canvases (free, brief but powerful), or steal a quiet moment in Chiostro del Bramante’s courtyard café.

Evening: Dive into Rome’s tastiest neighborhood with an award-winning progressive feast (≈4 hours). Winner 2025 Rome Twilight Trastevere Food Tour by Eating Europe. Expect cured meats, Roman street food, handmade pasta, and gelato—plus wine pairings that spotlight Lazio varietals.

Day 5: Borghese Morning and Farewell Bites

Morning: Grab cappuccino at Tazza d’Oro or Sant’Eustachio, then wander the green expanse of Villa Borghese. Rent a rowboat on the little lake or book the Galleria Borghese’s timed entry for Bernini’s spellbinding sculptures (reserve in advance). Pick up picnic supplies—porchetta, olives, pecorino—from a deli, or have a light lunch at Forno Campo de’ Fiori (fresh-from-the-oven pizza bianca) before your departure.

Afternoon (Departure): Depending on your train or flight, allow 60–90 minutes to reach FCO from the center. For airport trains and connections, compare options via Omio (Trains in Europe) or check EU flight options via Omio (Flights in Europe).

Extra Ideas for a Romantic Twist

• Wine moments in the city: Lazio’s Frascati and Cesanese shine—ask for local pours at Il Goccetto (historic enoteca) or Enoteca Ferrara (Trastevere). For an immersive tasting dinner, Rimessa Roscioli pairs flights with regional plates.
• Glide through the city: Prefer to cover more ground with minimal walking? Book this breezy highlight reel with sweet endings. Rome Highlights City Tour by Golf Cart with Gelato

Dining & Cafe Shortlist (Save These!)

• Breakfast/Coffee: Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè (signature crema), Tazza d’Oro (near Pantheon), Marigold (sourdough, eggs), Roscioli Caffè (excellent maritozzi).
• Lunch: Trapizzino (filled pizza pockets), Pizzarium Bonci (creative slices), Flavio al Velavevodetto (Testaccio), Mercato Testaccio stalls (Mordi & Vai sandwiches).
• Dinner: Da Enzo al 29 (romantic trattoria), Armando al Pantheon (refined classics), Felice a Testaccio (cacio e pepe), Osteria Fernanda (creative, date-night ambience), Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina (cult favorites, big wine list).
• Gelato: Gelateria del Teatro (seasonal), Otaleg (chef-driven), Fatamorgana (inventive, natural ingredients).
• Drinks: Ai Tre Scalini (Monti wine bar), Il Goccetto (historic enoteca), Enoteca Ferrara (Trastevere), Drink Kong (world-class cocktails).

Budget Tips for a Mid-Range (57/100) Spend

• Anchor a few premium experiences (Vatican + Colosseum skip-the-line, one food/cooking experience), then balance with free sights (Pantheon exterior, piazzas, churches) and inexpensive, excellent eats (pizza al taglio, supplì).
• Use public transport for longer hops; walk the historic center to soak up street life and save on taxis.
• Book major tours and popular restaurants in advance to avoid last-minute premium pricing.

Book Your Essentials

• Hotels and Apartments: Hotels in Rome | VRBO Rome
• Vatican & Colosseum (Skip-the-line): Vatican Small Group | Colosseum Arena
• Food & Cooking: Trastevere Food Tour | Pasta & Tiramisu Class
• Transport (Europe): Flights (Omio) | Trains (Omio) | Buses (Omio)

This 5-day Rome plan balances headline sights with intimate corners, long lunches, and golden-hour promenades perfect for two. With key tours pre-booked and a handful of beloved eateries mapped out, you’ll have the freedom to wander—and the thrill of knowing every path leads to something delicious or beautiful.