11 Unusual Date Ideas To Try In Rome Italy

Rome and romance is a match made in heaven. The cobbled streets, breathtaking skyline and lustrous fountains all provide a stunning backdrop to any romantic rendez-vous but the city has so much more to offer than just clichéd candlelit dinners. From comedy nights to painting parties, here are 11 unusual ideas to impress a date in the Eternal City.

Rome’s Comedy Club

Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s feel-good chemical, so an evening of one-liners and off-the-wall skits makes perfect sense for a first date. Share some laughs at Rome’s Comedy Club, the only English stand up show in Rome. Check the Facebook page for event details.

Open Mic Night

Get practicing those vocal exercises because open mic night is calling. Expect performances from undiscovered local talent and equally entertaining – if less aurally pleasing – late-night revellers. A number of venues across the city set up the microphone, and sometimes guitar or piano too, including Abby Theatre near Piazza Navona, Le Mura in San Lorenzo and The Fiddler’s Elbow, a few steps from Termini.

Abby Theatre, Via del Governo Vecchio, 51, Rome, Italy, +39 06 686 1341

Le Mura Live Music Bar, Via di Porta Labicana, 24, Rome, Italy

The Fiddler’s Elbow, Via dell’Olmata, 43, 00184 Rome, Italy, +39 06 487 2110

1. See St. Peter’s from a new perspective

Architectural Landmark

When it comes to romantic vistas Rome is not short of places to go and couples flock to sweet spots like the Gianicolo, Giardino degli Aranci and the Pincio. Lesser known is the view of St. Peter’s afforded from Via Piccolomini, a quiet street not far from Villa Doria Pamphili. Drive towards the basilica, it appears to shrink and withdraw into the background. Drive away and the basilica returns to its former grandiose stature.

2. Explore the whimsical Quartiere Coppedè

Architectural Landmark

Quartiere Coppedè is a unique neighbourhood with a whimsical feel in Rome

Take a passeggiataalong the fantastically charming streets of the Quartiere Coppedè. Designed by Gino Coppedè between 1913 and 1927, this tiny neighbourhood contains around 40 buildings in an eclectic mix of classical Greek, Roman Baroque and Art Nouveau styles. Look out for ornate towers, intricate mosaic-archways and even a grand outdoor chandelier.

Make some four-legged friends

Comprised of the remains of four Roman temples and the Theatre of Pompey – where Julius Caesar was murdered in 44BC – Largo di Torre Argentina is a fascinating historical site. Add in around 150 kitties who frolic, lounge and stalk among the ruins and it becomes a perfectly charming spot to take any cat lover for the afternoon. If it’s open, pay a visit to the cat sanctuary on the south side of the square and meet the gattare (cat ladies) who care for the local feline population.

Largo di Torre Argentina, Via Arenula, Rome, Italy