Hi,

I am planning on proposing to my girlfriend in rome in a few weeks. Hotel and Flights booked, ring on order and the only thing missing is how i'm going to ask the question and where.

I initially thought of a roof top restaurant in the evening and then somewhere with a great view. Also read about the hot air ballon at Villa Borghese (Not sure if this is still available?).

I'm staying near the Piazza del Popolo.

Any help or advise would be much appreciated.

OMG, you can't go wrong proposing anywhere in Rome. What a lovely idea.

The roof top restaurant in the evening would be magical. Not sure you have to go over-the-top with a hot air balloon, etc. Don't overdo it. Being in Rome, having wine at dinner, seeing the rooftops-- that's enough of a wow factor, I think.

Best wishes for a happy, life-long marriage!

Good restaurant with great views of Rome near Piazza Popolo: Ciampini on the Via Santa Trinita dei Monti between the Spanish Steps and the Villa Medici.

Go up the steps behind Santa Maria del Popolo and turn right going past the Pincio.

If you really want to spend BIG BUCKS then go the Hassler.
(A martini there will cost you over $20.)

Thin

Climb the steps of the Cordonata. At the top, on the right is the Capitoline Museum, directly ahead is the Senate building. Go around the right side of the Senate to the rear of the building to one of the best views of the Forum and a little of the Colosseum. Dusk would be great, just as it's getting dark and the lights come on. Gorgeous! And romantic. Then on to a nice dinner.

Forgot to add that for one of the best views of Rome go to upper terrace of the Castel Sant'Angelo.

Thin

The balloon is a tethered balloon and would have other people on it with you.

There are cafes on top of Castel Sant'Angelo, Capitoline Museum (lots of weddings up there), Victor Emmanuel at Piazza Venezia. I don't think any of them would be open at dusk.

Actually, KY, the cafe at Castel Sant'Angelo is not at the upper terrace. It is at the terrace below.

Another romantic (but very expensive spot): the garden of the Hotel Russie, which is also near the Piazza Popolo.

Thin

Here's a thought...

Go to the Colosseum at dusk/dark. Walk up the Via Sacra towards the Arch of Titus.

Just before the Arch, you'll see a small street heading off to the left, this is Via di San Bonaventure. Follow this. It takes a couple of turns. Just after to make your left onto the road, you make a right. About 1/2 way up, before the next left...Stop.

You stand next to the wall, make sure she is standing uphill and looking down at you. She'll see you, the columns of the Temple of Venus and Rome and in the background will be the Colosseum lit up. Here is a great place to propose. It is quiet, serene and really pretty at night.

Golly, aren't I romantic today?



dave

Oh, I think you should wait for some moment when she's thrown her arms around you to give you a kiss -- and pop the question.

Be careful carrying that ring around with you.

Maybe you could cook up a conspiracy with the stewardess on the flight over to serve the ring with her chicken or pasta.

Propose in the middle of a packed plane - ick!

Definitely find someplace private. There's a very old bridge over the Tibur that might make a private and romantic place.

I was joking, nytraveler.

I agree w/ dave. The forum at dusk/dark sounds very romantic and evocative. Any momument that has stood the test of time can symbolize your undying and steadfast love

But the forum hasn't stood the test of time. It's practically not standing at all.

Which isn't to say a ruin can't be romantic, or an old bridge across the Tiber (which actually leads to a hospital, but I guess most people don't know) but I was thinking it might be better to pop the question when *she's* feeling romantic. Rome can be interpreted -- and misinterpreted -- in many ways!

I'm also on board with doing it in the area of the Forum. What more romantic place to propose than at the Temple of Venus?

Of course, I think at the top of Castle Sant'Angelo would also be lovely.

Good luck and congratulations! Have a wonderful trip!

I agree with Thin, the view from Castel Sant'Angelo would be really lovely.

Love the Castel Sant' Angelo idea too.... if it inspired something as amazing as Tosca. And the views of the river were great. As I recall the tables of that cafe looked out onto these window/cutouts in the castle wall.

Rome is also romantic at night. (Even St. Peter's feels romantic with the uplighting on the columns.) One of the lit fountains at night would be wonderful. Trevi would probably be more crowded than the others.

Here's a link with many of the top views in Rome...
http://www.roninrome.com/2009/09/20/best-views-in-rome/. It might provide some inspiration.

Of these, many locals who are proposing head to the Sevelli Garden atop the Aventine Hill. The overhang there looks directly into the setting sun, with the river below you, the island Tiburina in the foreground, and the Dome of St. Peter's silhouletted by the setting sun... quite beautiful...

For a whole different feel, many take the horse carriage ride to spots already mentioned and propose!

A great problem to have, deciding where to propose in Roma!CONGRATS!!

Ok, I haven't yet been to Rome, but I have said yes to a proposal.

I agree with the suggestions that you go somewhere private. A quiet pretty view gives you some flexibility and sets the mood.
Plus, you will want a moment to kiss and hug each other, which might be tricky in a restaurant. Then go and celebrate.
Have faith, this is a proposal, it is by its very nature romantic. And while I remember the lovely fountain on a misty night where my husband proposed, what I remember the most is what he said, the look on his face and both of us tearing up with emotion and joy.
Good luck and best wishes!

Thin's idea of Castel St. Angelo is the best.

My husband proposed during a gondola ride in Venice...best memories! You are on the right track!! Best wishes and many blessings your way!