The Perfect Playlist for your Trip to Rome

The Perfect Playlist for your Trip to Rome

So you’re headed to Roma and you need the perfect playlist to set the mood of the trip.

Don’t be embarrassed about it; a lot of people find Rome brings out their romantic side quite effortlessly, and most tourists end up creating a Roman playlist within the first few days of exploring the city, if not before they arrive.

There are a few classics that are a must on every playlist about Rome. These are the songs you’ve heard in the movies, used to set the whimsey and charm of the ancient streets on screen.

Ready?

On An Evening in Roma

Dean Martin

This age old classic that tops almost all playlists about Rome on both Spotify and Apple Music.

On An Evening in Roma was one of Dean Martin’s most successful song releases ever. He recorded it half in English and half in Italian. It is the quintessential song for an evening stroll through the Roman streets, and has been featured in more movies than I can count.

This song has also been covered by many artists around the world; both Italian and not.

Dean Martin actually recorded an entire album if Italian love songs, on which this one first appeared. If you want to check out the full album look for it under the name Dino.

Don’t know what the country’s coming to

But in Rome do as the Romans do

Will you on an evening in Roma

Come è bella c’è la luna brilla e strette

Strette come è tutta bella a passeggiare

Sotto il cielo di Roma

Three Coins In The Fountain

Frank Sinatra

From the same artist who recorded one of the most important songs about New York City, this Roman anthem has withstood the test of time.

The great Sinatra recorded this song after observing the ways in which the tourists of Rome interacted with the ancient world around them. The hype around tossing coins into the Trevi Fountain was at its peak, and everyone wanted in on the fun.

Three coins in the fountain

Through the ripples how they shine

Just one wish will be granted

One heart will wear a valentine

Rome

Phoenix

Not too long ago, I watched Phoenix play a mind-blowing show at the Fonda Theatre. To my dismay, they didn’t play Rome, an important song released on their Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix album in 2009.

Phoenix are known for their intercontinental appeal; their ability to connect with different cultures and lands & create relatable lyrics on almost any topic. Their Rome song is no different; an exploration of being on the street and the youth culture they observed.

Rome Rome Rome Rome

Focus looking forward the coliseum

Oh no what did I say

What can I say

Rome Rome many tears have fallen here

I’ll be driving you look the other way

Autumn in Rome

Peggy Lee

The only thing better than a 1950s Roman ballad, is a 1950s Roman jazz ballad.

Thanks to Peggy Lee, we have one that will live on for the rest of time. Autumn in Rome is a jazzy, orchestra masterpiece in which the artist reminisces on falling in love in this romantic city.

It’s got a strong, melancholic undertone; almost heartbroken at times.

Autumn in Rome

Memories like embers glow

When I seem to hear walks beneath the pines that grace the golden sky

Stopping now and then to share a lover’s sigh, you and I

Arrivederci Roma

Nat King Cole

Nat King Cole could do no wrong, and Arrivederci Roma was just another example of his mastery.

This track has since been covered by the likes of Dean Martin, who made the first song in our roundup. This is testament to just how good it is; a dance-worthy song in which we say farewell, adieu, arrivederci to the beloved Roma.

Arrivederci, Roma

Goodbye, goodbye to Rome

City of a million moonlit places

City of a million warm embraces

Where I found the one of all the faces

Far from home

Heart of Rome

Elvis Presley

Heart of Rome was released by the iconic Elvis Presley in 1971. While it was never one of his most successful works, it did do well in the UK and Australia (surprisingly).

It’s a simple ballad about getting swallowed up by the charm of Rome; you can arrive without intention and before you know it you’ve fallen in love and you’re tossing coins into the Trevi along with everyone else.

In a little while you’re leavin’

Starting on the journey home

Soon I’ll be alone, the one who loves you

La la la la la, somewhere in the heart of Rome

Spanish Steps

Toto

If you know anything about Toto as a band, you probably know that they are responsible for the very iconic Rains in Africa song that plays, to this day, on radio stations all over the world.

Toto also released a song that was an ode to Rome. The Spanish Steps is about, well, the Spanish Steps; one of the major attractions in the center of the city.

This is always rumored to be the place to go to find love. A monument of prospective lovers and connections to be made.

The first time I saw her

She was wearing scarves of white

That little spark between us

Took only seconds to ignite

And then it occurred to me

Suddenly I was standing there alone

On the Spanish steps of Rome

When in Rome (I Do as the Romans Do)

Barbra Streisand

This song by Barbra Streisand was inspired by a European tour where she explored most of better known cities, induing Barcelona, Rome and Paris.

She was moved to write about them all, and this track is not solely about Rome by any means. The city did, however, leave enough of an impact to have been included in the title.

When in Spain for reasons I don’t explain

I remain enjoying a brew

Don’t deplore my fondness for fundador

You know how a fundador can lead to a few

And baby when in Rome I do as the Romans do

If per chance I’m saying farewell to France

And romance drops in from the blue