Rome

Rome is known for its culture, art, food, stunning architecture and sites, the most prominent being the Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps. Housed within Rome is the Vatican City which offers one the Sistine Chapel, St Peters Basilica and the Vatican Museums. It has a population of less than 3 million people and most Romans in the hospitality industry can speak English.

Why is Rome a great destination for families?

Kids have the run of the city in Rome. It is very important to Italians that their kids are happy and have freedom of movement and so you will see, especially in the summer months in Rome, children running around shouting and playing till almost midnight, while their parents sit close by and indulge in their favorite pastime – talking!

Between the historical sites and the incredibly family friendly atmosphere, Rome reaffirms itself as one of our favourite places to visit in Italy with kids.

How many days should you spend in Rome?

Rome is the starting or ending point for many vacations to Italy as it is the major Italian hub for international flights, so you may arrive and/or depart from here. Most families are coming to Italy for between 10 and 14 days on vacation and so we’d suggest that you explore the city first (as it will be busy especially n the summer months) before heading off to Tuscany, Amalfi, Puglia, Sicily for something a little more relaxing.

Rome needs somewhere between 3 and 5 days to cover all the must-sees, allowing you to partake in at least one tour/activity/excursion every day and some time for self-guided sight seeing. Whether is a three or five day stay depends on whether you are staying in Italy for 10 or 14 days. If you are planning on visiting only Rome you should consider following a seven-day itinerary during which you can take some day trips out of the city to the likes of Ostia Antica, Orvieto, Tivoli, or something more further afield like Florence or Pompeii.  The longer you spend in Rome the more immersive the experience and you get a better understanding of the city and its people.

Must-see places in Rome

Rome has at least 20 top rated attractions that one should see and although what you choose out of these is down to personal choice you will want to see the following:

1. Colosseum
2. Vatican City – Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica
3. Pantheon
4. Roman Forum
5. Trevi Fountain
6. Spanish Steps
7. Piazza Navona
8. Palantine Hill
9. Villa Borghese
10. Castel Sant’ Angelo

Top things to do in and around Rome with kids

Our top things to do in Rome with kids are in no particular order. For us these have been super fun personally and we have got fantastic feedback from our clients and friends after partaking in these.

1. Take a Golf Cart Private Tour of Rome – its the best way to visit the city
2. Visit the Vatican in the early morning before the crowds
3. Combine the Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum in one visit
4. Explore the Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere region on a food tour
5. Take part in a Rome Food Tour
6. Visit the Borghese Gallery, gardens and have a picnic
7. Take a bike or e-bike tour along the Appian Way
8. Fancy taking a Vespa (and sidecar) through the streets of Rome?
9. Have a Treasure Hunt in the Catacombs or get spooked in the Capuchin Crypt
10. Take an evening stroll and have a gelato
11. Learn how to make Pizza and Gelato in Rome
12. Spend a couple of hours at the Gladiator School
13. Take the elevator up the National Monument of Victor Emmanuel II (in Piazza Venezia)

Best Family friendly hotels in Rome

Looking for a family friendly hotel in Rome? Here are our choices based on those we have visited and feedback from our clients.

Villa Agrippina Gran Melia

The Gran Melia is a luxury hotel just 10 minutes from the Trastevere area and 15 minutes from Piazza Navona and Vatican. What sets this hotel apart from many others in Rome is that it has a large outdoor swimming pool and landscaped gardens for the kids which is quite unique in Rome. This hotel pairs old-world charm with style, sophistication and modern amenities. Other than a incredible selection of rooms and suites Villa Agrippina also offers studio apartments for those who prefer this set up.

Hotel de Russie, Rocco Forte

Hotel de Russie is located between Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps so is ideally located for those who want to explore Rome by foot. This hotel has a lush garden that allows the kids to run around while their parents enjoy an aperitivo under the shade of the umbrellas. The hotel offers a mix of fresh modern design with old world architecture. A unique offering from the Rocco Forte brand – they have something special for the kids via Rocco Forte Kids which includes in-house activities such as cooking lessons, scavenger hunts, kids spa treatments, kids menus, breakfast corner and milk & cookies at Turndown.

Aldrovandi Villa Borghese

What is so unique about Aldrovandi is that the hotel is close enough to the center of Rome that you don’t feel like you are miles away but equally you feel that you are away from the busyness that one can feel in a city center. The wonderful choice with this hotel is that when you leave the hotel you also have the option of enjoying the tranquillity of the Villa Borghese gardens. Not only does the hotel offer some incredible interconnecting room options, some fantastic family suites but it is one of few properties in central Rome that offers a swimming pool for some respite in the summer heat.

Palazzo Scanderbeg

Situated on a quiet piazza, steps away from the Trevi Fountain this fifteenth century building is a luxury home of private apartments that offer large, multi-room spaces for families, as well as 24/7 guest services. For those who want to be spoilt there is a full-time butler service for the Master Suites. Well priced for the level of elegance and service you receive. A small present for kids is generally available on arrival and they have their own unique residence ‘treasure hunt’.

Grand Hotel de la Minerve

This hotel is located within the old city of Rome in the Piazza della Minerve, a tiny piazza just around the corner from the Pantheon. Considering its central location in Rome it is surprisingly quiet with spacious rooms, some of which have balconies for you to enjoy. Not only does the hotel hotel overlook the Pantheon but it is just minutes from Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. A unique feature of the hotel is its roof garden which offers an incomparable view of Rome’s rooftops.

Hotel Hassler

Hotel Hasler is located at the top of the Spanish Steps and is situated close to the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and the Vatican. The hotel is renowned as a setting for unforgettable memories with its panoramic terraces with breathtaking views of Rome. The 91 rooms and suites vary enormously as far as style, size and views go. Décor is divided between classic time-capsule and bold Art Deco. Hotel Hassler is especially welcoming to families, with child-friendly minibar selections, small-sized robes and a Hassler stuffed bunny.

Hotel dei Mellini

The Dei Mellini is located on the right bank of the Tiber River on a quiet, peaceful street only 500 meters from Castel Sant’Angelo. With 80 rooms to choose form there are lots of variations to suit families. For babies the hotel offers baby bottle warmers, costs and strollers. A baby sitter is available on request and there is a playground area and entertainment area with ping pong table for children.

Best Family friendly restaurants in Rome

Near Piazza Venezia

• Taverna dei Fori Imperiali — near the Forum, they have an English menu but it still felt authentic. VIA DELLA MADONNA DEI MONTI 9 – 00184
• Piperno — in the Jewish quarter, good fritti, outside piazza setting, Monte dé Cenci, 9 – 00186 Roma, +39 06 68.80.66.29, [email protected]
• Taverna degli Amici — not far from Piazza Venezia, not much English spoken, good, simple, affordable food in a quiet setting, Piazza Margana 37,
• Roscioli – highly recommended by our clients. ‘You’ll love Roscioli the minute you walk in!’

Near Spanish Steps

• Alfredo — invented Alfredo sauce, Via Della Scrofa 104/A,
• Osteria Margutta — creative Roman-Italian cuisine on a pretty, quiet street, Via Margutta 82, Closed Sundays.
• La Matricianella — traditional Roman cuisine, Via del Leone 4
• Il Brillo Parlante — pizzeria, Via della Fontanella 12

Near Colosseum

• Caffe Propaganda — near the Colosseum, Roman bistro decor, modern Roman cuisine, not for young kids maybe but really good food, Via Claudia 15
• Ristorante Colosseo ‘Luzzi’ Pizzas, pastas, salads. Very busy with tourists so best to arrive at 12pm. Via di S. Giovanni in Laterano, 88. +39 06 709 6332
• 4 et 4’Otto. Pizzas, pasta, salads. Same owners/similar menu at Luzzi but less crowded. Via Dei Santissimi Quattro 30. +39 06 709 6309

Near St. Peter’s

• Ristorante Il Matriciano — kid-friendly with sidewalk tables, affordable, homemade fare. 55, Via Dei Dei Gracchi

Near Campo de Fiori

• Ristorante ​Ditirambo – authentic Rome trattoria, Piazza della Cancelleria, 74-75, 00186 Roma, +39 06 687 1626
• Roscioli — not far from Campo de Fiori, tiny (be sure to reserve), locals place, fab food and wonderful wine tasting dinners several nights a week, Via dei Giubbonari, 21/22, 00186 Roma, Italy, +39 066875287,
• Pierluigi — not far from Campo de Fiori, another local spot but much larger, wonderful seafood, outdoor seating on a campo, Piazza de’ Ricci, 144, 00186 Roma, Italy, [+39] 06 68 61 302, [email protected]

Across the Tiber (Trastevere)

• Da Enzo Cucina Romana – ‘must-do’ for foodies. Super casual. Need to book for 7.30pm sitting. Via dei Vascellari, 29, 00153 Roma (Trastevere) +39 06 58 12 260

Recommended Gelaterias (Ice cream)

• Il Gelato di San Crispino, Via della Panetteria 42 (near Trevi Fountain); tel. 06 6793924; Noon-midnight; closed Tues.
• Gelateria della Palma, Via della Maddalena 20-23 (near the Pantheon)
• Gelateria Tre Scalini Piazza Navona 28, Roma

Still unsure on whether you should stay in Rome and what there is to do for the family and kids especially? Here are some articles and resources that will help you….