This submit might comprise affiliate hyperlinks. We might obtain a small fee, for free of charge to you, should you make a purchase order. Learn Disclosure.
We liked visiting Rome with our two teenage daughters. We had been excited to go to The Everlasting Metropolis for a lot of causes, however we weren’t anticipating our teenage ladies to find it irresistible as a lot as they did. The explanation for this? There are tons of issues to do in Rome for youngsters.
Our teenagers adore Rome as a result of it has this unmatched, vibrant vitality and a great deal of iconic landmarks to get their “I used to be in Rome” pictures. Locations just like the Colosseum and the Pantheon captivated their younger and curious minds and received them impressed and all for artwork and structure.
They liked the bustling streets and full of life piazzas, to not point out the delectable Italian delicacies from mouthwatering pizza to creamy gelato, which made even the fussiest of eaters in our household glad.
If you happen to’re undecided what to do in Rome with teenagers, then listed below are a few of the prime points of interest that our youngsters get pleasure from in Rome!
Issues To Do In Rome with Youngsters
Wander Round Trastevere
Rome is usually a little bit of an awesome metropolis at instances. It’s busy, it’s loud, it’s bustling, and when strolling from attraction to attraction, you end up cursing to your self for the third time as a scooter pulls out in entrance of you from nowhere.
That is why we liked the Trastevere neighborhood a lot because it’s a far cry from this scene in Rome.
It’s quiet, it’s stylish, and it’s modern. It’s crammed with a great deal of hip cafes, bars, and boutique outlets. It nonetheless has the enduring Roman structure and cobbled streets that Rome is known for however with out the honking and chaos.
This district is called the previous working-class neighborhood. Individuals are drawn to the slender alleyways, road artwork murals, and bohemian environment.
Trastevere gave our teenagers a real perception into trendy Italian tradition. You may see how Italians go about their each day lives and really feel the beat of the town as you meander by means of a labyrinth of alleys and quiet streets.
As a result of it’s positioned within the south of the town, throughout the river from the Colosseum, you get to keep away from a variety of the hustle and bustle however nonetheless be near the motion, so we at all times suggest that you simply keep on this neighborhood when visiting the town.
It’s additionally value noting that this can be a full of life district at night time with backpackers heading to bars, however this didn’t trouble us or our teenage ladies as we picked a quiet place to remain down a aspect road.
Trastevere was additionally the place our favourite restaurant in Rome was – Mama Eats. 100% gluten free, scrumptious and reasonably priced, and by no means too busy. Additionally they do non-gluten free variations of all their meals should you request it! Their tiramisu was unbelievable!
Go On A Roman Road Meals Tour
One of many issues our youngsters liked probably the most on our go to to Rome was a strolling road meals tour. Not solely did we get to strive a few of the finest Italian delicacies (past pizza) however we additionally realized so much concerning the historical past of Rome and the Italian lifestyle.
The Roman Road Meals Tour takes you to a number of spots within the metropolis the place you may pattern a few of the best cuisines past the pastas and gelatos. You may strive handmade, recent suppli, Porchetteria La Rinascita, and graffe! I wager you hadn’t heard of these dishes earlier than?
It’s not solely an effective way to expertise new meals, however a enjoyable solution to see the websites of Rome that you could be simply wander by means of, corresponding to Piazza Navona and Campo de’ Fiori – which and not using a gelato in hand, wouldn’t be probably the most thrilling place in Rome for an adolescent.
I really like the piazzas as a result of they’re at all times a enjoyable place to be with so much occurring. They’re surrounded by spectacular buildings and monuments, there’s often some type of road performer someplace, pigeons flocking round selecting up scraps off the ground, and folks sipping espressos within the cafes.
Nonetheless, we discovered our teenagers didn’t recognize sitting and simply absorbing the environment as a lot because the adults would, so we wouldn’t exit of the way in which to go to the piazzas in any other case.
Do A Guided Tour of The Vatican
Our teenagers love nation counting, so after I informed them they may go to the smallest nation on Earth, they had been so excited! Sure, The Vatican can also be the middle for Christianity, house of the Catholic church, and a UNESCO World Heritage Website, however who cares when you may tick one other bucket checklist merchandise off the checklist?
The Vatican might solely be 0.44 sq. kilometers, however there’s so much to see and do right here, so we do suggest you intend a full day to spend right here.
Our largest tip is to be sure to e-book a tour of The Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel as early as you may. After about 9.00 am, the queues for The Vatican Museum go for miles (actually) and you’ll be ready in line for as much as 3 hours to purchase a ticket.
Additionally, The Vatican Museum is HUGE. The museum has 70,000 displays in an area of 42,000 sq. meters – it’s simply not attainable to see all of it.
On a guided tour, you may then be proven highlights of the Catholic Church’s assortment and see all the most effective bits.
After visiting The Vatican Museum and The Sistine Chapel, make sure you go to St. Peter’s Basilica. If you happen to e-book the guided tour, you may study extra concerning the fresco work and the primary Pope of Christianity, St Peter, who can also be buried within the church.
You may study extra about the right way to go to The Vatican in our full information right here.
Go to The Colosseum, The Roman Discussion board, and Palatine Hill
In fact, no journey to Rome can be full with out visiting The Colosseum and The Roman Discussion board, that are probably the most iconic and vital historic ruins in Rome.
The Colosseum is likely one of the Seven Historic Wonders of the World and the legendary amphitheater that when hosted gladiator battles and different spectacles in historic instances.
It was in-built 72 AD and will as soon as home as much as 80,000 spectators. Subsequent to it’s The Roman Discussion board, which was the traditional market and the center of political, spiritual, and industrial life in historic Rome.
The ruins date again to the tip of the seventh century BC. A few of the ruins had been as soon as a few of the vital websites in Roman historical past, together with the Temple of Saturn, the Arch of Septimius Severus, the Temple of Vesta, the Curia Julia (Senate Home), and the Rostra – the place political speeches had been delivered.
Strolling by means of these historic ruins is the easiest way to study concerning the historic lifetime of Rome and picture the grandeur of the Roman Empire.
These are two different landmarks which can be finest seen on a guided tour as a result of in any other case, you’ll do not know what you’re taking a look at! There’s a severe lack of signage and with out listening to concerning the historical past, it may be an underwhelming expertise to go to.
The guides not solely clarify the inception, historical past, and design of those two monuments but in addition inform tales concerning the foundations of Rome and what life would have been like throughout historic instances. It actually helps to think about what life in Historic Rome would have been like.
Relaxation in Villa Borghese Gardens
If you happen to’re bored with strolling round Rome or want someplace to retreat to for a picnic, then our favourite free factor to do in Rome with youngsters is to meander across the Villa Borghese gardens.
The Villa Borghese is a landscaped backyard and the third-largest within the metropolis, the place you’ll discover the Rome Zoo, Pincio’s Water Clock, and Silvano Toti Globe Theatre.
It’s the proper place to relaxation and loosen up beneath a shaded tree, watch the joggers and rollerbladers skate by, and revel in some much-needed household time.
If you wish to, you can even lease rollerblades and bikes from the primary gates, which is a well-liked solution to discover the gardens.
It’s also possible to go to the Borghese Gallery contained in the Villa Borghese to see world-renowned items of artwork by Renaissance painters corresponding to Raphael, Titian, and Caravaggio.
Go Purchasing (Or Window Purchasing) on Through del Corso
Rome is likely one of the prime cities in Europe for high-end trend, and the buying choices listed below are limitless. In fact, everyone knows that the Italian metropolis of Milan is the style capital of the world, but it surely’s not simply Milan that is aware of trend in Italy.
Vogue manufacturers corresponding to Fendi, Prada, Gucci, Valentino, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, and Giorgio Armani have all hailed from Italy. What higher place to buy trend, than the nation that birthed a few of the biggest designers in our historical past?
Whereas we are able to’t all afford designer items, you’ll be happy to comprehend it’s not simply designer garments that you would be able to store for in Rome.
The town has at all times had a historical past of expertise and artistry, significantly with leather-based items, and is well-known for producing some high-quality and luxurious items.
You’ll find boutique shops promoting handmade gadgets and artisan items, in addition to thrift shops promoting second-hand, high-quality trend.
Another common gadgets to look out for are artisanal ceramics and artwork prints, that are generally present in shops in Rome.
Snap Images of The Spanish Steps
I’ll be sincere, my teenage ladies weren’t into visiting The Spanish Steps an excessive amount of, so we didn’t spend a variety of time right here. Nonetheless, it’s one of the crucial iconic landmarks in Rome so you may’t go to the town with out visiting the enduring steps for a “I Was Right here” picture.
The Spanish Steps are beautiful and intricately designed however don’t take too lengthy to see. They had been constructed within the 18th century and are identified to be a well-liked gathering place, for locals and vacationers alike, and it’s a enjoyable place to take a seat and watch individuals watching.
On the backside of the steps is the Piazza di Spagna, which is surrounded by designer trend shops and luxurious eating places, and on the prime of the steps is the Trinità dei Monti church, which was constructed within the sixteenth century.
I’d say it could be a pleasant place to take a seat and eat a gelato, however sadly, you can’t eat on the steps and there’s a safety guard who likes to shout and forcibly implement this rule, as we had witnessed occur to different vacationers visiting the steps.
Once we visited, they had been establishing for the premiere occasion for Mission Not possible that night, which meant we couldn’t do a lot there. Maybe another excuse my ladies weren’t that all for it.
Throw A Coin In The Trevi Fountain
Are you able to get any extra iconic than throwing a coin within the Trevi Fountain? It’s maybe THE most unmissable factor you need to do in Rome.
It’s mentioned that should you throw a coin within the fountain, you’ll return to Rome – to not deliver you good luck as many may have you imagine.
Merely stand along with your again to the fountain, and throw a coin over your left shoulder along with your proper hand.
The fountain is at all times filled with individuals, so you will have to attend your flip to discover a spot for a photograph. You must also observe that the fountain is drained for cleansing each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8.00 am-9.00 am, so attempt to keep away from these instances.
We didn’t know this and arrived simply as cleansing was ending, so we didn’t miss out on throwing the coin in. A bonus is that crowds will likely be fewer throughout these cleansing instances.
Do you assume they’ll ever ban throwing cash on this iconic fountain? It’s mentioned that vacationers throw in 1,000,000 euro into the fountain every year, so I extremely doubt it!
Marvel at The Pantheon
The Pantheon is one other marvel of engineering by the Romans and simply makes you assume, “Gosh, how did they know to do this?”
The previous Pagan temple turned Catholic church is most well-known for the domed ceiling, which has a round opening within the middle, known as ‘The Oculus’, ‘The Eye of the Pantheon’ or ‘Eye of God’. It was initially used as the one mild supply within the constructing, however what makes it particular is that the ground beneath it was constructed on a slant, resulting in 22 hidden holes, the place rainwater can drain.
Fairly cool engineering trick from 125 AD, don’t you assume?
It’s additionally a gorgeous constructing and is house to the resting place of Rome’s biggest artists and royals, corresponding to King Vittorio Emanuele II, King Umberto 1, and his spouse Queen Margherita of Savoy, and the enduring Renaissance artist, Raphael.
It’s not a giant attraction, however we suggest getting the audio information to provide you a quick historical past of the constructing.
Go to A Museum
Rome has so many museums to go to, and they’re a few of the finest on the planet. The one you go to ought to largely rely in your pursuits and what your loved ones is in search of, however our favourite museums in Rome are:
Galleria Borghese
The Galleria Borghese contained in the Villa Borghese is an artwork museum that incorporates works belonging to Cardinal Scipione Borghese, a outstanding artwork collector and patron of the humanities.
The gallery incorporates a formidable assortment of sculptures, work, and antiquities, in addition to being inside a fantastically designed Seventeenth-century constructing.
One of many key points of interest within the museum is the gorgeous sculpture of “Apollo and Daphne” by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. This masterpiece captures the dramatic second of Daphne’s transformation right into a laurel tree as she tries to flee from the pursuing Apollo.
One other spotlight is the portray “Sacred and Profane Love” by Titian, which depicts two girls, one wearing wealthy, luxurious materials representing sacred love, and the opposite in easy, earthly apparel symbolizing profane love.
It’s additionally house to Caravaggio’s well-known portray “David with the Head of Goliath,” which portrays the biblical scene of David holding the severed head of the defeated Goliath.
In case your youngsters are all for artwork or have been studying about these iconic work in class, then this can be a museum so as to add to the itinerary.
The Capitoline Museums
The Capitoline Museums are a collection of three buildings that flank Piazza del Campidoglio, which hint again to 1471 when Pope Sixtus IV donated a group of historic bronzes to the individuals of Rome.
One of many standout points of interest inside the museum is the enduring bronze sculpture of “The Capitoline Wolf.” This historic masterpiece mentioned to this point again to the fifth century BC however not confirmed, depicts the she-wolf suckling the legendary twins Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome.
The Capitoline Museums supply a mix of artwork and historical past and can be an ideal choice for youngsters all for historical past in addition to artwork.
Nationwide Roman Museum
The Nationwide Roman Museum is a good “all-round” historical past museum and takes you thru a number of historic buildings, together with the Baths of Diocletian, Palazzo Altemps, Crypta Balbi, and the Palazzo Massimo alle Terme.
The museum’s assortment incorporates artifacts that categorical the grandeur of historic Rome, that includes sculptures, mosaics, and paintings that inform tales of the each day life, artwork, and tradition of the Roman Empire.
The Palazzo Massimo alle Terme specifically homes a formidable assortment of Roman frescoes, together with the well-known “Backyard Fresco” from the Villa of Livia frescoes.
If you happen to solely have time for one museum, this might be our best choice.
Nationwide Gallery of Fashionable Artwork
The Nationwide Gallery of Fashionable Artwork is just not solely an ideal place to see Italian artwork from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, but it surely’s additionally positioned inside the gorgeous neoclassical Palazzo delle Belle Arti, which is a murals in itself!
Some of the well-known items within the museum is ‘Un’onda di luce’ by Giacomo Balla, also called Wave of Mild, which is a futuristic portray from 1909 that depicts the results of sunshine reflecting on the water, which was avant-garde for its time.
The Nationwide Gallery of Fashionable Artwork is a good museum to study concerning the evolution of Italian artwork and witness a few of the most lovely structure within the metropolis.
Galleria Doria Pamphilj
The Galleria Doria Pamphilj is housed within the opulent Palazzo Doria Pamphilj, a Seventeenth-century palace that has been meticulously preserved to showcase its grandeur.
The museum has a formidable assortment of Baroque masterpieces, together with the famend “Velazquez Portrait of Pope Harmless X,” by Diego Velázquez and the placing “Relaxation on the Flight into Egypt” by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio.
The Galleria Doria Pamphilj is the place to go to see Baroque artwork, which can or might not attraction to your teenagers. You resolve!
Take A Cooking Class
We didn’t have a lot time in Rome, so we weren’t capable of do a cooking class, however my teenagers mentioned they might have loved this if we had time.
In a cooking class, you may study to make your personal pasta from scratch, earlier than turning it into fettuccine and ravioli, adopted by studying to bake the traditional Italian dessert dish, tiramisu.
A cooking class is an effective way to get to know the tradition of a metropolis, in addition to deliver house a novel memento.
We find it irresistible once we can present instructional and enjoyable experiences for our youngsters, particularly as they love cooking and baking.
Here’s a pizza cooking class in Trastevere with Devour Excursions or this 3-in-1 cooking class has you making Fettuccine, Ravioli & Tiramisu!
Take A Golf Cart Tour of Rome
There are numerous methods to get round Rome – on foot, by open-top bus, and even by Vesper, however our youngsters had been actually excited to discover Rome by Golf Cart!
A golf cart is an effective way to discover the streets of Rome in a snug and lined automobile.
As you get pushed across the metropolis, a information will clarify to you the historical past of the monuments, palaces, basilicas, and piazzas, with all their fountains and statues, so you may really get a way of the historical past of Rome.
Sadly, we had been too late to e-book this and it was all offered out on our journey (one other good motive to e-book upfront!), however we’ve earmarked it for our subsequent journey – we did throw a coin within the Trevi Fountain, so it’s gonna occur.
Click on right here for charges and availability for a golf cart tour with LivTours.
Discover The Rome Catacombs
The catacombs are one other attraction we missed on account of time constraints, however our youngsters mentioned how a lot they might have appreciated to see them.
The Rome Catacombs are positioned simply outdoors the town middle and date again to the third Century AD. They had been used because the burial place for half 1,000,000 Christians and Jews, in addition to 16 Popes.
You may solely go to the catacombs with a information so it’s vital to e-book upfront. The information will present you across the historic burial websites and clarify burial rituals and traditions.
There may be multiple catacomb in Rome however the largest and most vital is the Catacombs of Saint Callixtus. Be a part of a guided tour of that right here.
Ideas for Visiting Rome With Teenagers
Beneath are some important issues to know earlier than you go to Rome with youngsters:
- Speak to your teenagers about what they’d love to do. Get your teenagers concerned within the strategy planning stage of the journey. Converse to them about what they may love to do or see. They might have realized about one thing in class, corresponding to Pompeii, and wish to go to it.
- Ensure to go to points of interest early within the morning to beat the crowds and get some superior pictures. That is particularly vital for The Colosseum and The Vatican, that are filled with individuals by 10.00 am.
- Ebook points of interest upfront. Attempt to e-book as a lot as you may upfront to keep away from disappointment. Rome is probably the most visited metropolis in Europe and it’s fairly possible for tickets to be offered out on the day for key points of interest, so a bit pre-planning can go a great distance.
- Regulate your belongings. We didn’t have any issues with this as a result of we had been conscious of the potential risks, however there are pickpockets in Rome, particularly round vacationer points of interest. Don’t depart your belongings unattended and regulate your cameras. Ensure your teenagers regulate their valuables too, particularly their telephones!
- Plan the place you’re going to eat earlier than you set out. I’d say the most important downside with touring with teenagers is discovering a spot to eat that everybody is pleased with. Save your self time and drama by planning the place you’re going to eat. This is able to even be an vital tip should you had been to go to Rome with children.
- Eat off the primary piazzas. Whereas with reference to meals, you could find cheaper costs in eating places should you don’t eat on the piazzas and go down the backstreets.
- Stroll in all places. Rome could be very walkable, so put in your finest strolling footwear and stroll as a lot as you may.
- Pay attention to scooters and bikes. It is a common mode of transport to get round Rome and scooter drivers are identified to whizz round automobiles and even go on sidewalks generally, so make certain to be vigilant of them when strolling round and crossing roads.
The place to remain in Rome with teenagers?
Some of the widespread questions, we’re requested is the place to remain in Rome with teenagers? We’ve not stayed in all places, however we liked our spacious condo in Trastevere.
Staying on this enjoyable neighborhood gave us extra of an area really feel, it was in strolling distance to in all places, and we had been surrounded by wonderful eating places and cafes at a extra reasonably priced worth than the middle of Rome.
And when the women had been exhausted and simply wished to put on their beds chatting with their pals again house, Craig and I felt snug to go away them within the condo, and stroll across the nook for an aperol spritz, stay music within the sq., and gluten free tiramisu at Mama Eats!
See charges and availability for our Trastevere condo right here.
