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We liked visiting Rome with our two teenage daughters. We have been excited to go to The Everlasting Metropolis for a lot of causes, however we weren’t anticipating our teenage ladies to adore it 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 power and a great deal of iconic landmarks to get their “I used to be in Rome” images. Locations just like the Colosseum and the Pantheon captivated their younger and curious minds and acquired them impressed and inquisitive about 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.
When you’re undecided what to do in Rome with teenagers, then listed below are a number of the high points of interest that our youngsters get pleasure from in Rome!
Issues To Do In Rome with Youngsters
Wander Round Trastevere
Rome generally is a little bit of an awesome metropolis at occasions. 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.
This is the reason we liked the Trastevere neighborhood a lot because it’s a far cry from this scene in Rome.
It’s quiet, it’s fashionable, and it’s trendy. 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 legendary for however with out the honking and chaos.
This district is called the previous working-class neighborhood. Persons are drawn to the slim alleyways, avenue artwork murals, and bohemian environment.
Trastevere gave our teenagers a real perception into trendy Italian tradition. You’ll be able to see how Italians go about their each day lives and really feel the beat of town as you meander by way of a labyrinth of alleys and quiet streets.
As a result of it’s positioned within the south of 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 all the time suggest that you just keep on this neighborhood when visiting town.
It’s additionally value noting that it is a full of life district at night time with backpackers heading to bars, however this didn’t hassle us or our teenage ladies as we picked a quiet place to remain down a aspect avenue.
Trastevere was additionally the place our favourite restaurant in Rome was – Mama Eats. 100% gluten free, scrumptious and inexpensive, and by no means too busy. In addition they do non-gluten free variations of all their meals should you request it! Their tiramisu was unimaginable!
Go On A Roman Road Meals Tour
One of many issues our youngsters liked essentially the most on our go to to Rome was a strolling avenue meals tour. Not solely did we get to strive a number of the greatest Italian delicacies (past pizza) however we additionally discovered 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 possibly can pattern a number of the best cuisines past the pastas and gelatos. You’ll be able to 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 option to see the websites of Rome that you could be simply wander by way of, similar to Piazza Navona and Campo de’ Fiori – which with no gelato in hand, wouldn’t be essentially the most thrilling place in Rome for a young person.
I like the piazzas as a result of they’re all the time a enjoyable place to be with so much occurring. They’re surrounded by spectacular buildings and monuments, there’s often some type of avenue performer someplace, pigeons flocking round choosing up scraps off the ground, and folks sipping espressos within the cafes.
Nonetheless, we discovered our teenagers didn’t admire sitting and simply absorbing the environment as a lot because the adults would, so we wouldn’t exit of the best way to go to the piazzas in any other case.
Do A Guided Tour of The Vatican
Our teenagers love nation counting, so after I instructed them they may go to the smallest nation on Earth, they have been so excited! Sure, The Vatican can be the middle for Christianity, dwelling of the Catholic church, and a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, however who cares when you possibly can 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 ensure you guide a tour of The Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel as early as you possibly can. After about 9.00 am, the queues for The Vatican Museum go for miles (actually) and you may 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 doable to see all of it.
On a guided tour, you possibly can then be proven highlights of the Catholic Church’s assortment and see all one of the best bits.
After visiting The Vatican Museum and The Sistine Chapel, remember to go to St. Peter’s Basilica. When you guide the guided tour, you possibly can be taught extra concerning the fresco work and the primary Pope of Christianity, St Peter, who can be buried within the church.
You’ll be able to be taught extra about the best way to go to The Vatican in our full information right here.
Go to The Colosseum, The Roman Discussion board, and Palatine Hill
After all, no journey to Rome can be full with out visiting The Colosseum and The Roman Discussion board, that are essentially the most iconic and essential historical ruins in Rome.
The Colosseum is without doubt one of the Seven Historic Wonders of the World and the legendary amphitheater that after hosted gladiator battles and different spectacles in historical occasions.
It was inbuilt 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 historical Rome.
The ruins date again to the tip of the seventh century BC. A few of the ruins have been as soon as a number of the essential 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 have been delivered.
Strolling by way of these historical ruins is the easiest way to be taught concerning the historical lifetime of Rome and picture the grandeur of the Roman Empire.
These are two different landmarks which can be greatest seen on a guided tour as a result of in any other case, you’ll don’t know what you’re ! 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 historical occasions. It actually helps to think about what life in Historic Rome would have been like.
Relaxation in Villa Borghese Gardens
When you’re uninterested in 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 right place to relaxation and loosen up underneath a shaded tree, watch the joggers and rollerbladers skate by, and revel in some much-needed household time.
If you wish to, you can too lease rollerblades and bikes from the primary gates, which is a well-liked option to discover the gardens.
You may as well go to the Borghese Gallery contained in the Villa Borghese to see world-renowned items of artwork by Renaissance painters similar to Raphael, Titian, and Caravaggio.
Go Procuring (Or Window Procuring) on By way of del Corso
Rome is without doubt one of the high cities in Europe for high-end trend, and the purchasing choices listed below are limitless. After all, 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 similar 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 number 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 all the time had a historical past of workmanship and artistry, significantly with leather-based items, and is well-known for producing some high-quality and luxurious items.
You could find boutique shops promoting handmade objects and artisan items, in addition to thrift shops promoting second-hand, high-quality trend.
Another widespread objects to look out for are artisanal ceramics and artwork prints, that are generally present in shops in Rome.
Snap Photographs 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 some of the iconic landmarks in Rome so you possibly can’t go to town with out visiting the enduring steps for a “I Was Right here” photograph.
The Spanish Steps are beautiful and intricately designed however don’t take too lengthy to see. They have been constructed within the 18th century and are recognized to be a well-liked gathering place, for locals and vacationers alike, and it’s a enjoyable place to take a seat and watch folks 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 high 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 have been organising for the premiere occasion for Mission Not possible that night, which meant we couldn’t do a lot there. Maybe one more reason my ladies weren’t that inquisitive about 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 it’s a must to do in Rome.
It’s stated that should you throw a coin within the fountain, you’ll return to Rome – to not deliver you good luck as many could have you consider.
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 all the time filled with folks, so you will have to attend your flip to discover a spot for a photograph. You must also word 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 occasions.
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 shall be fewer throughout these cleansing occasions.
Do you suppose they’ll ever ban throwing cash on this iconic fountain? It’s stated that vacationers throw in one million euro into the fountain annually, so I extremely doubt it!
Marvel at The Pantheon
The Pantheon is one other marvel of engineering by the Romans and simply makes you suppose, “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 heart, referred to as ‘The Oculus’, ‘The Eye of the Pantheon’ or ‘Eye of God’. It was initially used as the one gentle 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 suppose?
It’s additionally a lovely constructing and is dwelling to the resting place of Rome’s biggest artists and royals, similar to King Vittorio Emanuele II, King Umberto 1, and his spouse Queen Margherita of Savoy, and the enduring Renaissance artist, Raphael.
It’s not an enormous attraction, however we suggest getting the audio information to present you a quick historical past of the constructing.
Go to A Museum
Rome has so many museums to go to, and they’re a number of the greatest 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 comprises works belonging to Cardinal Scipione Borghese, a outstanding artwork collector and patron of the humanities.
The gallery comprises a powerful assortment of sculptures, work, and antiquities, in addition to being inside a superbly designed Seventeenth-century constructing.
One of many key points of interest within the museum is the beautiful 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 ladies, one wearing wealthy, luxurious materials representing sacred love, and the opposite in easy, earthly apparel symbolizing profane love.
It’s additionally dwelling 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 inquisitive about artwork or have been studying about these iconic work in class, then it is a museum so as to add to the itinerary.
The Capitoline Museums
The Capitoline Museums are a sequence of three buildings that flank Piazza del Campidoglio, which hint again to 1471 when Pope Sixtus IV donated a group of historical bronzes to the folks of Rome.
One of many standout points of interest inside the museum is the enduring bronze sculpture of “The Capitoline Wolf.” This historical masterpiece stated up to now 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 provide a mix of artwork and historical past and can be an important possibility for youngsters inquisitive about 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 comprises artifacts that specific the grandeur of historical Rome, that includes sculptures, mosaics, and art work that inform tales of the each day life, artwork, and tradition of the Roman Empire.
The Palazzo Massimo alle Terme particularly homes a powerful assortment of Roman frescoes, together with the well-known “Backyard Fresco” from the Villa of Livia frescoes.
When you solely have time for one museum, this might be our best choice.
Nationwide Gallery of Trendy Artwork
The Nationwide Gallery of Trendy Artwork is just not solely an important place to see Italian artwork from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, but it surely’s additionally positioned inside the attractive neoclassical Palazzo delle Belle Arti, which is a murals in itself!
Probably the most well-known items within the museum is ‘Un’onda di luce’ by Giacomo Balla, also referred to as 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 Trendy Artwork is a good museum to be taught concerning the evolution of Italian artwork and witness a number 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 powerful assortment of Baroque masterpieces, together with the famend “Velazquez Portrait of Pope Harmless X,” by Diego Velázquez and the putting “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 enchantment 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 stated they’d have loved this if we had time.
In a cooking class, you possibly can be taught to make your individual pasta from scratch, earlier than turning it into fettuccine and ravioli, adopted by studying to bake the basic Italian dessert dish, tiramisu.
A cooking class is an effective way to get to know the tradition of a metropolis, in addition to deliver dwelling a singular memento.
We adore it after we can present academic and enjoyable experiences for our youngsters, particularly as they love cooking and baking.
Take A Golf Cart Tour of Rome
There are a lot of methods to get round Rome – on foot, by open-top bus, and even by Vesper, however our youngsters have been actually excited to discover Rome by Golf Cart!
A golf cart is an effective way to discover the streets of Rome in a cushty and coated 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 possibly can really get a way of the historical past of Rome.
Sadly, we have been too late to guide this and it was all offered out on our journey (one other good motive to guide upfront!), however now we have 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 because of time constraints, however our youngsters stated how a lot they’d have appreciated to see them.
The Rome Catacombs are positioned simply exterior town heart and date again to the third Century AD. They have been used because the burial place for half one million Christians and Jews, in addition to 16 Popes.
You’ll be able to solely go to the catacombs with a information so it’s essential to guide upfront. The information will present you across the historical burial websites and clarify burial rituals and traditions.
There’s a couple of catacomb in Rome however the largest and most essential 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:
- Discuss to your teenagers about what they’d love to do. Get your teenagers concerned within the starting stage of the journey. Converse to them about what they could love to do or see. They might have discovered about one thing in class, similar to Pompeii, and wish to go to it.
- Ensure that to go to points of interest early within the morning to beat the crowds and get some superior images. That is particularly essential for The Colosseum and The Vatican, that are filled with folks by 10.00 am.
- E-book points of interest upfront. Attempt to guide as a lot as you possibly can upfront to keep away from disappointment. Rome is essentially 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 of pre-planning can go a good distance.
- Control your belongings. We didn’t have any issues with this as a result of we have 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 keep watch over your cameras. Ensure that your teenagers keep watch over their valuables too, particularly their telephones!
- Plan the place you’re going to eat earlier than you set out. I might say the most important downside with touring with teenagers is discovering a spot to eat that everybody is proud of. Save your self time and drama by planning the place you’re going to eat. This may even be an essential tip should you have been to go to Rome with youngsters.
- Eat off the primary piazzas. Whereas with regards 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 greatest strolling sneakers and stroll as a lot as you possibly can.
- Concentrate on scooters and bikes. This can be a widespread mode of transport to get round Rome and scooter drivers are recognized to whizz round vehicles and even go on sidewalks generally, so ensure to be vigilant of them when strolling round and crossing roads.
The place to remain in Rome with teenagers?
Probably the most frequent 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 condominium 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 have been surrounded by wonderful eating places and cafes at a extra inexpensive worth than the middle of Rome.
And when the ladies have been exhausted and simply wished to put on their beds chatting with their buddies again dwelling, Craig and I felt comfy to depart them within the condominium, and stroll across the nook for an aperol spritz, reside music within the sq., and gluten free tiramisu at Mama Eats!
See charges and availability for our Trastevere condominium right here.
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