How to spend one week in Rome with kids
Visiting Rome was always at the top of my bucket list, I mean who hasn’t dreamed of visiting this ancient city? We got to spend one week in Rome and it was one of our most memorable trips ever!
Italy is such a historical place, you can’t help but feel in awe of this place. This is one of the places I definitely had to plan out what we wanted to do, and pick out our must-sees.
On the blog, I will highlight some of Rome’s main attractions, and some tips on how to spend one week in Rome with kids. Even though we spent one week in Rome, it was still not enough time to see it all.
If you only have a few days to see Rome, I suggest picking out a few of the main attractions to make the most of your visit.
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Rome with kids
When is the best time to visit Rome
Rome is beautiful all year round, but if you want to avoid the crowds and the summer heat, visit during the off-season.
October is usually the best month to visit, with schools back in session and milder weather. We visited in the summer, and although it was hot, we had an amazing family trip to Rome.
As long as you plan ahead, purchase tickets to all the museums you want to visit ahead of time, and come prepared, your trip to Rome with kids in the summer should be amazing!
How to get around Rome
During our visit to Rome, we used a combination of a hop-on-hop-off bus tour and taxis.
Rome also has great public transportation, but we chose to do the bus tour, so we can get some info at the same time.
During the day we got around using the hop-on hop-off bus tour and used the taxi at night. It was the best way to get around with kids.
Rome’s Main Attractions
There is so much to see and do in Rome, and one week was still not enough time to see it all. If you only have a few days, or on a day trip to Rome, I suggest picking out a few of the main attractions to add to your family trip to Rome.
Visit the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
One of Rome’s main attractions is the Colosseum. Our first day in Rome was spent on a guided tour of the Colosseum.
We purchased the combo tickets online, which gives you access to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. If you want to avoid the lines, make sure to purchase your tickets online!
We were here in the summer and the lines were very long! You can also purchase tickets at the entrance to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, the lines are usually shorter there.
It was such an amazing experience getting to walk through the ruins. You can’t help but imagine what must have gone on on these walls, so much history!
Our Colosseum tour lasted for about 45 minutes, and I would say it was the perfect amount of time, especially with kids.
But if you’re short on time, I would skip the tour of the Colosseum altogether as it was just as impressive from the outside.
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The Roman Forum
Since we purchased the combination tickets, our entry into the Roman Forum was free, and we got to skip the lines.
We did a self-guided tour because when traveling with kids, doing more than one guided tour a day is too much, and you get to go at your own pace.
Strolling through the Roman Forum was amazing! For centuries the Forum was the center of day-to-day life in Rome back then.
An ancient plaza home to the Roman government, with monuments and statues commemorating its powerful leaders.
Today, the sprawling ruins and their many archaeological treasures are one of the most visited sites in the world.
Roman Forum highlight: Julius Caesars tomb
Don’t miss Julius Caesar’s temple during your tour of the Roman Forum, which can easily be missed. This is the spot where Julius Caesar was supposedly cremated and it was so amazing to actually see it up close.
Visiting both the ruins of the Roman Forum and the Colosseum was at the top of our bucket list in Rome, and it was such a memorable experience!
One of the biggest tips when visiting Rome with kids is to choose what you absolutely have to do and see, and stick with your itinerary. Rome is a huge city and there’s no way to see it all, even in one week.
Visit the Piazza Navona, Pantheon and Trevi Fountain
Another one of Rome’s main attractions is the Piazza Navona. This ancient square in Rome was built on the site of the Stadium of Domitian in the 1st century AD.
Piazza Navona was used as a public space and competition arena during ancient Roman times. Today it is one of the busiest places in Rome and a great place to people watch.
Sit in one of the cafes and just watch all the street performers, there’s always something going on here.
Visit the Pantheon
One of the top things to do in Rome is a visit to the Pantheon. The Pantheon is a former Roman temple that is now a church, on the site of an earlier temple.
Built around 113-125 AD, It is one of the best-preserved of all Ancient Roman buildings, mostly because it has been in continuous use throughout its history.
Since the 7th century, the Pantheon has been used as a church dedicated to “St. Mary and the Martyrs” and is one of the most visited sites in Rome. One of the church’s most fascinating pieces of architecture is its dome.
The Dome with its oculus is the world’s largest unsupported dome and one of the greatest architectural wonders of its time. It was amazing just standing in here and admiring all the history around it! Definitely, a must-see in Rome.
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See the Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain is the largest Baroque fountain in the city, and one of the most famous fountains in the world. It is said that if you throw a coin over your shoulder into the water, you will be sure to return to Rome.
This by far was one of the most crowded places in the city, I suggest you skip the crowds here during the day and see it at night instead. If you plan on a daytime visit, make sure to get here early to beat the afternoon crowds.
Visit Vatican City
If you happen to be here during the week on a Wednesday, you can catch morning mass with the Pope. Mass starts at 9:30 am on St. Peters Square, if the Pope is in town.
I would get here early, especially if you want to catch a glimpse of the Pope, and get seats! It was such an amazing experience and so worth the wait.
After mass, you can visit the Vatican Museum and St. Peters Basilica. I suggest you purchase your tickets to the Vatican museum in advance to avoid the long queues.
*For more info on our visit to Vatican City, Read our day trip to Vatican City here.
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The Spanish Steps, gelato and Villa Borghese
The Spanish steps were built in order to link the Trinità dei Monti church to the Spanish square below.
Because of its beautiful setting, many famous artists used to congregate here, which made it one of the best places to be if you wanted to be noticed back then.
Located in a beautiful piazza, it is the perfect place to people-watch while you enjoy one of the best gelatos. Unfortunately, during our visit, the steps were being restored and were closed.
But we did get to take a photo of the actual steps without the crowds! The area is also known for its high-end shopping at the famous Via dei Condotti street, also known as designers row.
Just a short walk away is Villa Borghese and its lavish villa and beautifully landscaped gardens. The perfect way to spend the day relaxing in the gardens.
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Take a tour of Castel Sant’Angelo
Castel Sant’Angelo was initially commissioned by the Roman Emperor Hadrian as a mausoleum for himself and his family. The building was later used by the popes as a fortress and castle and is now a museum.
We went on a tour of Castel Sant’Angelo and it was one of the most amazing adventures! The interior was not at all what we expected, it was so beautiful with its painted frescoes and beautiful artwork.
At the top of the fortress, you get the most amazing views of Vatican City and St. Peter’s basilica, as well as a statue of the archangel Michael on the rooftop. If you’re in Rome don’t skip this tour, it was such a worthwhile experience!
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We spent one week in Rome but made sure to carve out some downtime on our trip, which is so important when traveling with kids. Some days we simply enjoyed a leisurely stroll around the city, admiring the views. Rome is one big giant living history museum, there’s so much to see for FREE!
Some tips on visiting Rome
- If you plan on visiting any of the museums, make sure to purchase tickets online to avoid the long queues.
- When visiting any of the museums with kids, it’s best to go on a self-guided tour so you can go at your own pace.
- Wear comfortable shoes, Rome is a big city and the best way to see it all is on foot. Make sure to also bring a stroller for the little ones.
- Pack sunscreen and hats when visiting in the summer. It was so hot on our visit, and they were total lifesavers.
- Make sure to pack lots of snacks for the kids, you may be waiting in long lines.
- When visiting any of the churches in Rome, wear appropriate clothing! Arms and legs must be covered, I’ve seen people scrambling to find coverups!
- We have heard so many stories of pickpockets and scams. I say always be aware of your surroundings, and never stop for anyone on the streets!
*Florence is an amazing day trip from Rome! Read about our trip to Florence here. We also took a day trip to Pisa, read about our visit to Pisa here.
Where to stay in Rome
During our visit to Rome, we opted to stay in an apartment just so we have extra room to move in. Our apartment was an easy walk to the colosseum and the Roman Forum, which allowed us to stroll through the ruins at night, and easily walk back.
The Residenza San Martino was a perfect stay with the most friendly host. The owners left us a bowl of fruits, some wine and a fridge full of extras, and arranged for an airport pickup as well.
This rental was also an easy walking distance to the Roma Termini train station, which is perfect if you’re traveling to other parts of Italy.
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