Rome Family Travel Guide – Five Must-See Sights for All Ages
Looking for some tips on traveling to Rome with your family? Look no further – here are five sights in Rome that are sure to have something for everyone!
This article is written by Ethan Purcell, an American student who studied abroad in Rome for four months. During his studies, Ethan spent countless days wandering the streets of Rome taking in everything the city has to offer.
This article aims to consolidate and summarize the five must-see sights for families traveling to Rome with children of any age. From historic monuments to picturesque views and jaw-dropping landscapes, Rome has something to offer everyone. With the ROMA PASS, discovering these magical sights is easier than ever.
#5 COLOSSEUM
Located in the heart of Rome, this ancient gladiatorial arena is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world. Marvel at the sheer size of the Colosseum and lose yourself in the history cemented within its walls.
Commissioned around A.D. 70, the Colosseum was used for centuries until it was decommissioned around the 6th century A.D. The amphitheater was home to various forms of entertainment including gruesome gladiator combat, hunts, and animal fights.
Just down the street is the Roman Forum, a must-see tourist attraction that was once the heart of Roman politics.
#4 TREVI FOUNTAIN
Another world-famous tourist attraction, the Trevi Fountain should be on every family’s list when planning a trip to Rome. The detail of the structure is truly incredible and the atmosphere it creates is second to none.
This remarkable piece of art can be appreciated at any age. Children seem to particularly enjoy the tradition of tossing coins into the fountain over their shoulder!
The Trevi Fountain is also only a few streets away from the Pantheon, another incredibly well preserved ancient Roman building.
#3 SISTINE CHAPEL
Constructed in the 1470s under Pope Sixtus IV, the Sistine Chapel is one of the most celebrated chapels in the world. Within the walls and painted across the ceiling are incredibly detailed paintings by Michelangelo including the Last Judgement fresco which took the artist four years to complete.
The religious history of the chapel is vast, and a younger audience will surely appreciate the vibrant colors and detail of the artwork. The Sistine Chapel is only part of the history accessible to tourists within the walls of the Vatican, make sure you take time to explore the rest of the museums as well!
#2 ST PETERS SQUARE
After exploring the wonders within the Vatican, take a break for lunch or grab a snack and head outside to St. Peters Square. On a sunny day, this is my favorite place to have an outdoor lunch and take in the beauty of the Vatican. Massive columns topped with statues of religious figures surround the square.
This holy location is a perfect place for everybody to recharge and refuel before tackling the rest of the city in the afternoon.
#1 VILLA BORGHESE
Arguably my favorite place in Rome, the Villa Borghese Gardens are home to one of the best viewpoints of the city. On a sunny afternoon, locals and tourists alike can be found lounging in the gardens on blankets enjoying drinks and food. This is a great area for children to play soccer and run freely while parents can read a book and watch the sunset on ancient rooftops.
The most popular viewpoint looks down on the stunning obelisk in the center of Piazza del Popolo. For the art buffs among us, the gardens also contain Galleria Borghese, an art museum housing many paintings and sculptures.
Written by Ethan Purcell
