Rome

Although many tour guides label Rome as unsuitable for small children, families who took the risk and travelled to this beautiful city anyway could not have been more satisfied. Rome is full of contradictions. On one hand, the traffic is hectic, noisy and chaotic, on the other hand however many squares are spacious and free for kids to run around and get...

Although many tour guides label Rome as unsuitable for small children, families who took the risk and travelled to this beautiful city anyway could not have been more satisfied. Rome is full of contradictions. On one hand, the traffic is hectic, noisy and chaotic, on the other hand however many squares are spacious and free for kids to run around and get freshened up in the fountains (water fun, yay!). Small runners will love it and for adults this is the best way to absorb the city’s energy and local culture.

Since you are planning a trip to one of the oldest capitals in the world, you should expect the streets and the pavements to be made of cobble stones, high curbs and lots of underpasses. For your youngest ones, it will be worthwhile to bring along a baby carrier, a scarf or a light buggy, which will stay intact on the rough surface. To move between the famous sights in Rome, it is recommended to use the Hop on, Hop off bus, although public transport can also be used. Be aware that most of the metro stations do not have lifts, meaning you will have to carry the buggy.

There are plenty of places to eat with babies, however do not expect the usual baby chairs and baby menus. One big BUT are the gelato shops that you can find on every corner, and rightfully Rome offers the most delicious "ice cream" in the world.

Even after a week in Rome, there will still be so many more sights to visit. Apart from the most popular ones, like Roman Forum and the nearby Palatine hill and the Colloseum, or the historic city and its Piazza Navonna or the Pantheon, to the St. Peter's cathedral and the Vatican museums, there are plenty of places to spend time with your youngest ones. You can relax at the modern playground next to the Castel Sant't Angelo, the Piazza Celimontana, the Parco Giochi, the Borghese gardens or at the Tiber river. Your kids can ride a pony, take the mini tram, play in the playground or watch a fairy-tale at the Zoo within the Borghese gardens.

From the airport (Fiumicino) it is easiest to get to the city centre by train. The bus will take you over an hour and taking a taxi might be risky in regards to overpayment. We recommend to ease your pace during your stay in Rome; plan carefully in advance which sights to visit and do not underestimate the need for relaxation breaks in between, which you can fill by having some tasty gelato and an Italian coffee.