Rome is a city where history comes alive at every turn, seamlessly blending ancient ruins with the energy of modern life. For families, it’s a destination that inspires awe, curiosity, and a touch of adventure. From the monumental Colosseum to the charm of hidden piazzas, Rome promises a journey filled with wonder for travelers of all ages.
Planning your own family adventure to the Eternal City? Here’s a glimpse into how we embraced the magic of Rome, walked its cobblestone streets, and uncovered its countless surprises—while navigating some of the quirks that make Rome, well, Rome.
The Colosseum: Ancient Wonder, Modern Crowds
Our Roman journey began at the Colosseum, a symbol of the city’s grandeur and history. Standing before this ancient amphitheater, its sheer size took our breath away. Inside, the buzz of other visitors couldn’t overshadow the feeling of stepping into a place where gladiators once battled and crowds roared.
While the crowds were expected, the experience was worth every moment. Walking along its ancient pathways, we were all imagining tales of epic battles, and the enormity of the arena sparked our imaginations. It was a vivid introduction to Rome’s stories of old.
The Roman Forum: A Peaceful Escape
A short stroll from the Colosseum brought us to the Roman Forum, a quiet oasis amidst the city’s lively pace. Here, we wandered among ruins that once formed the heart of ancient Roman life—temples, arches, and remnants of bustling marketplaces.
Under the warmth of the sun and a refreshing 20-degree breeze, we spent a leisurely afternoon exploring, we soaked in the tranquility and reflected on the Forum’s historical significance. It was a peaceful counterbalance to the Colosseum’s energy, inviting us to linger and imagine life in Ancient Rome we could have spent days here if we didn’t have the kids with us, amazing place.
Wandering Through History
Rome isn’t just about its headline attractions—it’s about the what you discover along the way. Some of our most cherished moments came from wandering aimlessly and stumbling upon hidden treasures tucked into quiet corners.
One of many highlights was the Trevi Fountain, where Georgia tossed in a coin to the makeshift bath and made a wishe, we were captivated by the city’s grandeur. The surrounding streets buzzed with life, and nearby gelato stands offered sweet rewards for explorers although we didn’t stop for any today!
Thankfully, our Mountain Buggy handled the cobblestone streets like a pro. The uneven terrain that might have been tricky with other pushchairs this allowed us to navigate Rome’s charming (but bumpy!) alleys with ease. It gave us the freedom to explore without worrying about Dotty’s comfort or getting stuck.
Rome’s magic lies in its layers of history, visible everywhere. Around every turn, we encountered ancient buildings, ornate fountains, and cobblestone alleys that seemed straight out of a storybook. Many of these moments weren’t on our itinerary, proving that Rome’s streets are a living, open-air museum waiting to be explored.
Rome’s Rougher Edges
As much as we fell in love with Rome’s history and charm, it’s impossible to ignore that the city has its rougher sides. Of course, some wear and tear is expected in a city so ancient—it’s part of its character—but the modern-day traffic and piles of rubbish in certain areas don’t do it any favors.
The chaos of the roads is an experience in itself, with cars and scooters zipping past seemingly without rules, adding to the city’s lively (and occasionally nerve-wracking) atmosphere. And while many streets are beautifully kept, others felt a little neglected, which can take the shine off an otherwise magical moment.
That said, these imperfections don’t define Rome—they’re just part of its unique personality. The magic and beauty of the city far outweigh the occasional messiness, and embracing its quirks is all part of the adventure.
Tips for a Family Trip to Rome
• Comfortable Shoes Are Essential: Cobblestone streets are charming but tough on feet—pack sturdy footwear for everyone.
• Bring an Off-Road Pushchair: Navigating Rome’s uneven cobblestones and ancient ruins can be a challenge, but an all-terrain pushchair like the Mountain Buggy makes it easy. It handled the streets and alleys with ease, keeping our little one comfortable and making exploration stress-free.
• Plan Breaks: Balance busy landmark visits with downtime in peaceful spots like the Villa Borghese Gardens or Piazza Navona.
• Be Flexible: Some of the best experiences come from unexpected discoveries—don’t be afraid to wander off the map.
Rome: A City of Timeless Magic
Exploring Rome as a family was a journey we’ll never forget. From the awe-inspiring Colosseum to the peaceful Roman Forum and countless surprises in between, the Eternal City captured our hearts. While it has its quirks—traffic, rubbish, and some rough edges—these are just part of what makes Rome real and relatable.
It’s a city we would love to visit again, even just for a couple of days. And if you’re exploring without kids in tow, you could fully immerse yourself in its rich history, vibrant culture, and timeless magic.
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If you have been then share your favorite Rome memories or tips in the comments—we’d love to hear your stories. And don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more family travel inspiration and tips to make your journeys unforgettable.
