Rome is one of the most visited cities in the world and is full of attractions for all ages. Negotiating its busy streets with small kids can sometimes be challenging, but with the proper advice, you can have a wonderful time in the Eternal city and make long-lasting family memories.
Before travelling to Rome, make sure you check official travel rules and regulations that may affect your stay.
Best time to visit Rome
Rome has four distinct seasons: a hot summer, mild autumn and spring, and cold (but not freezing) winter. The best time to visit Rome is during the spring months between April and June or between September and October. At this time, the weather is mild, rain scarce and city life is in full swing.
The worst time to visit Rome is during the summer, particularly the month of August. At this time, Rome becomes unbearably hot and most locals flee the city for the nearby coast. While attractions are usually open, they may operate shorter hours and may be short-staffed, making the experience of the city frustrating.
- The best times to visit Rome are the spring (Apr- Jun) and the autumn (Sep-Oct).
- Christmas is a magical time in Rome and gets very busy.
- The summer should be avoided because of high temperatures and short opening hours of many attractions.
Find our insider guide on the best time to visit Rome here.
How to get around Rome
The best way to get around Rome is on foot. For longer distances, you can make use of the extensive public transport system. Bus, trams and metro lines criss-cross the city but public transport tends to be busy and unreliable.
We highly recommend you choose accommodation in the city centre to avoid long commuting time.
- Bus, trams and the metro operate with an integrated ticketing system.
- Tickets must be purchased before boarding and are available in newsagents, metro stations and bus terminals.
- You can choose between single ride (valid 100 minutes from first use) or 24h, 48h and 72h tickets.
- Children under 10 travel free if accompanied by an adult.
- Buses and trams tend to be very busy and you may be required to fold your stroller to board.
You can find additional info on our insider travel guide here.
Where to stay in Rome with kids
The best area to stay in Rome with kids is the historical centre, particularly the area around the Pantheon. This location is close to most of the main Rome landmarks and very well served by shops and restaurants.
Other good areas are farther away from the centre but can be a good choice if you have a longer stay and want to experience a more residential feel. Both Trastevere and Parioli areas in this sense are excellent, one offering old charm and the other upscale welcome.
Click here to read our top picks of family hotels in Rome.
Top things to do in Rome with kids
All Rome must-see sites can be experienced with kids. Family tours and kid-friendly activities make museums and historical landmarks enjoyable for little explorers, while Rome’s many parks and the zoo can be explored at all ages.
Click here to read our top picks of things to do in Rome.
You can also listen in to our City Travel with Kids Podcast. Here we interview Marta Correale, a mum from Rome sharing all her insider tips on how to best navigate Rome with kids.
She has helped us put together the perfect 3-day itinerary for exploring Rome.
What to pack for Rome
Rome has four different seasons and what to pack is largely dependent on the time of the year you are travelling. However, there is more than the temperature to take into account when packing your bags: many churches and the Vatican require a specific dress code and the city’s famous cobbled streets can pose footwear challenges.
Click here to read all our tips for packing for Rome.
Insider guide with info and tips for visiting Rome with kids