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We loved visiting Rome with our two young daughters. We had many reasons to be excited about visiting The Eternal City, but we did n’t expect our teenage girls to fall in love with it as much as they did. The reason for this? Teens can accomplish a lot of things in Rome.
One of the ponds on Piazza NavonaOur teens adore Rome because it has this unmatched, radiant energy and lots of classic monuments to obtain their” I was in Rome” images. Their fresh and perplexed thoughts were captivated by locations like the Colosseum and Pantheon, which also gave them a sense of inspiration and interest in art and architecture.
They loved the bustling roads and energetic piazzas, not to mention the wonderful Italian food from mouthwatering pie to thick gelato, which made even the fussiest of eaters in our community satisfied.
Here are some of the major attractions that our youth enjoy in Rome if you’re never sure what to do there with youth.
Things To Do In Rome with Youth
Wander Around Trastevere
TrasterverreRome can be a little of an enormous area at times. It’s busy, noisy, and bustling, and when you walk from destination to appeal, you find yourself cursing to yourself for the next time as a scooter pulls out in front of you from nothing.
This is why we loved the Trastevere area so much as it’s a far cry from this image in Rome.
It is stylish, stylish, and quiet. It’s filled with lots of shoulder shops, restaurants, and shops stores. It retains the renowned cobbled streets and classic Roman architecture, but without the honking and chaos.
But some picture opps! This area is renowned for being a once-working-class area. People are drawn to the small alleys, streets art paintings, and bohemian environment.
Teenagers in Trastevere were given a correct understanding of contemporary European society. You can see how Italians go about their everyday lives and feel the hit of the area as you meander through a maze of streets and silent streets.
You can prevent a lot of the hustle and bustle while still being close to the action because it’s in the south of the city, across the valley from the Colosseum, so we always advise that you stay in this area when visiting the city.
It’s also worth noting that this is a vibrant city at night with travelers heading to restaurants, but this did n’t concern us or our young women as we picked a calm place to stay down a side street.
Our favourite restaurant in Rome was Mama Swallows, which is located in Trastevere. 100 % lactose free, delightful and cheap, and never too busy. On demand, they also offer non-gluten completely versions of all of their meals! Their cake was amazing!
Take a Roman Street Food Tour
Roman road food tourOne of the things our youth loved the most on our visit to Rome was a walking city food tour. Beyond pizza, we also learned a lot about the history of Rome and the Italian way of life.
The Roman Street Food Tour takes you to several spots in the city where you can sample some of the finest cuisines beyond the pastas and gelatos. You can try Porchetteria La Rinascita, Porchetteria La Rinascita, and graffe, both made in Italy! I bet you had n’t heard of those dishes before?
The famous fried cod fish in a gelato sandwich and the famous fried cod fish in a pizza sandwich are both great ways to try new food, as well as being a fun way to see the famous piazza Navona and Campo de ‘ Fiori, which, without a gelato in hand, would n’t be the most exciting place to visit in Rome for teenagers.
I love the piazzas because they are always a fun place to be with a lot going on. There are usually some sort of street performer somewhere in them, pigeons flutter around picking up scraps from the floor, and people sipping espressos in the cafes.
However, we found our teens did n’t appreciate sitting and just absorbing the atmosphere as much as the adults would, so we would n’t go out of the way to visit the piazzas otherwise.
Take a guided tour of the Vatican
The Vatican RomeOur teens love country counting, so when I told them they could visit the smallest country on Earth, they were so excited! Yes, The Vatican is a Catholic Church World Heritage Site and a Center for Christianity, but who cares when you can cross off another item off the bucket list?
The Vatican may only be 0.44 square kilometers, but there’s a lot to see and do here, so we do recommend you plan a full day to spend here.
Our top advice is to book a tour of the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel as soon as possible. After about 9.00 am, the queues for The Vatican Museum go for miles ( literally ) and you can be waiting in line for up to 3 hours to buy a ticket.
Crowds can be large. – inside the VaticanAlso, The Vatican Museum is HUGE. It’s just not possible to see everything that the museum has in a space of 42, 000 square meters.
On a guided tour, you can then be shown highlights of the Catholic Church’s collection and see all the best bits.
Make sure to visit St. Peter’s Basilica after visiting The Vatican Museum and The Sistine Chapel. If you book the guided tour, you can learn more about the fresco paintings and the first Pope of Christianity, St Peter, who is also buried in the church.
Our comprehensive guide here contains more information about visiting The Vatican.
Visit The Colosseum, The Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill
Of course, visiting The Colosseum and The Roman Forum, which are Rome’s most famous and significant ancient ruins, would not be complete without them.
The Colosseum is one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World and the legendary amphitheater that once hosted gladiator battles and other spectacles in ancient times.
Up until its completion in 72 AD, it could hold up to 80 000 spectators. Next to it is The Roman Forum, which was the ancient marketplace and the heart of political, religious, and commercial life in ancient Rome.
The 7th century BC ended with the discovery of the ruins. Some of the ruins were once some of the important sites in Roman history, including the Temple of Saturn, the Arch of Septimius Severus, the Temple of Vesta, the Curia Julia ( Senate House ), and the Rostra – where political speeches were delivered.
The best way to learn about the ancient life of Rome and envision the grandeur of the Roman Empire is to walk through these ancient ruins.
These are two other landmarks that are best seen on a guided tour because otherwise, you’ll have no idea what you’re looking at! It’s a serious lack of signage, and visiting it can be an underwhelming experience without learning about the past.
The guides not only explain the inception, history, and design of these two monuments but also tell stories about the foundations of Rome and what life would have been like during ancient times. It really helps to picture what life would have been like in ancient Rome.
Rest in Villa Borghese Gardens
Our favorite free activity in Rome for teenagers to do is meander around the Villa Borghese gardens.
The Villa Borghese is a landscaped garden and the third- largest in the city, where you’ll find the Rome Zoo, Pincio’s Water Clock, and Silvano Toti Globe Theatre.
It’s the ideal spot for some much-needed family time, such as relaxing and lying under a shaded tree, or watching the joggers and rollerbladers scurry by.
If you want to, you can also rent rollerblades and bikes from the main gates, which is a popular way to explore the gardens.
You can also see the Borghese Gallery inside the Villa Borghese to view renowned works of Renaissance art like those by Raphael, Titian, and Caravaggio.
Go Shopping ( Or Window Shopping ) on Via del Corso
One of the best cities in Europe for high-end fashion is Via del CorsoRome, and the shopping options are endless here. Of course, we all know that the Italian city of Milan is the fashion capital of the world, but it’s not just Milan that knows fashion in Italy.
Italian fashion houses include Giorgio Armani, Prada, Gucci, Valentino, Versace, Dolce &, Gabbana, and Prada. What better place to shop for fashion, than the country that birthed some of the greatest designers in our history?
You’ll be happy to know that you can shop for more than just designer clothing in Rome, even though we ca n’t all afford designer goods.
Via del CorsoThe city has always had a history of craftsmanship and artistry, particularly with leather goods, and is well known for producing some high- quality and luxury goods.
You can find thrift stores selling second-hand, high-quality fashion as well as boutique stores selling handmade and artisan goods.
Some other popular items to look out for are artisanal ceramics and art prints, which are commonly found in stores in Rome.
Snap shots of the Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps I’ll be honest, my teenage girls were n’t into visiting The Spanish Steps too much, so we did n’t spend a lot of time here. However, because it is one of Rome’s most well-known landmarks, you ca n’t visit the city without taking an” I Was Here” photo at the iconic steps.
The Spanish Steps are gorgeous and intricately designed but do n’t take too long to see. They were constructed in the 18th century and are regarded as a popular gathering spot for both locals and tourists alike.
At the bottom of the steps is the Piazza di Spagna, which is surrounded by designer fashion stores and luxury restaurants, and at the top of the steps is the Trinità dei Monti church, which was built in the 16th century.
Mission Impossible takeover I’d say it would be nice to have a gelato and sit down, but unfortunately, there is a security guard who enjoys yelling and forcibly enforcing this rule, as we witnessed happen to other tourists who were walking up the steps.
When we visited, they were setting up for the premiere event for Mission Impossible that evening, which meant we could n’t do much there. Perhaps that’s another factor for why my girls were n’t all that interested.
Throw A Coin In The Trevi Fountain
What can be more recognizable than kicking a coin in the Trevi Fountain? It is perhaps THE most unmissable thing you have to do in Rome.
According to legend, throwing a coin into the fountain will lead to a return to Rome, but not as many people will believe.
Simply stand with your back to the fountain, and throw a coin over your left shoulder with your right hand.
You will need to wait your turn to find a spot for a photo because the fountain is always full of people. You should also note that the fountain is drained for cleaning every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8.00 am- 9.00 am, so try to avoid these times.
We did n’t realize this until we arrived just as the cleaning was about to finish, so we did n’t miss the chance to throw the coin in. A bonus is that crowds will be fewer during these cleaning times.
Do you believe that this renowned fountain will ever outlaw throwing coins? It’s said that tourists throw in a million euro into the fountain each year, so I highly doubt it!
Marvel at The Pantheon
First tour of the day at the PantheonThe Pantheon is another marvel of engineering by the Romans and just makes you think,” Gosh, how did they know to do that”?
The former pagan temple turned Catholic church is most renowned for its domed ceiling, which has a circular opening in the center called” The Oculus,”” The Eye of the Pantheon,” or” The Eye of God.” It was originally used as the only light source in the building, but what makes it special is that the floor beneath it was built on a slant, leading to 22 hidden holes, where rainwater can drain.
Pretty cool engineering trick from around 125 AD, do n’t you think?
It’s also a beautiful building and is home to the resting place of Rome’s greatest artists and royals, such as King Vittorio Emanuele II, King Umberto 1, and his wife Queen Margherita of Savoy, and the iconic Renaissance artist, Raphael.
Although it’s not a particularly large attraction, we suggest listening to the audio guide to learn a little about the structure.
Visit A Museum
Rome has some of the best museums in the world, and they are among the best. The one you visit should largely depend on your interests and what your family is looking for, but our favorite museums in Rome are:
Galleria Borghese
Galleria BorgheseThe Galleria Borghese inside the Villa Borghese is an art museum that contains works belonging to Cardinal Scipione Borghese, a prominent art collector and patron of the arts.
The gallery is located inside a stunning 17th-century building and has an impressive collection of sculptures, paintings, and antiquities.
One of the key attractions in the museum is the stunning sculpture of” Apollo and Daphne” by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. This masterpiece beautifully captures the dramatic transformation of Daphne as she tries to run away from the pursued Apollo.
Another highlight is the painting” Sacred and Profane Love” by Titian, which depicts two women, one dressed in rich, luxurious fabrics representing sacred love, and the other in simple, earthly attire symbolizing profane love.
Additionally, it is the location of Caravaggio’s renowned painting” David with the Head of Goliath,” which depicts the biblical scene of David holding the severed head of the defeated Goliath.
If your teenagers are interested in art or have been learning about these iconic paintings in school, then this is a museum to add to the itinerary.
The Capitoline Museums
The Capitoline WolfThe Capitoline Museums are a series of three buildings that flank Piazza del Campidoglio, which trace back to 1471 when Pope Sixtus IV donated a collection of ancient bronzes to the people of Rome.
The iconic bronze sculpture of” The Capitoline Wolf” is one of the standout attractions in the museum. This ancient masterpiece said to date back to the 5th century BC but not confirmed, depicts the she- wolf suckling the mythical twins Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome.
The Capitoline Museums are a great choice for teenagers who are interested in both history and art because they combine both.
National Roman Museum
Baths of Diocletian MuseumThe National Roman Museum is a great” all- round” history museum and takes you through several historic buildings, including the Baths of Diocletian, Palazzo Altemps, Crypta Balbi, and the Palazzo Massimo alle Terme.
The collection of the museum’s collection includes works of art that depict the grandeur of ancient Rome, including mosaics, sculptures, and other works of art that tell tales of Roman Empire daily life, culture, and art.
The Palazzo Massimo alle Terme in particular houses an impressive collection of Roman frescoes, including the famous” Garden Fresco” from the Villa of Livia frescoes.
This would be our top pick if we had only one museum to visit.
National Gallery of Modern Art
The National Gallery of Modern Art, or GNAM, is a fantastic place to see Italian art from the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as a beautiful neoclassical Palazzo delle Belle Arti, which is a work of art in itself!
One of the most famous pieces in the museum is’ Un’onda di luce’ by Giacomo Balla, also known as Wave of Light, which is a futuristic painting from 1909 that depicts the effects of light reflecting on the water, which was avant- garde for its time.
The National Gallery of Modern Art is a fantastic museum where you can learn about the evolution of Italian art and admire some of the city’s most exquisite architecture.
Galleria Doria Pamphilj
The stunning interior of the Doria Pamphilj Gallery is housed in the lavish Palazzo Doria Pamphilj, a 17th-century palace that has been meticulously preserved to showcase its magnificence.
The museum has an impressive collection of Baroque masterpieces, including the renowned” Velazquez Portrait of Pope Innocent X”, by Diego Velázquez and the striking” Rest on the Flight into Egypt” by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio.
The Galleria Doria Pamphilj is the place to see Baroque art, which might or might not appeal to your teenagers. You decide!
Take A Cooking Class
Savannah enjoying our cooking class in TuscanyWe did n’t have much time in Rome, so we were n’t able to do a cooking class, but my teens said they would have enjoyed this if we had time.
In a cooking class, you can learn how to make homemade pasta from scratch, then transform it into fettuccine and ravioli, and then learn how to bake tiramisu, a traditional Italian dessert dish.
A cooking class is a great way to get to know the culture of a city, as well as bring home a unique souvenir.
We adore it when we can offer our teenagers with entertaining and educational experiences, especially since they are passionate about baking and cooking.
Here is a pizza cooking class in Trastevere with Devour Tours or this 3- in- 1 cooking class has you making Fettuccine, Ravioli &, Tiramisu!
Take a Tour of Rome on a Golf Cart.
Credit: LivToursThere are many ways to get around Rome – on foot, by open- top bus, or even by Vesper, but our teenagers were really excited to explore Rome by Golf Cart!
A golf cart is a great way to travel through Rome’s streets in a well-maintained and comfortable vehicle.
As you get driven around the city, a guide will explain to you the history of the monuments, palaces, basilicas, and piazzas, with all their fountains and statues, so you can truly get a sense of the history of Rome.
Unfortunately, we arrived too late to make this reservation, and it was already sold out on our trip ( an additional good reason to make reservations in advance )! ), but we have earmarked it for our next trip – we did throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain, so it’s gonna happen. For more information on pricing and availability for a golf cart tour with LivTours, click here.
Explore The Rome Catacombs
Due to time constraints, we also missed the Rome Catacombs, but our teenagers expressed interest in seeing them.
The Rome Catacombs are located just outside the city center and date back to the 3rd Century AD. Half a million Christians, Jews, and 16 Popes were interred there, as well as 16 of them.
You can only visit the catacombs with a guide so it’s important to book in advance. The guide will show you the locations where ancient burials were buried, as well as explain burial customs and practices.
There is more than one catacomb in Rome but the largest and most important is the Catacombs of Saint Callixtus. Take a tour of that here.
Tips for Visiting Rome With Teens
What are some essential information to have before visiting Rome with teenagers?
Talk to your teens about what they’d like to do. Get your teenagers involved in the trip’s planning phase. Speak to them about what they might like to do or see. They may have been exposed to information in a subject like Pompeii in school.
Make sure to visit attractions early in the morning to beat the crowds and get some awesome photos. By 10 am, The Colosseum and The Vatican are crowded with people, which makes this especially crucial.
Book attractions in advance. Avoid disappointment by making the best possible reservation in advance. Rome is the most visited city in Europe and it’s quite likely for tickets to be sold out on the day for key attractions, so a little pre- planning can go a long way.
Keep an eye on your belongings. We did n’t have any problems with this because we were aware of the potential dangers, but there are pickpockets in Rome, especially around tourist attractions. Keep an eye on your cameras and do n’t leave your belongings unattended. Make sure your teens keep an eye on their valuables too, especially their phones!
Make a plan for where you’re going to eat before heading out. I would say the biggest problem with traveling with teens is finding a place to eat that everyone is happy with. Planning where you’re going to eat saves you time and drama. This would also be an important tip if you were to visit Rome with kids.
eat outside of the main squares. While on the subject of food, you can find cheaper prices in restaurants if you do n’t eat on the piazzas and go down the backstreets.
Walk everywhere. Rome is very walkable, so put on your best walking shoes and walk as much as you can.
Beware of bicycles and scooters. This is a popular mode of transport to get around Rome and scooter drivers are known to whizz around cars and even go on sidewalks sometimes, so make sure to be vigilant of them when walking around and crossing roads.
Where can teens stay in Rome?
Our apartment in RomeOne of the most common questions, we’re asked is where to stay in Rome with teens? Although we have n’t traveled extensively, we enjoyed our large apartment in Trastevere.
Staying in this fun neighborhood gave us more of a local feel, it was in walking distance to everywhere, and we were surrounded by amazing restaurants and cafes at a more affordable price than the center of Rome.
And when the girls were exhausted and settling in for their own beds to chat with their friends back home, Craig and I decided to leave them in the apartment and head to Mama Eats for an aperol spritz, live music in the square, and gluten-free tiramisu.
See rates and availability for our Trastevere apartment here.
Be sure to read our post on important things to know about visiting Rome before you begin your trip to Rome. You might also find this two-week itinerary from Rome to Venice helpful.
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