Our Rome in a day with kids was everything we hoped it would be and more. The perfect trip to visit Rome with children who were spellbound. We have devised a number of different versions, an itinerary for 24 hours in Rome whatever your interests. So scroll through to find our “Rome in a day” for history lovers, food lovers and families. And then at the bottom find our feature on our hot summer day in Rome with kids and everything we did.
👩💻 About the author – Nichola is a family travel expert and has written for The Guardian, The Telegraph, Lonely Planet Magazine and Wanderlust, amongst many others. She’s spent over a decade travelling the world with her children, finding the best places for you to explore too.
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Table of Contents
Rome in a day for history lovers
Early morning: Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
Begin your day at the Colosseum, ideally first thing in the morning to avoid queues. This vast arena is an unmissable symbol of ancient Rome. From there, walk over to the Roman Forum and climb Palatine Hill, where you’ll find ancient palaces and incredible views over the ruins.
Book your skip-the-line tickets to all three here
Mid-morning: Capitoline Hill & Piazza Venezia
Walk towards Capitoline Hill, one of Rome’s historic seven hills. The elegant square at the top was redesigned by Michelangelo and offers impressive vistas over the Forum. Descend towards Piazza Venezia, home to the towering white monument honouring Italy’s first king.
Late morning: visit the Pantheon – Rome in a day
Head through the winding streets to reach the Pantheon, one of the best-preserved ancient buildings in the world. Its giant dome and oculus make for an awe-inspiring visit. Best of all, it’s quick to see and free to enter.
Get fast-track tickets to the Pantheon here.
Lunchtime: Piazza Navona
Stop for lunch near Piazza Navona, a beautiful Baroque square full of fountains, sculptures, and open-air restaurants. Sit outside and enjoy a traditional Roman lunch while taking in the artistry around you.
Early afternoon: Castel Sant’Angelo
Cross the river to explore Castel Sant’Angelo. Originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, it later became a fortress and castle. Climb to the top for a panoramic view of the city.
Late afternoon: Vatican city visit
Make your way to Vatican City and visit St Peter’s Basilica, one of the largest churches in the world. If time permits, explore the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, home to Michelangelo’s famous ceiling. Make sure to look out across St Peter’s Square before leaving.
Book skip-the-line tickets here.
Evening: a sunset stroll – Rome in a day
Finish your history-packed day with a quiet stroll. Either head to Trastevere for an evening meal or walk up to Janiculum Hill for a peaceful, panoramic view of Rome as the sun sets.
Rome in a day for food lovers
Morning: espresso & pastries near Via dei Condotti
Start your day like a Roman – standing at the bar with a caffè espresso and a warm cornetto alla crema. The area around Via dei Condotti and Piazza di Spagna is filled with stylish cafés and pasticcerie. For an atmospheric experience, pop into Antico Caffè Greco (on Via dei Condotti), one of the oldest cafés in Rome and a favourite with artists and writers over the centuries.
Prefer something simpler? Head to La Casa del Caffè Tazza d’Oro near the Pantheon for a quick, rich coffee and flaky pastry in a buzzing atmosphere. This is the quintessential Roman breakfast—simple, sweet and satisfying.
Late morning: street food & Jewish-Roman traditions in the ghetto
Walk over to the Jewish Ghetto in the heart of Rome, one of the city’s most fascinating food districts. This neighbourhood is home to carciofi alla giudia—whole artichokes deep-fried to crisp, golden perfection. Try them at Nonna Betta or Sora Margherita, two beloved local institutions serving authentic Giudaico-Romanesco cuisine.
If you’ve still got room, look out for bakeries selling ricotta e visciole (ricotta and sour cherry tart), a traditional dessert of the Roman Jewish community. You’ll find excellent versions at Pasticceria Boccione, an unassuming, no-sign bakery that locals queue up for.
Lunchtime: Testaccio market & classic Roman flavours – Rome in a day
Hop on a taxi or metro to Testaccio, the soul of Roman food culture. This neighbourhood is where many Roman dishes were born, especially the hearty offal-based cuisine known as quinto quarto.
At Mercato Testaccio (Via Aldo Manuzio), a modern market built over Roman ruins, you can pick and mix from dozens of food stalls. Grab a steaming plate of cacio e pepe from FoodBox, a paper-thin slice of pizza bianca stuffed with mortadella, or a forkful of trippa alla romana (Roman-style tripe).
Prefer to sit and relax? Try Felice a Testaccio, a traditional restaurant famous for its perfectly creamy cacio e pepe stirred at your table.
Mid-afternoon: gelato break at Giolitti
No Roman food tour would be complete without a visit to Giolitti (Via degli Uffici del Vicario), one of the city’s most iconic gelaterias, just a short walk from the Pantheon.
With flavours ranging from nocciola (hazelnut) and stracciatella to more adventurous choices like champagne and cassata siciliana, there’s something for every sweet tooth. Don’t forget to order your cone con panna—topped with a generous swirl of fresh whipped cream.
Read our review of Giolitti here.
Late afternoon: pizza with a twist in Trastevere – Rome in a day
Wander over to Trastevere, one of Rome’s most atmospheric districts, where you’ll find winding cobbled streets, ivy-clad buildings and plenty of cosy places to sit and snack.
For a twist on traditional pizza, visit Seu Pizza Illuminati (just outside the centre of Trastevere), where innovative toppings meet beautifully blistered crusts—try the fig and prosciutto combo or the seasonal pumpkin and blue cheese.
If you’re staying closer to central Trastevere, stop by Pizzeria Ivo or La Renella, where you can enjoy a no-fuss slice of pizza rossa or pizza bianca while soaking in the neighbourhood’s laid-back charm.
Early evening: aperitivo hour in Monti or Campo de’ Fiori
As the golden hour approaches, head to Monti – Rome’s hipster heart – or Campo de’ Fiori, one of the most atmospheric piazzas in the historic centre. Both areas are dotted with wine bars and enoteche perfect for an aperitivo.
Order a classic Aperol spritz, or go for a glass of local white wine like Frascati, served alongside small plates of olives, salumi, and pecorino romano. For a generous aperitivo spread, try Fafiuché in Monti, known for its Piemonte-meets-Rome small plates and excellent wines.
Dinner in Trastevere: a cosy trattoria finish
Return to Trastevere for dinner, where the evening atmosphere is warm, buzzing, and perfectly Roman. Book a table at Osteria da Zi’Umberto or Trattoria Da Enzo al 29 (technically in nearby Trastevere/Ponte district) for homemade amatriciana, saltimbocca, and tiramisu that tastes like it’s straight from a Roman nonna’s kitchen.
Prefer something more relaxed? Many trattorias around Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere offer outdoor seating with classic Roman fare and excellent people-watching.
Finish with a stroll under the stars, another scoop of gelato (because why not?), and the gentle buzz of a day spent truly eating your way through the Eternal City.
Bonus: top food experiences if you have more time
- Take a pasta-making class: Learn to make your own fettuccine and ravioli from scratch with a local chef.
- Join a food tour in Testaccio or Trastevere to discover hidden gems with a guide who knows all the best bites.
- Explore Rome’s wine bars: Try a tasting menu of Italian wines paired with local cheese in a tucked-away enoteca.
Find fantastic food tours in Rome here.
Rome in a day with kids
Keep reading to the bottom for our own time in Rome for a day with kids.
Breakfast: sweet start
Begin your day with a treat—whether it’s a cornetto with jam, fruit juice or a small gelato). Sitting outside near the Spanish Steps or in a piazza can make even a quick breakfast feel special.
Morning: the Colosseum & Roman forum – Rome in a day
The Colosseum is a must for kids. Many enjoy imagining gladiator battles and walking through the ancient stands. A short walk away, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill are open spaces where children can run around while learning a bit of Roman history.
Book your skip-the-line tickets to all three here
Mid-morning: gelato break
Pause mid-morning for gelato. Choose from dozens of flavours—from strawberry and lemon to pistachio and chocolate—at a local artisan shop.
Lunch: easy bites in a family-friendly square
Grab pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice) and find a seat in a friendly piazza like Campo de’ Fiori. It’s a good chance for a break while little ones enjoy the bustle of street musicians and market stalls.
Afternoon: Pantheon & Trevi Fountain
Next, walk to the Pantheon. Its giant columns and vast dome are impressive even for young kids. Then continue on to the Trevi Fountain where everyone can toss in a coin and make a wish.
Get fast-track tickets to the Pantheon here.
Late afternoon: relaxed time in Trastevere – Rome in a day
Cross the river to Trastevere for a more relaxed pace. Children love the narrow streets and quirky shops, while parents can enjoy the charm and local feel. Stop for another gelato or a juice break.
Dinner: family-friendly trattoria
End your day with dinner at a welcoming trattoria. Look for places with outdoor seating and simple menus – pasta with tomato sauce, fried zucchini flowers and crispy Roman-style pizza are usually crowd-pleasers. Finish with a shared dessert or an espresso for the grown-ups.
Top tips for any version of our Rome in a day trip
- Start early to beat the crowds and summer heat.
- Skip-the-line tickets are essential for places like the Colosseum and Vatican.
- Wear comfortable shoes—you’ll be walking on cobbles and uneven surfaces.
- Carry water and snacks, especially if you’re travelling with children.
- Use public transport wisely—Rome’s metro is quick and efficient but sometimes crowded.
- Take breaks in shady piazzas or quiet cafés to recharge.
- Don’t overpack the itinerary—even in one day, it’s best to leave time to enjoy Rome’s beauty at a slower pace.
Our hot summer day in Rome with kids – everything we got up to
St Ignatius Church’s secret
“Come, I’m going to show you an illusion, a secret.”
Valentina, our guide for the day led us out of the hot August sunshine and into the cool, dark space of the St Ignatius Church. We were just around the corner from the Pantheon.
We stood inside looking at the ceiling frescoes that take your breath away with their intricacy, colour and detail. Was this the secret, that the clouds above us were painted?
Valentina led us forward, “stand in this spot”, she directed us towards a bronze circle on the floor. She pointed out the beautiful domed ceiling above, rising in circles as it arched towards the pinnacle and the glass windows at the top.
“It’s a painting”. I wasn’t sure I’d heard her correctly, “Sorry?” I quizzed, looking at her intently.
“Yes”, she nodded, “it’s not real, it’s a painting”.
I looked again at the dome. This was crazy.
My six-year-old gasped, “wow”. And Valentina moved us further into the church where suddenly the illusion revealed itself, the perspective was wrong from this new angle and it was very clear that the beautiful, curving dome was in fact just painted on.
Taking a private tour to see Rome in a day
It was details like this that peppered our day in Rome with interesting facts and that meant the four-hour walking tour in 40-degree heat whizzed by.
Our children aged three, six and eight loved this child-focused trip around Italy’s capital city and because this was a private tour we were able to stay longer at the places that interested us and less at those that didn’t as much.
Rome is a city that we love but this was our first visit as a family. It can feel overwhelming with so much history at every turn. Having a guide was a fantastic way to see it and as we were in Rome as part of our P&O cruise around the Mediterranean they even picked us up at the port of Civitavecchia which made the day smoother.
The driver was so friendly and took us to his favourite Rome cafe for coffee and ‘fan’ pastries. The perfect start to the day.
Drinking water like a native Roman – Rome in a day
It was fascinating to get a real insight into the city from a native too. We learnt how the buildings which are now filled with designer shops were once used to house horses and carts for the rich merchants who lived in the tall, grand homes.
And how to drink like a local from the nasoni fountains that are found on many of the streets. You hold your hand underneath the flow of water to make it spurt out of the top so it’s easier to drink.
The Spanish Steps and Pantheon
We saw the main sights too. Stopping for photographs at the Spanish steps and peering into the Pantheon which was closed for Sunday mass but its wide doors were thrown open in the summer sunshine to reveal the amazing domed ceiling, the sun beaming down through the oculus at the top and great clouds of Catholic incense.
A day in Rome – The Trevi Fountain
The Trevi fountain was being cleaned but it was still possible to see it. Waterless but gleaming and beautiful.
We threw the coins over our left shoulders as is customary here and made our wishes.
The fountain which was completed in 1762 is so impressive. With its large stone depictions of Roman Gods and a must-visit spot, even while it is being refurbished.
Fontana della Baraccia – a day in Rome with children
I really love the Trevi fountain but this time I fell more in love with the Fontana della Barcaccia, or Fountain of the Ugly Boat. Which sits at the bottom of the Spanish steps.
It’s been there since the early 17th century and filled with drinking water we just had to stop to try it out.
Piazza Navona
We wandered through Piazza Navona, a space used since the first century AD to watch the Roman games. It was transformed into a public place in the late 15th Century.
It’s now dominated by the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi or Fountain of the Four Rivers, reflecting the four known continents at the time.
The children were fascinated by the many street entertainers here. And we all chuckled as the Roman centurions wandered past deep in conversation on mobile phones.
Valentina led us away from the busy, touristy cafes that lined the square and in to the sweetest little tea shop. With lavender on the tables and much cheaper drinks for us all to have a break and enjoy.
The Forum
I think my favourite part of Rome has to be The Forum. I love it for how preserved it feels and how much it’s possible to imagine being back in time as a Roman wandering these streets, columns and temples intact.
The children loved it too and it was great to be able to show them the carved details of fallen decorations. And lead them through the dusty walkways to temples and ruined buildings.
The Forum is eerie and fascinating in equal measure and just a wonderful step back in time.
The Colosseum on a day in Rome with kids
But the showstopper was always going to be the Colosseum and it didn’t disappoint. With its grand archways and walks through to the main stage.
We sidestepped the large queue for tickets and walked straight in – another big bonus of taking a tour.
Valentina perfectly paced all aspects of the tour at the children’s level and had plenty of illustrations to show how things would have looked.
This was the case in The Colosseum where she used her ipad to show how the ceiling above us would have once looked. To see it when richly decorated with the bright colours of the time.
Our favourite part was the seemingly mundane elements that told us so much about the time. Roman peach stones, olive pits and oyster shells told their own tales of spectators happily munching their snacks while giraffes and bears were slain below and the different gladiators battled it out.
Ice cream
At the end of the day we stopped for big tubs of Italian ice cream. Perfect for cooling off under the shade of the trees.
I turned to my eight-year-old and asked him, “was it as good as you hoped it would be?”.
“No, it was even better!”.
And I was so happy that he now had the love for the eternal city that I have.
We already can’t wait to return.
You can see our visit to Rome in our video of all of our time with P&O cruises here –
Such and amazing place, I really wish to visit one day and if I do I will certainly consider a private tour.
Definitely one of my favourite cities. We did a similar guided tour with an archeologist there, so worth doing, we all learned so much more than we would have done otherwise! 🙂
That looks like the perfect way to explore the city. we too ours last year to Rome at 3 and 1, and I recognise so many places that we too loved
Wow! Four hours! What troopers you guys are. I loved Rome when I visited many years ago. I’d love to take the children there. We would never have thought to take a private tour, but it sounds like a great idea.
How amazing to have your very own guide. What a wonderful city to visit x
What an amazing experience to have with your kids. Italy is a wonderful place and I would love to visit Rome with the kids
I love those Tromp L’oeil effects like you saw in the church
What an amazing experience for you and the children. I’ve always dreamed of going to Italy, maybe one day I’ll make it.
Love this write up. We used to hire guides when we travelled before kids. It makes such a difference having some personal local input. The video is great. The cave in Gibraltar looks amazing!
wow what an incredible painting!! I’ve never been to Rome but so many people keep telling me how much I’d love it, it’s on my list for next year for sure. Amazing to have that one of one guide of the city! x
I would love to visit Rome and the fact you have a guide with you makes it even better
How amazing! We are visited Rome many times but never with children though we are thinking of it for next year. Would be brilliant to have your own guide for the real insights! x
This may just be the perfect adventure!
Wow what a wonderful experience for you all!
Which tour with Rome Private Tours did you do in this post? Sounds perfect for our family.
It was simply a private tour. If you get in touch with them they will speak to you about what you want to see and do. Hope you have fun!