Rome, the eternal city, is a treasure trove of history, culture, and vibrant experiences that appeal to travelers of all ages, including teenagers.
This iconic destination offers a perfect blend of ancient ruins, art-filled museums, delicious cuisine, and a lively atmosphere that captivates young minds. In this blog post, we will guide you on how to visit Rome with teenagers, from booking to exploring the city’s wonders and ensuring safety.
So, buckle up and prepare to embark on a thrilling Roman adventure with your teens!
Get your Tickets. Do not wait until the last minute, as the main attractions in Rome sell out fast. Also, in 2025 it will be Jubilee year, which means the city will be extra crowded, so get your tickets
👉Priority Colosseum Tour
👉Vatican Museum Tour
👉Vatican Museum Tour
Why Rome is an Ideal Destination for Teenagers
With its captivating blend of history and modernity, Rome offers a dynamic environment that will captivate teenagers. The city’s ancient ruins, such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, provide an exciting educational experience that brings history to life.
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Furthermore, the vibrant street life, bustling markets, and gelato shops offer plenty of opportunities for teens to immerse themselves in the local culture and create lasting memories.
My teens loved Rome just as much as I do!
How Far in Advance to Book and How Long to Stay
To ensure the best experience in Rome, it is recommended to book your trip at least 4 to 6 months in advance, especially if you plan to travel during peak seasons.
This allows you to secure good flight deals and accommodation options. You may want to check out my blog post How To Plan a trip to Rome on Your Own to see how to find deals. I typically love looking for bundle deals on Expedia to book my flight and hotel.
As for the duration of your stay, four days in Rome is a good starting point, but you should consider the abundance of attractions, extending your trip to several days to allow you to explore the city at a leisurely pace. This also can allow you to do more day trips.
The Best Area to Stay in Rome as a Family
The neighborhood of Monti is an excellent choice for families with teenagers. Its central location allows easy access to major attractions, and its bohemian charm offers a taste of authentic Roman living. Monti’s cobbled streets, boutique shops, and cozy cafes create a welcoming ambiance for visitors.
So when checking booking.com, search for Monti. I also recommend the Spanish steps area, Pantheon area and Trevi Fountain area. I don’t recommend the Vatican area as it’s further away. So is Trastevere, but that is such a cool area to stay.
Colosseo 500 m A Casa di Beatrice
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What to do in Rome With Teenagers
Rome offers a plethora of activities and attractions that cater to various interests, making it an ideal destination for families with teenagers. Here are some of the top things to do in Rome and an estimate of how much money you’ll need for these experiences:
TRAVEL UPDATE: You must book all of your Rome tickets way in advance as this summer, 2023 you could not find tickets to the main attractions.
The Colosseum and Roman Forum
A visit to Rome is incomplete without exploring the iconic Colosseum and Roman Forum. The Colosseum is an ancient theater where gladiatorial contests and public spectacles once took place.
The Roman Forum, located nearby, is a sprawling archaeological site at the heart of ancient Rome’s political and social life.
Cost: Admission to the Colosseum and Roman Forum costs around €16-€20 per person, and it’s highly recommended to book skip-the-line tickets in advance to avoid long queues.
Vatican City
Vatican City, the world’s smallest independent state, is a treasure trove of art, history, and religious significance. Visit St. Peter’s Basilica, an awe-inspiring Renaissance-era church, and explore the Vatican Museums, home to renowned art collections, including the Sistine Chapel ceiling painted by Michelangelo.
Cost: Entrance fees to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica are approximately €20-€30 per person. Again, booking skip-the-line tickets beforehand is advisable.
We are not catholic but loved the Vatican Museum, sadly, we could not go with the kids when we visited in 2022 because of Covid restrictions, our vaccine card was out of date.
Trevi Fountain With Teens
The Trevi Fountain is one of Rome’s most famous landmarks, known for its grand Baroque architecture and the tradition of tossing a coin over your shoulder to ensure your return to Rome. Nearby, the Spanish Steps provide a great spot for relaxing and people-watching.
Cost: Visiting these attractions is free of charge, making them an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers. We love grabbing a gelato at the coffee to the right of the fountain and hanging out.
It does get super crowded, so going at sunrise and night is often best.
Unique Things to Do in Rome With Teens
- Do a sketching tour. Great if your kids are artistic
- Do a night ghost tour or Segway tour
- Visit the Colosseum at night
- People watch at the Piazza and let them perhaps sip a prosecco
- Visit the Pantheon, which will start being charged in 2024.
- Do a Cooking Class.
- Visit Baths of Casserella which is a bit off the beaten path but cool
- Bike the Alpian Trail
- Take them shopping. We gave each an amount and they loved shopping at Zara
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What to Pack for Rome With Teenagers
Packing essentials for your Roman adventure with teens include:
- Comfortable walking shoes: As you’ll be exploring many historical sites, comfortable shoes are a must. Sometimes you need to explain what comfort means for teens. I love Vejas and New Balance.
- Light, breathable clothing: Rome can get quite hot during the summer, so lightweight and breathable fabrics are essential. This will depend on time of year that you go.
- Stylish travel backpack. I always have one because I need it for my camera and in case I need to store away cardigan or take a raincoact.
- Packing cubes. This has been such a game changer for packing for my Italy trips.
- Black Fanny Pack. This is great for teens to wear and also helps with preventing pickpocketing.
For more info check out: Rome in the Fall
3. Modest attire for visiting religious sites: Remember to cover shoulders and knees when visiting churches and religious sites.
4. Chargers and more chargers. Plus appropaite cables so teens are not always asking for them. Make sure you get the Europe plug adapters and portable chargers and one for each teen and adult.
5. Sunglasses or hats for sunny weather.
Tip for packing for teens
What helped my teens pack for their Roman adventure was that I told them exactly how many night outfits they needed as well as day outing outfits and stay at the apartment outfits. I also told them no to take too many shoes.
Rome Safety when Traveling with Teens
Rome is generally a safe city for tourists, but it’s essential to stay vigilant and follow some safety tips: Plus you may have seen the Attention Pick Pocketers videos going viral on TikTok. It is a woman who catches pick pocketers trying to rob tourists.
It is not a meme, it is very real.
- Beware of pickpockets: Popular tourist spots can attract pickpockets, so keep your belongings secure and be cautious in crowded areas.
- Stay in well-lit areas at night: While Rome is generally safe, it’s best to stick to well-traveled and well-lit routes after dark.
- Be mindful of traffic: Roman traffic can be chaotic, so use pedestrian crossings and stay alert when crossing roads.
- Have them wear a cross body bag or fanny pack that they can watch at all times.
- Don’t have anything in pack pockets.
- Check bus schedules and don’t let them stay out too late if they are allowed to roam around with you.
- Book your hotel stay in a more populated area and not so isolated
What to Do with Teens in Rome and Drinking Age
The legal drinking age in Italy is 18, but it’s important to remember that responsible drinking is crucial, especially for teenagers. So discuss before the trip if you will allow your 18-20 yeard to drink.
My 19 year old step daughter really loved the Aperol Spritz so we let her have some but she was with us the whole time.
Conclusion about heading to Rome with Teenagers
A trip to Rome with teenagers promises an unforgettable adventure filled with history, culture, and delectable cuisine. By planning in advance, staying safe, and exploring the city’s diverse offerings, you and your family will create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
So, pack your bags, immerse yourselves in the wonders of Rome, and let the eternal city captivate the hearts of your teens and the whole family. Buon viaggio!
Also check out Italy With Teens and Driving in Italy and Italy in November,
