Worried about having to leave teenagers at the family hotel in Rome while you enjoy the rest of the sights? You don’t have to! The Italian capital has something for everyone- from the oldest member of the clan right down to the youngest.
While it may sometimes seem like a very “grown-up” destination, with the ancient buildings, even older artefacts, sombre museums and creaky cathedrals, Rome has plenty to surprise. There’s so much to enjoy, from the minute you step out the door of your family hotel in Rome. Here are a few of the things each member of the family can look forward to on a Roman holiday.
For the History Buff
History is the one thing you can be quite sure of getting from the moment you arrive in the Italian capital – practically every square foot is dripping with history. Of course, no history buff worth his or her title will want to miss seeing the Coliseum, the Roman Forum and the Palatine. They are all close to each other and can give at least half a day’s immersion into the ancient past.
The Art Maven
Your history buff child won’t be the only one having fun, because the history goes hand in hand with art at many places – including St. Peter’s Basilica where the two collide. The Vatican museums nearby will also provide hours and hours of entertainment – although you’ll want to make arrangements in advance if you don’t want to spend hours waiting in line.
The streets themselves are also filled with art and history, particularly in the historical centres such as Piazza Navona. It is home to yet more superb Bernini sculptures, which sit on an ancient racetrack, as well as Campo de’ Fiori and Piazza di Spagna with the awesome Spanish Steps.
The Shopaholic
Those who find Bulgari more awe-inspiring than Bernini don’t need to fear boredom- it is the capital of Italy, after all! For the fashionista of the family, there’s no need to stay behind at the family hotel in Rome flipping through the fashion channels while the geeks ooh and ahh over ancient history. There’s plenty to gape at (and spend on) for the fashion forward very near the Spanish Steps, and the biggest names in Italian fashion, including Fendi, Valentino, Bulgari, Prada, Armani, Versace, Ferragamo, Cavalli, Gucci, and many others are just a stone’s throw away from the historic squares. Mark the Via Condotti, Via Borgognona, Via Frattina, Via Sistina, and Via Bocca de Leone on those map apps and get out and shop ’til you drop.
Food Glorious Food
Even if your family has the most diverse tastes in food, everyone is catered for in the Italian capital! Dine in any of the wonderful restaurants that serve home-style meals around your family hotel in Rome, or treat the entire family to a fine dining experience in one of the many upmarket establishments.