First Time in Europe with a Toddler - Rome, Italy

Arts & Culture

Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, can be seen in one single tour. We went with a stroller and yes, it’s stroller-friendly. Just make sure to bring a foldable and light-weight stroller for the stairs. I suggest touring the Gladiator and the underground if those tickets are available. Definitely the Gladiator, and especially in the morning when you can take amazing panoramic photos with less crowds.

Pantheon, is quite stunning and great for photos. You don’t necessarily need a tour unless you want to go inside, which might be a bit challenging with little ones. Outside, the Pantehon is still stunning and you can sit on the steps and enjoy the view, shops, restaurants and live music.

Architecture

Piazza del Popolo, means “People’s Square” and it really is for people like us! Super spacious space to just sit and observe others, or have your little one chase pigeons. It’s quite close to Villa Borghese and Spanish Steps, so you can chain these locations together.

Spanish Steps, is quite a climb, but you can also come from the top if you’re coming from Villa Borghese. It’s definitely easier coming from the top down to the steps and snapping your photos. This place is always packed and it’s in the heart of a lot of shops.

Trevi Fountain, this 18th-century fountain has been renovated many times and it still looks stunning. It is one of the oldest water sources in Rome. There are a few water fountains you can fill up your water bottle with as well. Go super early if you want to snap some photos without the large crowds.

Family-kid-friendly

Explora — this is a child-friendly museum that has many interactive things to do with your little one. It are a variety of science and history-based activities throughout the museum and there are different areas for different age ranges. It’s definitely worth checking out if you have kids from 0–12 years old.

Villa Borghese Garden — This does not only contain a garden but also a lake, museum and other attractions like a carousel. It’s a nice spot for a picnic or just a stroll. It's highly kid-friendly too! Afterwards, keep walking and you will be on top of the Spanish Steps in no time.

Day Trips

Going before the crowds is the best option, and if you are traveling with a toddler, it’s not really stroller friendly, so try carrier wearing as much as you can. Once finished, you can explore shops and restaurants around Vatican City as there’s quite a good selection of Italian restaurants.

Pisa is quite easy to get to via Eurorail as it’s about a 2-hour high-speed train ride from Rome. From there, you can walk about 25min from the train station to the leaning tower.

Amalfi Cost is a great day trip if you’re brave enough to do a full-day tour that includes transportation to take you around Sorrento, Almalfi Cost and Pompeii. The tour is worth it since it would include your transportation. It will also take you to taste some delicious lemoncello around the way.

Lunch

Emma, super popular spot for pizza, and it’s super delicious! If you’re into thin crust, authentic Italian pizza, this is the spot for you. They have a good selection of pizza. The margherita pizza is super delicious for its simplicity. Be sure to make a reservation or come right before it opens as this place gets really packed.

II Piccolo Buco, have wood-fired pizza with a huge selection of pizza. Its location is prime for a lot of popular tourist spots. They do not take reservations, but if you crave pizza late at night, this is the spot!

Dinner

Cipasso Italia, one of my favorite restaurants that have amazing wine and beef tartar. The simple butter and cheese pasta was a huge hit with my toddler. Make a reservation and be ready to be amazed with their amazing customer service.

Ristorante Ad-hoc, is a romantic restaurant but also kid-friendly. They have affordable tasting menus, including one of my favorites, truffles!

Tora Sushi, want to try something not Italian? Tora Sushi is a must if you’re craving Asian cuisine. Their curry katsu is delicious as well as their fresh sushi. Super child-friendly and even offered my little one free ice cream.

Dessert

Giolitti, a hot spot for gelato! You order how many scoops first and then get a ticket to get your scoops. Be sure to look over what you want. Service goes by really fast and doesn’t leave you a lot of time to stand and debate about what flavors you want.

Venchi, is not only a gelato spot but also a chocolate shop combined into one! I am a huge chocolate lover and they have all the dark chocolates for me to choose from. Great place to grab some chocolate souvenirs for friends and family back home.

Mr. 100 Tiramisu, have the tiramisu that makes you drool. It’s not only delicious, but it’s worth it! It does offer different flavors and variety, but the original is always the most authentic. They also serve sandwiches and wine, so you can indulge in other goodies.