Arriving in Rome was an unforgettable experience for us. This marks our third visit to Italy, having explored Verona and Milan in the past.
Once again, I was searching Skyscanner and managed to find return flights for £33.20 each. I just had to book it.
I was quite surprised to get a cheap flight leaving from Gatwick, as usually, all the inexpensive flights I find depart from Stansted. I used my family and friends railcard to get the train to Gatwick for just £17.99, and it was only 24 minutes on the train. Nice and quick. Remember to always use TopCashback whenever you can for extra savings.
We flew to Rome with Wizz Air. This is our third time flying with them (previously to Finland and Verona), and I can honestly say I’ve never had any issues. They don’t have the best reputation, so maybe I’m just lucky. The flight was around 2 hours long.
I picked up a 72-hour Roma Pass at the airport, which cost €52 per adult (around £44.84). Kids under 10 travel for free in Rome, which is fabulous! The Roma card cannot be used to get to and from the airport, so you’ll have to purchase a separate ticket at one of the machines. This costs €8 per adult.
We stayed at Adèsso Hotel, which was lovely, modern, and very clean! The staff were extremely friendly and spoke English, making life very easy. Our hotel had a shower and a bath, a toilet, a bidet, a kettle, an espresso machine, a safe, and a mini-fridge with two water bottles. There was also a TV, a double bed, and USB ports; free Wi-Fi was available too.
Although we didn’t eat at the hotel, from what I could see, they had affordable options. I loved this hotel, and I 100% recommend it. It’s not super far from the airport; in fact, it’s right opposite a great station that takes you all over Rome, including the airport. There’s also a bus station and plenty of taxis right outside. I couldn’t have picked a better hotel.
On our first evening, due to spending a considerable time at passport control, we opted for a relaxed first day. We took the metro to the Colosseum for a quick look at the outside and then enjoyed a pleasant dinner at Pasqualino Al Colosseo, which is just around the corner from the Colosseum. We relished the pizzas, and I found the prices to be quite reasonable.
Embarking on our second day in the enchanting city of Rome unfolded a delightful adventure. Our first stop was the iconic Trevi Fountain, a moment we carefully timed for the early hours to escape the anticipated crowds. Surprisingly, the atmosphere was serene, allowing us to capture the beauty of the fountain and its surroundings, making it an ideal spot for memorable pictures.
We then walked around 25 minutes to Explora museum, where a fun-filled session from 10 am to 11:45 am awaited. This captivating museum, designed for children aged 0-12, proved to be an absolute gem. The diverse range of interactive activities catered to every age, ensuring my daughter had the time of her life.
The water play area was a particular hit, there were opportunities for role-playing, a mini-supermarket shopping experience, and even culinary adventures in a charming kitchen. Noteworthy was the ECONOMIAMO section, where children could grasp economic concepts and conscious money use through simulated working activities. It was like a miniature Kidzania experience. Not only educational but also incredibly entertaining. Tickets, starting at just €7, making it a must-visit for families exploring Rome.
See more on our tiktok 🙂
Post-museum exploration, we hopped on the metro for a short journey to the Spanish Steps. Despite the fatigue, I recommend walking all the way to the stop for an awe-inspiring view, though one should remain vigilant in the crowded setting due to pickpocket concerns.
Wandering through the area, we absorbed the picturesque surroundings before our eagerly awaited Colosseum slot at 1:30 pm. Thanks to the Roma card purchased at the airport, my entry was complimentary, extending access to one other additional museum. Entry is also graciously free for anyone under 18. A prebooked online slot for €2, coupled with a swift child ticket pickup at gate 10, paved the way for an awe-inspiring exploration of the Colosseum. Its grandeur and historical significance left an indelible mark, confirming its status as an indispensable destination for any traveler in Rome.
Post Colosseum exploration, we treated ourselves to some delectable gelato, navigating through the plethora of enticing options in Rome. For the best recommendations, I suggest exploring TikTok, where gelato enthusiasts share their top picks.
Our next adventure involved a bus ride to Ikono, a contemporary immersive experience nestled in the heart of Rome. Amidst the rich historical tapestry of the city, Ikono provides a refreshing and modern perspective. Engaging with interactive and artistic installations, we found particular delight in the ball pit, a standout feature. While Ikono left us enchanted, it’s worth noting that the experience is relatively brief. Tickets, starting at €12.50, offer an intriguing journey into creativity, and children under 4 enjoy complimentary entry. For further details, their website is a valuable resource.
Continuing our leisurely stroll through the captivating streets of Rome, we absorbed the beauty of our surroundings before indulging in dinner at 433 Restaurant. Although the pizza failed to leave a lasting impression, the pasta was nothing short of extraordinary. So exceptional, in fact, that we found ourselves returning the next day to savor it once more. This delightful experience added another layer of enjoyment to our Roman adventure.
Day 3 unfolded with a captivating start at Chiesa di Sant’Ignazio di Loyola, undeniably one of the most exquisite churches I’ve ever encountered. There is a “magic mirror”, that is suppose to amplify the allure of the celestial paintings adorning the ceilings. A mere €1 granted access to this magical experience, a detail I missed this time due to my cashless approach, but TikTok provides a delightful glimpse into its enchantment.
Our day continued with leisurely strolls and additional sightseeing, followed by a return to the wonderful 433 Restaurant for another exquisite meal. We visited Lucciano’s, but noticed that most of their gelato contained nuts, so we decided not to make a purchase. Still, you might want to explore their selection as it looked impressive.
As the day drew to a close, the anticipation of our departure loomed. Navigating through the process effortlessly, I secured another €8 train ticket using the user-friendly machine at the station, complete with a language switch to English. A crucial reminder for fellow travelers: validate your ticket to sidestep any potential fines. The journey back to the airport marked the finale of our Roman adventure, a seamless blend of art, exploration, and culinary delights.
I must say that Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport stands out as one of the most pleasant airports I’ve ever visited. The family queue streamlines the airport security process seamlessly, and the diverse range of restaurants offers excellent choices.
Opting for a slice of pizza from Pizza Alla Pala at €7.20, I found the portion size not the largest, but the taste was genuinely satisfying. Notably, the airport boasts a delightful play area for kids. While ideally suited for those under 5, my 8-year-old thoroughly enjoyed it. Witnessing such well-designed play areas at airports is a welcome sight, making family travel notably smoother. It’s worth mentioning that Gatwick has two play areas, but unfortunately, both are considerably outdated.
Here are some additional activities that, regrettably, didn’t make it into our itinerary due to time constraints.
Family friendly pizza making workshop.
Colosseum and Ancient Rome Family Tour for Kids.
We received complimentary access to Explora and Ikono, but all opinions expressed are solely mine.
