Top 10 Kid Friendly Things To Do and Attractions in Italy

"No visit to Rome is complete without briefly leaving Italy to light a candle in St Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. Almost all of the great Renaissance architects and artists had a hand in its design and it can be visited for free. There is a papal audience every Wednesday morning while on Sundays at noon the pope imparts his blessing on crowds for the Angelus."

"A breakfast buffet with Italian delicacies was served daily on the rooftop restaurant, that enjoys views of St Peter’s Basilica. The neighborhood was lovely with the Vatican and a metro stop just steps away. There was also a great choice of restaurants, bars, and shops nearby."

"It is a showcase of ancient Western civilization, with marvels such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon. It takes days and days to truly explore Rome. The city is enormous and it is filled with enough churches, Roman ruins, and exceptional restaurants that you could spend weeks here and never get bored. But most people don’t have weeks to spend in Rome."

"Witness a mysterious and ancient marvel of Rome, the Pantheon. Tour the pagan-temple-turned-church to learn how this historic monument has remained preserved despite raids and regime changes. Be sure to head to the most fascinating section of the monument’s interior¬ – the center of the Pantheon¬ – and raise your gaze to see the giant “eye” or oculus."

"This treasure trove of classical and historical artwork has been built up over many centuries by various popes and includes some of the most important pieces of artwork in the world. Located within the confines of the Vatican state, the museums hold over 70,000 pieces of artwork. A dual ticket can be purchased to see both the Sistine Chapel and the museums and it is advised to devote enough time to see both properly."

"The Vatican Museums are the public art and sculpture museums in the Vatican City complex. They're housed in former wings of the Vatican Palace. Much of the work was collected by Pope Julius II, the imperious "warrior" pope who left a staggering legacy."

"It is said that if you stood at each piece for just one minute, it would take you four years to see everything. Created by Pope Julius II in the early 16th century, the museums have expanded..."

"At the time of its creation, this was the largest amphitheater of its day, having been able to hold 50,000 to 80,000 spectators!. Built as a giant centerpiece right in the heart of the ancient city of Rome, Emperor Vespasian saw to the construction of the Colosseum, which was built somewhere between 70- 80 A.D…. Though partly in ruin, much of the structure is available to visit and take in."

"After ducking into a bar (aka coffeeshop) for a traditional Italian breakfast of a cappuccino and a pastry, head directly to the Colosseum to soak in some incredible history! It’s impossible to get lost heading here–take the metro to the stop marked “Colosseum”, and it will practically smack you in the face as you walk out of the station."

"The most famous sight in all of Rome is its ancient gladiatorial arena, the Colosseum. Also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, the 2,000-year-old structure once held up to 50,000 spectators. As the site of epic gladiator battles, roaring crowds and jeering emperors, the historic atmosphere of this bloody arena is palpable."

"The incredibly ornate Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi) is the most famous fountain in Rome, and perhaps all of Italy. Centered around the Greek sea god Oceanus—as well as Tritons, seahorses, and other mythological figures—the baroque Trevi Fountain has made cameos on the silver screen and is a popular spot of superstition; throw in a coin and make a wish.More"

"The Trevi fountain was completed in 1762, and today stands as one of Rome’s most popular tourist attractions. It’s not as popular as the Colosseum, or the Vatican, but still attracts large crowds. The statues of the fountain make excellent backdrops for portrait photos."

"Rome's world-famous Trevi Fountain depicts the mythological Neptune, backed by two Tritons. A fun place to grab a gelato, throw a coin in the fountain, and people-watch."

"If you’re over near the Castel Sant’Angelo or Piazza Navona, then you’ll probably want to head to Gelateria del Teatro for your gelato fix. Established in 2004, Gelateria del Teatro is also the some of the best gelato near the Vatican, even if it’s a bit more of a walk. This gelateria regularly tops best gelato in Rome lists, and for good reason – the ingredients are high-quality, Italian sourced, and everything is made on site under the guidance of passionate owners Stefano and Silvia."

"Otherwise continue your walk down picturesque Via dei Coronari where the only thing to do is soak up the atmosphere, browse antique and jewelry shops and stop for gelato at Gelateria del Teatro – details below. A walk along the Tiber"

"The ice cream parlor is located in Via dei Coronari between Piazza Navona and Castel Sant’Angelo. Here you can see into the ice laboratory from the street. The flavor combinations are exciting, the choice is huge."

"Ponte Sant’Angelo or Bridge of Angels is often called the most beautiful of bridges in Rome. Featuring 10 statues of angels which chronologically represent the story of the Passion of Christ, the bridge over Tiber River connects Rome’s city centre with Castel Sant'Angelo. The remarkable sculptures, the graceful architecture of the bridge that gives a beautiful view of the river below and its ethereal atmosphere make it a wonderful setting for a peaceful, languid stroll, particularly at night."

"Whether or not you choose to duck inside the castle as part of your 2 days in Rome, be sure to enjoy the views of the Tiber River from in front of it, and to cross the Ponte Sant’Angelo–which will lead you directly into Centro Storico, one of Rome’s prettiest neighborhoods and the sight of the rest of this 2 days in Rome itinerary."

"Completed by Emperor Hadrian in 134 AD, this historic bridge spans Tiber River from the city center to Castel Sant’Angelo."

"Closer to the Vatican lies Via Cola di Rienzo, another wonderful shopping street in Rome with a mix of shops to suit most budgets. Here you have high street shops and international chains but also local shops and boutiques. This is traditionally a more local shopping street and has a good selection of shoe shops too, which other areas lack."

"If you are planning to visit Rome and want to shop somewhere away from the hustle & bustle of the city, Cola Di Rienzo is your place. The most popular street amongst the locals, it offers a mix of international and Italian brands. Make sure you visit this place if you wish to enjoy affordable shopping in Rome."

"Fatamorgana has many branches across Rome making it easier to get your gelato fix wherever you are in the city. It prides itself on the natural, fresh, homemade flavours that are also well priced. What I like about this gelateria are the bold, inventive choices available."

"Gelato stop: Fatamorgana Monti [Piazza degli Zingari, 5] Classic and unusual flavors using the finest ingredients Day 3 – Villa Borghese, the Tiber and more"

"A short walk from the Roman Forum, this small Roman chain serves excellent gelato, including familiar favorites and adventurous flavors such...Read More"

"This charming cafe dates all the way back to 1922 and for a time was a favourite hang out of left wing intellectuals in the city. The main draw is the view so expect to be surrounded by fellow tourists instead of locals but that can be the case at lots of places in Rome. Again, order at the bar for a reasonable price and expect to pay more if you’d like a chair."

"Or for something less formal Ristorante Rosati Roma [Piazza del Popolo, 4/5a] is one of the original bars in the city. Gelato stop: Gelateria del Teatro [Via dei Coronari, 65-66] 200 delicious flavors that rotate year round"

"Via dei Serpenti, 122 (Monti) Sunday – Thursday 8am – 9.45pm, Friday – Saturday 8am – 10.14pmfornoaiserpenti. Insider tip: beautiful interior design with a 1930s feel, this is a retro, multifunctional space with an onsite bakery is a good choice for any time of day. The name is undeniably cool, the ancient snake oven, and their pastries won’t disappoint."

"For more than three centuries, Rome’s Jewish community was confined to a walled ghetto along the Tiber River. The squalid buildings are long gone, but a historic ghetto-era bakery survives on what has become the transformed neighborhood’s broad main thoroughfare. This kosher bakery sells traditional Roman Jewish sweets from a spartan storefront."

"Piazza Costaguti, 30 (Centro Storico) Monday – Saturday 7.30am – 2pm, 5.30pm – 7pm. Insider tip: expect a tasty and friendly time, the only problem is that once you’ve gone you can never go without. This humble, sweet bakery has a great location and is really good value."

"Hotel Hassler’s Imàgo offers yet another spectacular view of Rome as it is located at the top of the Spanish Steps, on the top floor of the hotel. Chef Andrea Antonini’s cooking follows a dynamic philosophy that expresses itself through unique dishes. The restaurant’s Michelin one-starred cuisine is centered around Italian dishes, honoring tradition and the seasonality but proposed in a contemporary vision."

"The Michelin starrer Imago is perched on the 6th floor of a fantastic five star hotel (Hassler). It’s situated on the top of the Spanish steps right at the belly of Centro storico, so location wise things couldn’t have been more perfect. The tables are beautifully spaced out and offer privacy as well as an intimate feel."

"A Michelin-starred restaurant in the heart of the Eternal City. On the sixth floor of the Hotel Hassler, there's a panoramic view for lovers of all ages. In Imàgo's kitchen there is a new chef, Andrea Antonini."