Rome is one of those cities that’s impossible to “do right” in a single visit — which makes it very easy to do wrong. If you’re planning a family trip, here are ten things not to do (based on lessons we learned the hard way, or thankfully avoided).
1. Don’t Pay Rack Rate for Hotels
Rome is full of overpriced, underwhelming hotels. But deals exist. We landed Bio Hotel Raphael – Relais & Châteaux for €206 a night! — still expensive, but half of what it normally lists for. Always shop around or call the property directly before you book.
2. Don’t Skip Concierge Restaurant Advice
Guidebooks and Google Maps reviews are a minefield. Our hotel concierge pointed us to Da Francesca, which turned out to be a family favourite. Ask. They usually know what’s actually good nearby.
3. Don’t Expect a Cooking Class to Be Rustic
If you book a pasta-making experience on GetYourGuide, remember: you’re in Rome, not Tuscany. It will probably be in a touristy restaurant, with plastic aprons and a dozen other families. That said, don’t skip it. Kids love it, and the joy is in the making and eating together, not in Michelin-starred technique. Be friendly with the new faces, you’ll be eating with them. After all this is what travel is all about: doing new things and meeting new people.
4. Don’t Write Off “Touristy” Tours
A golf buggy tour sounds gimmicky (and very Instagram), but with the right guide, it’s gold. Ours, Igor, wove Roman history into kid-friendly stories while zipping us between Trevi, the Spanish Steps, and the Forum. The speed helped beat the heat and short attention spans! If it’s really hot, head off at 6pm and stop for a dinner afterwards.
5. Don’t Eat Powdery Gelato
Not all gelato is equal. Avoid the neon-colored stuff piled high in tourist shops. If it looks too bright or too puffy, it’s powdered mix. Find the smaller shops with natural colors and flat tubs. The difference is night and day.
6. Don’t Overpack Your Days
Rome is hot, chaotic, and overwhelming, especially for younger kids. A couple of key sights plus plenty of downtime (read: gelato breaks) works better than trying to conquer the city.
7. Don’t Forget the Shade
Between piazzas, there’s very little shade. Bring hats, refillable bottles, and know where to duck into churches — not just for art, but for cool stone and a few minutes’ respite.
8. Don’t Underestimate Train Travel
Italian trains are fast, efficient, and (almost unnervingly) on time. Booking in advance saves money, and the ride from Rome to Florence is an easy hop. Ours ran like clockwork — a pleasant shock if you’re used to other rail networks.
9. Don’t Expect Every Meal to Be Life-Changing
Rome is packed with food, but not all of it’s great. Some meals will be “meh,” and that’s fine. Don’t waste energy chasing perfection — the wins (like Da Francesca) will stand out even more.
10. Don’t Forget Why You’re There
It’s easy to get caught up in logistics, heat, and the crowds. But when you’re standing in front of the Pantheon with your kids, or laughing as they roll fresh pasta, that’s the moment. Rome works its magic if you let it.