Rome was the last destination of our fabulous two-week trip to Italy. Sort of a cherry on a yum cake! Italian cities are amongst my favorite – the art, architecture, history are spell-binding and the good food makes it even more worthwhile. We were traveling with our (then) 4-year-old daughter and scoured the internet for things to do in Rome with kids. Thankfully, my daughter enjoyed many of the open ruin sites in Rome that were part of our Rome 4-day itinerary.
We had an easy itinerary for the 4 days we spent in Rome and made sure we had enough time for wandering around aimlessly, indulging in scoops of gelatos, good food, and wine. We explored Rome after following Venice itinerary and then spending a few blissful days at the Amalfi coast. Dive into the Roman past with my 4-day Rome itinerary to this awe-inspiring city!
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Day 1 of the Rome 4-day itinerary
Colosseum
Considered one of the Wonders of the world, the Roman Colosseum is an impressive monument.
This is one ancient site that would not leave you underwhelmed: 50,000 seat arena, 80 entrance arches, something that can rival even the most modern stadiums.
Once you step inside, you can opt for an audio tour or read the information boards that explain the history of the monument quite comprehensively. There are many murals, stone/marble and other objects displayed inside the Colosseum.
When you walk up the first floor, you can see the huge tiered seating inside. Try imagining the gladiators fighting off the wild animals or each other with the huge crowds cheering them on! This is a must-do attraction for anyone visiting Rome, so be prepared for the crowds. It is best to go as early as possible in the morning or quite late in the evening just before closing time. My daughter loved our time here so I would recommend this as one of the things to do in Rome with kids.
Tickets & Booking Information
We had booked our tickets online (visit coopculture.it) for the main part of the Colosseum. This ticket covers the trio – Colosseum, Forum and the Palatine Hill – and allows entry over 2 consecutive days.
Rome has some of the most famous landmarks in Italy. We decided to visit the other 2 attractions the next day and spent some time meandering around Campo de Fiori on our way back to the apartment. You could also opt for a guided tour with access to areas in the Colosseum not open to the public in general.
In hindsight, I think it is better to take a guided tour, both for additional information and accessibility to areas like the underground area and Level 3 of the Colosseum (this is not included in the entry ticket we had booked).
Check out these different tour options to the Colosseum:
Day 2 of the Rome 4-day itinerary
Capitoline Museums
We decided to start the day by walking up to one of the most popular museums in Rome – the Capitoline Museums. Dating from 1471, the Capitoline Museums are the world’s oldest public museums. There were more people outside on Capitoline Hill than inside the museums. The Capitoline Hill has nice views of the Forum on the backside.
We spent about an hour looking at the vast collection of classical sculptures and paintings, though it demands much more time. It was difficult to engage our daughter in any of the artifacts here, in stark contrast to the Colosseum.
The iconic exhibit of this museum is the Lupa Capitolina (Capitoline Wolf), a sculpture of Romulus and Remus under a She-wolf.
This represents the most famous amongst Rome’s many legends: the story of Romulus and Remus who were raised by a she-wolf, who discovered them near the Palatino. Years later, the twins decided to found a city on the site where they had originally been saved.
For opening hours and ticket prices, visit the official website.
Roman Forum
Many tourists just check the Colosseum off their list and not venture into the Roman Forum or the Palatine Hill. This is quite a shame. The 3 sights are next to each other and your Colosseum ticket covers all 3. It does become a long day if you cover it in one day. And yet, I would urge you not to miss either the Forum or the Palatine Hill when you visit the Colosseum or plan it for the next day like we did. Definitely recommended as one of the things to do in Rome with kids. Do make sure you are carrying adequate water and a cap to shield from the strong sun in summer months.
Unlike the Colosseum, this site is not well signposted so you may consider taking a guide along with you. If you haven’t done an advance booking for a guided tour, you can easily find a guide outside the Forum. We entered here from a small entrance in front of the Colosseum, near the Arco di Tito.
This massive ancient ruin takes some imagination to conjure what it once was – a huge impressive meeting place with temples, bustling markets, the most important meeting place in ancient Rome.
Palatine Hill
If you are visiting the Palatine Hill towards the end of a long day like we did, you may be quite overwhelmed with all the history. But the Palatino or Palatine Hill does offer impressive views of both the Colosseum at one end and the Forum on the other.
According to the many myths and legends surrounding Rome, it was here that the city was founded in 753 BC. There are many excavation sights to be visited spread over a large area.
Outside the Colosseum and Forum area, you will find many local painters selling watercolour paintings of Italian monuments. Buy a watercolour painting instead of a postcard, they make for good souvenirs from Italy.
Day 3: An easy day wandering around the neighborhood
After 2 long days spent exploring the open ruins and the Capitoline museum, we decided to take it easy. We started the morning on a leisurely note ordering coffee in Italy in a bar, which itself is an art!
We spent the day mostly wandering around the streets and taking in the city life in nearby areas. Our apartment was within walking distance of the Pantheon and the Piazza Navona and that’s where we started.
Pantheon
Once a temple and now a church, the Pantheon is a popular site. Do look up at the impressive centerpiece with a circular opening in the middle where sunlight streams in and makes the interior magical. There is always an evening buzz in the square right outside the Pantheon.
It is best to book a skip-the-line ticket to this popular spot. Here are some tour options:
Piazza Navona
This is a magnificent square decorated by a massive fountain built by Benini. There are many restaurants and cafes on one side of this piazza and you can spend an easy hour taking in all the street artists and hawkers in this square. Kids love such piazzas which give them ample space to wander around and our daughter was no different! So, I would put this on a Rome itinerary for families.
Trevi Fountain
This is a well-photographed site of baroque style. It was in scaffolding when we visited, part of an expensive restoration by Fendi. The tradition is to toss a coin into the water, thus ensuring that you’ll return to Rome – on average about €3000 is thrown in every day.
This famous fountain is absolutely crammed with people during the day. If you want this instagrammable spot in Rome all to yourself, the the trick is to get here at sunrise.
Spanish Steps
After a leisurely lunch, we walked towards the Spanish Steps. It is really nice to go here in the evening though the steps do get quite crowded. Perch yourself at a height to take in marvelous views of the city.
Day 4 of the itinerary for Rome with kids
The Vatican Museum and the art collection therein is everything that it promises to be. One of the greatest collections in this tiny self-administered city-state was our agenda for the last full day in Rome.
Everyone and I do mean everyone, who comes to Rome visits the Vatican, so don’t expect to be standing alone in silence when you look up at the marvel painted by Michelangelo at the Sistine Chapel. But even with the crowds swirling around you, the bold colors and the creativity will speak to you.
You do get awestruck at the first few sculptures and then you start taking it in your stride. Everyone was a stellar artist in those times, it seems!! One impressive part of the Museum is the Gallery of the Maps. It was fun to see the outlines and the markings of different nations/empires from earlier times. But the crowds will ensure you can’t stop at any point for too long and have to keep moving.
After the Museum and Sistine Chapel, we went to St. Peter’s Basilica – one of the largest churches ever built depicting the Italian Renaissance in all its glory. The splendor and beauty of St Peter’s Basilica will leave you speechless.
Traveling with our 4-year old daughter, it wasn’t possible for us to climb the 871 steps to the top of the Basilica’s dome. But I am sure the 360-degree views of Vatican City from there must be stunning.
Its lavish interior contains many spectacular works of art, including three of Italy’s most celebrated masterpieces: Michelangelo’s Pietà, his soaring dome, and Bernini’s 29m-high baldachin over the papal altar.
We exited the basilica and came to St. Peter’s Square which despite the umpteen photos seen is impressive in real. I took my daughter to the small souvenir shop in this piazza and bought her a couple of excellent books on Rome and the Vatican.
Tickets & Tour Options
We had made an online booking for our admission tickets to the Vatican. The online reservation allows you to skip the line of the entrance to the Museum. There are a variety of guided tours on offer:
Travel Tips to Rome
- Plan your itinerary: Do understand that you can’t do everything in Rome in one trip. There are so many museums, churches and other sites to see. You can’t see the Colosseum and Vatican in one day. So prioritise what you want to see and do in Rome.
- When to visit Rome: The best time to visit Rome is during the two shoulder seasons in the spring and the early fall. This combines pleasant weather minus the peak summer crowds. Spring truly starts in Rome in April and despite some rain showers, this is one of the months when Rome fills with blossoming plants. So consider Rome if you are visiting Europe in April. We visited Rome in early June when the weather was not too hot.
- Getting around in Rome: The public transport system in Rome is varied and cheap. You can take the metro but it doesn’t go everywhere. There are metro stops near the city’s top attractions. The bus network is extensive. Rome also has 6 tram lines but they don’t reach the city centre, so less useful for tourists.
Taxis in Rome can be expensive and prone to cheating tourists, so be careful. You can download and use the taxi app FreeNow. - Plan your visits to attractions: Note museum timings and closure days for all museums, churches and other attractions. For popular sites in Rome, it is best to book skip the line tickets or guided tours for accessibility and additional information.
- Watch your belongings everywhere: You do need to be careful about your belongings especially in public places and on trains, buses in Rome.
- Food and drinks: You must try the local cuisine while in Rome. There are so many Italian food dishes that come from this city. Be it the Roman style artichoke, or a classic carbonara, the city is a gourmet delight! Rome offers some great options for best local Italian food. Order the house wine, there is no need to buy expensive wine bottles in restaurants. Coffee and gelato are a must-try. Do remember to make restaurant reservations for dinner at popular spots.
- Dress modestly at churches: Do remember to be in modest attire while visiting churches in Rome and Vatican City. Ladies, don’t show any cleavage. And shoulders and knees need to be covered for both men and women.
- Wear comfortable shoes to walk everywhere. You will do a lot of walking around the sites in Rome, so comfort comes first.
- Some cash is needed for street food, taxis, tour guides etc. Bear in mind the increased pickpocketing risk for tourists in Rome. In general, you can use your credit or debit cards everywhere in the city.
- Fill your reusable bottle at the water fountains. There is no need to buy bottled plastic water bottles in Rome.
Travel Resources for Italy
Omio is my favourite platform to book train and ferry tickets
Use Kiwitaxi for airport transfers.
Rent a car to drive around. Get the best car deals here!
Get an eSim for your trip for effortless and cheap data connection from Airalo.
Where to stay in Rome
We had booked an apartment via Airbnb for our stay in Rome. If you prefer a hotel, it is nice to stay in the city centre where top attractions are within walking distance. Check our hotel options in Rome.
Our 4 days in Rome went past in a whiz! But Rome is not just about architectural marvels and fine museums. If you have an extra day in Rome, spend it walking through some of the neighborhoods – the Jewish Ghetto or the Trastevere. Eat at a local trattoria and engage with locals. The regional variations in Italian food are vast and taking a culinary tour in Italy would be fabulous.
We did all our sightseeing at a leisurely pace and made time for going to gelaterias, just soaking in the atmosphere around the main piazzas and eating to our heart’s content! What I would have liked to do is a food tour in this inspiring city. We have enjoyed food tours in other places, and an Italian gastronomic journey sounds fabulous. But that’s for another trip!
Planning a trip to Italy? Here are some more guides to help you plan your trip –
Italy Itinerary: The classic two-week Italy Itinerary
Italian cities: One day in Florence, 2 days in Venice
Italian regions: Amalfi coast itinerary for 4 days, Lake Como in 3 days, Cinque Terre
Souvenirs: Good Souvenirs from Italy
Food in Italy: 21 of the Best Local & Traditional Italian Food you must try
[This post was originally published in 2018, and last updated in November 2023.]
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Have you visited Rome? Which ruin or museum impressed you the most?
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God I love Rome! I loved going into the Colloseum and wanting to shout I AM GLADIATOR! I didn’t realise you could get a trio ticket for 2 days though, that is a good idea. The parthenon was actually my favourite place in Rome, I couldn’t believe how they managed to build the dome so long ago!
We were staying in an apartment close to the Parthenon so crossed it several times, though went inside to see the spectacular interior only once. My favourite place was the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. I would love to go back and take the night tour if possible.
I visited Rome only once and stayed 2 days, and since then I tell myself I should go back to Rome. I didn’t know with the online booking you can skip the queue! Because of the long queue we skipped the museum. Thanks for the tip. Hopefully, next time I can visit it.
I am assuming you mean the Vatican Museum. So we were still in a queue to enter but had we not done the online reservation, that would have meant a longer wait. so it is totally worthwhile to book online.
I can understand how your 4 days in Rome whizzed by. There is so much to see and do in the city. I have seen all the sights on you list but even so I keep going back. It is a fascinating place. I love the fact that wherever you go you are surround by history.
Wow, such stunning photography. I haven’t been to Rome in more than 10 years and I absolutely need to go back. I remember being awestruck at the Vatican by the spectacular splendor and incredible architecture. Reading this has taken me back to a wonderful trip. So much to see and do. Thanks for the inspiration.
Thanks. It is a city where one can easily go back. I have oly scratched the surface with the main sights, so many lesser known sights for me to explore as well.
You had a very leisurely trip covering just the main sights in Rome. I’ve been there probably a dozen or more times since I lived in Italy for seven years and one place I think is a must-see is the Borghese Gallery. I’ve also done a couple food tours and cooking classes in Rome, which are some of the best meals I’ve had in the city too.
True that, my trip was intended to cover the main sights. I had been to Rome ages ago for a short time but this was almost my first trip here with my family. I would love to go back for some of the lesser known areas and a food tour. I have heard good things about Borghese Gallery.
I haven’t been to Rome in years, but you’ve got me really wanting to go back! Saving this to use for later when I finally do 🙂
Leah, it is a city one can go back again easily. There is so much to explore.
I think 4 days are just about perfect for Rome! Colosseum, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain are iconic places that one has to visit when in Rome. And I would also recommend to keep half a day aside for Vatican City, just as you have. We also managed to take a day out to visit Naples and Pompeii, though it was a long day! Rome is amazing, isn’t it?
I loved it. My husband and I were reading something on Roman history at that time so the connect was even better. We did a trip to Amalfi coast for 4 days to relax, but missed Pompeii.
We visited Rome couple of years ago for a weekend and are still smitten by its rich history and the wonderful architecture. Exploring Colosseum and the Roman Forum was amazing but we did miss Trevi Fountain as it was completely closed for renovation when we visited. Would love to visit again sometime soon.
Even with 4 full days, there are some places we missed. i would love to go back to explore not the top sights but some of the neighbourhoods and do a food tour.
This is a great an very thoroughly detailed and informative post! The more I read about Rome the more I want to go! Which was your top place to visit
I would have to say Colosseum. But Vatican comes close.
I think Rome is a must see, so much history and stunning sights! Thank you for detailed itinerary which might be helpful if I decide to revisit. I have not seen it all yet.
There is no way one can see Rome in all in one trip, or Italy for that matter.
It’s always good to have a 6-year-old’s impression of historic sites. There are times where I feel like a bad person or just not a good enough cultural traveller. Knowing that the Colosseum is impressive enough to hold a little one’s attention gives me reason to be hopeful. Of course, I would have a hard time not going Gladiator and shouting – Are You Not Entertained! if their attentioned waned for even a moment.
ha..Ha..That would certainly catch anyone’s attention.
I was in Rome a few weeks ago for the fourth time. I really love this city! You missed my favorite neighborhood: Trastevere. Such a lovely area, although now quite touristy compared to when I first went. I still haven’t made it to the Capitoline Museums. Fifth trip?
I would love to go back and explore Trastevere, heard so much about it.