Rome: A Perfect Finale to Our Italian Adventure with our Toddler
Day 1: Arriving in Rome
After nearly two weeks of exploring Italy’s diverse landscapes and rich history, we ended our trip in the Eternal City. Rome is a place that never loses its magic, no matter how many times you visit. For me, it was a chance to revisit some of my favorite spots, while for my mom, it was her first introduction to the city’s ancient wonders. It was the perfect way to cap off an unforgettable journey.
We arrived in Rome in the late afternoon after a quick train ride from Sorrento, with a brief lunch stop in Naples (more on that later). Our Airbnb in Rome was *chef’s kiss * a spacious, modern three-bedroom apartment just steps from the Colosseum. The location was unbeatable, and the double-paned windows were a lifesaver for blocking out the city’s famously loud street noise.
After settling in and grabbing some groceries for Asher and my mom, Ryan and I snuck out for dinner and a moonlit stroll around the Colosseum. Seeing it lit up at night was a first for me, and it was stunning. We watched a group run by. It’s wild to think about people jogging past a structure that’s over 2,000 years old, just casually living their lives in the shadow of history.
Day 2: Exploring the Classics
The next day was all about showing my mom and our son the Rome essentials: the Colosseum, the Forum, the Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps. We packed a lot into one day, but it was worth it to introduce them to the city’s iconic landmarks.
The Colosseum and Forum
Our morning started with a family photo shoot I’d booked through Airbnb Experiences. The photographer captured some amazing shots of us near the Colosseum, and it was a great way to make sure we had memories of all three of us together.
After the photos, we headed to the Colosseum.
(A quick tip: your entry time might not be exact when you book tickets online. Plan to wait about an hour before heading in. You can buy your tickets and then grab lunch nearby before exploring the interior of this ancient amphitheater.)
The Forum was just as impressive as I remembered. The same ticket gets you access to both, so don’t miss it! Walking through the ruins, imagining what life must have been like in ancient Rome, never gets old.
💡 Tips for Visiting the Colosseum and Forum:
Bring photo ID along with your tickets (a picture of a passport works too) they will check both at the entrance.
Allocate 1.5 to 2 hours for both sites.
Wear comfortable shoes; the Forum, in particular, involves a lot of walking.
Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps
In the afternoon, we visited the Trevi Fountain, only to find it drained and under maintenance. While it was disappointing not to see the fountain in all its glory, the maintenance allows people to walk on a platform over the normal basin and get closer to the statues than usual which is a neat sight. From there, we stopped for gelato (a must) and made our way to the Spanish Steps.
The Steps were lively, surrounded by great shopping and cafés, but by this point, we were ready to call it a day. Rome’s sights are clustered close together, which made it easy to walk everywhere, even with a toddler in tow.
Why We Skipped the Vatican & Sistine Chapel
Having visited the Vatican on previous trips, we decided to skip it this time. While it’s an iconic destination, we wanted to focus on sites we hadn’t experienced together as a family. With limited time, it just didn’t make the cut given how we recommend you see the area (You should try booking an 8am tour and beating all of the rush - otherwise by 10am you are waiting in hour-long lines)
Day 3: Heading Home
On our final day, we soaked in a little more of Rome before heading to the airport. With the airport being 45 minutes away, we booked a taxi in advance which was a small detail that made the morning run much smoother, especially given an unexpected turn where Ryan got came down with the onset of stomach flu early in the morning on the day of our departure. A train simply wasn’t an option. Traveling with a toddler means you have to account for every little hiccup, and this was one we weren’t willing to risk being cancelled or late getting back to the airport.
Reflections on Rome
Rome never disappoints. It’s a city where ancient history and modern life collide in the most fascinating way. From the Colosseum to the cozy cafés, every corner holds something special. While we didn’t have time to see everything, this visit was all about sharing the experience with my family, and that made it unforgettable.
💡 Key Takeaways:
Stay close to the Colosseum if you’re traveling with family it’s central and has plenty of dining options.
Plan your days around a few key sites rather than trying to do everything. Rome is a city best savored, not rushed. Wine, pasta and a good view.
Don’t skip a nighttime stroll. Seeing landmarks like the Colosseum or fountain in the evening lit up is magical. (Plus its an excuse to get some evening gelato)
