Thinking About A Trip To Rome? Here Is Why You Should Reconsider

Italy is a beautiful place to visit for families. However, the capital of Rome might not be the most suitable for kids. As tourism rises yearly in the city, it becomes increasingly chaotic and less ideal for children. From long lines to limited transportation, here are 12 reasons to bypass Rome for a family vacation.

Unprecedented Crowds

Rome is the second-most visited city in the European Union – in 2023, the city saw tourism rates they had never seen, even pre-pandemic. With 7 to 10 million visitors every year, getting a decent glimpse of the Trevi Fountain or a good picture of the Spanish Steps proves nearly impossible. Though traveling with family, you are on vacation with thousands of other people in the historical center and at the Vatican.

Cobblestone Streets

If you plan to travel with infants and young children, remember that many of Rome’s streets are cobblestone. Navigating these winding alleyways with a stroller can be challenging, and little legs will quickly tire. While there are main roads with sidewalks, you cannot get a proper view of Rome traveling this way.

Tourist Traps

Tourists tend to congregate in the small area of Rome around the Spanish Steps, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Pizza Navona. If they feel peckish in one of these locations, they will opt for an inauthentic restaurant nearby. Much research has to be done for authentic Roman food, but people usually bypass this planning phase.

Lack of Kid-Friendly Activities

Rome may be a historian’s dream, but kids have few options in the Eternal City. Sure, they can pose while you take pictures in front of various landmarks for your next holiday card, but they will not truly appreciate their surroundings yet. Additionally, they surely will not be elated to visit a museum or cathedral the way adults would.

Inauthentic Experiences

Most people visit Rome for the historical landmarks and the Italian culture, though they are just brushing the surface. Since most Romans live outside the center, there is not as much interaction between tourists and locals unless they work in the hospitality industry. You must venture to lesser-known locales to get a genuine look at Italian life.

It’s Overpriced

Prices steadily rise with the number of people flooding Rome each year. Since the demand will never die down, facilities in the hospitality industry can get away with charging more for food and accommodations. The nightly rate of a hotel in Rome can be upwards of $200, which is ridiculously expensive compared to other areas of Italy.

Long Lines

Extended wait times and large crowds go hand-in-hand. The more people interested in a historical site or activity, the longer you wait. Children grow notoriously rowdy and impatient when waiting for long periods, so they skip the lines of the Pantheon and the Colosseum.

The Heat

Late June to early September is the peak season in Rome and most parts of Italy. Unfortunately, with kids, you may only have the option to travel during their school break, so you’ll travel in the busiest and hottest months. August in Rome is dreadfully humid, with most Romans fleeing the city for their summer holidays. If locals need to escape the brutal heat of their own city, you should opt for somewhere with cooler weather or at least closer to the beach.

Petty Crime

Rome, along with many other Italian cities, is notorious for pickpocketing. In such chaotic crowds with many trained thieves, you may not even notice someone slipping their hand into your bag and snatching your valuables. You will always look over your shoulder, weary of everyone you pass.

Issues with Public Transit

Not surprisingly, Roman transit is notoriously unreliable, given Italy’s carefree nature. You will undoubtedly spend extended periods waiting for a late bus, plus the metro system is limited and closes early. As taxis go, they tend to be pricey, and you have a higher chance of being ripped off completely.

Technological Delays

Despite being a major world city, Rome is far from a technologically advanced metropolis. Outside of tourism, locals live a simple life with limited screen time. As a result, systems are slow to update and do not have the most recent information available. Depending on where you are in the city, you may even lose cell service.

Tough for Picky Eaters

While Italian food is unique and highly diverse, some options in Rome are not the most child-friendly. Sure, your kids can dine on pasta and pizza daily, but there is so much more to Roman cuisine. Picky eaters are not going to like artichokes or tripe.

In conclusion, while Rome offers distinctive historical and cultural experiences, it may not be a suitable destination for families with young children. The city’s bustling streets, extensive walking requirements, and often crowded attractions can make it challenging to navigate with little ones. By choosing other destinations in Italy, your family will have a more relaxing and authentic experience.