Curator’s statement
Rome is not just a city filled with history, it is architecturally stunning and its residents are warm and welcoming though they often identify more with being “Roman” than “Italian.” My family of five went to Rome over Thanksgiving, a perfect time of year to avoid long, (very hot) lines filled with tourists, and found ourselves immersed in the culture, captivated by the people and delightfully full from all the food!
The Fora Difference
Book with Kelly to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
Killer perks
Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you
Personalized recs
Customized travel planning for your style
Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay in Rome, Italy
Things to do in Rome, Italy
Take a half-day golf cart tour of the city while navigating the incredibly narrow side streets of Rome. See Aventine Hill, Circus Maximus and the Orange Tree Garden. Travel on to the Piazza Del Popolo and the Pantheon and the ca n’t-miss Trevi Fountain.
Take a tour of the Colosseum and be sure to upgrade your experience by scheduling a tour that goes underground to the new portion that is finally open! With Covid, workers were able to work around the clock to complete the underground so it would be available to be seen by the public. Experience what it must have been like to be a gladiator coming up through the elevators to the arena! After, wander through the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
Sign your family up for Gladiator School and learn to fight like a gladiator! After a day of touring, faux sword fighting with your children can be a wonderful end to the day!
Walk through the smallest country in the world and take a morning tour of the Vatican and Sistine Chapel.
Take a pizza cooking class and learn about the many different types of Italian pizza and take your turn at mastering the art of wood-fired pizzas. If you prefer, you can try your hand at pasta making too!
Spend the day shopping – Stroll Via dei Condotti and window shop at the Couture and Luxury shops like Miu Miu and Salvatore Ferragamo or walk the cobblestones from the Campo de Fiori and Piazza Navona looking for local vintage and leather goods. Whatever you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it in abundance as you wander.
Day Trips from Rome.
Rome is an amazing jumping-off point for all sorts of family adventures with Florence and Pompeii each being about 2-2.5 hours away by train.
A note on hotels
Rocco Forte Hotel De Russie: There is a two-bedroom family suite that is not only suitable for the average family of 5 but large by comparison to other connecting European room categories. if you can swing it (and it’s available), The Picasso Suite is a modern, spacious upgrade that is the perfect place for you to feel like a true Roman in an apartment-like setting in the heart of the city. With views of the Villa Borghese and just a short walk from both Trevi and the Spanish steps, this hotel in Rome City Centre is very special.
Portrait Roma a Lungarno Hotel: Just steps away from the famous Spanish Steps, this hotel is like living in a small mansion in the heart of the city. The Lungarno Family Suite joins the Junior Suite and the Deluxe Studio with an outside door that gives a family plenty of room to relax while living in the center of this amazing city. The Upgraded Family Penthouse Accommodations combine the Penthouse Trinita dei Monti with a Deluxe Studio providing the ultimate luxury experience.
Places to eat & drink in Rome, Italy
Jardin de Russie - I don't often recommend staying to eat at a hotel but the Jardin de Russie is a gorgeous outdoor oasis in this amazing city. This is an amazing spot for breakfast or lunch in particular.
Roscioli – More than just a wine and cheese store, this is an amazing restaurant that has eclectic and delicious small plates and a wine selection that has a pairing for everything. The gourmet Salumi and hand-rolled spaghetti are spectacular.
Dal Bolognese - This authentic Italian restaurant is both beautiful and delicious. Located in the Piazza de Popolo, it is a magnet for politicians, celebrities and the diner who is looking for an authentic meal with outstanding service and little pretense. Like it’s namesake the Bolognese is everything!
Hamasei - Yes, this is crazy but after a few days in Italy, you can be over Italian food. This Japanese restaurant was a perfect lunch to take a break from fresh mozzarella overload and too much pasta!
Mercato Centrale - With almost 20 artisan food stands this is a casual spot for anyone to find something delicious to enjoy. From Pizza by the slice to arancini and porchetta sandwiches, this fun and bustling marketplace is not to be missed.
Piperno - Fried Artichokes are a Roman staple and nowhere is more famous for them than Piperno in the Jewish Ghetto. They serve them year-round and they have great seating outside.
And never forget the Gelato in Rome! Il Gelato di San Crispino is just a few steps north of the Trevi fountain.
Travel Advisor
Kelly Weinstein
Kelly is not currently accepting new clientele. If you're a current client, reach out directly. If you're looking for a new advisor, find one today.
For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Rebecca Hanson's 3-Day Beginner's Guide to Rome.
This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Rome, part of our larger series on travel to Italy.