View from afar of Castel Sant'Angelo and the Tiber river in Rome

Rome

Things to do with Teenagers in Rome

With strong historical and cultural appeal, it isn’t difficult to find activities to entertain and educate the whole family in Rome. While travelling with teenagers can have its challenges, the key to a fantastic trip lies in a little imagination and a lot of creative planning. Visit these popular places for teenagers with this two-day travel guide to Rome.

Day one

Start the day with a 15-minute drive to Castel Sant’Angelo, crossing over the River Tiber.
T: +39 06 32810 | Lungotevere Castello 50, 00193 Rome

Castel Sant'Angelo

An unmissable attraction for history buffs, Castel Sant’Angelo is more than just a castle. The ancient Roman fortress is home to Hadrian’s tomb, built by the 2nd century emperor himself. Starting at the tomb, young adventurers can explore the castle and discover the National Museum of Castel Sant’Angelo with its collections of antique weapons, pottery and art.

Next, take a leisurely 10-minute walk to St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.

View from afar of Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome
Detail of the dome at Saint Peter's church in Rome
T: +39 06 6988 3229 | Piazza San Pietro, Vatican City, 00120

St Peter's Basilica

Instantly recognisable by its enormous domed roof, St Peter’s Basilica is among the most famous sights in Rome. Treat teenagers to an alternative view by climbing to the top of the dome. From the roof level of the basilica, it’s over 500 steps to the top of the dome, but it’s worth the effort for incredible panoramic views of the Eternal City.

To reach Pizzarium, take either a 10-minute drive or a 20-minute walk.

T: +39 06 3974 5416 | Via della Meloria 43, 00136 Rome

Pizzarium

Break for lunch at Pizzarium, one of the city’s best takeaway pizza joints. The popular pizzeria serves up paper trays with sizable squares of delicious pizza dough topped with a kaleidoscope of seasonal ingredients. The informal venue is an excellent spot for teenagers who want to sample real Italian pizza, and fast.

The next destination is a 15-minute drive away.

Detail shot of a pizza to take away at Pizzarium in Rome
Fruit stall at Campo dei Fiori market in Rome
Piazza Campo dei Fiori, 00186 Rome

Campo dei Fiori Market

Campo dei Fiori is a historic piazza in the heart of Rome that’s best known for its colourful market, open every day except Sunday. Translating to ‘field of flowers’, the square is a bustling hive of activity. Spend some time exploring the market and its myriad stands that showcase everything from Italian foods and fresh juices to gifts and, naturally, flowers.

To reach Trastevere, take a 15-minute drive or a 20-minute walk.

00153, Rome

Trastevere

The bohemian Trastevere neighbourhood offers winding streets hiding lesser-known attractions like the beautiful Palazzo Corsini, the quirky Porta Portese Flea Market, Orto Botanico di Roma (a botanical garden), and Gianicolo hill – where fantastic views await. For 18+ teenagers, the nightlife scene is buzzing, with myriad bars serving cocktails and aperitivos.

From here, it’s a 25-minute taxi ride back to the hotel.

Trastevere CREDIT iStock Olga Gavrilova

Day two

Make your way to the hotel lobby for the start of your Vespa Vintage Tour.
Three Vespa's in blue, silver and orange in the streets of Rome
T: +39 36 6306 2906 | Hotel pick-up.

Vespa Vintage Tour

Why sightsee on foot when you can explore the city on the back of a vintage Vespa? A thrilling ride for the whole family, the three-hour Vespa Vintage Tour from Rome 500 Experience takes passengers on an alternative tour of the city, speeding alongside many highlight attractions such as the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and Vatican City.

Request to be dropped off at the Capuchin Crypt at the end of the tour.

T: +39 06 8880 3695 | Convento dei Frati Cappucini, Via Vittorio Veneto 27, 00187 Rome

Capuchin Crypt

Deep under the Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini is one of the eeriest burial places in Rome, the Capuchin Crypt. Fascinating for history enthusiasts of all ages, the cemetery is decorated with the skeletons of thousands of Capuchin friars who were buried here between the 16th and 19th centuries.

Next, take a 15-minute walk or drive to Grom on Via della Maddalena.

Detail shot of skulls in the Capuchin Crypt in Rome
Detail shot of different flavours of ice cream
T: +39 06 6821 0447 | Via della Maddalena 30 A, 00186 Rome

Grom

Take a break from sightseeing to sample one of Italy’s greatest foods: gelato. In Rome, nowhere makes this cool, creamy treat quite like Grom. The popular ice cream parlour serves a large selection of traditional and contemporary flavours of gelato, sorbet and ices, made with premium-quality raw, natural ingredients. There are lots of options for those with allergies or special diets, too.

Then, take a 15-minute drive to Stadio Olimpico.

T: +39 06 36851 | Via Foro Italico, 00194 Rome

Stadio Olimpico

Football is the national sport of Italy, and nothing beats the excitement of watching a live game. If you’re travelling with young sports fans or budding players, treat your teenagers to a match at the giant Stadio Olimpico, home of Rome’s famous AS Roma football club and SS Lazio sports club.

Make your way to the starting point of the tour, as arranged with your personal shopping guide, Eleanora Attolico.

View of the crowd at the Olympic Stadium in Rome
Picture of Eleonora Attolico, personal shopper and fashion journalist in Rome
T: +39 06 6872 312 | Meeting point to be arranged

Grand Tour Shopping with Eleanora Attolico

Fashion is a crucial part of Roman life and young fashionistas will relish a tour of the city’s most stylish shopping areas. While there are many tours available, consider the Grand Tour Shopping experience by Vogue Italia journalist and personal shopping consultant Eleonora Attolico, who takes guests inside the city’s high-end ateliers, traditional artisan boutiques and secret spaces, on half or full day trips.

After the tour, hail a taxi and make your way back to the hotel.

All journey times are approximate and subject to variation.

Explore

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