By Life as a Maven
When people think about Rome, they picture ancient ruins, crowded piazzas, and checking famous landmarks off a bucket list. While those moments are certainly worth experiencing, our favorite memories came from something much simpler—slow mornings with espresso and cornetti, conversations with taxi drivers, evening walks through neighborhoods, and watching our three-year-old discover the city where his dad was born. This wasn’t just a vacation. It was a chance to reconnect as a family, introduce our son to his father’s birthplace, and experience Rome the way locals do.
If you’re planning a week or more in Rome, here’s an itinerary that balances iconic sights with hidden gems, incredible food, and plenty of time to simply enjoy la dolce vita.
Where We Stayed
Via Appia / Spanish Quarter
We chose to stay near Via Appia in the Spanish Quarter, and it ended up being the perfect home base. Rather than staying in one of the busiest tourist districts, we loved being surrounded by neighborhood cafés, family-owned restaurants, and local shops while still having easy access to Rome’s major attractions.One thing that surprised us was just how walkable the city is. Even when we weren’t sightseeing, we’d spend our evenings wandering the streets, stopping for gelato, browsing boutiques, and simply soaking in the atmosphere.
Is Rome Toddler-Friendly?
Absolutely. As parents, we were initially nervous about traveling internationally with a toddler, but Rome quickly put those worries to rest. Restaurants welcomed families with open arms, people were incredibly patient and kind, and our son was greeted with smiles almost everywhere we went. One thing we quickly learned: don’t feel guilty about taking taxis.
With the summer heat, long sightseeing days, and a stroller in tow, taxis made getting around much easier and gave us more energy to actually enjoy each destination.
Day 1: Arrive & Ease into Roman Life
After checking in, skip the temptation to pack your schedule.
Instead:
- Explore your neighborhood
- Grab your first espresso
- Enjoy a fresh cornetto
- Wander without an itinerary
- Have dinner at a neighborhood restaurant
Some of our favorite memories came from these unplanned evenings.
Day 2: The Colosseum & Ancient Rome
No first trip to Rome is complete without visiting the Colosseum.
Spend the morning exploring:
- The Colosseum
- Roman Forum
- Palatine Hill
Take your time. It’s easy to rush through these sites, but slowing down allows you to appreciate just how much history surrounds you.
Afterward, reward yourself with lunch and—of course—another espresso.
Colosseum in all its glory
Having a mocktail at Coming out Roma
Day 3: Vatican City
Dedicate an entire day to Vatican City.
Visit:
- St. Peter’s Basilica
- The Sistine Chapel
- Vatican Museums
If you’re lucky enough to be visiting during a Papal Audience, don’t miss it.
Being surrounded by visitors from around the world while seeing the Pope was one of the most memorable experiences of our trip.
Day 4: Shopping & Café Hopping
One of our favorite days was simply enjoying the city. We spent time shopping at Rinascente, exploring local boutiques, and stopping frequently for coffee.
If you’re wondering…
Yes.
Romans really do drink that much espresso.
And after a week there…
You’ll understand why.
Day 5: Visit the Neighborhoods
Instead of museum hopping, spend a day getting lost.
Walk. Sit in a piazza. Browse small shops. Order a cappuccino. Talk to locals.
Some of our favorite conversations happened in taxis. Every driver had a story. Some shared recommendations. Others talked about their families.
It reminded us that travel is about people just as much as places.
Day 6: A Private Day Trip to Pompeii, Positano & the Amalfi Coast
One of the highlights of our trip was a private tour booked through Welcome Italy Tours via GetYourGuide.
It was a long day—but absolutely worth it.
We explored:
- Pompeii
- Positano
- The Amalfi Coast
Having transportation arranged made traveling with a toddler much less stressful, and it allowed us to simply enjoy the experience.
The famous Amalfi coast lemon sorbetto
Day 7: A Personal Journey
This day meant more than any attraction.
We visited my husband’s childhood home and the neighborhood where he grew up. Watching him introduce our son to the place where his own story began is a memory we’ll treasure forever.
Travel isn’t always about seeing something new. Sometimes it’s about remembering where you came from.
What We Ate
One thing we intentionally did was avoid tourist restaurants whenever possible.
Instead, we sought out neighborhood spots where locals were eating.
Our daily routine often looked like this:
☕ Espresso
🥐 Cornetto
🍝 Homemade pasta
🍕 Pizza
🍨 Gelato
…and repeat.
Some of our favorite meals weren’t the fanciest—they were the ones where we lingered over conversation and watched daily Roman life unfold around us.
My first Roman carbonara from Trattoria Avvolgibile
Prosciutto & cheese sandwich from Risto Caffe
Pistachio & Jam Cornett from Cornettoland (open 24 hours)
What We Learned About Rome
People often ask us what surprised us most.
It wasn’t just the architecture. It wasn’t the just the food.
It was the people.
Romans welcomed us with warmth, kindness, and genuine hospitality. Whether we were chatting with a taxi driver, ordering coffee, or asking for directions, we left nearly every interaction feeling like we had made a connection.
That sense of community is something we’ll carry with us long after the trip.
Tips for Visiting Rome
- Stay at least 7 days if you can.
- Don’t overbook every day.
- Take taxis when it makes sense—especially with young children.
- Eat where the locals eat.
- Wake up early to enjoy quieter streets.
- Build time into your itinerary for wandering.
- Drink the espresso.
- Say yes to the cornetto.
- Let yourself slow down.
Before You Go…
If you’ve read this far, here’s the one thing I hope you take away:
Yes, visit the Colosseum.
Yes, see the Vatican.
But leave space for the moments that can’t be planned.
Sit a little longer over your espresso.
Say yes to another scoop of gelato.
Talk to your taxi driver.
Take the long way back to your hotel.
Those are the moments that stay with you long after the passport is tucked away.
And if you discover a hidden gem while you’re there, I’d love to hear about it.
Safe travels,
Timna
Life as a Maven
