Piazza della Bocca della Verità and around
Santa Maria in Trastevere and around
Metro Colosseo (Line B) & Cavour (Line B).
Bus C3, H, X60, X80, 30, 40, 44, 46, 53, 60, 62, 63, 64, 70, 71, 75, 80, 81, 84, 85, 87, 95, 117, 119, 130, 160, 170, 175, 186, 190, 204, 271, 492, 571, 628, 630, 640, 715, 716, 780, 781, 810, 850 & 916.
Tram 3 & 8
Visitor information Tourist Information Point, Via Nazionale (near Palazzo delle Esposizioni), 00184; 060608; open 9:30am–7pm daily; www.060608.it. Visitor Centre, Via dei Fori Imperiali, 00186; 060608; open 9:30am–7pm daily; www.turismoroma.it
Supermarkets Despar, Via Nazionale 213, 00184. Tuodì, Via Annia 18, 00184.
Markets Circo Massimo farmers’ market, 74 Via San Teodoro, 00186; Sun
Festivals Epiphany (6 Jan): procession of the Santo Bambino from Santa Maria in Aracoeli. Ash Wednesday (Feb/Mar): pope processes from the Basilica of Santa Sabina to the Circo Massimo. Festival of Santa Francesca (9 Mar): cars, buses and trams are blessed at Santa Francesca Romana. Good Friday (Mar): pope leads a procession to the Colosseum. Estate Romana (Jul–Aug): opera, dance, concerts, cinema and theatre in venues all over the city.
Pharmacies Farmacia Savignone: Via dei Serpenti 125, 00184; 06 488 2973; open 8:30am–7:30pm Mon–Fri, 8:30am–1pm Sat. Farmacia Piram: Via Nazionale 228, 00184; 06 488 0754; open 8:30am–11pm daily. Farmacia Arenula: Via Arenula 73, 00186; 06 6880 3278; open 7:30am–10pm Mon–Sat, 6–10pm Sun; www.tinyurl.com/n869de.
Nearest play areas Parco del Colle Oppio (entrance on Via Labicana), 00184. Villa Celimontana (entrance on Piazza della Navicella), 00184. Largo della Sanità Militare (between Colosseum and Celian Hill). Ludus Magnus Via San Giovanni in Laterano, 00184. Monte Caprino park, Via Tempio di Giove, 00186. Villa Aldobrandini, Via IV Novembre, 00187
Address Piazza del Colosseo 1, 00184; 06 3996 7700; www.the-colosseum.net
Metro Colosseo (Line B).
Bus C3, 53, 60, 75, 85, 87, 117, 175, 186, 271, 571 & 810.
Tram 3
Open mid-Feb–end Mar: 8:30am–4:30pm daily; end Mar–end Aug: 8:30am–7:15pm daily; Sep: 8:30am–7pm daily; Oct–Nov: 9am–6:30pm daily; Nov–mid-Feb: 8:30am–4:30pm daily
Price €24–48 (includes the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill); EU under 18s free; under 6s free; underground and third tier €8. A 7-day Archeologia Card (€25 per person) includes entry to the Baths of Caracalla and Museo Nazionale Romano.
Skipping the queue Instead of buying tickets at the Colosseum, Forum or Palatine, save time by booking at www.coopculture.it or by phone (€1.50 booking fee). Roma Pass holders gain direct entry via a special turnstile.
Guided tours Compulsory for the third tier (€8). Tour guide for the Colosseum: €5; audioguide: €5.50
Age range 5 plus
Activities Get a children’s audioguide from www.coopculture.it
Allow 45 mins–1 hr
Wheelchair access Yes, to the arena; lifts to some upper levels
Café Refreshment booths outside
Shop The shop at the entrance sells souvenirs and books.
Toilets Near the entrance
Good family value? The Colosseum’s combination of gory history and space for exploring makes it one of the city’s most child-friendly sights.
Address Between Via di San Gregorio & the Colosseum
Metro Colosseo (Line B).
Bus C3, 53, 60, 75, 85, 87, 117, 175, 186, 271, 571 & 810.
Tram 3
Age range 6 plus
Allow 15 mins
Wheelchair access Yes
Toilets No
Address Celian Hill, 00184. Case Romane del Celio: Clivo di Scauro; 06 7720 1975; www.caseromane.it. Villa Celimontana: Piazza della Navicella. Santo Stefano Rotondo: Via di Santo Stefano Rotondo 7; 06 4211 9130; www.santo-stefano-rotondo.it. Santa Maria in Domnica: Piazza della Navicella; www.santamariaindomnica.it.
Bus 117
Open Case Romane del Celio: 10am–1pm & 3–8pm Thu–Mon. Villa Celimontana: 7am–sunset daily. Santo Stefano Rotondo: 9:30am–12:30pm & 3–6pm daily in summer, till 5pm in winter. Santa Maria in Domnica: 9am–noon & 3:30–7pm daily in summer, till 6pm in winter
Price Case Romane del Celio: €12–30; under 12s free
Guided tours Case Romane del Celio: night tours; check website
Age range Case Romane del Celio & Santo Stefano Rotondo: 8 plus
Allow Case Romane del Celio: 30 mins. Villa Celimontana: 1–2 hrs. Santo Stefano Rotondo: 10 mins. Santa Maria in Domnica: 20 mins
Wheelchair access Yes
Toilets Yes, in Villa Celimontana
Address Via Capo d’Africa 5, 00184; 06 7707 6627; www.3drewind.com
Metro Colosseo (Line B)
Open 9am–7pm daily
Price €46–56; under 5s free
Skipping the queue Book online. Lines are long in April and May, when school groups visit.
Age range 5 plus
Activities The entire museum is hands-on and child-oriented.
Allow 90 mins–2 hrs
Wheelchair access Yes
Shop The shop below street level sells books, bookmarks and postcards.
Toilets On the ground floor and below street level
Address Entrances from Via di San Gregorio 30 & the Roman Forum, 00184; 06 3996 7700; www.archeoroma.beniculturali.it
Metro Colosseo (Line B).
Bus 60, 75, 84, 85, 87, 117, 175, 186, 271, 571, 810 & 850
Open end-Oct–15 Feb: 8:30am–4:30pm, closing times vary rest of the year; check website for details (last adm: 1 hr before closing). House of Augustus: summer: 2:30–6:30pm Mon, Wed & Thu, 8:30am–1:30pm Sat & Sun; winter: 11am–sunset. House of Livia: currently closed.
Price €24–48 (includes the Forum and Colosseum); EU under 18s free; under 6s free. Tickets are valid for two days.
Skipping the queue At the Palatine, queues are shorter than those at the Forum. Buy tickets and the Roma Pass in advance at www.coopculture.it or by phone (€1.50 booking fee).
Guided tours Audioguides are available at the Palatine (€5) and on www.coopculture.it (free). Call to book tours.
Age range 5 plus
Allow 2–3 hrs
Wheelchair access Yes, limited
Café Refreshment vans outside
Shop The bookshop at the main Forum entrance has a few children’s books on ancient Rome as well as posters, souvenirs and photo books.
Toilets In the museum
Good family value? The Palatine Hill has a lot of green space to explore and trees to rest under, making it the ideal place for families to visit.
Address Largo Salara Vecchia, 00186; 06 3996 7700; www.archeoroma.beniculturali.it
Metro Colosseo (Line B).
Bus 60, 75, 84, 85, 87, 117, 175, 186, 271, 571, 810 & 850
Open end-Oct–15 Feb: 8:30am–4:30pm, closing times vary during the rest of the year; check website for details (last adm: 1 hr before closing)
Price €24–48 (includes the Palatine Hill and Colosseum); EU under 18s free; under 6s free. Tickets are valid for two days.
Skipping the queue Tickets can be bought at www.coopculture.it or by phone (€1.50 booking fee). Buy a Roma Pass and enter via a special, faster queue.
Guided tours Audioguides are available at the Palatine Hill (€5) or on www.coopculture.it (free). Call to book tours.
Age range 5 plus
Allow 2–3 hrs
Wheelchair access Yes, limited
Café Refreshment vans outside the entrance to the Palatine Hill.
Shop The bookshop at the main entrance offers several books for children.
Toilets In the Museo Palatino
Good family value? To get the most out of the site, children need to be able to run around and find things for themselves, so come early in the morning before the crowds start to arrive.
Address Capitoline Museums. Santa Maria in Aracoeli: Piazza del Campidoglio 55, 00186; 06 6976 3839
Metro Colosseo (Line B).
Bus 44, 46, 62, 63, 64, 70, 80, 81, 84, 85, 87, 95, 160, 170, 175, 186, 204, 492, 628, 640, 715, 716, 780, 781, 810 & 850
Open Santa Maria in Aracoeli: summer: 9am–6:30pm daily; closes at 5:30pm in winter
Price Santa Maria in Aracoeli: free
Age range 4 plus
Allow 1 hr (excluding the Capitoline Museums)
Wheelchair access Yes, in the piazza & the Capitoline Museums
Toilets In the Capitoline Museums and Il Vittoriano
Good family value? The lack of traffic and plenty of activities for children makes this a good and inexpensive place to keep children entertained.
Address Piazza del Campidoglio 1, 00187; 060608; www.museicapitolini.org
Metro Colosseo (Line B).
Bus 44, 46, 62, 63, 64, 70, 80, 81, 84, 85, 87, 95, 160, 170, 175, 186, 204, 492, 628, 640, 715, 716, 780, 781, 810 & 850
Open 9am–8pm Tue–Sun (last adm: 1 hr before closing)
Price €26–52; EU reduced fee for 6–26-year-olds; under 6s free
Skipping the queue Long queues tend to form only when large tour groups arrive. The quietest times to visit the museums are early morning and lunchtime. Buy tickets in advance from 060608. Alternatively, buy a Roma Pass.
Guided tours Audioguides (€5) in all major European languages are available at the museums.
Age range 5 plus
Allow 2–3 hrs
Wheelchair access Yes
Shop The shop at the museum entrance offers an appealing selection of children’s books in Italian and English.
Toilets Near the museum entrance and by the café
Address Palazzo Venezia: Via del Plebiscito 118, 00187; 06 6999 4388; www.tinyurl.com/7y2owm4
Bus H, 30, 40, X60, 62, 63, 64, 70, X80, 81, 85, 87, 95, 119, 160, 170, 175, 186, 271, 492, 571, 628, 630, 716, 810 & 850
Open Palazzo Venezia: 8:30am–7:30pm Tue–Sun. Ticket offices close at 6:30pm.
Price Palazzo Venezia: €20–30, expect to pay more during exhibitions; EU under 18s free; all under 6s free
Skipping the queue Palazzo Venezia: book well in advance for major exhibitions either by calling 060608 or on www.060608.it or www.ticketone.it
Guided tours Audioguides (free)can be downloaded from the museum’s website.
Age range Palazzo Venezia museum: 9 plus
Allow 1–2 hrs
Wheelchair access Yes
Shop The museum’s first-floor shop sells guidebooks, art books, catalogues and posters.
Toilets On the first floor
Address Via San Pietro in Carcere, 00187; 06 678 0664; www.tinyurl.com/88jg9n9
Bus H, 30, 40, X60, 62, 63, 64, 70, X80, 81, 85, 87, 95, 119, 160, 170, 175, 186, 271, 492, 571, 628, 630, 716, 810 & 850
Open summer: 9am–6:30pm daily (last adm: 5:30pm); winter: 9:30am–5:30pm daily (last adm: 4:30pm). Lift: 9:30am–6:30pm Mon–Thu, 9:30am–7:30pm Fri–Sun
Price Free. Lift: €21–31; under 10s free
Skipping the queue Lift: there are often queues at sunset. Visit at other times to avoid crowds.
Age range All ages
Allow 1 hr
Wheelchair access Yes
Toilets In the café
Address Via delle Botteghe Oscure 31, 00186; 06 3996 7700; www.archeoroma.beniculturali.it
Bus: H, 30, 40, 46, 62, 63, 64, 70, 87, 119, 130, 186, 190, 271, 492, 571, 630, 780, 810 & 916.
Tram 8
Open 9am–7:45pm Tue–Sun (last adm: one hour before closing)
Price €28–38 (includes all four sites of the Museo Nazionale Romano); EU under 18s free; all under 6s free; the ticket is valid for 3 days.
Skipping the queue Queues are unlikely.
Guided tours Free. 7pm Tue & 3pm Sun. Call to book.
Age range 8 plus
Allow 1 hr
Wheelchair access Yes, in the museum
Shop The museum bookshop on the ground floor sells books on ancient Rome.
Toilets On the ground floor
Address Via IV Novembre 94, 00187; 060608; www.060608.it; www.mercatiditraiano.it
Metro Cavour (Line B).
Bus H, 40, 60, 64, 70, 71, 117 & 170
Open 9am–7pm Tue–Sun
Price €19–38 (on non-exhibition days); prices vary on exhibition days
Skipping the queue There are queues only on exhibition days.
Guided tours Audioguides (€4) are available in all major European languages and make the visit more enjoyable.
Age range 8 plus
Allow 1 hr
Wheelchair access Yes, on the upper floors of the complex
Café No café on site, but the Ritz, located just across the road, is a friendly little café.
Shop The bookshop in the ticket office on the ground floor has some excellent books for children in English and Italian.
Toilets On the ground floor
Good family value? This is a rather academic site – the videos re-create the buildings, but not the atmosphere of the ancient markets – so it is likely to appeal mostly to older children.
Address Via dei Fori Imperiali, 00186
Metro Cavour (Line B).
Bus 40, 63, 70, 80, 81, 87, 160, 170, 271, 628, 630, 716 & 810
Guided tours Hourly, 35-min long tours from Palazzo Valentini in Italian only; 10am–5pm
Age range 7 plus
Allow 30 mins
Wheelchair access Yes
Toilets No
Address Via IV Novembre 119A, 00187; 06 32810; www.palazzovalentini.it.
Metro Cavour (Line B).
Bus H, 40, 60, 64, 70, 71, 117 & 170
Open 9:30am–5pm Wed–Mon; visits by guided tours only
Price €20–36; under 6s free
Skipping the queue Tour numbers are limited, so book ahead online or by calling.
Guided tours every 45 mins, check the website for details.
Age range 3 plus
Allow 75 mins
Wheelchair access Yes
Shop The shop sells souvenirs and books.
Toilets On the ground floor
Address Via dei Fori Imperiali, 00186; www.mercatiditraiano.it
Metro Colosseo (Line B)
Open Closed to the public
Guided tours Enquire at Trajan’s Markets.
Age range 9 plus
Allow 30 mins
Wheelchair access Yes, to perimeter roads
Toilets At the visitor centre opposite the Roman Forum
Metro Colosseo (Line B), Cavour (Line B), Termini (Lines A & B) & Vittorio Emanuele (Line A).
Bus C2, C3, H, 16, 36, 38, 40, 53, 64, 85, 86, 87, 90, 92, 105, 117, 170, 175, 186, 217, 310, 360, 571, 649, 714, 810 & 910.
Tram 3
Visitor information Visitor Centre, Via dei Fori Imperiali, 00186; open 9:30am–7pm daily; Oct–Mar: 8:30am–4:30pm daily. Tourist Information Point, Termini, Via Giovanni Giolitti 34, 00185; open 8am–7:30pm daily. Tourist Information Point, Via Nazionale (near Palazzo delle Esposizioni), 00184; 060608; open 9:30am–7pm daily; www.turismoroma.it
Supermarkets Despar, Via Nazionale 213, 00184.
Markets Nuovo Mercato Esquilino covered market, Via Principe Amedeo, 00185; 7am–1pm Mon–Sat
Festival Festa della Madonna della Neve (5 Aug): the celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of the Snow in Santa Maria Maggiore
Pharmacies Farmacia Savignoni di Maria Bartoleschi: Via dei Serpenti 125, 00184; 06 488 2973; open 8:30am–7:30pm Mon–Fri, 8:30am–1pm Sat. Farmacia Piram: Via Nazionale 228, 00184; 06 488 0754; open 8am–11pm
Nearest play areas Parco del Colle Oppio, Via IV Novembre, 00187. Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, 00185
Address Via di San Giovanni in Laterano, 00184; 06 7740 021; www.basilicasanclemente.com
Metro Colosseo (Line B).
Bus C3, 53, 85, 87, 117, 186, 571 & 810.
Tram 3
Open Upper church: 9am–6:30pm daily; Lower church & Temple of Mithras: 9am–12:30pm & 3–6pm Mon–Sat, noon–6pm Sun
Price Lower church: €10–20; under 6s free
Skipping the queue Queues are unlikely.
Allow 1 hr
Age range 7 plus. The numerous flights of stairs and uneven surfaces make it difficult for families with toddlers in or out of pushchairs.
Wheelchair access No
Toilets Next to the ticket desk
Good family value? San Clemente is entertaining for kids, though some might be spooked out by the cold and damp cellars housing the Mithraeum.
Address Via della Domus Aurea 1, 00184; 06 480 201; www.tinyurl.com/nm3o9uj
Metro Colosseo (Line B) & Cavour (Line B).
Bus C3, 53, 85, 87, 117, 186, 571 & 810.
Tram 3
Open Closed for restoration; call 060608 to check
Guided tours Occasional tours may soon be possible; call to check.
Toilets No
Address Baths of Trajan: Parco di Colle Oppio, Via Labicana, 00184. Cisterna delle Sette Sale: Via delle Terme di Traiano 5b.
Metro Colosseo (Line B) & Cavour (Line B).
Bus C3, 53, 85, 87, 117, 186, 571 & 810.
Tram 3
Open Baths of Trajan: closed for restoration. Cisterna delle Sette Sale: occasional events and guided tours only; call 060608 for details
Price Baths of Trajan: free. Cisterna delle Sette Sale: depends on the event
Guided tours Occasional, limited tours of the baths; call 060608; www.060608.it.
Age range Baths of Trajan: 9 plus. Cisterna delle Sette Sale: 5 plus
Activities Cisterna delle Sette Sale: occasionally in summer
Allow 30 mins
Wheelchair access No
Toilets No
Address Largo Leopardi 2, 00185; 060608; www.060608.it
Metro Vittorio Emanuele (Line A)
Open Guided tours only; by appointment only
Price €40–50, under 6s free
Guided tours Call 06 6476 0403, 334 172 1321 or 06 82 0771, or check www.itercultura.net & www.zetema.it
Age range 9 plus
Allow 30 mins
Wheelchair access Yes
Toilets No
Address Piazza di San Pietro in Vincoli 4A, 00184; 06 9784 4950
Metro Colosseo (Line B) & Cavour (Line B)
Open 8:30am–12:30pm & 3–6pm daily (till 7pm in summer)
Price Free; €0.50 to illuminate the statue of Moses
Skipping the queue Tour groups might obstruct the statue of Moses from view. Visit early morning or late evening to avoid crowds.
Age range 7 plus
Allow 20 mins
Wheelchair access Yes
Toilets No
Address Via Merulana 248, 00185; 06 4697 4831; www.museorientale.beniculturali.it
Metro Vittorio Emanuele (Line A).
Bus 16, 360, 649 & 714
Open 9am–2pm Tue, Wed & Fri, 9am–7:30pm Thu, Sat & Sun
Price €12–24; EU under 18s free; under 6s free
Skipping the queue There are rarely any queues.
Guided tours Call to book.
Age range 10 plus
Allow 1–2 hrs
Wheelchair access Yes
Shop Small bookshop near the entrance selling art books
Toilets Near the ticket office
Address Santa Prassede: Via Santa Prassede 9A, 00184; 06 488 2456. Santa Pudenziana: Via Urbana 160, 00184; 06 481 4622
Metro Vittorio Emanuele (Line A).
Bus 16, 360, 649 & 714
Open Santa Prassede: 7:30am–noon & 4–6:30pm daily. Santa Pudenziana: 8:30am–noon & 3–6pm daily
Price Free
Age range 4 plus
Allow Santa Prassede: 30 mins. Santa Pudenziana: 10 mins
Wheelchair access Partial
Shop Postcards are available at the shop near the entrance.
Toilets No
Address Largo di Villa Peretti 1, 00185; 06 3996 7700; www.archeoroma.beniculturali.it
Metro Termini (Lines A & B).
Bus C2, H, 36, 38, 40, 64, 86, 90, 92, 105, 170, 175, 217, 310, 360, 714 & 910
Open 9am–7:45pm Tue–Sun
Price €14–28 (includes all four branches of the Museo Nazionale Romano); EU under 18s free; under 6s free. Tickets are valid for 3 days. A 7-day Archeologia Card (€25 per person, €15 reduced) includes entry to the Baths of Caracalla and the Colosseum.
Skipping the queue Book in advance at www.coopculture.it
Guided tours Free tours of Palazzo Massimo every Sunday at 10am, in Italian; Audioguides (€5.50 for 70 minutes) are available in English, Spanish, French, Italian and German
Age range 5 plus
Allow 1–2 hrs
Wheelchair access Yes
Café There are refreshment booths outside the museum.
Shop The bookshop on the ground floor sells some children’s books.
Toilets On every floor
Good family value? Palazzo Massimo is a great museum for families not only because the exhibits are interesting and likely to appeal to children, but also because the museum is airy, rarely crowded and inexpensive.
Address Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore, 00185; 06 6988 6800; www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/sm_maggiore/index_en.html
Metro Cavour (Line B).
Bus 16, 70, 71, 75, 360, 649 & 714.
Tram 14
Open 9am–6:15pm daily
Price Free
Guided tours Audioguides (€5) available in English, Italian, Spanish, French & German
Age range 7 plus
Allow 45–60 mins
Wheelchair access Yes
Shop Small shop to the right of the main entrance selling religious articles
Toilets Through the gift shop on the right side of the main entrance
Good family value? Enjoy free entry to one of the most important churches of Rome and see the most famous mosaics in town.
Metro Circo Massimo & Piramide (Line B).
Bus C3, 23, 25, 30, 44, 75, 81, 95, 130, 160, 175, 271, 280, 628, 715 & 716.
Tram 3
Visitor information Visitor Centre, Via dei Fori Imperiali, 00186; open 9:30am–7pm daily; Oct–Mar: 8:30am–4:30pm daily
Supermarkets Emmepiù, Viale Aventino 88, 00153; open 8am–8pm Mon–Sat. SIDIS, Via Luca della Robbia 47, 00153; open 8am–8pm Mon–Sat. Sigma, Piazza di Santa Maria Liberatrice, 00153; open 8am–8pm Mon–Sat.
Markets Testaccio market, Via Volta; Mon–Sat am
Pharmacies Farmacia S Sabina: Viale Aventino 78/c, 00153; open 8am–1pm & 4–8pm Mon–Sat. Farmacia Arenula: Via Arenula 73, 00186; 06 6880 3278; open 7:30am–10pm Mon–Sat, 6–10pm Sun.
Nearest play areas Piazza Santa Maria Liberatrice, Testaccio, 00153. Roseto Comunale, Via di Valle Murcia, 00153. Parco Savello, Piazza Pietro d’Illiria, 00153. Villa Celimontana (entrance on Piazza della Navicella), 00184. Monte Caprino park, Via Tempio di Giove, 00184.
Address Santa Maria in Cosmedin: Piazza della Bocca della Verità 18, 00186; 06 678 7759.
Bus 23, 44, 81, 85, 87, 95, 122, 160, 175 & 628
Open Santa Maria in Cosmedin: summer: 9:30am–6pm daily, till 5pm in winter.
Skipping the queue Santa Maria in Cosmedin: lunchtime is when queues are the shortest.
Age range 7 plus
Allow 1 hr
Wheelchair access Yes
Toilets No
Good family value? There is a lot to see and nothing that is too demanding or takes up too much time. There is space to rest with a lawn, benches and a fountain by the two temples. It is all free, so excellent family value.
Address Via del Circo Massimo, 00153
Metro Circo Massimo (Line B).
Bus C3, 81, 160, 175, 628 & 715
Age range All ages
Allow 30 mins
Toilets No
Address Roseto Comunale: Via di Valle Murcia, 00153. Parco Savello: Piazza Pietro d’Illiria, 00153
Metro Circo Massimo (Line B).
Bus 81, 175, 628 & 715
Open Roseto Comunale: early May–late Jun 9am–7:30pm daily. Parco Savello: 7am–sunset daily
Price Free
Guided tours Call 06 574 6810 to book a tour of the rose garden.
Age range All ages
Activities Roseto Comunale: children’s events are sometimes organized. Call to check.
Allow Roseto Comunale: 1 hr
Wheelchair access Yes
Toilets Next to the shop at Sant’Anselmo
Address Via Santa Sabina, 00153
Metro Circo Massimo (Line B).
Bus 23, 280 & 716
Open 8:15am–12:30pm & 3:30–6pm daily
Price Free
Age range 6 plus
Allow 20 mins
Wheelchair access Yes
Toilets Next to the shop at Sant’Anselmo
Address Priorato di Malta: Piazza del Cavalieri di Malta, 00153
Metro Circo Massimo (Line B).
Bus 23, 280 & 716
Open daily
Skipping the queue Priorato di Malta: queues for the keyhole are shortest in the early morning and at lunchtime.
Age range 5 plus
Allow 20 mins
Wheelchair access Yes
Toilets Next to the shop at Sant’Anselmo
Address MACRO: Piazza Orazio Giustiniani 4, 00153; 06 6710 70400; www.museomacro.org
Metro Piramide (Line B).
Bus 23, 30, 75, 130, 280 & 716.
Tram 3
Open MACRO: 4pm–10pm Tue–Sun (only during exhibitions)
Price MACRO: €12–24, under 6s free; €3 reduced admission for EU 6–25s
Skipping the queue MACRO: buy tickets online to skip queues at the ticket counter.
Guided tours Call for information
Age range All ages
Allow 4–5 days
Wheelchair access MACRO: Yes
Shops MACRO Bookshop (Via Orazio Giustiniani 4, 00153; 06 5713 7514) has a wide selection of architecture and art books, as well as many design objects and toys. Mini Me (Via Mastrogiorgio 37/b, 00153) has stylish Scandinavian clothes for kids. Check out the gorilla socks and the jumpers in which the arms form the trunk of an elephant.
Toilets In bars and at the MACRO
Address Pyramid of Caius Cestius: Piazzale Ostiense, 00154. Protestant Cemetery: Via Caio Cestio, 00153; 06 574 1900. Museo della Via Ostiense: Via Raffaele Persichetti 3, 00153; 06 574 3193
Metro Piramide (Line B).
Bus 23, 30, 75, 130, 280 & 716.
Tram 3
Open Pyramid of Caius Cestius: open only for guided tours. Protestant Cemetery: 9am–5pm Mon–Sat, 9am–1pm Sun. Museo della Via Ostiense: 9am–1:30pm Tue–Sat
Price Pyramid of Caius Cestius: varies. Protestant Cemetery: donation of €3 requested. Museo della Via Ostiense: free
Guided tours Pyramid of Caius Cestius: book at the Museo della Via Ostiense.
Age range 6 plus
Allow Pyramid of Caius Cestius: 30 mins. Protestant Cemetery: 30 mins. Museo della Via Ostiense: 15 mins
Toilets No
Address Via Ostiense 106, 00153; 06 574 8042; www.centralemontemartini.org
Bus 25 & 271
Open 9am–7pm Tue–Sun
Price €13–24; under 6s free
Skipping the queue There are rarely any queues.
Guided tours Call 060608 to book.
Age range 6 plus
Allow 45 mins
Wheelchair access Yes
Toilets Yes, on the ground floor
Bus C3, 30, 40, 46, 62, 64, 70, 81, 87, 98, 116, 119, 130, 186, 190, 492, 571, 628, 810, 870, 881 & 916
Visitor information Tourist Information Point, Piazza delle Cinque Lune (near Piazza Navona), 00186. Visitor information centre, Via Marco Minghetti (off Via del Corso), 00187; 060608; open 9:30am–7pm daily; www.turismoroma.it.
Supermarket Despar Supermarket, Via Giustiniani 19–21, 00186.
Market Campo de’ Fiori market; 8am–1pm Mon–Sat
Festivals Festa della Befana (Nov–early Jan), a Christmas market. Carnival (on the 5 days before Shrove Tue). Mostra dell’Antiquariato (May & Oct), antiques festival on Via dei Coronari
Pharmacy Farmacia Senato: Corso del Rinascimento 50, 00186; 06 6880 3760; open 7:30am–midnight Mon–Fri, 8:30am–midnight Sat, noon–11pm Sun; www.tinyurl.com/kcofxrw
Nearest play areas Parco Adriano (near Castel Sant’Angelo), 00193. Monte Caprino park, Via Tempio di Giove, 00186. Or play in the piazzas as Roman kids do.
Public toilets Via Giuseppe Zanardelli, 00186; summer: 10am–7:40pm daily; winter: 10am–6:40pm daily; adm free
Address Piazza Navona, 00186
Bus C3, 30, 40, 46, 62, 64, 70, 81, 87, 116, 119, 130, 186, 190, 492, 571, 628, 810 & 916
Skipping the queue Visit early in the day to beat the crowds and go in the early evening to people-watch.
Age range All ages
Allow 1–2 hrs
Wheelchair access Yes
Café Many cafés line the piazza. One of the best is Bar Tre Scalini (Piazza Navona 28–9, 00186; www.trescalini.it), known for its rich tartufo (chocolate truffle ice cream).
Toilets In the cafés aound the piazza, although these are open only to customers; buy an espresso or water at the bar.
Good family value? The piazza is great fun and has plenty of space for kids to run around. Buskers, caricature artists, vendors of laser whirlies, “performing” fluffy animals and myriad toys provide great entertainment for kids.
Address Piazza di San Luigi dei Francesi 5, 00186; 06 68 8271
Bus C3, 30, 70, 81, 87, 116, 130, 186, 492 & 628
Open 10am–12:30pm & 3–7pm daily; closed Thu pm
Price Free. €1 for the lights
Age range 7 plus
Allow 20 mins
Wheelchair access Yes
Shop The bookshop next door has children’s books in French.
Toilets No
Address Corso del Rinascimento 40, 00186; 06 361 2562
Bus C3, 30, 70, 81, 87, 116, 130, 186, 492 & 628
Open 9am–noon Sun
Price Free
Age range 5 plus
Allow 20 mins
Wheelchair access Yes
Toilets No
Address Piazza Sant’Andrea della Valle, 00186; 06 686 1339
Bus C3, 30, 40, 46, 62, 64, 70, 81, 87, 116, 130, 186, 190, 492, 571, 628 & 916
Open 7:30am–12:30pm & 4:30–7:30pm daily, 7:30am–12:45pm & 4:30–7:45pm Sun
Price Free
Age range 5 plus
Allow 20 mins
Wheelchair access Yes
Toilets No
Address Piazza di Sant’Agostino 80, 00186; 06 6880 1962
Bus C3, 30, 70, 81, 87, 116, 130, 186, 492 & 628
Open 7:30am–noon & 4–7:30pm daily
Price Free
Age range 7 plus
Allow 20 mins
Wheelchair access Yes
Toilets No
Address Piazza di Sant’Apollinare 46, 00186; 06 3996 7700; www.archeoroma.beniculturali.it
Bus C3, 30, 70, 81, 87, 116, 130, 186, 492 & 628
Open 9am–7:45pm Tue–Sun
Price €14–21 (includes all four sites of the Museo Nazionale Romano); EU under 18s free; under 6s free
Skipping the queue Book in advance at www.coopculture.it
Guided Tours Audioguides (€4) in English and Italian. Tours (11am, noon, 4 & 5pm) in English, Italian, French, German & Spanish.
Age range 5 plus
Allow 1.5 hrs
Wheelchair access Yes
Shop Books for children in English and Italian are available at the shop on the ground floor.
Toilets No
Address Piazza Santa Maria della Pace, 00186; 06 686 1156
Bus C3, 30, 70, 81, 87, 116, 130, 186, 492 & 628
Open 9am–11:50am Mon, Wed & Sat
Age range 9 plus
Allow 20 mins
Wheelchair access Yes
Shop There is a gift shop selling art books and gadgets in the Chiostro del Bramante.
Toilets No
Address Via dei Coronari,00186
Bus C3, 30, 46, 70, 81, 87, 98, 116, 130, 186, 492, 628, 870 & 881
Age range 7 plus
Allow 1 hr
Wheelchair access Yes
Shops Le Tele di Carlotta (Via dei Coronari 228, 00186) sells tiny hand-embroidered cushions. Kouki at No. 26 has a wide variety of beads that visitors can choose to have strung. At No. 225 is a jawdropping collection of locks and keys in a nameless shop.
Toilets No
Address Piazza della Rotonda, 00186; www.pantheonroma.com
Bus C3, 30, 40, 46, 62, 64, 70, 81, 87, 116, 130, 186, 492 & 628
Open 9am–7:30pm Mon–Sat, 9am–6pm Sun
Price Free
Skipping the queue Arrive early to avoid the crowds. One of the busiest times is sunset.
Guided tours Tours (€20–40; under 7s free) can be booked on the website. Download audio-guides (€1.99) and videoguides (€3.99) from the website.
Age range 5 plus
Allow 30 mins
Wheelchair access Yes
Toilets No
Good family value? The Pantheon is officially a church, and entrance is free. It will appeal to children who like science, technology and building things.
Address Piazza della Minerva 42, 00186; 06 679 3926
Bus C3, 30, 70, 81, 87, 116, 130, 186, 492 & 628
Open Santa Maria sopra Minerva: 7am–7pm Mon–Sat, 8am–noon & 2–7pm Sun
Age range 7 plus
Allow 20 mins
Wheelchair access Yes
Toilets No
Address Via del Corso 305, 00186; 06 679 7323; www.dopart.it
Bus 62, 64, 85, 95, 175, 492, 630 & 850
Open 10am–7pm daily
Price €22–44 (inclusive of audioguides); under 11s free
Skipping the queue There are rarely any queues.
Age range 8 plus
Allow 1 hr
Wheelchair access Yes
Shop The bookshop near the ticket counter has an interesting collection of books and souvenirs.
Toilets On the second floor
Address Piazza di Sant’Ignazio, 00186; 06 679 4406
Bus 81, 116, 117 & 492
Open 7:30am–12:20pm & 3–7:20pm daily
Price Free
Age range 5 plus
Allow 20–30 mins
Wheelchair access Yes
Toilets No
Address Piazza di Pietra, 00186
Bus 116
Age range 8 plus
Allow 10 mins
Wheelchair access Yes
Toilets No
Address Palazzo Montecitorio: Piazza di Montecitorio, 00186
Bus 25, 81, 116, 119 & 628
Age range 8 plus
Allow 20 mins
Wheelchair access Yes
Toilets No
Address Piazza della Maddalena, 00186; 06 89 9281
Bus 116
Open 8:30–11:30am & 5–6:30pm Sun–Fri, 9–11:30am Sat
Price Free
Age range 6 plus
Allow 15 mins
Wheelchair access Yes
Toilets No
Address Piazza del Gesù, 00186; 06 697 001
Bus 30, 40, 46, 62, 64, 70, 81, 87, 119, 130, 186, 190, 492, 571, 628, 810 & 916
Open 7am–12:30pm & 4–7:45pm daily
Price Free
Age range 7 plus
Allow 20–30 mins
Wheelchair access Yes
Toilets No
Bus 30, 40, 46, 56, 60, 62, 64, 70, 81, 87, 116, 119, 130, 186, 190, 492, 571, 628, 810 & 916.
Tram 8
Visitor information Tourist Information Point, Piazza delle Cinque Lune (near Piazza Navona), 00186; 060608; open 9:30am–7pm daily; www.turismoroma.it
Supermarkets Despar, Via S Bartolomeo de’ Vaccinari 74, 00186. SMA, Via del Monte della Farina 51, 00186.
Markets Campo de’ Fiori market; 7am–2pm Mon–Sat
Pharmacies Farmacia Arenula: Via Arenula 73, 00186; 06 6880 3278; open 7:30am–10pm Mon–Sat, 6–10pm Sun; www.tinyurl.com/kcofxrw
Nearest play area There are no playgrounds in this area; Roman children play in piazzas such as Piazza Farnese.
Address Campo de’ Fiori, 00186
Bus 40, 46, 62, 64 & 116
Skipping the queue Prepare to use your elbows to get served at market stalls, since Romans do not really queue!
Age range All ages
Allow 2–3 hrs
Wheelchair access Yes
Toilets In the cafés, although these are open only to customers; buy an espresso or water at the bar.
Good family value? Nowhere could be better for a family to spend time and all for the cost of a bag of peanuts.
Address Palazzo Farnese: Piazza Farnese, 00186; 06 6889 2818; www.ambafrance-it.org
Bus 40, 60, 64, 190, 571 & 916
Open Palazzo Farnese: access by tours only; under 15s must be accompanied by parents.
Guided tours Palazzo Farnese (€5): 3pm, 4pm & 5pm on Mon, Wed & Fri. Book at least one week in advance on www.inventerrome.com; carry a photo ID.
Age range Palazzo Farnese: 7 plus
Allow Palazzo Farnese: 45 mins for a tour
Toilets No
Address Piazza Capo di Ferro 13, 00186; 06 687 4896; www.galleriaspada.beniculturali.it
Bus 46, 56, 62, 64, 70, 81, 87, 492 & 628
Open 8:30am–7:30pm Tue–Sun
Price €10–20; EU under 18s free; under 6s free
Skipping the queue Call 199 757 510 to book tickets
Guided tours 10:30am, 11:30am & 12:30pm first Sun of the month (€24). Book in advance on www.galleriaspada.beniculturali.it or by calling 06 2258 2493.
Age range 5 plus for perspective; 8 plus for gallery
Allow 1 hr
Wheelchair access Only to the Borromini perspective
Shop The bookshop on the ground floor sells postcards, art books and posters.
Toilets On the ground floor
Address Via Giulia, 00186
Bus C3, 8, 46, 62, 64, 70, 81, 87, 186, 492, 571, 628 & 916
Age range All ages
Allow 30 mins
Wheelchair access Yes
Toilets In the cafés
Address Via del Gonfalone 29; 00186; 06 6889 9442; www.museocriminologico.it
Bus 30, 40, 46, 62, 64, 70, 81, 87, 119, 130, 186, 190, 492, 571, 628, 810 & 916.
Tram 8
Open 9am–1pm Wed, Fri & Sat, 9am–1pm & 2:30–6:30pm Tue & Thu
Price €4–8; under 18s free
Skipping the queue There are rarely any queues.
Age range 12 plus
Allow 1 hr
Wheelchair access Yes
Toilets Near the entrance
Address Largo di Torre Argentina, 00186. Cat sanctuary: www.romancats.com
Bus 30, 40, 46, 62, 64, 70, 81, 87, 119, 130, 186, 190, 492, 571, 628, 810 & 916.
Tram 8
Open Temples: not open to public but can be seen from surrounding roads. Cat sanctuary: noon–6pm daily
Price Cat sanctuary: donations requested
Age range All ages
Toilets No
Address Between Via del Portico d’Ottavia, Lungotevere dei Cenci, Via del Progresso and Via di Santa Maria del Pianto, 00186
Bus 8, 46, 62, 64, 70, 81, 87, 186, 492, 571, 628 & 916
Age range All ages
Allow 1 hr
Wheelchair access Yes
Toilets No
Address Piazza Mattei, 00186
Bus 30, 40, 46, 62, 64, 70, 81, 87, 119, 130, 186, 190, 492, 571, 628, 810 & 916.
Tram 8
Age range All ages
Wheelchair access Yes
Toilets No
Metro Spagna (Line A) & Flaminio–Piazza del Popolo (Line A).
Bus 61, 70, 81, 116, 117, 119, 120, 150, 160, 186, 491, 492, 628, 590 & 926.
Tram 2
Visitor information Tourist Information Point, Via Marco Minghetti, off Via del Corso, 00188; 060608; open 9:30am–7pm daily; www.turismoroma.it
Market Via Bocca di Leone: 8am–noon Mon–Sat
Festivals Carnival (on the 5 days before Shrove Tue; see Party in the piazza). Festa della Primavera (Apr): azaleas cover the Spanish Steps and concerts take place in Trinità dei Monti church.
Pharmacies Farmacia Trinità dei Monti: Piazza di Spagna 30, 00187; 06 679 0626; open 8:30am–8pm daily. Farmacia Europea: Via della Croce 10–11, 00187; 06 679 1632; open 8:30am–8pm Mon–Sat, 10:30am–7:30pm Sun. www.tinyurl.com/kcofxrw
Nearest play area Pincio Gardens
Public toilets Piazza di Spagna (10am–7:40pm daily; adm free). Passeggiata di Ripetta (Sat & Sun only; adm free)
Address Piazza di Spagna, 00187
Metro Spagna (Line A).
Bus 116, 117, 119 & 590
Skipping the queue The piazza and its cafés get very busy, especially at weekends and in the early evening. The quietest time to visit is early morning.
Age range 5 plus
Allow 1 hr
Wheelchair access Yes (not on the steps)
Toilets Public toilets in the piazza
Good family value? While the main attractions here can be seen for free, this is one of the most expensive parts of Rome to dine and shop in, so if on a budget make sure kids are well fed before visiting the area.
Address Piazza di Spagna 26, 00187; 06 678 4235; www.keats-shelley-house.org
Metro Spagna (Line A).
Bus 116, 117, 119 & 590
Open 10am–1pm & 2–6pm Mon–Sat
Price €18–20; under 6s free
Guided tours Only for groups
Age range 8 plus
Allow 1 hr
Wheelchair access No
Shop The shop on the first floor sells posters, prints, T-shirts and fridge magnets.
Toilets Yes, on the first floor
Address Piazza di Spagna 23, 00187; 06 678 6027; www.babingtons.com
Metro Spagna (Line A).
Bus 116, 117, 119 & 590
Open 10am–9:30pm daily
Skipping the queue Queues are hard to avoid, but try going early for breakfast.
Age range All ages
Wheelchair access Yes
Shop The shop in the café stocks tea, marmalade, teapots, cups and saucers.
Toilets Yes
Address Piazza Trinità dei Monti, 00187; 06 679 4179
Metro Spagna (Line A).
Bus 116, 117, 119 & 590
Open 6:30am–8pm Tue, Wed & Fri–Sun, 6:30am–midnight Thu
Age range 10 plus
Wheelchair access Limited
Toilets No
Address Viale Trinità dei Monti 1, 00187; 06 676 1223; www.villamedici.it
Metro Spagna (Line A).
Bus 116, 117, 119 & 590
Open Interiors can be visited only during concerts, exhibitions and film screenings. Gardens can be visited by tour only, Tue–Sun.
Price €24–36; under 10s free
Skipping the queue Book in advance for tours.
Guided tours In English, Italian and French; check website for details.
Age range 9 plus
Allow 1 hr for a guided tour mainly of the garden
Wheelchair access Yes, to the Stanza degli Uccelli
Shop The book shop, Electa, near the exhibition area, sells art books.
Toilets Next to the exhibition area
Address Lungotevere in Augusta, 00186; 060608
Bus 70, 81, 117, 119, 186, 492, 628 & 926
Open 9am–7pm Tue–Sun
Price €17–28; EU under 18s €6.50; under 6s free
Skipping the queue Call 060608 or book in advance at www.ticketclic.it
Guided tours Audioguides (€4.50) available from the ticket desk in Italian, English, French & Spanish
Age range 7 plus
Allow 45 mins
Wheelchair access Yes
Toilets Behind the altar
Address Piazza del Popolo 12, 00187; 06 361 0836
Metro Flaminio-Piazza del Popolo (Line A).
Bus 61, 120, 150, 160 & 491.
Tram 2
Open 7am–noon & 4–7pm Mon–Sat, 7:30am–1:30pm & 4:30–7:30pm Sun
Price Free. €1 to illuminate Cerasi Chapel for a minute
Age range 7 plus
Allow 30 mins
Toilets No
Good family value? Entry to Santa Maria del Popolo is free and there is plenty for children to see.
Address Piazza del Popolo, 00187
Metro Flaminio-Piazza del Popolo (Line A).
Bus 61, 120, 150, 160 & 491.
Tram 2
Age range 8 plus
Allow 15 mins
Wheelchair access Yes
Toilets No
Address Piazza del Popolo; 00187
Metro Flaminio-Piazza del Popolo (Line A).
Bus 61, 120, 150, 160 & 491.
Tram 2
Age range All ages
Allow 30 mins
Wheelchair access Yes
Toilets No
Address Salita del Pincio, 00187
Metro Flaminio-Piazza del Popolo (Line A).
Bus 61, 120, 150, 160 & 491.
Tram 2
Age range All ages
Activities Hire bikes, four-wheeler rickshaws, electric golf-carts, go-karts and skates. Watch puppet shows at the Teatro dei Burattini (www.sancarlino.it)
Allow 1–2 hrs
Wheelchair access Yes
Toilets Along the Salita del Pincio
Metro Barberini & Repubblica (Line A).
Bus C3, 40, 52, 53, 56, 58, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 70, 80, 81, 84, 85, 95, 116, 117, 119, 160, 170, 175, 492, 590, 628, 630 & 910
Visitor information Tourist Information Point, Via Nazionale, 00184; open 9:30am–7pm daily. Tourist Information Point, Via Marco Minghetti, 00187; 060608; open 9:30am–7pm daily; www.turismoroma.it
Pharmacy Farmacia Internazionale: Piazza Barberini 49, 00187; 06 487 1195; open 8am–midnight daily; www.tinyurl.com/kcofxrw
Nearest play area Via del Quirinale 29, 00184 (next to Sant’Andrea del Quirinale)
Public toilets Piazza di San Silvestro, 00187; 10am–7:40pm daily; adm free
Address Piazza di Trevi, 00187
Bus C3, 53, 63, 80, 81, 85, 117, 119, 160, 175, 492, 628 & 630
Skipping the queue Visit in the early morning to avoid crowds.
Age range 4 plus
Allow 20 mins
Wheelchair access Yes
Toilets No
Good family value? Looking at the fountain is free, and it is dramatic enough to appeal to children of all ages. Bring small change to ensure that children do not throw a fortune into the fountain’s waters!
Address Via SS Apostoli 20, 00187; 06 6992 1823; www.time-elevator.it
Bus 40, 60, 64, 70, 117 & 170
Open 10:30am–8:15pm daily; movie screenings every hour
Price €42–48
Skipping the queue Book at www.viator.com
Age range 7 plus
Allow 45 mins
Wheelchair access Yes, but not to toilets
Shop There are shops selling books and souvenirs near the ticket office.
Toilets Near the exit
Address Piazza Scanderbeg 117, 00187; 06 699 1120; www.museodellapasta.it
Metro Barberini (Line A).
Bus 52, 53, 61, 62, 63, 71, 95, 175, 492 & 630
Open Closed for renovation, check website before planning a visit
Price €22–25 (inclusive of tours); under 18s €7
Guided tours In English, Italian, French, Spanish, German and Japanese
Age range 5 plus
Allow 45 mins
Wheelchair access Partial (special guided tours available)
Shop The museum sells its own pasta, as well as posters and postcards.
Address Palazzo del Quirinale: Piazza del Quirinale, 00187. Palazzo della Consulta: Piazza del Quirinale, 41, 00187. Scuderie: www.scuderiequirinale.it
Bus 71, 116 & 117
Wheelchair access Yes
Toilets No
Address Via delle Quattro Fontane 13, 00184; 06 482 4184; www.galleriabarberini.beniculturali.it
Metro Barberini (Line A).
Bus 52, 53, 56, 58, 60, 61, 95, 116, 175, 492 & 590
Open 8:30am–7pm Tue–Sun
Price €14–28; under 18s free
Skipping the queue Book in advance via the website, although queues are rare.
Guided tours Audioguides in Italian, English and French (€2.50) on the ground floor. Book in advance to access 18th-century apartments on 3rd floor.
Age range 8 plus
Activities Interactive computer guides available in Italian and English.
Allow 1 hr
Wheelchair access Yes
Shop Gift shops selling mugs and T-shirts, and a book shop (both on the first floor)
Toilets On the ground floor
Address Sant’Andrea al Quirinale: Via del Quirinale 29, 00184; 06 474 4872. San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane: Via del Quirinale 23, 00187; 06 488 3109
Metro Barberini (Line A).
Bus 71, 116 & 117
Open Sant’Andrea al Quirinale: 8:30am–noon & 2:30–6pm Tue–Sun. San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane: 10am–1pm & 3–6pm Mon–Fri, 10am–1pm Sat & Sun
Age range 10 plus
Allow 20 mins each
Wheelchair access Yes
Toilets No
Address Via XX Settembre 17, 00187; 06 427 40571
Metro Repubblica (Line A)
Bus 60, 61, 62, 84, 85, 175, 492, 590 & 910
Open 8:30am–noon & 3:30–6pm daily
Age range 10 plus
Allow 20 mins
Wheelchair access Yes
Toilets No
Address Piazza Barberini, 00187
Metro Barberini (Line A).
Bus C3, 52, 53, 62, 63, 80, 85, 116, 160, 175, 492, 590 & 630
Age range 5 plus
Wheelchair access Yes
Toilets No
Address Capuchin museum and crypt under Santa Maria della Concezione: Via Vittorio Veneto 27, 00187; 06 8880 3695; www.cappucciniviaveneto.it
Metro Barberini (Line A).
Bus C3, 52, 53, 62, 63, 80, 85, 116, 160, 175, 492, 590 & 630
Open Museum, Santa Maria della Concezione & crypt: 9am–7pm daily
Price Museum & crypt: €20–30
Skipping the queue Visit in the early morning
Age range Capuchin museum and Santa Maria della Concezione: 8 plus
Allow 30 mins
Wheelchair access No
Toilets No
Metro Flaminio & Spagna (Line A) & Bologna (Line B).
Bus C3, 3, 6, 36, 52, 53, 60, 61, 62, 80, 84, 88, 90, 92, 95, 116 (through the park), 120, 140, 150, 160, 204, 217, 348, 360, 490, 491, 495, 628, 910 & 926.
Tram 3 & 19
Visitor information Tourist Information Point, Via Marco Minghetti (on the corner with Via del Corso), 00187; 060608; open 9:30am–7pm daily; www.turismoroma.it
Market Mercato Rionale, Via Flaminia 60–65, 00197; Mon–Sat am
Festivals Estate Romana (summer); cinema, theatre and puppet shows at different venues across the Villa Borghese park. International Horse Show (May); horse shows on Piazza di Siena
Pharmacies Farmacia Guarnacci, Via Flaminia 5, 00196; 06 361 0905; open 8:30am–8pm Mon–Fri (till 7:30pm in winter), Sat am only; www.tinyurl.com/kcofxrw
Nearest play areas Casina di Raffaello. Viale Esculapio, 00197
Public toilets Viale del Lago, 00197
Address Entrances at Piazzale Flaminio, Porta Pinciana & Pincio Gardens, 00197. Casina di Raffaello: Piazza di Siena; www.casinadiraffaello.it. Globe Theatre: Largo Aqua Felix; www.globetheatreroma.com. Teatro San Carlino: Viale dei Bambini; 06 6992 2117; www.sancarlino.it. Cinema dei Piccoli: Viale della Pineta 15; 06 855 3485; www.cinemadeipiccoli.it
Metro Flaminio-Piazza del Popolo & Spagna (Line A).
Bus C3, 53, 61, 88, 95, 116, 120, 150, 160, 490, 491 & 495.
Tram 3 & 19
Open Park: sunrise–sunset. Casina di Raffaello: 9am–6pm Tue–Sun (till 3:30pm in winter), 10am–7pm Sat, Sun & hols (till 6pm in winter). Globe Theatre: guided tours & performances only. Cinema dei Piccoli: for shows only.
Price Casina di Raffaello: free; €5 per child for organized activities. Globe Theatre: standing €36–46; seats €48–68. Teatro San Carlino: €50–60. Cinema dei Piccoli: €20–30
Guided tours Globe Theatre: Jul–Aug: 7:30pm Sat & Sun; book tickets for performances (inclusive of tour) at www.greenticket.it and tour tickets by calling 060608.
Age range All ages; Casina di Raffaello: under 10s
Activities Bikes, go-karts, roller skates, electric bikes and golf carts can be rented at various points in the park. Boats (€12 for 20 mins) can be rented for rides on the lake.
Allow All day in summer, 1 hour per gallery in winter
Wheelchair access Yes
Café Several around the park
Toilets In the cafés
Good family value? The park itself may be free but the activities can add up and make a visit to Villa Borghese expensive.
Address Piazzale di Villa Giulia 9, 00196; 06 320 1706; www.villagiulia.beniculturali.it
Tram 3 & 19
Open 8:30am–7:30pm Tue–Sun
Price €16–24; EU under 18s free; under 6s free
Guided tours Audioguides (€5) in Italian and English
Age range 6 plus
Allow 1–2 hrs
Wheelchair access Yes
Café Yes (see Villa Giulia)
Shop Books for children (mostly in Italian) and gifts including Etruscan-themed bookmarks and T-shirts, and erasers with Latin epigrams are available in the shop on the ground floor.
Toilets On the ground floor
Good family value? Villa Giulia is very reasonably priced and its collections are well presented. The grounds and café make it easy for families to relax in between seeing exhibits.
Address Viale delle Belli Arti 131, 00197; 06 322 981; www.gnam.beniculturali.it
Bus 3.
Tram 19
Open 8:30am–7:30pm Tue–Sun
Price €16–32; EU under 18s free; under 6s free
Age range 5 plus
Activities Check the website
Allow 1.5 hrs
Wheelchair access Yes, from Via Gramsci
Shop The bookshop on the ground floor has a children’s corner with books and creative toys, including an Andy Warhol rag doll.
Toilets In the basement
Address Viale Fiorello La Guardia, 00197; 060608; www.museocarlobilotti.it
Metro Flaminio-Piazza del Popolo (Line A).
Bus 116
Open summer: 9am–7pm Tue–Fri (winter: 10am–4pm); 10am–7pm Sat & Sun (access every 30 mins during the week, free access on Sat & Sun)
Price €13–26; EU under 18s free; all under 6s free
Age range 10 plus
Allow 30 mins
Wheelchair access Yes
Shop The shop near the exit sells art books and posters.
Toilets Yes
Address Via Flaminia 82, 00196; 06 361 3776; www.mdbr.it
Metro Flaminio-Piazza del Popolo (Line A).
Bus 6, 88, 92, 204, 490, 495 & 628.
Tram 2 & 19
Open Tue–Sun, by tours only
Price €26–32; under 3s €3
Age range under 10
Activities Kitchen Studio: 10:45am–3:45pm Sat, Sun & hols; book in advance via the website.
Allow 1hr 45mins
Wheelchair access Yes
Toilets On the ground floor
Address Piazzale del Museo Borghese 5, 00197; 06 32810; www.galleriaborghese.beniculturali.it
Metro Spagna (Line A).
Bus 52, 53 & 910
Open 9am–7pm Tue–Sun; book in advance on 06 32810 or via the website.
Price €36–55; EU under 18s €2; under 6s free. Prices vary during temporary exhibitions
Skipping the queue Arriving 30 mins before the allotted entry time is obligatory, but to avoid queues, arrive earlier.
Guided tours Audioguides (€5) in Italian, English, French, German & Spanish
Age range 7 plus
Activities Workshops for kids in Italian: 4:30pm Sat, 10am Sun; call 06 32810 for bookings (obligatory).
Allow 90 mins
Wheelchair access Partial. No access to first floor as the lift is antique and very small.
Café Yes
Shop The bookshop in the basement stocks books in Italian and English.
Toilets On the utilities floor
Good family value? The stunning collection is well worth the entry fee. Bernini’s sculptures have a very immediate appeal for children, and Greek myths help bring alive anything that Bernini doesn’t.
Address Piazzale Giardino Zoologico, 00197; 06 360 8211; www.bioparco.it
Metro Flaminio-Piazza del Popolo & Spagna (Line A).
Bus 3, 52, 53, 217, 360, 910 & 926.
Tram 3 & 19
Open late Oct–late Mar: 9:30am–5pm daily; late Mar–late Oct: 9:30am–6pm daily; till 7pm Sat & Sun in Apr–Sep
Price €30–54; under 12s €12, children under 1 m (3 ft) tall free
Skipping the queue Book via website or by calling 06 360 8211. Tickets valid for 60 days.
Guided tours Check the website for special tours.
Age range All ages
Activities Check the website for feeding times and for events ranging from face-painting to workshops, night safaris and a summer school.
Allow 4–5 hrs
Wheelchair access Yes
Café Yes
Shop The bookshop near Bioparco Cafeteria sells books, gadgets and soft toys.
Toilets Near the entrance
Good family value? Entry is expensive, but this is one of the best-value sights for children in Rome, with the city’s most absorbing playground, the Arca della Conservazione, as well as the zoo.
Address Via Nomentana 70, 00161; 060608; www.museivillatorlonia.it
Metro Bologna (Line B).
Bus 36, 60, 62, 84, 90 & 140.
Tram 3
Open 9am–7pm Tue–Sun (last adm: 45 mins before closing). Park: dawn–dusk daily
Price Casino Nobile: €13–27; EU under 18s €5.50; under 6s free. Casina delle Civette: €10–18; EU under 18s €3; under 6s free. Casino Nobile & Casina delle Civette: adults €17–30; EU under 18s €6.50; under 6s free
Guided tours Audioguides (€3.50) available in Italian, French & English
Age range Casino Nobile: 10 plus. Casina delle Civette: 6 plus
Allow Casina Nobile: 30 mins. Park and Casina delle Civette: 1 hr
Wheelchair access Yes
Toilets In the museums
Address Via Lazzaro Spallanzani 1A, 00161; 060608; www.technotown.it
Metro Bologna (Line B).
Bus 36, 60, 62, 84, 90 & 140.
Open summer: 6:30am–11:30pm Tue–Sun; winter: 9am–7pm Tue–Sun. Booking obligatory.
Price Percorso Junior: €4. Percorso Basic (inclusive of four activities): €7. Percorso Educational (inclusive of seven activities): €8
Guided tours Tours compulsory; check the website for details.
Age range Percorso Junior: 4–8 year olds (accompanied by parents). Percorso Basic: 8 plus (6–8 year olds welcome if accompanied by an adult). Percorso Educational: 8 plus.
Activities Check the website for details of talks and demonstrations.
Allow Percorso Junior: 40 mins. Percorso Basic: 80 mins. Percorso Educational: 140 mins. Park: 1 hr
Wheelchair access Yes
Shop The shop near the entrance has an exciting selection of science toys and books.
Toilets Near the entrance
Address Via Nizza 138, 00198; 060608; www.museomacro.org/
Bus 80, 88 & 348
Open 11am–7pm Tue–Thu & Sun, 11am–10pm Fri & Sat
Price Exhibitions: €2 5–46; under 6s free
Skipping the queue Book in advance for major exhibitions at www.omniticket.it to avoid long queues at the booking counter.
Guided tours Reservation required
Age range 4 plus
Activities Interactive sessions and activities, usually based around one of the exhibitions, for families with children aged 6–12 on Sundays at 11am and 4pm. For bookings, email didattica.macro@gmail.com
Allow 1 hr
Wheelchair access Yes
Shop The shop on the ground floor sells toys and has a good range of illustrated books for children in many languages.
Toilets On the ground floor
Bus H, 8, 23, 44, 75, 115, 125, 271, 280, 710, 780, 870 & 984.
Tram 8
Visitor information Tourist Information Point, Castel Sant’Angelo, Piazza Pia, 00193; 060608; open 9:30am–7pm daily; www.turismoroma.it
Supermarkets Conad, Viale di Trastevere 90, 00153. Supermercato Panella, Via Natale del Grande 19, 00153. Supermercato TODIS, Via Natale del Grande 23, 00153. Drogheria Innocenzi, Piazza San Cosimato 66, 00153.
Markets Piazza San Cosimato market; Mon–Sat am. Porta Portese market, Piazza di Porta Portese, 00153; Sunday am
Festivals Festa de’ Noantri (Jul); involves street parties, fireworks and performances in dialect. A statue of Madonna del Carmine is carried through Trastevere to the church of San Grisogono, where it stays for eight days, before returning with another procession.
Pharmacies Farmacia Istituto San Gallicano: Via di San Gallicano 23, 00153; 06 589 5764; open summer: 8:30am–1pm & 4:30–8pm, till 7:30pm in winter Mon–Sat. Farmacia Sant’Agata di Sarcinelli Maurizio: Piazza Sidney Sonnino 47, 00153; 06 580 3715; open 8:30am–8pm Mon–Fri, 8:30am–noon & 4–8pm Sat, noon–4pm Sun.
Nearest play areas Villa Sciarra, Via Calandrelli, 00153. Villa Doria Pamphilj, Via Vitellia, 00152. Piazza San Cosimato, 00153.
Public toilets Piazzale Giuseppe Garibaldi. At the Via Aurelia Antica entrance, by Vivi Bistrot and the playground in Doria Pamphilj
Address Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere, 00153; 06 581 9443
Bus H, 115, 125 & 780.
Tram 8
Open 7:30am–9pm daily
Price Free
Age range 7 plus
Allow 20–30 mins
Wheelchair access Yes
Toilets No
Good family value? Santa Maria is free and its mosaics have plenty of detail for older children to seek out. Younger kids can play under supervision on the piazza outside.
Address Trastevere, 00153. Ponte Sisto: Piazza Trilussa. Porta Settimiana: Via di Porta Settimiana 8. Antica Farmacia Santa Maria della Scala: Piazza della Scala 23; 06 580 6233, 06 580 6217. Museo di Roma: Piazza Sant’Egidio 1B; 060608; www.museodiromaintrastevere.it.
Bus H, 23, 125, 271, 280 & 780.
Tram 8
Open Antica Farmacia Santa Maria della Scala: book in advance. Museo di Roma: 10am–8pm Tue–Sun
Price Antica Farmacia di Santa Maria della Scala: €5 per person for tours (minimum 5 people or pay the minimum price of €25). Museo di Roma: €28–30, expect to pay more during exhibitions; under 6s free
Guided tours Antica Farmacia Santa Maria della Scala: book to see the old pharmacy. Museo di Roma: guided tours; call 060608 to book.
Age range Antica Farmacia Santa Maria della Scala: 5 plus; Museo di Roma: 10 plus
Allow West Trastevere area: 1–2 hrs. Antica Farmacia Santa Maria della Scala: 30 mins
Toilets In Piazza Sidney Sonnino
Address Trastevere, 00153. Santa Cecilia in Trastevere: Piazza di Santa Cecilia; 06 589 9289. Nuove Edizioni Romane: Via di Santa Cecilia, 18. Porta Portese market: Piazza di Porta Portese
Bus 23, 44, 125 & 280
Open Santa Cecilia in Trastevere: 9am–1pm & 4–6:30pm Mon–Sat, 11:30am–12:30pm & 4–6:30pm Sun. Nuove Edizioni Romane: 9am–7:30pm Mon–Fri, 10am–1:30pm Sat & Sun
Price Santa Cecilia in Trastevere: Donations requested
Guided tours The baths where Cecilia died are open on request (06 4549 2739).
Age range 7 plus
Allow 30 mins
Shop Kids will enjoy visiting the traditional bakery at No. 21, Via della Luce.
Toilets No
Address 00165
Bus 115 & 870
Age range All ages
Activities A puppet theatre (06 582 7767; Sat & Sun am; donations requested; www.iburattinidelgianicolo.it) on Piazzale Giuseppe Garibaldi provides great entertainment for kids.
Allow 2 hrs
Wheelchair access No
Café Mobile refreshment vans on Piazzale Garibaldi
Toilets Public toilets in Piazzale Giuseppe Garibaldi
Good family value? A trip up the Janiculum Hill is worth the effort – and anyone who walks and carries a picnic could have a day out without spending a euro.
Address Via della Lungara 10, 00165; 06 6880 2323; www.galleriacorsini.beniculturali.it
Bus 23, 125 & 280
Open 8am–7:30pm Tue–Sun
Price €15–20; under 6s free
Guided tours By appointment
Age range 9 plus
Activities Occasionally, especially around Christmas and school holidays
Allow 40 mins
Wheelchair access Yes
Shop The bookshop on the first floor sells books and postcards.
Toilets On the first floor
Address Via della Lungara 230, 00165; 06 6802 7268; www.villafarnesina.it
Bus H, 8, 23, 271 & 280
Open 9am–2pm Mon–Sat
Price €20–30; under 14s free
Guided tours 12:30pm Mon, Fri & Sat; 12:30pm (with live music, 2nd Sun of month, book in advance), 3pm & 4pm (2nd Sun of month)
Age range 7 plus
Allow 1–2 hrs
Wheelchair access Yes
Shop The bookshop has an excellent guidebook to the villa for children in Italian.
Toilets Yes
Address Largo Cristina di Svezia 24, 00165; 06 4991 2436; www.tinyurl.com/3kqvag5
Bus H, 8, 23, 271 & 280
Open summer: 9am–6:30pm Mon–Sat; winter: 9am–5:30pm Mon–Sat. Hothouses: 9am–1:30pm Mon–Sat
Price €16–36; under 6s free
Guided tours Book tours online via the website (free).
Age range All ages
Allow 1–2 hrs
Wheelchair access Yes
Toilets In the orangerie
Address Via Garibaldi, 00153
Bus 44, 75 & 125
Age range All ages
Allow 10 mins
Wheelchair access Yes
Toilets No
Address Piazza San Pietro in Montorio, 00153; 06 581 3940
Bus 44, 75 & 125
Open San Pietro in Montorio: summer: 8am–noon & 3–4pm daily. Tempietto: closed for restoration
Price Free
Age range 9 plus
Allow 20 mins
Wheelchair access No
Toilets No
Address Entrances at Via Aurelia Antica and Via Vitellia, 00165; 06 679 7323
Bus 115, 710, 870 & 984
Open dawn–dusk daily
Price Free
Age range All ages
Activities Occasional child-friendly exhibitions at the Casa Dei Teatri within the park. Check www.060608.it for details.
Allow 2 hrs
Wheelchair access Yes
Toilets At the Via Aurelia Antica entrance, by Vivi Bistrot and the playground in Doria Pamphilj
Metro Ottaviano San Pietro & Lepanto (Line A).
Bus 23, 34, 40, 46, 49, 62, 64, 81, 87, 271, 280, 492, 926, 982 & 990.
Tram 19
Visitor information Tourist Information Office, Castel Sant’Angelo, Lungotevere Vaticano, Piazza Pia, 00193; 060608; open 9:30am–7pm daily; www.turismoroma.it. Tourist Angels on Segways outside the castle
Supermarket Carrefour Express, Via Vittorio Emanuele 290, 00186; open 8am–8:30pm Mon–Sat
Festivals Festa di San Giuseppe (19 Mar): St Joseph’s Day with an address by the pope. The pope presides over Mass in the basilica at Easter, Christmas & other major Christian festivals. Check www.tinyurl.com/ycku56v for the Vatican festival calendar.
Pharmacy Farmacia Vaticana: Via di Porta Angelica, 00193; 06 6988 9806; open 8:30am–6pm Mon–Fri & 8:30am–1pm Sat; www.farmacia.trovaindirizzi.it. An ambulance is always in attendance on Piazza San Pietro.
Nearest play area Parco Adriano, below Castel Sant’Angelo
Public toilets Parco Adriano, Castel Sant’Angelo, 00193. Piazza della Città Leonina, 00193.
Address Vatican City, 00120
Metro Ottaviano San Pietro (Line A)
Price Vatican Gardens: €64–128; under 6s free (tours; includes entry to the Vatican Museums)
Skipping the queue Visit Piazza San Pietro before 7am and see it minus the crowds. For St Peter’s. For Vatican Museums.
Guided tours Vatican Gardens: 2-hour-long guided tours (Mon, Tue & Thu–Sat) in all major European languages; suitable for older children; not recommended for those who have difficulty walking.
Age range 8 plus
Allow Piazza San Pietro and the Vatican walls: 1 hr
Wheelchair access Through most of the museums and churches
Shops There is a post office on the left side of Piazza San Pietro and souvenir and postcard shops on the roof of St Peter’s.
Toilets Public toilets on Piazza della Città Leonina
Good family value? Families will enjoy a visit to the smallest country in the world and kids are bound to be fascinated by the fact that they can stand in two countries at the same time.
Address Piazza San Pietro, 00120; 06 6988 3731; www.vatican.va
Metro Ottaviano San Pietro (Line A).
Bus 23, 34, 40, 62, 64, 81, 271 & 982.
Tram 19
Open Basilica: 7am–7pm daily, till 6:30pm Oct–Mar. Dome: 8am–6pm daily, till 5:30pm Oct–Mar.
Necropolis: by appointment only (06 6988 5318). Papal audiences: Wed am. Roof: 8am–5pm daily
Price Basilica, Necropolis and Grottoes: €26–52. Roof: €28 (lift), €10–20 (on foot); under 10s free. Treasury: €26–52 (not open to under 15s). Papal audiences and Masses: free; book in advance on the website.
Skipping the queue Arrive early in the morning or at lunchtime. Those visiting for religious reasons should arrive early in the morning.
Guided tours Audioguides (€5) focus more on religion than art. Tours (€60–70; under 7s free) in Italian, English, Spanish, German & French
Age range 11 plus
Allow Roof: 1 hr; Basilica: 30 mins–1 hr
Wheelchair access Partial; to the basilica and roof
Café The café on the roof sells coffee, soft drinks and delicious ice cream.
Shops The shops in the piazza and on the roof sell souvenirs and postcards.
Toilets On the roof
Good family value? St Peter’s is of far more interest to older children, although kids of all ages will enjoy going up to the roof, where they can eat ice cream and even drop off a postcard.
Address Viale Vaticano, 00120; 06 6988 4947 (bookings); mv.vatican.va
Metro Ottaviano San Pietro (Line A).
Bus 23, 49, 81, 492 & 990.
Tram 19
Open 9am–6pm Mon–Sat (last adm: 2 hrs before closing), 9am–12:30pm last Sun of the month (last adm: 90 mins before closing); visit the website for updated information on night opening hours
Price €48–64; under 6s free. Last Sunday of the month: free
Skipping the queue Book in advance online, and join the separate queue on the ground floor to pick up prebooked tickets. There are seven booths for buying tickets upstairs and queues move relatively quickly.
Guided tours Yes; book on the website. Audioguides (€7) available in eight languages.
Age range 8 plus
Activities The Family Audioguide (€5) takes visitors through a fun treasure hunt.
Allow 3–4 hrs
Wheelchair access Yes
Café In the Cortile della Pigna
Shops Several shops selling books, Sistine ceiling jigsaws and souvenirs are scattered around the musuem.
Toilets By the entrance hall, café, Sistine Chapel, Raphael Rooms & Cortile della Pigna
Good family value? Entry is expensive, but if there is even a flicker of interest from the children, it is money well spent.
Address Lungomare Castello 50, 00193; 06 681 9111; www.castelsantangelo.beniculturali.it
Metro Lepanto (Line A).
Bus 23, 34, 40, 46, 49, 87, 271, 280, 926, 982 & 990
Open 9am–7:30pm Tue–Sun
Price €14–28; EU under 18s free; under 6s free. Prices vary for exhibitions. Check website for further details.
Skipping the queue Visit at lunchtime, or buy a Roma Pass to enter via a special turnstile.
Guided tours Audioguides (free) available in English, Spanish, Italian, French and German. Secret passageway: 8pm on summer evenings
Age range 5 plus
Allow 90 mins
Wheelchair access Partial; only upto the second level
Café The café in the museum sells snacks and drinks.
Shop The shop inside the museum sells books and souvenirs.
Toilets By the entrance, in the café and in Parco Adriano
Good family value? This is the only authentic castle in Rome and the prisons offer plenty of scope for adults and kids to let their imagination run free.
Getting there Ottaviano San Pietro (Line A), then bus 32 to MAXXI.
Bus 32, 63, 69, 86, 92, 186, 224, 271, 280 & 312.
Tram 2 from Via Flaminia
Markets Mercato Rionale Flaminio II, Via Guido Reni, near the Ponte della Musica; daily am
Festivals Roma Incontra il Mondo (Jun & Jul), music festival in Villa Ada. International Tennis Championship (mid-May), at Foro Italico. International Film Festival (late Oct–Nov), at the Auditorium Parco della Musica. Rome Jazz Festival (Nov), at the Auditorium Parco della Musica.
Pharmacies Sbarigia: Viale Pinturicchio 19/a, 00196; 06 323 1385; open 8:30am–8pm Mon–Sat. Farmacia Tagliavini: Via di Priscilla 77, 00199; 06 8621 9999; open 8:30am–1pm & 4:30–8pm Mon–Sat
Nearest play areas Villa Ada
Public toilets Piazza Mancini, near MAXXI. Viale Pietro de Coubertin, near Auditorium Parco della Musica. Via di Ponte Salario, inside Villa Ada.
Address Via Guido Reni 4A, 00196; 06 399 7350; www.fondazionemaxxi.it
Tram 2 to Flaminia/Reni
Open 11am–7pm Tue–Fri & Sun, 11am–10pm Sat
Price €24–48; under 14s free
Skipping the queue Queues are most likely on Saturdays and Sundays, and in the first days of a new exhibition; book in advance via the website.
Guided tours Audioguides (€5) for adults and the MAXXI Pixel Nintendo interactive audioguide (free with every adult audioguide rental; otherwise €5) are available in English and Italian. Tours are organized in several languages on various themes; check the website or call 06 3996 7350.
Age range All ages
Activities Book readings and art classes among others; book on 06 3996 7350 or online
Allow 2–3 hrs
Wheelchair access Yes
Café MAXXI21 is a pleasant café with seats outside, with another branch inside the atrium.
Shop A tempting array of books for kids and adults on contemporary art and design, along with stylish souvenirs, are available in the shop on the ground floor.
Toilets On the ground, second and third floors
Good family value? Stunning architecture, huge galleries, and mind-blowing display techniques in exhibitions, to say nothing of the Nintendo guides, make MAXXI one of the most family-friendly attractions in Rome.
Address Viale Pietro de Coubertin 30, 00196; 06 802 41281/06 808 2058; www.auditorium.com
Tram 2 to Piazza Apollodoro
Open 11am–8pm Mon–Sat, 10am–8pm Sun
Price Children’s concerts: €52–62
Skipping the queue Book in advance on website for concerts and events.
Guided tours Hourly tours (€28 for a family) of the concert spaces from 11:30am–4:30pm
Age range All ages
Activities Kids’ activities include trying out musical instruments; check website for details
Allow 1–2 hrs
Wheelchair access Yes
Shop There is a book shop on the ground floor.
Toilets On the ground floor
Address Piazza Lauro de Bosis, 15, 00135; 06 36851
Bus 32, 69, 186, 224, 271 & 280
Age range All ages
Allow 30 mins
Wheelchair access Yes
Toilets No
Address Via Salaria 430, 00199; 06 8620 6272; www.catacombepriscilla.com
Bus 63 from Piazza Venezia; 86, 92 & 310 from Stazione Termini to Piazza Acilia
Open 8:30am–noon & 2:30–5pm Tue–Sun
Price €26–32; under 6s free
Guided tours Visits by guided tours only; tours in Italian, English, German, French, Spanish & Japanese
Age range 8 plus
Allow 45 mins
Shop Postcards are available at the shop near the entrance.
Toilets Near the ticket office
Metro Cinecittà (Line A), EUR Fermi & Circo Massimo (Line B).
Bus 118, 218 & 660 from Via Appia Antica
Visitor information Park Office, Via Appia Antica 58, 00179
Supermarkets Carrefour Express, Via SS Quattro 53, 00187. TuoDí, Via Annia 18, 00184. Emmepiù, Viale Aventino 88, 00153
Markets Street market, Via dei SS Quattro, Celian Hill; weekdays am
Pharmacy Farmacia Santa Sabina: Viale Aventino 78, 00153; 06 574 3623; open 8am–7:30pm Mon–Fri, 8:30am–1pm Sat
Nearest play areas Parco degli Scipioni, Via di Porta Latina, 00179. Parco della Caffarella
Public toilets Piazza di Cinecittà & Piazzale dell’Agricoltura
Address Catacombs of San Callisto: Via Appia Antica 126, 00179; 06 5130 1580; www.catacombe.roma.it. Catacombs of Domitilla: Via delle Sette Chiese 282, 00147; 06 511 0342; www.domitilla.info. Catacombs of San Sebastiano: Via Appia Antica 136, 00179; 06 785 0350; www.catacombe.org. Tomb of Cecilia Metella: Via Appia Antica 161, 00178; 06 3996 7700 or 060608; www.060608.it. Parco della Caffarella office: Largo Tacchi Venturi, 00179; www.caffarella.it
Bus Catacombs of San Callisto: 118 & 218. Catacombs of Domitilla: 218 & 716. San Sebastiano: 118 & 218. Cecilia Metella: 660
Open Catacombs of San Callisto: 9am–noon & 2–5pm Thu–Tue. Catacombs of Domitilla: 9am–noon & 2–5pm Wed–Mon. Catacombs of San Sebastiano: 10am–5pm Mon–Sat, closed mid Nov–mid Dec. Tomb of Cecilia Metella: 9am onwards daily; closing time varies. Parco della Caffarella: 9am–5:30pm Mon–Sat, till 4:30pm in winter
Price Catacombs of San Callisto: €26–32; under 6s free. Catacombs of Domitilla: €26–32; under 6s free. Catacombs of San Sebastiano: €26–32; under 6s free Tomb of Cecilia Metella: €22–32 (included in the entry to Baths of Caracalla); EU under 18s free.
Skipping the queue Avoid visiting the catacombs on Christmas, Easter and religious holidays.
Guided tours Visits by guided tours only; tours every 30 mins
Age range All ages
Allow 4–5 hrs
Café There are vending machines at San Callisto.
Shops There are shops and stalls selling souvenirs at all catacombs.
Toilets At all the catacombs
Good family value? Via Appia Antica has all the ingredients for a great family outing and is inexpensive – carry a picnic lunch and the only expense will be the entry fee to the catacombs.
Address Viale delle Terme di Caracalla 52, 00184; 06 3996 7700 or 060608; archeoroma.beniculturali.it
Metro Circo Massimo (Line B).
Bus 118, 160 & 628
Open 9am onwards daily; closing times vary, check website for details.
Price €24–28 (inclusive of entry to Tomb of Cecilia Metella & Villa dei Quintili; valid for 7 days); EU under 18s free; under 6s free
Skipping the queue Book tickets online
Guided tours Audioguides (€4) are available. Tours: 3pm Sun; Italian only
Age range All ages
Allow 1 hr–90 mins
Wheelchair access Yes
Shop The shop sells books on archaeology in English.
Toilets Yes
Address Museo della Civiltà Romana: Piazza G Agnelli 10, 00151; 060608; www.planetarioroma.it
Metro EUR Fermi (Line B)
Open Museo della Civiltà Romana: 9am–2pm Tue–Fri, till 7pm Sat & Sun
Price Museo della Civiltà Romana, Planetarium & Museo Astronomico: €34–44; under 6s free
Skipping the queue Book in advance for shows at the Planetarium on Saturdays.
Age range 8 plus
Activities Check the Planetarium website for observation nights.
Allow 45–90 mins
Wheelchair access Yes
Shop The shop on the ground floor has excellent science toys.
Toilets In the museums
Address Via Tuscolana 1055, 00173; 06 72 2931; www.cinecittasimostra.it
Metro Cinecittà (Line A)
Open 9:30am–5:30pm Wed–Mon
Price Family ticket: €25 (exhibit); €45 for guided tour of the studios; under 5s free
Skipping the queue Weekends are busy; book children’s workshops in advance via the website.
Guided tours Short (on the hour): 10am–1pm & 2:30–5:30pm daily. Long: 11:30am Mon–Fri, from 10:30am Sat & Sun.
Age range 5 plus
Activities Regular weekend schedule of film and crafts workshops for children: 10:30am–7:30pm (free with entrance ticket)
Allow 1–2 hrs
Wheelchair access Yes
Shop There is a bookshop by Cinecittà Café.
Toilets In the second pavilion
Train Ostia Antica: trains depart every 15 mins from the Stazione di Porta San Paolo, next to metro Piramide (Line B).
Bus Although there are trains to Tivoli, it is far easier to take the COTRAL bus, which departs every 20 mins from metro Ponte Mammolo (Line B). Local bus 4 runs from here to the site and to Tivoli town, for those wanting to visit Villa d’Este & Villa Gregoriana. Check Castelli Romani for transport to other sights.
Visitor information 060608; www.060608.it
Supermarkets Carrefour, Piazza della Stazione del Lido 19, 00122 Lido di Ostia, Ostia. PAM, Via Lago di Lesi, 00010 Tivoli, Lazio. CONAD, Via Villa Adriana 128, 00010 Tivoli, Lazio. Carrefour, Via Tomei 92, 00019 Tivoli, Lazio.
Markets Piazza Tolosetto Farinati degli Uberti, 00122 Lido di Ostia, Ostia; Mon–Fri am. Piazza del Plebiscito, 00019 Tivoli, Lazio; Mon–Fri am
Festivals International festival of Villa Adriana (Jul); music, dance and arts festival
Pharmacies Farmacia Zincone, Via Vasco De Gama 137, 00121 Lido di Ostia, Ostia; 06 567 4862. Farmacia Dr E. Pallante, Piazza del Plebiscito 17, 00019 Tivoli, Lazio; 07 7431 2183
Address Viale dei Romagnoli 717, 00119 Ostia; 06 5635 8003; www.ostiaantica.beniculturali.it
Train From Stazione di Porta San Paolo next to metro Piramide (Line B), to Stazione Ostia Antica.
Distance 26 km (16 miles) SW of Rome
Open 8:30am onwards Tue–Sun; closing times vary; check website
Price €20–26; EU under 18s free; under 6s free
Skipping the queue Avoid coming between March and June when school groups visit.
Guided tours Audioguides (€4) available in English, Italian, French and Spanish
Age range All ages
Allow 4–5 hrs
Wheelchair access Partial; along the main streets
Café There is a café on site with tables on an outdoor terrace. It serves tavola calda at lunchtime and snacks throughout the day.
Shop Books for children in several languages and appealing ancient Roman souvenirs are sold at the shop near the café.
Toilets By the café
Good family value? With easy access and plenty of space, this site is great for a lazy picnic or for children to play Roman shop or house in the ruins.
Address Largo Marguerite Yourcenar 2, 00010 Tivoli, Lazio; 07 7438 2733; www.villa-adriana.net
Getting there Ponte Mammolo (Line B), then COTRAL bus to Tivoli.
Distance 29 km (18 miles) E of Rome
Open 9am onwards daily; closing times vary
Price €29–44; EU under 18s free; under 6s free
Skipping the queue Buy tickets in advance from www.coopculture.it.
Guided tours Audioguides (€4) are available in Italian, English, French, German & Spanish
Age range All ages
Allow 4–5 hrs
Wheelchair access Partial
Shop The shop near the museum has books about ancient Rome for children.
Toilets By the shop and ticket office, and in the room with the scale model
Good family value? A fascinating history and extensive grounds make Villa Adriana a site with something to please every family member.
Address Località Giardino, 01020 Bomarzo, Lazio; 0761 924 029; www.parcodeimostri.com
Train From Rome’s Termini or Ostiense stations to Viterbo, then COTRAL bus.
Distance 102 km (55 miles) NW of Rome.
Open 8:30am onwards daily; closing times vary, check website
Price €36–40; 4–8s: €8; under 4s free
Skipping the queue The park is busiest in spring.
Age range 3 plus
Allow 3–4 hrs
Wheelchair access Partial
Shop Souvenirs are sold at the shop by the ticket office.
Toilets Near the ticket office
Address Palazzo Pontificio: Via Cardinal Merry del Val, 00040 Castel Gandolfo, Lazio. Museo delle Navi Romane: Via del Tempio di Diana 13, 00040 Nemi, Lazio; 06 939 8040; www.museonaviromane.it
Metro Laurentina (Line B), then COTRAL bus.
Bus See bus times and connections at www.cotralspa.it/TrovaPercorso.
Distance 60 km (37 miles) SE of Rome
Open Museo delle Navi Romane: 9am–7:30pm Mon–Sat; 9am–1pm Sun
Price Museo delle Navi Romane: €12–22; EU under 18s free
Guided tours Museo delle Navi Romane: 10:30am & 11:30am Sun (in Italian only)
Age range Any age; Museo delle Navi Romane: 9 plus
Allow 1 day; Museo delle Navi Romane: 30 mins–1 hr
Wheelchair access Villages: partial; Museo delle Navi Romane: yes
Toilets At the museum
Address Lake Bracciano, 00062 Lazio. Castello Odescalchi: Piazza Mazzini 14, 00062; 06 9980 4348; www.odescalchi.it
Train From Stazione Ostiense to Bracciano, then local bus or taxi.
Boat From Bracciano to Anguillara and Trevignano.
Distance 40 km (25 miles) NW of Rome
Open Castello Odescalchi: 1 Apr–15 Oct: 10am–noon & 3–6pm Tue–Sat, 9am–12:30pm & 3–6:30pm Sun; 1 Nov–31 Mar 10am–noon & 2–4pm Tue–Sat, 10am–12:30pm & 2:30–5pm Sun
Price Castello Odescalchi: €25–30; 6–10s: €5; under 6s free
Age range All ages
Activities Boating and pedalos on the lake
Allow 1 day
Wheelchair access Castello Odescalchi: Yes
Toilets In the restaurants