We will be celebrating our 20th anniversary with our 11 and 14 year old kids in Rome at the end of May. We are staying in a very central apartment. We are looking for something amazing to do to mark the occasion. We are not necessarily looking for a “fancy” restaurant, but are open to it. We’re looking for a fun experience or amazing views.... Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Posted by
Southeastern USA
996 posts
First of all, happy anniversary!
Second - my theory for celebrating is this: Am I away from home? (Yay) Am I anywhere else? (Again. yay!!)
Your parameters may vary from mine. Either way, happy anniversary!!!
Posted by
Portsmouth
5291 posts
There are so many good restaurants (and not so good ones) in Rome that it would be impossible to recommend one, plus not knowing what your tastes are, what you consider good food or not makes it even more difficult because it's so subjective. A 'fancy' restaurant also means nothing. I ate in such a restaurant in Rome last weekend and it was very average. I also ate in a tiny salumeria that could easily have been overlooked and it was fantastic, far better than the fancy restaurant. Would I take my kids there (13 and 10)? Possibly, the eldest would love it, the youngest I'm not so sure, only you know what your children would eat, none of us here do. Also bear in mind that the more fancier restaurants are unlikely to have pizza on the menu, a reliable guarantee for more fussy younger eaters.
Amazing views? You're in Rome, there are amazing views everywhere you turn. In fact it's easy to become blasé about it because history and amazing architecture is everywhere. My favourite sights are exiting the metro and being confronted by the Colosseum, there's no other sight quite like it. The view from the top of Palatine Hill, walking into Piazza della Rotunda and being faced with the Pantheon and then the view inside looking up at the magnificent roof and walking into Piaza San Pietro. I could go on and on but these are my ultimate favourites.
A fun experience? That all depends on what you define as fun. My youngest is particularly fond of looking around historical sights yet my eldest is. My wife's idea of fun is shopping and stopping for endless coffee and cake. We all enjoyed exploring Villa Borghese and the kids (and me) definitely enjoyed hiring a golf buggy to drive around the park.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
15847 posts
"Fun" is a subjective term. :O)
But as you mention restaurants - but not fancy ones, which would probably not be a hit with the kiddos - how about a food tour? I've seen umpty raves about those in the forums, and not having to sit for a long time in one place might be appealing to your young folks. A quick search through more recent Rome forum history turns up recos for...
Eating Italy:
https://www.eatingitalyfoodtours.com/rome/
This one seems to be VERY popular among posters, and is endorsed by Rick Steves.
The Roman Guy:
https://theromanguy.com/tours/Italy_Food_Tours
Their tours are also endorsed by Rick Steves.
....and others. Just a thought?