My husband and I are travelling to Italy with our 6month old in 2wks. I understand that strollers dont work well in Venice. My question is about using strollers in Rome- how convinient is it taking public transport and walking (esp doing Rick's night walks- dolce vita stroll etc). Also wanted to know the policy for using stroller inside the museums, churches and other places of interests in Rome.
Thank you all for your input in advance!
Edited
The only bad thing about using strollers in Venice is the bridges and maybe getting on and off of vaporettos safely, however, on the waterfront in front of St. Mark's Square the bridges do have ramps. Just don't bring one of those huge bulky and heavy strollers if at all possible. Rome won't be such a problem, either. Yes, it's not a wheelchair/stroller friendly place for sure, and all the museums and churches will have steps to navigate, but it won't be impossible. Some museums, such as the Borghese, are strict and probably won't let you in with a stroller at all. I have found that there are no hard and fast rules in this regard. Every church and museum has their own rules. You may want to bring an "umbrella stroller" to use in those places where a bulky stroller might be prohibited. In Rome, during rush hour, a stroller will be a hindrance as the buses are EXTREMELY crowded. During these times, a taxi would be a better alternative.
Thanks a lot Scott. We are planning to carry an umbrella stroller- mostly for her to nap in and eat and maybe just give us a break while we eat. We will be using a baby carrier(BabyBjorn) most of the times.
I might just have to call some of the big museums and find out their policy.
Borghese Gallery doesn't allow strollers. Our 2-year-old (at the time) fell asleep about 10 minutes before our window for touring the Borghese. Sure enough, they made us take her out of the stroller and check the stroller. There are few things less pleasant than touring a beautiful gallery with an overtired toddler.
Other than the Borghese, Rome is pretty stroller friendly. The streets are uneven and there are lots of curbs, but overall it's pretty easy to get around with a stroller. I know we took ours through the Vatican museum and St. Peter's. If nothing else, having a stroller gives you a place to carry your diaper bag or anything else you'd otherwise have slung over your shoulder.
thanks Meredith- we will carry our daughter on a carrier to the Borghese Gallery- hope she stays awake!
Shri, if by carrier you mean backpack or one of those "front packs" you will still have to check it to get into the Borghese gallery. They won't let you carry in anything- except the baby.
Donna
So we should expect to carry our daughter for 2+ hrs in Borghese gallery! We may have to take turns carrying her or maybe skip it all together.
Thanks Donna
