Having been to Italy only twice in my life- in an airport on my way to and from the US on my last trip, but having read a lot about it, I enjoyed reading how you can tour Rome with a family, on a budget. This was written by Megan Taylor, a writer who loves to experience different cultures and discover new things via traveling on regular basis.Rome is a big European city that kids of any age will love - and there are plenty of ways to be frugal in this ancient capital. What's more, it's so easy to book a cheap city break for your family online these days! Here are some tips to make your Rome Holidays memorable for your kids and budget friendly for you.
Frugal Places to visit
No family holiday to Rome is complete without a visit to the Colosseum. Don't bother paying the grand entrance fee - instead be amused by the gladiators in costumes outside the Colosseum and ask your kids to imagine themselves as the great warriors. Your kids will be much happier meeting the gladiators of ancient Rome than looking around an exhibit.
Pop to see the Pope. If you’re at the Vatican on Wednesday your kids will have the chance to see him give his weekly audience. A unique and free event.
If the kids start moaning about the heat in the city or that they're bored of ancient Roman ruins, why not take them to the Explora? Explora is a non-profit museum for under 12s. Your kids can touch and explore the interactive exhibitions to learn about weights and measures, attend a food education workshop or put on a real fireman’s helmet, boots and drive a real fire truck.
For older kids and those that love technology, head to TechnoTown. This is a science and technology activity centre for children aged 11 to 17 years. Your kids can explore a variety of interactive activities, including making sound through graphic representation, creating cinematic special effects and taking 3D photographs.
Frugal Places To Eat
Finding food that isn't chips that your kids like while travelling can be tricky.But Italy is a great place to introduce them to new and exciting flavours. The mouth-watering gelato, freshly made trapizzino, the Spinach Manicotti Marinara and classic risotto. At every street corner there are small cafes and stalls selling exceptional Italian food ataffordable prices - depending on your Italian you could even try haggling!
If your kids crave home-made food, and you crave discount prices, eat where the locals eat. The Trattoria Monti (Via San Vito13a) is a neighbourhood trattoria particulalry popular with locals. The Briciole Favole & Co. (Via di Selva Candida 377) is a pizzeria with children’s entertainment. Alfredo e Ada (Via dei Banchi Nouvi 14) is a small, homely restaurant that serves traditional Roman dishes made with fresh ingredients without a menu but many choices for kids.
Rome is the perfect destination for a family vacation. Its history and culture are unforgettable. Although you'll probably find that it's the different flavours of ice cream and pizza toppings your kids will be asking about when you get home. Such is life.
See my disclaimer.