A warm, honest guide based on our 3‑day family adventure through the Eternal City.
Rome is one of those cities that stays with you long after you’ve left. It’s loud, beautiful, chaotic, delicious, and deeply human. It’s a place where ancient history sits right next to modern life, where every corner feels like a movie scene, and where you can slow down — even in the middle of the holiday rush — if you know where to look.
Our family spent three unforgettable days exploring Rome before taking a train to Florence, and this guide captures everything we loved, learned, and recommend. We experienced less foot traffic because of the time of year and were able to experience Christmas with the locals, beautifully adorned streets, stores and piazza’s. We also were able to visit Christmas markets and experience the artichokes that are in season for December, this holiday magic added to the season for us.
🏛️ What to See in Rome
1. The Colosseum — More Beautiful Before You Even Arrive
One of the most magical things about the Colosseum is that beauty starts before you reach it. You can spot it from different streets throughout the city, and one of the best unobstructed views is from the small park above it at 4 Via del Monte Oppio.
But if you want the full experience, walk toward the Colosseum through Via dei Fori Imperiali. This wide avenue lined with trees, ruins, and open sky makes the approach unforgettable.
Most Colosseum tickets also include entry to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
2. Trevi Fountain — Beautiful, Busy, and Still Worth It
Trevi Fountain is iconic, but almost always busy. A great tip: across the street, there’s a store with a second‑floor window that gives you a perfect view of the fountain without the crowds.
Trevi Hack- The two images are in the same location a few minutes apart. The difference was street view vs the view across the street on the second floor of the clothing store.
3. The Spanish Steps — A Classic Roman Walk
The Spanish Steps are one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks and absolutely worth adding to your itinerary. They’re located within walking distance of the Trevi Fountain, making them a perfect stop either before or after your Trevi visit.
The steps themselves are beautiful, but the real magic is the atmosphere — street musicians, artists, the energy of Piazza di Spagna, and the view from the top. It’s a great place to sit, people‑watch, and soak in the city.
If you go early in the morning, you’ll catch a quieter, more peaceful moment. Later in the day, it’s lively and full of character.
4. The Pantheon — Our Family’s Favorite
Out of all the cities we visited, the Pantheon was the place our entire family loved the most. It’s breathtaking the moment you step inside.
5.Castel Sant’Angelo — Small, Scenic, and Worth the Stop
Castel Sant’Angelo is a fun, manageable castle experience with great views and a convenient bathroom break.
6. Vatican City — Museum + Sistine Chapel (One Ticket)
The Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel are included in the same ticket. The museum is huge, but the art and history make it worth the time.
Besides the obvious renowned go to’s the Vatican museum has many beautiful pcs to admire. Being able to see up close a cleopatra head statue open not behind glass and marble pcs that were erected from the city’s beginnings is an experience that you should not miss. For this same reason it was stressful with my son to make sure he kept his distance and was kept quiet. The PCs are exposed, which is important for families with young children or those with special needs to remember. They did have some areas with stairs but did have elevators available and wheelchair elevators at staircases.
7. The Catacombs of St. Callistus — Rome’s Underground History
A peaceful break from the city and a surprisingly engaging experience for our youngest, who is autistic and ADHD. The tour guide — a priest — was incredibly kind and knowledgeable.
♿ How Accessible Is Rome for Limited Mobility?
Rome is ancient, so accessibility is a mix of strengths and challenges. Major attractions offer ramps or elevators, but cobblestones and crowds can be tricky. With planning, Rome is still very doable.
🎟️ How We Planned Our Rome Trip
HOW WE USED TURBOPASS & WHY IT MADE OUR TRIP EASIER
Using a Turbo Pass made our trip smooth and stress‑free. Going to a different country for the first time with the kids made my husband and I nervous. So, we decided to go with a well-known reliable option, the Turbopass. It included major attractions, the Hop-On Hop-Off bus, and even a Kolet E-Sim with 1GB of data.
Using the Turbo Pass was one of the smartest decisions we made for our 3‑day Rome itinerary. It simplified everything — transportation, entry tickets, scheduling, and even staying connected.
To see a full list of included items I have a link below- Not sponsored
⭐ Easy Access to Major Attractions
The pass included entry to:
• Colosseum
• Roman Forum
• Palatine Hill
• Vatican Museum
• Sistine Chapel
• Castel Sant’Angelo
• Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
• Several smaller museums and experiences like bike or walking tours
Everything was bundled, which meant no juggling multiple websites or ticket lines.
⏰ Attractions That Require Extra Attention
Some attractions included in the pass still require you to book a time slot:
• Colosseum
• Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
• Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel
These fill up fast, so booking early is essential —
Also, not all attractions are open daily. If something is a must‑see, check the schedule and reserve ahead.
🚌 Hop-On Hop-Off Bus — A Lifesaver
The Hop-On Hop-Off bus was included and became one of our favorite ways to move around the city. It helped us:
• Rest between attractions
• Avoid long walks
• Enjoy scenic views
• Navigate Rome without stress
For families and sensory‑sensitive travelers, this is a huge perk.
🤝 Touristation Roma — The Real MVPs
Touristation Roma partners with the pass, and their associates were amazing. They move between locations and helped us with:
• Scheduling
• Directions
• Understanding what was included
• Offering options when plans changed
Their kindness made a big difference for our family.
📱 Kolet eSIM — A Surprisingly Useful Bonus
The pass included a Kolet eSIM with 1GB of data. It wasn’t enough for the whole trip, but it was:
• Easy to download
• Quick to activate
• Fast
• Helpful with low‑data notifications
My main eSIM was Alosim, but Kolet was a great backup when we needed quick data in between the top up.
Alosim- Worked flawlessly. Fast data, easy setup, and zero stress. I have another blog talking about all the benefits and how to of Alosim, below is the QR code for easy set up.
💡 Why We Recommend the Turbo Pass
It helped us:
• Stay organized
• Save time
• Avoid long lines
• Move around easily
• Keep everyone comfortable
• Stick to our schedule
For a multi‑day Rome trip, it’s absolutely worth considering to save money and have a team along the way to help with the stress from the coordinating.
- What We Ate in Rome
Antico Caffè Del’Brasile — Breakfast With a Colosseum View
This café became one of our favorite breakfast spots in Rome. It offers a beautiful view of the Colosseum, great coffee, delicious pastries, and surprisingly affordable prices for the area.
Another reason we loved it:
It was right around the corner from our hidden hotel gem, making it the perfect place to start our mornings without rushing or navigating crowds.
And unlike many cafés in the area, Antico Caffè Del’Brasile opens earlier, which is a huge advantage when you’re trying to beat the crowds or start your day before the city gets busy.
The best food in Rome wasn’t near the major attractions — it was in the small, local spots recommended by Google reviews and the people we met.
Tempio di Bacco Storico Ristorante (Near Villa Borghese)
Simple, powerful menu. Fair pricing. Something for everyone.
BAR Café & Gelateria Angel’s House (Near Trevi Fountain)
Delicious gelato and sweet treats — perfect break from the crowds.
Come na’ Vorta Pasta e Vino — Via Florida
A must‑try. Incredible pasta, cozy atmosphere, and unforgettable desserts.
🌿 Sensory-Friendly & Slow Travel Tips
• Visit major landmarks early
• Take breaks in quiet churches or cafés
• Choose side streets over main roads
• Stay hydrated
• Don’t rush — Rome rewards slow travelers
Final Thoughts on Rome
I don’t know how people conclude that three days is enough to see Rome. Maybe it’s because we appreciate history, or because we love immersing ourselves in culture, but truly — unless you plan on jam‑packing your itinerary, you won’t see much.
Rome deserves time.
Slow down. Add an extra day if you can. Sit and enjoy your gelato. Look around. Listen. Let the city breathe around you.
Because Rome isn’t just a place you visit — it’s a place you feel.
Something Special was getting to visit during the jubilee and Christmas. So many nativity scenes, décor, trees and Christmas markets. Getting to visit during the holidays was an unforgettable experience my whole family will cherish.
After our three days, we packed our bags, headed to the train station, and made our way to Florence — a completely different kind of beauty that deserves its own story.
See you on my next city…….