Where To Stay In Rome With Family 2025 - Most Family-Friendly Areas
Wondering where to stay in Rome with family?
Rome is one of those cities that feels like a giant open-air museum, but don’t worry—it’s not the kind where kids get bored.
This city is packed with history, incredible food, and plenty of places where little travelers can run around and explore.
Whether it’s pretending to be a gladiator at the Colosseum, tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain, or indulging in the world’s best gelato, there’s something magical about experiencing Rome through a child’s eyes.
One of the best things about visiting Rome as a family is that Italians adore kids. Restaurants welcome them with open arms, parks are scattered all over the city, and even the most famous sights usually have something that keeps younger visitors engaged.
Plus, you’ll never have to fight over food—pizza, pasta, and gelato are always on the menu!
But where should you stay to make the most of your family adventure? The right neighborhood can make all the difference, whether you’re looking for easy access to sights, a quieter retreat, or a lively area with plenty of dining options.
In this guide, we have selected the best areas to stay in Rome for families, so you can make the most of your time in this amazing city.
Each area has its own atmosphere, advantages, and disadvantages, which we will detail in the following paragraphs.
At the end of this article, you will find a map highlighting all the areas we recommend as well as the main attractions of the city.
Let’s start with an overview that allows you to quickly analyze which part could be the best option.
Wondering where to stay in Rome with family? Keep reading!
In short: the best areas to stay in Rome with family are the Pantheon & Pizza Novana, Prati, Trastevere, and Monti.
All of these areas are located close to the major sights, but vary in terms of being bustling and convenient.
The Pantheon & Piazza Navona area is perfect for walking to major sights, while Prati offers a quieter atmosphere near the Vatican with great metro access.
Trastevere is a charming, lively district with good transport links, and Monti provides a balance of trendy cafés, small parks, and proximity to the Colosseum.
Pantheon & Piazza Novano: Staying in the historic center means you’re within walking distance of Rome’s top attractions, like the Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum. This area is lively yet pedestrian-friendly, with plenty of restaurants, gelato shops, and charming piazzas where kids can run around.
Prati (Near Vatican City): Prati is a quieter, upscale neighborhood with wide sidewalks, making it great for strollers. It’s well-connected by metro and within easy reach of the Vatican, while still offering plenty of family-friendly restaurants and green spaces.
Trastevere: With its colorful streets, small piazzas, and relaxed vibe, Trastevere is a fantastic choice for families looking for charm and character. While it’s slightly farther from some sights, trams and buses make it easy to get around, and kids will love the lively atmosphere.
Monti: This trendy yet family-friendly district is just a short walk from the Colosseum and well-connected by metro. It offers a mix of quiet streets, cozy cafés, and small parks, making it a great base for exploring without feeling too crowded.
The best areas to stay in Rome with family are:
1. Pantheon & Piazza Novano
If you want to be in the heart of Rome, surrounded by stunning piazzas, historic landmarks, and family-friendly attractions, the Pantheon/Piazza Navona area is hard to beat.
This neighborhood is one of the most beautiful and walkable in the city, meaning you can step outside your hotel and immediately find yourself in postcard-perfect Rome.
Kids will love running around Piazza Navona, where street performers and artists create a lively atmosphere, while parents can enjoy a coffee at one of the many cafés lining the square.
The Pantheon itself is a fascinating stop for the whole family—its massive dome and oculus make it one of Rome’s most impressive sights, and it’s free to enter.
Staying here means you’re within a short stroll of the Trevi Fountain, Campo de’ Fiori, and even the Spanish Steps, making sightseeing easy without relying on public transport.
The area is also full of great dining options, from traditional trattorias serving kid-approved pasta and pizza to gelato shops on nearly every corner.
And since the streets are mostly pedestrian-friendly, younger travelers can explore safely.
That said, the area has its downsides.
Because it’s so central, hotels here tend to be more expensive, and it can get crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Also, while you’ll be close to everything, the neighborhood isn’t directly on a metro line, meaning you’ll rely on buses or walking more often.
If you plan on visiting the Vatican or other spots farther from the historic center, be prepared for some extra travel time.
Advantages
- Walking distance to top attractions like the Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum.
- Pedestrian-friendly with lively piazzas perfect for kids.
- Plenty of family-friendly restaurants and gelato shops.
Disadvantages
Hotels tend to be more expensive due to the prime location.
Can get very crowded, especially in peak season.
No direct metro access, requiring more walking or bus rides.
Best for: staying as close as possible to the heart of Rome’s tourist attractions.
2. Prati (near the Vatican)
Prati is a fantastic choice for families looking for a quieter, more relaxed stay while still being close to major attractions.
Located just outside Vatican City, this district is home to wide, stroller-friendly sidewalks, elegant streets, and a local atmosphere that feels less touristy than the historic center.
It’s a great base for visiting St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and Castel Sant’Angelo, all within walking distance.
Plus, with the Lepanto and Ottaviano metro stations nearby, getting to other parts of Rome, like the Colosseum or Spanish Steps, is quick and easy.
Parents will appreciate Prati’s excellent dining scene, with plenty of trattorias and family-friendly restaurants that aren’t as overpriced as those in more tourist-heavy areas.
There are also small parks and open spaces where kids can take a break from sightseeing.
While the neighborhood isn’t as packed with iconic landmarks as the historic center, its peaceful vibe makes it a great retreat after a long day of exploring.
Advantages
- Close to Vatican City and well-connected by metro.
- Wide sidewalks and a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere.
- More affordable dining options than the city center.
Disadvantages
A bit farther from major sights like the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain.
Lacks the historic charm of central Rome.
Fewer pedestrian-only streets like the historic center.
Best for: a quieter experience with good access to major attractions and the metro.
3. Trastevere
Trastevere is perfect for families looking for a mix of charm, character, and a vibrant local atmosphere.
This colorful district, known for its cobblestone streets, lively piazzas, and excellent food scene, sits just across the Tiber River from the historic center.
While it doesn’t have as many big landmarks, it offers an authentic Roman experience, with plenty of space for kids to explore.
The Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere is a great spot for families to relax, and nearby Villa Doria Pamphili, Rome’s largest park, is a fantastic escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Transportation is relatively easy, with trams and buses connecting Trastevere to the main attractions.
Plus, the area is packed with fantastic restaurants, making it a great place for family dinners after a day of sightseeing.
However, keep in mind that Trastevere’s charm also means cobblestone streets that aren’t the most stroller-friendly and a slightly farther distance from major tourist sites.
Advantages
- Beautiful, authentic atmosphere with lively piazzas.
- Great restaurants and gelato spots for families.
- Close to green spaces like Villa Doria Pamphili.
Disadvantages
Cobblestone streets can be tough for strollers.
Not within immediate walking distance of major landmarks.
Can get noisy in the evenings, especially near busy squares.
Best for: an authentic experience while not too far away from the major sights.
4. Monti
Monti is a fantastic option for families who want to stay in a trendy but relaxed neighborhood that’s still super close to major sights like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Piazza Venezia.
This district has a unique mix of hip cafés, local boutiques, and quiet streets, making it a great blend of convenience and charm.
Unlike busier areas, Monti feels a bit more local, with hidden piazzas where kids can play and plenty of spots for a casual family meal.
One of the biggest advantages of staying in Monti is its great metro access—Cavour station is right in the neighborhood, making it easy to explore the rest of Rome.
It’s also within walking distance of Termini Station, so arriving and departing from the city is hassle-free.
However, some streets in Monti can be hilly, which might not be ideal for little legs or strollers.
And while it’s generally quieter than the historic center, certain parts can still be lively at night, especially near popular restaurants.
Advantages
- Walking distance to the Colosseum and Roman Forum.
- Well-connected by metro and close to Termini Station.
- Trendy but not overly touristy, with plenty of local charm.
Disadvantages
Some hilly streets that may not be ideal for strollers.
Can be lively at night in certain areas.
Not as many large open spaces for kids to play.
Best for: families traveling on a budget and are comfortable staying a bit away from the center with great access to the metro.