Rome with two teenage boys!

Just a couple of modern gladiators!

After Stockholm and before meeting up with the rest of our travel crew in Switzerland, we decided to add a spontaneous 2-night detour to Rome—because, why not?

Rome is hot, intense, a little chaotic… and completely magical. It felt like stepping straight into a history book, only with way better food and a lot more Vespas.

I traveled there alone with two teenage boys, both 16 years old. They loved the town, the history, and asked so many questions along the way to the guides. It made the experience even more special to watch them fully engage with the stories and landmarks.

ArrivalWe had booked a car through Viator to pick us up at the Rome airport. They took us to the Airbnb to drop off our luggage and then drove us into the city to begin our day.

What We SawWe started our guided 3-hour tour at Palatine Hill, followed by the Colosseum, where we had the rare chance to walk on the arena floor. The views, the history, the energy of it all—it was incredible. Having a guide made the experience more meaningful, especially for the kids.

After the tour, we ate lunch at a cozy little restaurant nearby called Lari de Vino—absolutely delicious and just what we needed after hours of walking in the heat. We were so hot and tired afterward that we went straight back to the Airbnb to rest.

The next day, we saw even more:

• Trevi Fountain – Beautiful and crowded. Only Max tossed a coin (and I’m holding him to that wish).

• Pantheon – Stunning and so much grander than I expected. Note: I got scammed buying tickets online—make sure you’re on the official site.

• Vatican City – We did a quick visit to St. Peter’s Basilica and peeked into the Sistine Chapel.

• We also walked and explored—because honestly, walking around Rome is like being inside a museum. I didn’t even know there was a river running through the city!

Where We AteWe started our day with breakfast at Il Pappagallo—excellent choice. Then we headed out on a Golf Cart Tour—honestly, the best decision of the trip. We got to see so many sites and they made stops along the way. We learned history, asked questions, and decided which places we wanted to revisit later. One of the stops was Rome’s best gelato spot: Neve di Latte. Not a huge variety of flavors, but all handmade onsite and absolutely delicious.

That evening, Max (my son) found a restaurant online called Nannarella and made us a reservation. He nailed it—another excellent choice.

What We Ate (Besides Everything)

• Gelato. Pizza. Pasta. Repeat.

  Rome is basically a food tour with ancient ruins in between. We didn’t overthink meals—we just wandered and followed our noses.

Random Joys

• We sat on church steps people-watching, listened to street musicians, and wandered narrow alleyways with laundry hanging above us.

• Everything in Rome feels romantic—even when you’re sweaty, sunburned, and navigating cobblestones.

What to Know

• Comfortable shoes are a must. You’ll walk A LOT—and the cobblestone is no joke.

• It’s busy, always. But don’t let the crowds turn you off. Just lean into the energy.

• Keep coins handy for public restrooms. Or better yet, plan your bathroom breaks around cafés.

• Walking around Rome is like a museum—don’t rush, just take it in.

• Yes, there’s a river! The Tiber runs right through the city and adds another layer of charm.

Pro Tips

• Book official tickets only. I got scammed trying to buy Pantheon tickets—make sure you’re on the official website.

• Bring tip money. For tours like the golf cart tour, it’s good etiquette to tip around 10–20%.

• Taxis will NOT stop if you wave them down. You’ll need to order through an app like Uber or by phone. We managed to grab a couple outside restaurants, but they all wanted cash and charged triple the normal price.

• Neve di Latte is a must-visit if you love gelato—don’t miss it.

• Watch out for pickpockets and street scammers. Some will try to hand you bracelets, trinkets, or “free gifts” and then demand payment. Keep your bag zipped and your guard up, especially around tourist hotspots.

Would I Go Back?In a heartbeat. Two nights was just enough to fall in love, but not enough to fully dive in. I’d go back slower next time—and stay longer.