Easter Weekend in Rome

Rome had been on our family list for a while, so this year we decided to spend Easter weekend there together. It's the perfect mix of history, food and fun, all wrapped up in a short break long enough to see all the important bits and short enough to all still be friends at the end of it !! :)) That's families for you !

Getting there and where we stayed

We flew from Bristol on Good Friday and headed straight into the city. From the airport it was an easy journey by public transport on the Leonardo express, then a short walk from Cipro metro station to our hotel, Mama Shelter Roma, where we spent four nights.

Mama Shelter is just a couple of stops from the Vatican, in a mainly residential area with a handy local shop and café nearby, and the metro only about five minutes’ walk away, so it felt peaceful but very well connected. You are two stops from St Peter’s and the Vatican, close enough to dip in and out of the very busy centre but with a quieter base to come back to.

We had a Mama Medium Double and a Mama Triple Family Room, which worked really well. The family room was spacious, with a double and a single bed and a modern bathroom. The double room was more compact, with a high window and no real view, but again had a good sized bathroom and the fun, modern design Mama is known for. There is also a rooftop bar which was not yet open for the season, but it looks as though it would be a fantastic spot in summer.

The hotel has a lively, buzzy feel, with families, couples and multi generational groups. We ate in the hotel restaurant on the first night and really enjoyed the atmosphere, food and service. Breakfast was generous with plenty of choice, although it was very busy at peak times. There is even a football table which definitely appealed to the “kids”, despite them being adults now !

Good Friday and Easter Saturday, the Vatican, Pantheon and city sights

We planned the Vatican for our first full day. The weather was glorious, so we stopped in St Peter’s Square on the way in to soak up the atmosphere. Rome at Easter is extremely busy and this was very noticeable at the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. I have visited before at quieter times of year and the contrast was huge. The Sistine Chapel was still wonderful to see, but it was packed, so timed tickets and realistic expectations are important if you are visiting at Easter.

From there we wandered through the centre and past the Pantheon. We had not pre booked to go inside and the queues were long, so we decided to save it for next time. It is yet another excuse to go back.

On Saturday afternoon we took one of the hop on hop off open top bus tours. This is a great way to get your bearings and listen to the audio guide as you loop around the city. We hopped off at the Spanish Steps to explore the steps themselves and the smart designer shops nearby, then stopped for a gelato pit stop in the warm sunshine.

That evening we had booked Emma’s for dinner. It was a tube ride and then a walk, and while it was a good meal, there are probably restaurants closer to the hotel I would try next time. Afterwards we headed over to Trastevere, which is a fantastic area for evenings, with cobbled streets, little bars and restaurants and a really lively yet relaxed feel. We loved the atmosphere there and it worked brilliantly with older teens and twenty somethings.

We also made time to walk to Largo di Torre Argentina, the archaeological site where Julius Caesar was assassinated. It is one of those places that would be easy to walk past, but when you stop and listen to the stories or read up on the history, it really hits you that these ruins were once the backdrop to some of the most famous events in Roman history.

Just wandering Rome like this is like walking through a living museum. You turn a corner and find a church, a statue, a fountain or a fragment of ruins that tells another piece of the story.

Easter Sunday, pizza, gelato and a slower pace

After two packed days we enjoyed a slower start on Easter Sunday. We had a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, then spent some time wandering, shopping and just soaking up the atmosphere. We stopped at Piazzo Navona for an Aperol and to watch the world go by.  

In the afternoon we had booked a pizza and gelato making class, which turned out to be a real highlight of the trip. The class was full of families of all ages and was really well run. We made pizza from scratch and then sat down to eat our creations at the end, with a choice of wine, beer or soft drinks included. We also made our own gelato as a group and, of course, got to eat that too. Everyone received a certificate which was a fun touch and it was a lovely way to do something hands on together. 

From there we made our way to the Trevi Fountain, which is one of those iconic sights that is as busy as you would expect but still a must see. We took our photos, tossed our coins to guarantee a return to Rome, then headed back to the hotel for a drink and a rest.

Easter Monday, Colosseum and Palatine Hill

On our last full day we joined a guided tour of the Colosseum and Palatine Hill. Easter weekend is an extremely popular time, so I would absolutely recommend a pre booked guided tour with headsets. Being able to hear the guide clearly above the crowds made a big difference and really brought the history to life.

Rome’s metro is a really efficient way to get around, but it does come with the usual big city warning. It is true that Rome has a reputation for pickpockets, so I always advise clients to keep valuables secure, use cross body bags, be extra aware when trains are crowded and never keep wallets or phones in back pockets. A few simple precautions make it much easier to relax and enjoy the journey.

Again, Rome was very, very busy and if you are not a fan of crowds, I would probably suggest a different time of year. But despite the queues and the sheer number of people, we still loved it. When in Rome, you soak it all up and make the most of it.

Would we go back?

Yes, definitely. We all agreed we would not choose Easter again as it is just so busy, but we absolutely want to return to Rome. We have now tossed our coins into the Trevi Fountain, so we have to go back.

For families with older teens or grown up children, Rome works brilliantly as a long weekend. You can see a lot in three or four nights, mix big “must see” sights with relaxed meals and fun experiences like cooking classes, and enjoy a city that feels alive from morning until late at night.

If you would like help planning your own Rome city break, whether that is over Easter or at a quieter time of year, I would love to help you find the right flights, hotels and experiences to suit your family.