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Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

Original poster

Rome for older teens travelling on own for first time

31 replies

Cathpot · 22/09/2024 21:28

DD and a couple of friends had been hoping to go on a 6th form trip to Rome at Easter but it’s been cancelled. They have the itinerary ( history based) and plan to do it themselves after A levels . I’ve not been to Rome for 30 years and while I loved it , I had a couple of hairy moments and I was a great deal more streetwise and well travelled than DD. I really want her to go and have fun- any recommendations for good places to stay and any general tips from experienced Rome visitors very welcome. I know it’s early for planning- but thinking about it is cheering her up when work is a bit much.

OP posts:
samarrange · 30/09/2024 13:23

If she flies with Ryanair, they land at the old Ciampino airport which is (unusually for Ryanair) very close to the city. The bus into town only takes about 20 minutes. In contrast, the main airport (Fiumicino) is miles away.

AllThePotatoesAreSingingJingleBells · 30/09/2024 13:23

EffortlesslyInelegant · 22/09/2024 22:14

I think first priority is to ensure that they stay somewhere central. Avoid the area around Termini which always seems more attractive because it's generally cheaper. It can be a bit iffy up there. Rome is always busy and I've never felt unsafe at night there but as with everywhere it's wise to do your research. I'd say anywhere around the Pantheon, Spanish Steps, Via Nazionale, Via Cavour would be good places to start.

Yes absolutely stay away from this area, it’s dangerous at night.

AllThePotatoesAreSingingJingleBells · 30/09/2024 13:27

I would recommend buying a Roma pass. Gives entry to most of the big attractions as well as the sightseeing bus.

https://www.romapass.it

Other than that if planning to go to the Vatican something to cover shoulders. They sell scarves for this outside but £££

Roma Pass

Roma Pass

The cards that offer transport, free museums, discounts and reduced price ticketing for events, exhibitions and tourist services

https://www.romapass.it

DickEmery · 30/09/2024 13:39

The Borgo area, from the Vatican to the river, is very safe. Lots of pilgrims/religious types stay here and it is also a residential neighbourhood for Roman families. Plenty of people wandering around late into the evening, the older business owners who have been there a long time know each other and it has a nice community sort of feel. It is a little further from the centre but lots of buses and trams etc go there and it is of course right next to the Vatican and the Castle.

boymum1989 · 30/09/2024 16:36

A credit card is essential, or back-up means of paying for things other than a phone and normal bank card. And a powerbank charger for emergencies.

I went to Florence with a friend when I was 16 and missed my flight home, didn't have enough money on my debit card for an alternative flight and my phone ran out of battery. I was trying to call my parents on the payphone, but no one was home - had a miserable few hours crying in the airport until a kind stranger helped me. I was very lucky...and never late for a flight ever since. Set up a credit card for travel emergencies as soon as I got home!

Original poster
Cathpot · 30/09/2024 22:59

All good tips thank you.

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