Splendid Days in Rome: Family, Food and Plenty of Gelato
Last autumn, I went on a little getaway to Rome – but this time without the whole family. Instead, it was just Filippa, my mum and my sister-in-law. We were so excited – it felt like the perfect girls’ trip with a mix of culture, food and shopping.
We flew from Billund and, luckily, I had bought bus tickets for us from the airport in advance. That turned out to be a lifesaver, as there was a strike on the trains that day, and everyone had to queue for buses. We booked through Get Your Guide, which made the trip into the city super easy.
Book bus tickets from Fiumicino airport to centre of Rome.
Our cosy apartment stay
We stayed in a lovely apartment booked via Booking.com, part of the Rome As You Feel chain. The apartment, called Pellegrino, is on Via del Pellegrino – a wonderfully atmospheric street filled with artisan shops, handmade ceramics, jewellery and little boutiques. Perfect to find a cute souvenir to bring home.
We absolutely loved this place – you can book it directly here.
The apartment had a spacious living room with a sofa and a big dining table, two bedrooms and two bathrooms (one en suite, one in the hall). It easily fits 4–5 people, and the sofa even converts into a proper bed, just remember to ask them to make the bed in the living room as well, if you need it. We were greeted by a friendly agent from the company, who gave us a tour and his phone number in case we needed anything. Best of all? A charming terrace where we enjoyed evening drinks.
After settling in, we headed down to Tigre Supermercat, just around the corner, to stock up on cheese, ham and a bottle of champagne to celebrate our arrival. Having a fridge full of cold drinks was perfect after long days of walking.
What we saw in Rome
Of course, Rome is packed with incredible sights, and in five days we ticked off quite a few:
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Trevi Fountain – Busy, but magical. Don’t forget to throw in a coin to ensure your return to Rome.
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Piazza Navona – One of our absolute favourites, with its beautiful fountains and lively atmosphere.
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Pantheon – Stunning inside, and we only queued for about 15 minutes. No need to pre-book.
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Spanish Steps – A must-see, buzzing with life.
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Colosseum – We pre-booked through Get Your Guide, which worked perfectly. Stepping inside is breathtaking. Book your tickers directly here.
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St. Peter’s Basilica – Here’s the truth: it’s free to enter, but the queues are long. We joined at around 10am and waited about 40 minutes. Honestly, it wasn’t bad, and I wouldn’t pay the crazy prices for “skip-the-line” tickets. My advice: go early, bring water and patience – it’s worth it. And no need to book anything in advance!
The rest of the time we simply strolled through the old streets, soaking up the charm of Campo de’ Fiori and the small lanes around Piazza Navona.
Where we ate (and enjoyed gelato, of course)
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Pellegrino Gelateria Monteforte – Our absolute favourite gelato stop. The staff adored Filippa and always slipped her an extra scoop.
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Osteria dei Cappellari – Tucked away gem with just a few tables outside. We waited five minutes for a table, and the couple leaving told us: “We’re from Rome, and this place is amazing.” A pretty solid recommendation.
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Osteria Bacco – Cosy restaurant near Trevi Fountain where we enjoyed a great lunch.
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Trattoria San Pietro – A little spot close to St. Peter’s Basilica with excellent pizza.
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Ristorante 433– Just a 10-minute walk from Via del Pellegrino, this warm and welcoming place on a small square was perfect for a relaxed dinner close to “home.”
Extra tips for your trip to Rome
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Book your airport transfer bus in advance (Get Your Guide is a good option).
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Always carry a bottle of water – especially if you’re queuing for St. Peter’s Basilica. You’re right in the sun while you queue.
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Comfortable shoes are essential. Rome is best explored on foot, and the cobblestones can be tough.
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Don’t over-plan. Some of the best moments happen when you simply wander the streets.
Insider tip: Just around the corner on Via del Pellegrino you’ll spot Osteria da Fortunata. The queue says it all – handmade pasta worth the wait.
Boutique hotel alternatives
If you prefer a hotel over an apartment, here are three boutique-style options in central Rome:
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Hotel Damaso – Charming, with an unbeatable location og a rooftop bar.
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Nerva Boutique Hotel – Stylish and family-friendly, just steps from the Roman Forum. See why travellers can’t stop talking about this place.
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HT6 Hotel Roma – Modern design meets history in the Jewish Quarter. See rates and available rooms.
Restaurant recommendations
Besides the ones we tried, here are three more worth checking out:
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Roscioli – A legendary Roman spot for pasta and wine.
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Emma Pizzeria – Known for its thin, crispy pizzas.
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Trattoria Da Enzo al 29 – Traditional Roman dishes in a cosy atmosphere.
In the end, our five nights in Rome were filled with culture, delicious food and relaxed evenings in our apartment. Having the terrace and kitchen made it feel homely, while the city outside gave us great adventures. I hope to go back some day – and maybe, thanks to that coin in Trevi, I will.
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