starzizzle

We will be in Rome for 5 nights with our 3 year old end of January and if i stay around Piazza Navona (which I am assuming is located near most touristy places), what train station would I be getting off at coming from Florence? Also, are there other areas that are safe? Are taxi fares reasonably cheaper in the city? or is it better to stay around the train station? What are some of the kid friendly places that are recommended here? Thanks!

bvlenci

Coming from Florence, you'd get off at Roma Termini. Piazza Navona is very central, but the historic center of Rome is very compact, and safety is not a problem in central Rome. There are some pickpockets, but even that isn't a serious problem if you take normal precautions: be alert in crowded places, keep your valuables well concealed, sit or stand away from the doors on buses and the metro.

The area around the train station is very convenient for transportation, but is more modern, and less charming, than the historic center. Another very convenient area is the Jewish Ghetto, and the Campo de'Fiori.

Taxi fare are relatively inexpensive in Rome compared to other major cities. The fare from Termini station to Piazza Navona should be around €12, give or take a few.

I'm not sure what you mean by "kid-friendly". Almost all restaurants in Italy are very welcoming to small children, if that's what you mean. They will usually prepare you a simple plate of pasta with tomato sauce for the child, even if you don't see it on the menu.

If you mean kid-friendly sightseeing, in my experience a three-year-old is easily amused. My granddaughter at that age loved the fountains of Rome, and the various museums and churches we visited. I would probably not visit the Vatican Museums with such a small child, because they are huge and very crowded. If you go to any museums, I suggest visiting some of the less famous, and don't stay long. Stop in front of statues or paintings and tell her the story they illustrate. If you don't know the story, talk about some of the details. "Why do you think that man is hiding?" "Look at this woman's beautiful red scarf." "You can see a little town on the hill here. Do you think they came from that town?"

fmpden

Over the years we prefer to stay in the Termini area primarily for it local transit. Termini is the hub for most of the buses. We wonder all over Rome and if we get tired of walking or lost, see a bus with Termini on the front we know we can hop on take back to our hotel area. We like the area a number of small, local restaurants. We primarily use Hotel Sonya across from the Opera House and Hotel Aberdeen a little further from the station.

ANUJ

The Monti area, which lies half-way between Termini and the Colosseum (and therefore walking distance from both) is pleasant to stay as well.

emmajm

We stayed around Campo di Fiori (off Piazza Farnese). Very pleasant and in the evenings I imagine a three year old would be amused just circling the Campo. Central. Lots of restaurants and shops. Small streets to stroll on. Not far from Argentino Largo cat sanctuary which also should satisfy your child. A good part of your trip will be not just the major sites but your home area, so don't limit yourself to areas by the train station just to save 10€.

Taxi from Termini was about 15€. Tipping not necessary.

starzizzle

Thank you all for your suggestions!

skinner8

If you want to sight see in Rome, it would be better to stay in the center somewhere. However, if you have a coach available, Villa Aricia could be a good choice, it may not be such a big inconvenience. The Via Appia, where the Villa Aricia is not a particularly attractive area, and there's really nothing in the area to see or do once your group returns to the hotel. In the center, members could go out in the evening on their own, unless you want to discourage that sort of thing.

I have seen spur-of-the-moment performances by dance troupes on the streets and in the parks in Rome, but I don't know if they needed any special permit.

Coolmover

Coming out of Termini at the Via Margherta exit and walking down that street.
Think it is either 1st or 2nd street you cross look to right to find tourist class Fawlty Towers hotel
Clean and reasonable

MissPrism

Ttt

StCirq

Even though it's not necessarily true, I think a first-time visitor to Rome might assess the area around Termini as being less than safe. Like all train-station neighborhoods, it has the appearance of being a bit seedy. Those of us who are familiar with Rome know how to deal with this and not let it affect our assessments, but for a first-time visitor, it would not be my recommendation.

I always stay at the Hotel Modigliani, on a quiet street not far from the Spanish steps. Very convenient to public transportation and walking to the main sites and just a lovely, somewhat quirky hotel.

TDudette

If your budget can go a bit higher, Raphael, near Piazza Navona is lovely and it's a great location:

http://www.raphaelhotel.com/Welcome-...el-in-rome.htm

On one trip we stayed around the Piazza Cavour at Hotel Isa:

http://www.hotelisa.net/it

Piazza had many busses and there were some nice restaurants in the area. An easy walk to St. Peters when we were in our 30s! You could check that area for hotels in your price range. Walked to Piazza Navona often from there also.

Search also for hotels near TRAM ways in Rome--a wonderful way to get around.