SandyB

We are going to Rome over New Years' with our 4 college age children (18,19,21,& 22). Of the two areas to stay in an apartment, Trastevere or near the Spanish Steps, which do you think is more suitable of children of this age?

I personally like what I read about Trastevere for my husband and I , less crowded, quietier side of town, but wonder if the children would be happier near the Spanish Steps. I'm trying to decide between 2 apartments: Cantone Apartment in Trastevere or 173 Diamond Via Salandra near the Spanish Steps. Has anyone stayed in either of these apartments?

I know the area around the Spanish Steps is where the action is for young adults. Is the Trastevere area as hopping for young adults? Would they be just as happy at either location, or is one definately a better choice for their age group? I expect they will tour with us during the day, but will want to do their own thing some nights.

Also, has anyone been in Rome during New Years? What is happening during this time that we should not miss? Thanks for your advice.

MFNYC

From whatr I remember, I think the Trastevere area is the better spot for college age kids. I remember the Spanish Steps area as having lots of high end designer stores and hotels. I'm not familiar with that address in trastevere, but I do recall that area having a real 'young people' feel to it. Kind of like Greenwich Village in NYC (where I live). From what I could tell, it appeared that lots of young people live in that area and there's was lots of activity in the street at night.

julie_Colorado

We rented an apartment in the Trastevere section with teenagers and enjoyed it. It is a short walk to the piazza Navarona (sp?)... None of us were excited about the Spanish Steps area - which was a bit further.. then again, none of us are shoppers. Trastervere has wonderful neighborhood restaurants - and is very accessible to the rest of Rome. It's certainly the area I would return to...

kismetchimera

I still cant understand this love affair with Trastevere..I grew up in Rome and never thought that Trastevere was a charming place at all.

I would take the Piazza di Spagna area anytime, especially if you have college kids..

jay

your kids would love the spanish steps. it is where the younger 16-20 kids go. trastevere is for the 22-30 yr old group. there is also alot of shopping around the spanish steps that the kids would like. my 18 yr old daughter found many deals.

PalQ

If you're there on Jan 6, a religious high holiday, the churches have special services. I heard two wonderful renditions of Silent Night in cavernous cathedrals - a giddy experience for me.
Travestere can't be more than two miles from the Spanish Steps. I think the steps area may be fairly quiet during the Christmas-New Years holiday season but anyway don't see why it makes a difference - in any case get some hip guidebook like TimeOut's Rome or Let's Go Italy for nightlife suggestions. I think the Spanish Steps is just a gathering spot for young folk, not that there is anything else special for young adults there. Or maybe your kids would rather stay in a hostel or something and you in a hotel.

SandyB

ttt

Grasshopper

With young people that age, Spanish Steps. No contest.

Surfergirl

When we were there this summer, we found the Spanish Steps was THE place where the kids your kids age hung out and partied. My son never wanted to leave the area!

kismetchimera

Piazza di Spagna was also Trevor my 9 years old grandson, favourite's place..
While we were in Rome last year, we spent every evening there,,people watching while eating a delicious gelato and roasted chestnuts..

Nikki

Maybe the Spanish steps have more action during certain seasons, but when I was there with my teen daughter in February, there wasn't much activity there.

Parker

My sister and I stayed 10 days near the Spanish Steps over Easter this year with four teens. They loved the area! There are tons of kids milling about around the steps themselves plus so much shopping!!

We rented a three bedroom apartment on Via Frattina - perfect and very reasonably priced. See website:

http://www.romehome.de/en/unterkunft.php?unterkunft=16

strass

When my Marine friend was stationed in Rome, he and his buddies loved to hang out in Trastevere...

mr_go

Another vote for the Steps here.

TopMan

The Steps are fine as is Trastevere..just warn your children about all the drug deals that go on at the Spanish Steps...oh YES, they most certainly DO!

cparris

They would like the shops between spanish steps and piazza de popolo...

vernie

I would deinitely recommend Spanish Steps, although Rome is so easy to discover on the 'hoof' .We were told before we went to 'take care' when wandering around the Tratsevere, in fact one old lady, an inhabitant from that district - pointed to my handbag and indicated to keep hold of it tightly.Wherever we went however in Rome - we enjoyed every minute.