We are taking a week's vacation in Rome in February (yes, I like to get things organised well in advanced) with our 2 children, aged 11 and 12. We have booked an apartment in the city centre (near the Colleseum sp?) and we are pretty much sorted with our itinerary of what to see and where to go in the city (as well as a day trip to Pompeii). Any suggestions would be much appreciated on restaurants and markets? Thanks..

Hang around the Trevi Fountain after dark (which won't have you out too late if you're going in Feb). The place clears out in the evening. My husband and I stayed nearby and loved having it to ourselves in the evenings. There's an excellent ice cream/gelato place nearby. YUM.

Don't miss the Vatican. Climb the dome, take the elevator, but get to the top of St. Peter's. Look out for the screwball overcharges on restaurants around the Vatican. Make them account for everything when they tally up their bill. (Long story, but I wish I'd had that warning before I went and not lived it.)

Don't miss the Campo de Fiori in the morning (before noon). It's an outdoor market that is wonderful to look around in, with everything from flowers to trinkets.

Walk to the Pantheon, and read up on how it was built. Truly amazing and well within walking distance of where you'll be.

We had 4 nights/5 days in Rome and saw a lot...It's an amazing city. Just watch out for the scooters. They are e-v-e-r-y-w-h-e-r-e.

Jules

February - be sure and bring warm clothes as it will be very cold. Good for you for making plans so far in advance. I do that up to a year in advance for a place I particularly want. YOu will enjoy an apartment has it gives you so much moor romm and you feel like you belong rather than just a tourist. it is so much fun to shop at the local markets and cook their wonderful fresh veggies, etc. Never having been there in February I'm not sure about the outdoor weekly fresh markets that you find in Spring and Summer. But even their local markets have great items.
A good day trip might be a train ride out to Ostia Antica (sp)which is the old sea port and has lots of great ruins.

Restaurants - in our two trips to Rome, we haven't found a bad restaurant yet so don't worry about it. It is surprising that the most asked questions of me whien I travel is where did you eat....Italian food is the best in the world. Have a wonderufl trip ciao

February..warm clothes but layer. I wa there one weekend and wore a sweater undwer a windbreaker as it was 16C...I would suggest your tear up half your itinerary or at least not consider the trip a failure if you dont "do" everything! Would suggest 1 must do each day but have some flexibility (admittedly if reservations needed this is not possible)..then have a list of thing that you might like to do. The kids might be museumed out one day and will need a break. The weather might be gastly and the outdoor act planned would need to be switched..part of the joy of Rome is the wandering which allows you to discover your own special place...this does not mean you shouldnt do your homework! but it does mean dont overplan..your kids will be almost a year older and it is amazing how some (mine) suddenly developed a bit of attitude! Be sure the kids have had input into the sightseeing..have fun.

Hi norma37,

Friends and I were in Rome for over a week in Feb a couple of years ago--it was great! You and your family will have a terrific time.

If you can wait for more tips, I'll be returning for a quick trip next week. (Yes, I love Rome any time of year.)

If you can afford an extragavance-you can pre book a private tour of the vatican and sistine chapel. It is done after hours with a tour guide and a security guard.Pricey but an experience of a lifetime to be alone in the Sistine Chapel. We booked through SelectItaly.com

norma37,
I'm excited for you and your family! We just returned from our 3rd trip to Rome in as many years. My suggestions and comments:
1. Be prepared for the intensity of Rome - I don't know any other word to describe it. It's crowded, loud, fast, stimulating - yet, I love it!
2. Reserve tickets in advance for the Borghese Gallery. We finally had an opportunity this past week to go there. I wish I had done it years ago. While the Vatican Museums are spectacular, they are extremely crowded. The crowds make it difficult for me to appreciate the art as I am constantly going with the flow of people the entire time. On the other hand, the Borghese limits the number of people at a time within the gallery and there is an opportunity to savor the building and art housed within.
3. This may sound silly - but in the larger places, have a meeting point for the fam in case you get separated. Even though we've been there several times, my husband & I were separated in St. Peter's and couldn't find each other for, what seemed, forever. I had stopped to char with a kind, English speaking police officer who worked there during the recent funeral/memorial of the Pope and it was fascinating hearing about it. My husband didn't see me stop and kept walking. Anyway, thus the meeting point.
4. On the topic of being flexible, one day we were tired of the intensity of Rome. On a whim, we went to the train station and took the next train to Assisi for the day - it was delightful! We went to the window and inquired about schedules and where to go for the day and it was spontaneous and one of our favorite memories.

Hope these tips are of benefit! I look forward to hearing about your plans.

Norma,
I have a lot of recommendations for restaurants, gelato, etc. in my trip report called "Family of 4 enjoys 'La Dolce Vita' for 2 weeks." We went in March to Rome,(Venice & Florence) with our two kids age 9 and 12. We had a wonderful time. I started planning our trip for March last June so I know how you feel.

My only tip to you now is that you may want to consider a more central location than the coliseum area. We stayed near the Pantheon and found it to be very centrally located and we were able to walk everywhere. Just our personal experience.

For a market that will probably be open in February for fish, meat, veggies, cheese, etc., try the Testaccio market off Via Marmarota in the Testaccio are. It's a bit of a hike from the Colosseum, but we walked it from our place near the Ponte Palatino. It's very much a local spot.