TOPFOODTOUR – Rome offers an exciting mix of history, culture, and modern entertainment that is perfect for families traveling with teenagers. Here’s a guide to the best things to do in Rome with teens aged 12 to 15 in 2025, including our very own Street Food Tour and Restaurant Food Tour for a delicious Roman adventure.
1. Ancient Rome Exploration
Kick off your Roman adventure by visiting the Colosseum, one of the world’s most famous landmarks. Teens will be fascinated by tales of gladiators and the grand spectacles held here.
Right next door, explore the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, where the ruins tell stories of ancient politics, markets, and emperors. Walking through these historical landmarks will bring Rome’s storied past to life.
Book your Colosseum and Forum tickets here.
A visit to Vatican City is a must-see for families. The Vatican Museums house stunning artifacts and artworks, culminating in the breathtaking Sistine Chapel. Teens will enjoy seeing Michelangelo’s masterpieces up close.
Consider booking a family-friendly guided tour to engage younger travelers and highlight the best parts of this vast museum.
3. TOP Rome Street Food Tour
Discover Rome’s culinary delights with our Street Food Tour, a hit with teens and adults alike. Explore the lively neighborhoods of Trastevere or Campo de’ Fiori, tasting iconic Roman bites like supplì (fried rice balls), pizza al taglio (sliced pizza), and gelato from some of the city’s best artisanal shops.
Our guides not only introduce you to amazing flavors but also share fascinating stories about the city’s history and food culture, making this both a delicious and educational experience.
Join our TOP Rome Street Food Tour here.
4. Villa Borghese Park
Spend an afternoon at Villa Borghese, the city’s beautiful central park. Teens can enjoy renting bikes or pedal carts to explore the gardens, or visit the Bioparco di Roma (Rome’s zoo). For art lovers, the Borghese Gallery showcases masterpieces from artists like Caravaggio and Bernini.
This park offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling streets and plenty of space for fun family activities.
5. Gladiator School Experience
For a truly unique adventure, sign up for a gladiator training session. This hands-on activity allows teens to learn ancient combat techniques while dressing up as gladiators. They’ll get to live out their Roman warrior fantasies and take home unforgettable memories.
6. Restaurant Food Tour
If your teens are budding foodies, our Restaurant Food Tour is a perfect way to explore authentic Roman cuisine. Enjoy a guided dinner experience at some of the best traditional and modern restaurants in Rome. From carbonara to cacio e pepe, each course is paired with interesting insights into Roman culinary traditions. Teens will love tasting a variety of dishes while learning about the local food culture.
Book your Restaurant Food Tour here.
Explore the eerie underground burial sites of early Christians. The Catacombs of San Sebastiano and San Callisto are particularly fascinating for their history and mystery.
7. Climb St. Peter’s Basilica Dome
Teens will love the adventure of climbing to the top of the dome at St. Peter’s Basilica. The breathtaking panoramic view of Rome from the summit is worth the effort.
8. Try a Virtual Reality Tour of Ancient Rome
Engage teens with a high-tech tour of ancient Rome. Virtual reality tours allow visitors to see the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and other landmarks as they appeared 2,000 years ago.
9. Bike Ride Along the Appian Way (Via Appia Antica)
Rent bikes and explore one of Rome’s oldest roads. The Appian Way is lined with ancient ruins, aqueducts, and picturesque countryside.
10. Learn to Make Pizza or Gelato
Join a cooking class where teens can learn to make authentic Roman pizza or gelato. It’s a hands-on activity that combines fun and food.
11. Explore Castel Sant’Angelo
This fortress offers history, great views, and a chance to explore hidden passageways. Teens will enjoy imagining it as a castle of secrets and power.
Rome is full of adventures that blend history, culture, and fun, making it an unforgettable destination for families with teenagers. Whether they’re diving into history at the Colosseum, tasting local flavors on our food tours, or training as gladiators, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in 2025!
