Did you make it the year to take the whole family to Rome?

Traveling to Rome in large groups can sometimes pose unique challenges. Hotels and restaurants are often smaller, streets are narrower (by default – the cars are too), and if your group is multi-generational chances are everyone is going to want to do something different. Here are some tips of where to eat and stay, how to get around, and what to do if you’re travelling to Rome in a large group.

Where to eat with a big group in Rome

Restaurants are smaller in Rome, which makes accommodating larger groups more difficult – often impossible. Of course you can always ask your concierge for help, but here are a few creative ways to dine in Rome with a large group:

Pizza in the Piazza

Every piazza has a pizzeria, and with no open-container laws feel free to bring your beer outside. Sit on the steps of a fountain or on some benches and people-watch the evening away!

Eat al fresco

Though restaurants are small inside, they often expand outside. Weather permitting, you can find plenty of places around the big piazzas in Rome with plenty of seating out front. Carry a sweater with you in case it gets chilly.

Dine early

Normal dinner time in Italy is after 8pm. If this is too late for you, you’re in luck! Many places are still open for aperitivo earlier (about 6pm) so you can beat the rush. You’ll get your food a lot faster too!

Baullari I Vacation Apartment by ROMAC

Where to stay with a big group in Rome

One of the most costly and inconvenient aspects of traveling in a big group is accommodation. The most charming hotels in Rome are also the smallest, which makes getting connecting rooms or even rooms near each other impossible. The best option is renting an apartment – a big one. Apartments for large groups of up to 14 guests are available in the center of Rome offering not only the convenience and security of being together but also individual privacy.

ROMAC offers plenty of choices all over the historic center for large groups visiting Rome. Read about some of the biggest apartments below:

Baullari Apartments (3 large apartments, I, II & III)

A decadent palazzo at Campo de’ Fiori, each apartment accommodates up to 14 guests.

Campo Marzio

Just a short stroll away from the Spanish Steps, Campo Marzio is the ultimate in space and privacy. With three floors, two kitchens, 6 bedrooms and 5 baths it’s the perfect home away from home for, seriously, the whole family.

Mazzini

If you’d like to be near the Vatican, this beautifully restored apartment accommodates 14 guests features sparkling terrazzo floors and a lovely common room for dining and lounging.

Principe Amadeo

Strategically located near Termini Station, this apartment can accommodate up to 12 guests is close walking distance to both the Colosseum and the elusive Monti district, full of charming, ivy-covered buildings that host cute little cafes and restaurants.

Bringing small children with you?

ROMAC offers families travelling children exclusive access to it’s Dolce Family apartment located near the Spanish Steps. Read about the go-to family accommodation in Rome here.

How to get in and around Rome with a large group

Renting an NCC (noleggio con conducente, or rented vehicle with a driver) is easy and inexpensive for a big group. Renting an NCC means you can escape the urban chaos for a day and to head to the beach, explore the countryside, or spend the day at any of the beautiful lakes outside Rome.

What to do with a big group in Rome

One of the biggest struggles traveling in large groups anywhere is planning activities so everyone is happy. Here are a few tips to keep smiles on everyone’s face while on vacation in Rome.

Book a private tour

Large groups in group tours are harder to manage and less flexible for you and your tour guide. With a large group, you can book a private tour at a better price and be more flexible with your time and what you see.

Use the piazzas

This may seem like a no-brainer – but use the piazzas as they were designed! Not everyone in your group will agree, so let everyone go their own way and set a meeting time and place. So how about a piazza! Choose a piazza in a different part of the city each day and then spend your evening talking about what everyone did that day.

Picnic in the park

Villa Borghese is like Rome’s Central Park, and a great place for large groups to relax and have some space. Hit a pizzeria or open market for lunch and bring it with you. Rent bikes and cycle around until dusk. Sometimes the most ad hoc activities make the most lasting memories.

Thank you for reading our blog!

We’d like to show our gratitude with a gift! Use the code BLOGPROMOCODE when booking your vacation rental on ROMAC and enjoy 5% off your total stay through December 31, 2019!

Offer is available all year. No black out dates and even available on special offers. We appreciate you!

Have you travelled to Rome or another European city in a large group and have some tips or advice for our readers? Leave some ideas in the comments below!