eating europe food tour rome

Eating Europe

Review Highlights

“ The suppli was delicious and we wish we could find it back home, it is out new favorite Roman street food. ” in 7 reviews

“ Barberini - cornetti & tiramisu, Testaccio market - Cannoli, & Giolitti - gelato. ” in 4 reviews

“ We visited Da Enzo (which I had previously went to lunch, OMG!!!) and had a delicious small plate of melon and prosciutto and some cheese--to die for! ” in 3 reviews

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

Pizzale Clodio 22

Prati, Balduina/Montemario, Balduina Montemario

Serving Roma Area

Amenities and More

Recommended reviews.

• 1 star rating Not good
• 2 star rating Could’ve been better
• 3 star rating OK
• 4 star rating Good
• 5 star rating Great

Select your rating

Overall rating

Thank you, Luca, for the fantastic food tour of Testaccio. Beginning at L'Oasi della Birra, we hit a well-curated selection of food and sites in the neighborhood. Although it was hot outside, the walks between each place were short, and all the stops were organized. We opted for the addon for a few extra drinks, which was fun. I'll be sure to look into anything the tour company does in future visits to Rome and Europe!

See all photos from Harlan E. for Eating Europe

We booked the VIP Golf Cart food tour (evening) with Eating Europe Food Tours and it was FANTASTIC. First, our guide Gabriele was incredible, just a wealth of knowledge. It was SO MUCH food we were absolutely stuffed after. My teenage girls (and myself) could barely eat our pasta dinner which was the last stop before tiramisu AND gelato. It was NOT a tasting tour. It was tons of food LOL. The golf cart was great because we got to see a lot of the city that we would not have otherwise seen in such a short visit. Not any touristy sites, but just neighborhoods and areas that we probably would not have made it to in 2 days. Plus the golf cart was great for a nice breeze and resting in between stops. The tour included: Sorpasso Vin Cafe' E Cucina - Trapizzino and Prosecco (you selected your own Trapizzino from 5 choices. SO good!) Quick stop up at Giancolo for amazing vistas of the city. L'Elementare - Trastevere - Suppli and beer Ercoli 1928 - Charcuterie, Cheese and Aperol Spritz Da Enzo, Trastavere - Jewish Artichoke Ristorante Angelina - Amatriciana, wine, and Tiramisu (Rooftop patio) GIOLITTI - gelato

See all photos from Stephanie S. for Eating Europe

Would give zero stars if possible. Attempted to contact the tour guide/customer service in advance and during tour due to logistical difficulties and received no response for over four hours. This is very simple. If you provide contact information for your customers, then respond when they contact you. When the company finally responded, there was zero acknowledgment that they failed to respond for more than four hours and until well after the tour was over.

Fantastic 4-hour walking food tour through Testaccio- our party of 4 adults enjoyed every step! Delicious food along every stop with excellent narrative and cultural history. Our guide, Francesca was informative and funny! Very knowledgeable of Rome and it's different neighborhoods. We had 7 plentiful stops with a short history lesson at each. I should have booked another one while we're here! Excellent tour! Highly recommend. Bravo Eating Europe!

Beginning of tour, with upgraded wine addition.

Testaccio Market

A friend did the Rome tour last week and said we had to do it too. She was right! Walter was a great tour guide who was witty and knowledgeable. I went with two teenagers who did get bored after two hours, but that's how teens go! Loved the food, and it was so fun to have someone put all of this together for us. It would have taken us several days to try all these amazing Rome restaurants and food on our own. The tour was really fun, delicious, and we learned so much. And Walter is hysterical.

This food tour was just amazing! Our tour guide Catherine was friendly and knowledgeable about the area. Reservations were easy to make and there are plenty of different types of tours to choice from which was nice. But, due to losing my purse in Rome, I emailed to ask if I could reschedule for another day. After all, i looked online to try and book a different tour and there were spots left. The company let me know it would be possible to switch to a later tour (5pm rather than 10am) but they charged me €20/p.p. for a "re-scheduling fee". Having i just lost my credit cards, debit card, and other cash, this seemed unnecessary. Especially because there were only 2 other people in our group, so I don't think my group of two were very hard to fit in. Also, while the tour was amazing, half way through I realized the tour I was rescheduled for was not the tour I initially payed for. I was planning on pasta making, but unknowingly ended up on the Twilight food tour, with no pasta making. While it was all an amazing experience, just some miscommunication and technical issues with my experience.

See all photos from Sophia L. for Eating Europe

Taste of Testaccio - This walking food tour came highly recommended and I can see why. Arturo was a wonderful guide - very personable and funny with a quick laugh - as well as well versed in the many variations of delicious Roman food. He had a great rapport with all the shopkeepers, who were very welcoming to our small group. All the food was delicious, but I was especially impressed with the 15 year old red vinegar - so good. But the finale was the best - real gelato topped with whipped cream from a century-old machine. Yum! And we made some great new friends as well! Ciao.

Arturo describing a fresh wheel of Parmesan cheese.

Twilight Trastevere Tour: Such a great experience and so glad we did this for our first night in Rome!! I discovered Eating Europe while browsing travel videos on YouTube- Roma eats for 4 hours, it was no brainer. Company is very hands on and provide super in depth information prior, super easy meeting location. We had the pleasure of doing our tour with Valentina, such a doll- very personable, fun and knowledgeable! All the places we visited were local, had a homie aunthentic Roma feel and the food simply delicious- we tried everything from wine, melon, prosciutto to fresh pasta and gelato, no complaints! Our entire group was lovely and everyone appeared to have had a superb time. Also, we are now obsessed with Sangovese red wine haha! Thank you to Eating Europe and Valentina for starting our Rome vacation out right! Grazie!

I am so glad we chose to spend four hours of our short time in Rome on the Taste of Testaccio walking food tour! It was such a wonderful way to immerse ourselves in non-touristy Rome. Our guide told interesting stories, led us to amazing food and answered all our questions. Note they have several tours in different areas of Rome at different times of the day. It was hard for me to narrow down which one we would take, but timing of our short trip decided for us. Very happy with this one. Four hours well spent and well worth the euros. Highly recommend!

See all photos from Lori R. for Eating Europe

A food tour unlike anything we've ever experienced before. After our long journey from NY to Rome we had a couple of hours to check in and get ready for our Twilight Trastevere tour. We were a little jet lagged and cranky but the second we started the tour our anxieties lessened with each sip of prosecco and morsel of freshly made bread. I am so happy that we booked this tour for the first night after reading all the reviews that recommended this. The food was all phenomenal, the next bite kept getting better than the last. The history lessons were intriguing. And the company was lovely. I have told everyone I know going to Rome about this tour. I hope I get to experience another one soon!

See all photos from Bridget P. for Eating Europe

8 other reviews that are not currently recommended

Collections Including Eating Europe

By Irene S.

People Also Viewed

The Old Frascati

The Roman Food Tour - Food Tour Rome

Through Eternity Tours

Walks of Italy

Easitalytours

Rolling Rome

Minardi Winery Tours

Rimessa Roscioli

Other Places Nearby

Find more Tour gastronomici near Eating Europe

Find more Tour a piedi near Eating Europe

Find more Tour enologici near Eating Europe

Related Cost Guides

Town Car Service

🍕The 7 Best Rome Food Tours [2024 Reviews]

It’s no wonder why the Eternal City is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. I mean, Rome has one of the richest histories of any city, with mouthwatering dishes, breathtaking architecture, amazing museums, and so much more.

Today, we are going to focus on the aspect that I perhaps enjoy the most of all of them: the food!

I’ve carefully curated a selection of the 7 top Rome food tours out there today, that will have you savoring traditional Roman classics through vibrant markets, hidden trattorias, and everything in between.

I know your stomach is growling, so let’s get started!

Have a look at our reviews of Colosseum Tours , Vatican Tours and Tuscany Day Trips .

Best Food Tours in Rome

Quick answer: the 7 best rated rome food tours for 2024.

• Rome Food Tour – Unlimited Food & Free-Flowing Fine Wine (Barolo)
• Rome Twilight Trastevere Food Tour with Eating Europe
• The Award-Winning PRIVATE Food Tour of Rome: 6 or 10 Tastings
• Small-Group Rome Food Tour: Trastevere Campo Fiori Jewish Ghetto
• Food & Wine Tour by the Vatican City
• The Roman Food Tour including Visit to the Trionfale food market
• Rome Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

Best Rome Food Tour Reviews

1. rome food tour – unlimited food & free-flowing fine wine (barolo).

• Duration:  4 hours
• Departure: Via Cipro, 4 L, 00136 Roma RM
• Departure Time: Between 3:30 to 7:30 PM
• Includes:  Bottle of water, Food tasting, Tour escort/host, Dinner, Alcoholic Beverages, Snacks, Lunch

Imagine walking through the streets of Rome with a local expert, enjoying unlimited food and wine. It sounds like a dream, but with this first tour it will be made reality for you!

The Rome Food Tour – Unlimited Food & Free-Flowing Fine Wine (Barolo)  will leave you skipping the tourist traps and take you right into the heart of the best local eats and hidden gems that Rome has to offer!

Whether it’s your first or fiftieth time in the city, I feel like you’d be missing out by not taking this experience! I’d been to Rome before this, but after taking this tour I realized just how much I’d been missing out on  real  Italian cuisine!

I was going to all the “best-rated” Italian places in the area, but they were all the typical touristy spots that charge you an arm and a leg for dishes that taste pretty similar to what I could get at the Olive Garden.

With this guided food tour, we met up with our guide near the Cipra metro station where we were able to explore the area and sample over 20 different foods!

Expand To See More See Less

At La Nicchia Cafe, we were able to try the Mozzarella di Bufala campana, tons of tasty prosecco, aged Parmigiano Reggiano, balsamic, and so much more!

My personal favorite was the Ricotta with white truffle-infused honey which was creamy, sweet, and savory.

Bonci Pizzarium is owned by the “Michelangelo of Pizza”, and was recommended by countless food icons, including the legendary Anthony Bourdain!

With nearly 100 different combinations, you’ll get to try pizzas you haven’t even thought of before! La Tradizione is the place to go for cheeses and cured meats paired with amazing fine wines, and Il Segreto near the Vatican provides on-point, al dente pasta with even more wine!

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, other experiences you may enjoy:, 2. rome twilight trastevere food tour with eating europe.

• Departure: Piazza S. Bartolomeo All’Isola, 22, 00186 Roma RM
• Departure Time: 4:00 PM
• Includes:  13 samples at 7 different tasting locations, Wine, beer and water, Local English-speaking guide, Rome – A food lover’s guide

This next tour is actually the first tour of Trastevere, and with their expertise and vast knowledge, it’s obvious they have over a decade of experience under their belt.

The Rome Twilight Trastevere Food Tour with Eating Europe  is more focused on quality over quantity, so you won’t get to try as many different types of foods.

However, the ones you  do  try are made to be savored and not rushed, and are well worth the time spent enjoying and learning about.

Trastevere is a lively neighborhood known for its nightlife, beautiful architecture, and is also one of the best “foodie” neighborhoods in Rome. However, with this tour you’ll be receiving VIP access to some of the area’s trendiest, most well-reputed food institutions.

Start off the tour by meeting up with your guide and learn some insider tips into the best types of dishes found in this area and what to look out for.

We met up at the Isola Tiberina, where we walked together with our guide and the rest of our group across the Ponte Cestio, crossing the river to Trastevere.

The first stop of the day was at Via dei Vascellari, where we kicked things off with a toast with DOC prosecco and plenty of traditional Roman dishes at Da Enzo al 29. It’s been serving Romans for nearly 100 years and is by far the most well-known trattoria in the entire city.

I loved trying delicious homemade cookies at the famous Via della Luce, followed by the amazing roast pork and beer at the Via Natale del Grande.

The supplí was phenomenal, along with the various pasta dishes and gelato after exploring the area. We even learned how gourmet gelato came to Roma, and the differences between “real” and “fake” gelato!

Search For Other Top Rated Rome Experiences You May Enjoy:

3. the award-winning private food tour of rome: 6 or 10 tastings.

• Duration:  3 hours
• Departure:  Hotel pickup and drop-off available
• Departure Time: Between 12:00 to 7:00 PM
• Includes:  Private Personalized Tour, local guide, 6 or 10 food & drinks tastings of high-quality local products – depends on option booked, vegetarian alternatives available, only you and your guide, carbon neutral tour organized by a B-Corp certified company

I find that this tour works well for anyone, no matter your age, background, or knowledge of Roman dishes. The Award-Winning Private Food Tour of Rome: 6 or 10 Tastings  is perfect for first-time visitors who are not only interested in the food scene, but Rome’s history.

If you’d like to learn about local culture more in-depth than what most Rome tours offer, you’re in the right place. I really like the fact that even though it isn’t a particularly lengthy tour, they even come and pick you up from your hotel.

This is a huge weight off my shoulders, especially when I’m traveling in a foreign country and don’t know how to get around very well, yet. This casual strolling tour perfectly showed off authentic Roman culture, providing me with a perspective I hadn’t seen of this city before.

I’ve always felt like food is a very personal thing, so it made sense to take a private culinary tour with a local foodie who took us to various stops to sample dishes.

We met our guide at Campo de’ Fiori where we started things off with a quick tour of the square, which was exemplary of Rome’s outdoor market traditions.

We then headed to Ponte Sisto, which crosses over the river Tiber and offers beautiful views of the city on the way to Trastevere.

Once in Trastevere – one of the biggest foodie neighborhoods in Rome – we went through and tried some classics like buffalo mozzarella and gelato. After that, we checked out Palazzo Farnese, where we learned about and tried various dishes and drinks.

After all that, we all laughed and chatted while making our way to the Chiesa di Santa Margherita Catholic church, admiring the beautiful 12th-century mosaics and opulent interior.

4. Small-Group Rome Food Tour: Trastevere Campo Fiori Jewish Ghetto

• Duration: 3.5 hours
• Departure: Via Dei Baullari, 106, 00186 Roma RM
• Departure Time: 10:00 AM, 5:00 PM
• Includes:  Morning & Evening: 15 samples in 5 locations with with pasta & local fried (VIP restaurant entrance), 3 quality wine tastings at different spots, English-speaking local guide, best restaurants guidebook & cookbook for free, Campo de Fiori Market tour in morning departure

How does a small-group setting while venturing through the best architecture, food, and culture Rome has to offer sound?

You’ll get to experience all that and more with the Small-Group Rome Food Tour: Trastevere Campo Fiori Jewish Ghetto ! I find this tour to be the perfect date-night activity and a great alternative to going out to a nice restaurant!

The tour clocks in at around 4 hours, but I appreciate that they offer both morning and afternoon tour start times to make it easier to fit into busy schedules. Regardless of the start time you choose, though, I highly recommend arriving very hungry as you’ll be trying a lot!

However, I’d even be willing to recommend this selection if you or someone else in your party is a big history buff, as our guide covered a lot.

We started things off in Piazza Farnese, where we met with our guide and headed towards the first stop in Campo de’ Fiori which is known for its legendary outdoor food market.

This is the best place to get fresh vegetables, meats, and cheeses. We were able to purchase items (if we wanted), meet some vendors, try samples of various foods, and soak in the culture of doing “grocery shopping” here.

We then arrived in Trastevere, which is incredibly charming thanks to its cobblestone streets, beautiful homes, and some of the most delectable restaurants and cafes in the world.

Our guide led the way through some of the most well-kept secrets that I’d probably never have tried, otherwise.

Getting to see the Jewish Quarter was enriching, learning about the unique history of this neighborhood while trying delicacies like supplí, fried artichokes, codfish, and much more.

5. Food & Wine Tour by the Vatican City

• Departure: La Nicchia Cafe, Via Cipro, 4L, 00136 Roma RM
• Departure Time: Between 4:30 to 7:30 PM
• Includes:  Food tasting, Wine tasting, Snacks, Bottled water, Alcoholic Beverages

I’ll admit that food isn’t one of the first things that come to mind when I think of Vatican City. However, I was surprised that the surrounding neighborhoods of Prati and Trionfale are filled with amazing wine and cuisine selections.

The Food & Wine Tour by the Vatican City  is perfect for any age, background, and food preference – even offering substitutions for just about any allergies and food restrictions!

If you’re already planning on going to see the Vatican Museums, this culinary tour is a must-do! We started our tour by meeting our guide at La Nicchia Cafe, which is known for whipping up some of the finest Roman dishes and drinks!

We definitely started things off right, with a 30-year aged balsamic vinegar drizzled over Parmigiano Reggiano, along with truffles, buffalo mozzarella, and DOCG Frascati superior wine.

By this point, I trusted my guide to take me pretty much anywhere, displaying her vast knowledge on all things “Rome” and “Roman food”, along with being fun and very personable.

Our next stop was the Ristorante Pizzeria Falcone, where we were able to try typical Roman pizza (not shy of any kind of sauces, veggies, proteins, cheeses, etc.). I was very intrigued at just how different it was from Neopolitan pizza, but I was very much a fan!

After this, we went to Bonci Pizzarium, which is known as Rome’s #1 pizza and offers a massive selection of different types of – you guessed it: pizza.

Our last stop of the day was at the Hostaria Dino e Tony, where we reveled in handmade pasta dishes and tiramisu, washed down by some of the most delicious wine I’ve ever had the pleasure of trying.

Overall, this was an amazing tour right from the very beginning, with plenty of fun stories to keep us engaged throughout!

6. The Roman Food Tour including Visit to the Trionfale Food Market

• Departure:  Via Cipro, 4L, 00136 Roma RM, Italy
• Departure Time: 10:45 AM
• Includes:  Food tasting, wine tasting, tour escort/host

If I were just in Rome for 1 day and I wanted to try as many Roman dishes as possible, I’d probably take this next tour. The Roman Food Tour including Visit to the Trionfale Food Market is the perfect balance between entertainment, history, architecture, and of course, food.

We were able to try nearly 20 different types of dishes, and while that may sound like a ton of food, was digested quite easily thanks to us strolling around in between each stop!

Our tour started off in the morning, which was quite a bit different from any of the other food tours in Rome that I’d taken! This made it easier to schedule into a busy itinerary, as people seem to always have plans in the evening over morning.

It made sense then that after meeting our guide at Venue La Nicchia Cafe, we started things off by trying a typical Roman breakfast!

I briefly explained La Nicchia Cafe up above, but this is the place to go if you’re interested in tasting aged balsamic, truffles, Genovese pesto, buffalo mozzarella, and some of the finest wine.

After this, we strolled on over to the Bonci Pizzarium, which is listed at the number one pizzeria in Rome – which is really saying something if you know about Romans’ passion for pizza!

At Bonci Pizzarium, you’ll see and get to sample pizzas you literally won’t see anywhere else in the world! After this, head to the Mercato Trionfale and learn about this local market and how everything operates.

Al Giardino Del Gatto e La Volpe Srl is one of the most well-respected, family-owned restaurants known for homemade pasta with fine wine (and they definitely delivered!). To follow all those “salty” dishes up, what better way to celebrate a great day than with some artisanal gelato?!

7. Rome Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

• Duration: 2.5 hours
• Departure: Piazza Navona, 14, 00186 Roma RM
• Departure Time: 10:30 or 11:30 AM
• Includes:  3 types of homemade pizza, fried risotto balls (supplí), Italian cheeses, cannoli, artisanal gelato, 2 types of Roman pastas, the Secret Dish, espresso/cappuccino, finest Italian wines, water, non-alcoholic drinks

Last but certainly not least, I bring you the shortest tour of its kind! The Rome Walking Food Tour with Secret Food Tours was simply a blast, and while it only lasts 2.4 hours, really packs a punch!

It’s a fantastic way to get to try true Roman fare while venturing through the city’s most unique districts, complete with breathtaking architecture, rich culture, and friendly locals.

While this tour doesn’t include a complimentary hotel pickup, our meetup point at Campo de’ Fiori next to Piazza Navona in Rome was very conveniently located. We then asked our guide some questions, got acquainted, and set off to the Jewish ghetto established in 1555.

Learning about the Roman/Jewish ghetto was quite striking, though it was surprisingly established in 555 in Rione Sant’Angelo.

We got to see so many unique and hidden places in Rome, thanks to our expert guide leading the way. She did so in a way that made me trust her, and her energy and passion for Rome were contagious and set a great mood for the entire group.

You can opt to take a small tour or a private tour, and with the private tour, you get a ton of input into your preferences and receive a more customized experience.

Our foodie guide led us through Trastevere, the Jewish Ghetto, and Campo de’ Fiori, which surprisingly all had very different vibes and food dishes. We tried fresh pizzas and pastas, cold meats, tons of cheese, and supplí which I can’t get enough of.

To follow it up, we had a little “dessert” of a tasty cappuccino and creamy gelato! If you want to learn more about Rome’s multilayered history, make sure to add this tour to your list!

Foods Tasted

Tour guides.

The Rome Food Tour - Unlimited Food & Free-Flowing Fine Wine (Barolo) is our Editors CHoice for the best Rome food tour.

Krysha Thayer

Related articles, the 5 best stonehenge tours from london [2024 reviews], the 5 best florence wine tours [2024 reviews], the 7 best vatican tours ⛪ [2024 reviews], the 5 best seine river dinner cruises [2024 reviews].

13 Best Food Tours of Rome: Taste Traditional Roman Food and Learn How to Cook It

A way to add more value to your Italy holiday is to book a city tour to delve deeper and gain a better knowledge of the places you are visiting. One of the main reasons travelers visit Italy is to enjoy its cuisine. With the best food tours of Rome, you will sample regional and Italian delicacies and learn how to make some of the most famous dishes.

Want to spend your day out wine tasting? Or learning how to make pizza? Booking a food and wine tour in Rome is a fantastic way to get to know the city’s flavors.

We found and reviewed some of the best food tours in Rome. Check them out and pick the one that will add value to your  outings in Rome .

Hungry yet? Download our checklist to find 5 unforgettable Rome restaurants!

Table of Contents

Top Rome Food Tours to Make Your Trip Delicious and Unforgettable

Rome testaccio: food & market tour with devour tours.

We love Testaccio. This working-class neighborhood is one of the best places to experience authentic local life and of course, try Roman dishes truly made according to tradition.

By booking Rome Testaccio Food & Market Tour , you will visit small businesses, family-run market stalls, cured meat and cheese delis, and, local trattorias for scrumptious, hearty meals, everything adaptable to your personal needs and diet, so whether you are dairy intolerant, pregnant or follow a pescatarian regime.

With your local expert, you will visit the most iconic places in the Testaccio neighborhood, you will learn the local history and where the traditional food comes from.

Enjoy plenty of tasting while discovering a fascinating side of Roman ancient and modern history as well as its society and culture. At the end of the tour, you will be pretty full but I’m sure you will have some space for a delicious artisan gelato.

» Click here to see the price and to book

Rome Pizza-Making Class & Dinner in Trastevere

If you think you could never learn how to make pizza, think again. We recently joined an exciting pizza-making class in Rome’s Trastevere neighborhood and went back home with the basics to make our own treat.

We kicked off our Trastevere cooking experience in the proper Italian way, with a prosecco-based aperitif. Soon after, our chef and mentor Roberto taught us all the secrets for a perfect dough, a perfect rising, and the right yeast depending on our needs and how much time we have.

After kneading, stretching, kneading, and stretching some more, we were ready to top our pizza with what we liked most, whether it was tomato and mozzarella cheese for a perfect Margherita, cold cuts such as prosciutto cotto ham or sausage, olives, mushrooms, or rocket salad with Parmigiano.

Apart from learning how to make a proper Italian pizza , this Rome cooking class was a great way to spend a fun evening in Trastevere, by enjoying our own homemade pizza and an artisan gelato as dessert.

Click here for more info and to book

Taste Rome like a Local with Devour Tours

Delicious tour around the Jewish Ghetto, the historic center, and Trastevere with Devour Tours. We tried plenty of local specialties from Jewish-style artichokes to Roman supplì to deep-fried codfish.

Drinks were also on the house and during our lovely stroll, we enjoyed local craft beer and a peaceful Campari and nibble-based aperitif on a private rooftop in Trastevere, far from the street noise and traffic.

So far, this has been one of our favorite food tours of Rome and you can read all about our experience here .

Check out our video from the tour!

Taste of Testaccio Food Tour in Rome

One of the best food tours in Rome is Taste of Testaccio by Eating Europe . Testaccio is a fantastic neighborhood. Close to Ostiense , it’s one of my favorites. Here is where the oldest form of Roman cucina povera , poor cuisine, was born. These are some of the neighborhoods I cover in my Rome itineraries for foodies .

In this Testaccio food tour, which we also reviewed in more detail, you will be offered plenty of mouthwatering samples from Roman and Italian traditions and also visit some offbeat attractions.

Make room for some food before starting the walk, you will want to tuck into the delicacies of the local eateries and gourmet stores.

Twilight Trastevere Food Tour of Rome

If your first thought upon landing was about wine tasting in Rome, this Twilight Trastevere Food Tour might well be your perfect itinerary. This is another itinerary organized by Eating Europe and one of the most popular.

This Trastevere food tour takes you around one of Rome’s most famous and touristy neighborhoods.

If it’s your first time in Rome, it’s likely that you want to visit Trastevere . And there is nothing better than having a local guide you and reveal to you the best places to eat and drink.

Lively during the day, Trastevere is best known for being a night hangout place. A favorite neighborhood by Romans and tourists alike, it’s particularly busy in the evening and on weekends.

This evening food tour in Rome will show you the best this former working-class, now gentrified district has lined up for you.

In 4 hours, this walking food tour of Rome will give you chance to sample some of the Italian classic eats like pizza, pasta, cold cuts and cheese, as well as visit a deli that is a perfect Roman street food place . You will also have the opportunity to go wine tasting in Rome by visiting a local cellar.

You will love this culinary adventure of gourmet food, traditional eats and great wine. As a bonus, this Rome food tour in Trastevere includes also gelato and pastries!

Discover 5 of the best hidden gems in Rome!

Pasta-Making Class in Rome: Cook, Dine & Drink Wine With a Local Chef

So you like pasta. It’s that one dish that saves you when you don’t know what to bring to the table. Your family loves it too. It’s probably one of the reasons that made you book that trip to Italy. What if you can make your own pasta?

This is what this Devour Tours Rome food tour is all about. In less than 4 hours, you will learn how to make your own pasta to surprise your friends and family back home.

We took this Rome pasta-making class in Trastevere and felt we really learned to make our own egg-based fettuccine and amatriciana sauce according to tradition.

One of the favorite cooking tours in Italy, this pasta-making class in Rome takes place on a rooftop in the city center. A glass of prosecco wine will kick off your culinary adventure.

You will learn how to make two types of pasta, spaghetti amatriciana and ravioli dumplings, from scratch. The teacher, a local chef, will enrich the class with useful tips to make perfect pasta and match it with the perfect sauce.

When your dinner is ready, you will enjoy it with the chef and your group, pairing it with a bottle of good wine. This is one of the best food tours in Rome to discover local flavors and learn to make them.

READ MORE: If you want to try excellent traditional dishes in Rome, read about our experience at Felice a Testaccio .

Pizza-Making, Trattoria Tasting and Gelato Rome Food Tour

So you like pizza . It’s always a favorite dish when you go out with friends. What if you can learn how to make your own pizza? This Rome food tour will do this and more.

This gastronomy walk in Rome starts in the Jewish Ghetto, a famous neighborhood food-wise. Many famous traditional restaurants are here and often listed in many top-tens.

One of the top Rome food tours, you will go on a journey to delve deep into the Italian tradition. You will visit gourmet deli shops, local trattorias, butchers, and bakeries. You will meet the people working there and also sample some of their products and appetizers. The right wine and beer will be paired with local foods.

After the initial introduction, you will learn how to make pizza in a local pizzeria and will taste your own creation just coming out of the oven.

Your evening food tour in Rome will end with a great gelato and a night stroll where your guide will give you tips on where to eat in Rome.

Make sure you read our guide to the best cooking classes in Rome .

Trastevere Rome: Gourmet Food & Wine Tour with Devour Tours

Spend an evening exploring Rome’s Trastevere neighborhood and discover some pretty exciting places to try Italian drinks from an enoteca for the best wines to a local bar to a traditional osteria to delve into Roman gastronomy.

Make sure you arrive hungry because you will sample plenty of regional cured meats and cheese, hearty pasta dishes, Italian wines, and join a favorite aperitif. Learn the best places to eat in Trastevere and also some typical Italian dining customs.

Evening Wine And Food Tour of Rome with Eating Europe

This food and wine tour in Rome is organized by Eating Europe. In three hours, you will enjoy the stunning sights the city has to offer and go on a delicious food- and wine-tasting walk.

In this culinary Rome walking tour, you will get to know a wide range of Italian wines and foods from all the regions. Your guide will be a local sommelier who will also reveal the best ways of pairing the perfect wine with different dishes and flavors.

This is a great Rome eating tour to taste Italian specialties and learn some pairing techniques to show off with your friends back home. One of the favorite Rome food tours, you will try some of the best cheeses and cold cuts and enjoy a stroll around the Eternal City with your group while having a great gelato.

Secret Food Tours Rome 3-Hour Guided Walk With Tastings

Whether this is your first or fifth trip, you will love this “secret” food tour of Rome. Why? Because you will go wine and food tasting in some of the most offbeat places mainly known (and recommended) by locals.

This Rome food walking tour will take you to some of the most famous landmarks and introduce you to some of the best eateries and coffee shops.

You will start your day with a perfect espresso or cappuccino and carry on with a cultural stroll interrupted only by some pizza tasting.

Some of the places you’ll visit are Piazza Navona, Campo de’ Fiori, the Jewish Quarter and Trastevere. Along the way, your guide will tell you about the history and culture of the city. And obviously, you will have plenty of sampling. You will sample famous pasta dishes that include carbonara, Italian cold cuts and cheeses to round off your journey with a delicious artisan gelato.

Rome Private Food Tour With 10 Tastings

In this 3-hour Roman private food tour, you will be offered no less than 10 tastings. From fresh fruit to chocolate, you will cover much of the Roman and Italian flavors.

Your expert local guide will take you to markets and coffee shops to try an authentic Italian espresso and tuck into local delicacies such as artisan chocolate and cheese. One of the top food tours of Rome, here you will also have the chance to get familiar with Roman street food sampling supplì rice balls and pizza bianca , white pizza, by the slice.

In this gourmet food tour of Rome, you will also try the Sicilian cannoli pastries at one of Rome’s best pastry shops. Some of the places that will be a backdrop of your culinary adventure in central Rome are Campo de’ Fiori with its old food market and the Jewish Ghetto, famous for its food and for influencing Roman cuisine.

Wine And Cheese Tasting in Rome Food Tour

This is a shorter and cheaper food tour in Rome. It lasts a little more than an hour and is perfect if you don’t have much time but still want to discover the local flavors.

Sample local cheese and learn to pair the perfect wine with your food. Experience a proper wine tasting in Rome and understand how to tell apart different colors and smells.

This culinary adventure takes place in a typical wine bar, “Enoteca”, set in a historical building. The shelves filled with the best Italian wines will be the frame of an exquisite journey.

The owners will reveal to you the secrets for enjoying the wines at their best offering a selection of carefully-chosen appetizers including Italian cheese and cold cuts.

Espresso and Gelato Tasting Tour of Rome

Italian coffee is hardly confused with any other. And the typical creamy and velvety espresso you can have in Rome is hard to forget. This unconventional espresso and gelato tasting tour in Rome will take you on a culinary adventure perfect for dessert lovers.

This 2.5-hour Rome food tour takes place in the morning to let you experience a proper Italian breakfast based on coffee and croissants ( cornetti ). You will visit the shop where coffee is roasted, brewed and prepared, and you will learn how to order one the Italian way.

Coffee is not the only treat on this tour. After breakfast, you will go on a gelato tasting (not to be confused with ice cream) and your guide will also take you to sample a local tiramisu. Your stops will be some of the most renowned places in Rome for pastries and coffees such as Sant’Eustachio and Pompi.

This is one of the food tours in Rome to take if you have a sweet tooth and want to know more about local desserts.

Why Take One of The Best Food Tours in Rome

There are many reasons why you should book a food tour in Rome. First of all, it’s a great way to improve your knowledge of local gastronomy. This is always important when you visit a foreign country as culinary traditions reveal a lot of local history and society.

Another reason is that Rome walking food tours are led by local experts. This, apart from being a guarantee to sample the best food and wine, also means that you will get plenty of tips on where to eat for the rest of your trip.

Going on a gastronomy journey in Rome to discover the local food is a great experience for solo travelers as well as families with children. You will love every bit of it and you will hardly need more food for the day!

PIN IT FOR LATER?

About The Author: Angela Corrias

Visiting Rome in June – All You Need to Know (2024 Edition)

Is Rome Walkable? How to Plan and Enjoy a Walk in Rome!

Where to Stay in Rome in 2024 – Top 12 Rome Neighborhoods

Visiting Rome in May – All You Need To Know (2024 Edition)

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Privacy Overview

Protect Your Trip »

19 best rome tours of 2024: food, the vatican & more.

These top-rated Rome tours are led by experts who bring the city's history to life.

The Best Rome Tours

Getty Images

Considered one of the world's best places to visit , Rome offers countless things to do and an endless selection of delicious cuisine. But given the overwhelming crowds and restricted access to ancient sites, it can be difficult to fully enjoy all that Italy's capital has to offer on your own. That's where a guided tour can help.

Based on recent traveler reviews and expert opinion, we've selected the best tours in Rome. Whether you're gliding past the Colosseum on a Segway or savoring Italian wine in the countryside, you'll benefit from fun and informative guides leading the way.

Editor’s Pick: What a Life Tours – Skip-the-line Vatican Small Group Tour

Price: Adults from 99 euros (about $108); kids from 94 euros (around $102) Duration: 3 hours

U.S. News independently paid to send Laura Itzkowitz , a freelance journalist based in Rome, on this tour to provide readers with an unbiased, first-hand perspective of what to expect. What a Life Tours – Skip-the-line Vatican Small Group Tour was selected by our team as an Editor’s Pick thanks to its popularity and favorable user reviews.

One of the largest – and most crowded – landmarks in the world, the Vatican Museums actually comprises 26 museums, plus various chapels and galleries, so while it’s a must-see attraction, it can be an overwhelming place to visit. The engaging guide leading this skip-the-line tour brought us straight to the highlights, starting with the Pinecone Courtyard and ending in St. Peter’s Basilica , where she showed us Michelangelo’s Pietà and explained why it’s the only work the artist actually signed.

Along the tour, you’ll see masterpieces from the Vatican Museums’ collection, including the ancient statue of Laocoön and his sons; the Belvedere Torso, which inspired Michelangelo; Greek Cross Hall; and the Round Hall, which contains a monumental bronze statue of Hercules. Other highlights include the Gallery of Candelabra; the Gallery of Tapestries; the Gallery of Maps, where the guide pointed out some fun facts about Italy in the 1600s; and the Sistine Chapel. Talking isn’t allowed in the Sistine Chapel, so the guide explained Michelangelo’s frescoes at the beginning of the tour. Our guide shared a deep knowledge of the artworks, and delivered her commentary with a sense of humor. However, the guide didn’t bring us to the Raphael Rooms; if this is a priority for you, you may want to book a different tour.

Tours generally operate Monday through Saturday; the first tour begins at 9:30 a.m. In addition to its variety of Vatican tours, the company also offers tours of the Colosseum and daylong tours of Rome.

Laura Itzkowitz

Why we love it:

• Groups are capped at 12 or fewer participants. 
• After the tour, stroll down Via della Conciliazione to capture perfectly framed photos of St. Peter’s Basilica.
• For a nice lunch nearby, book a table at Ristorante Arlù, a family-run eatery that’s been open since 1959. If the weather is nice, ask for a table outside on the charming cobblestone street.
• Prati, the neighborhood surrounding the Vatican, is popular for shopping, especially along Via Cola di Rienzo. Stop by il Sellaio di Serafini for a handmade leather bag, or Castroni for espresso and other gourmet foods to bring home.

Check prices & availability on:

Fat Tire Tours Rome – Rome Day Segway Tour

Price: From 73 euros (around $79) Duration: 3 hours

Hop on a Segway to see the Eternal City's many sights. After receiving your helmet and tuning in to a quick training session, you'll receive a headset to follow the lively commentary from the experienced Fat Tire Tours guide. Along the three-hour ride, you'll glide past sights like Trajan's Forum, Capitoline Hill and more. Plus, you'll don a virtual reality headset during your stop outside the Colosseum that reconstructs the famous arena's past grandeur. Travelers appreciate that Segways make getting around and seeing Rome's sights easier and more fun, especially for families with older teens. Reviewers also appreciate the engaging local guides.

Tours run daily at 9:30 a.m. Participants must be at least 16 years old and weigh between 100 and 260 pounds. Pregnant women are not permitted on this tour. The company also leads a night tour, which visits the city's illuminated monuments after sundown, among other outings.

LivItaly Tours – Colosseum Underground Tour with Arena, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum

Price: Adults from 159 euros (around $173); kids from 144 euros (around $156) Duration: 3 hours

Enjoy swift entry to the Colosseum underground and see the arena floor, Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum on this small-group tour. LivItaly leads up to six travelers to the restricted lower level of the Colosseum, where dungeons once confined gladiators and their opponents. In three hours, learn about ancient Rome's social order on Palatine Hill and everyday life at the forum. Travelers, especially those with children, agree that having a passionate guide with a deep knowledge of Roman history enriched the experience. Reviewers also appreciate the small size of the tour group.

Tours depart daily at multiple times beginning at 12:15 p.m. Book the company's 90-minute Express Colosseum Underground & Arena Tour if you're short on time.

The Best Rome Colosseum Tours

Laura Itzkowitz April 17, 2024

TopBike Rental and Tours – Ancient Appian Way, Catacombs and Aqueducts Park

Price: From 65 euros (about $71) to 89 euros (about $97) Duration: 4 or 6 hours

Travelers have been using the Ancient Appian Way for 2,300 years and you'll traverse it with a friendly, knowledgeable local on this electric bike excursion. Along the ride, you'll pass archeological sites, Christian catacombs and picturesque Roman aqueducts framing the unspoiled countryside. The tour covers roughly 17 miles, 60% of which requires off-road cycling, so TopBike recommends this tour for intermediate riders. Some tourgoers say you might not even break a sweat though, thanks to the ease of the electric bikes.

Tourgoers can opt for the Short Tour (four hours) or the Plus Tour (six hours), the latter of which follows the same path as the shorter excursion and also includes a guided tour of the Catacombs of St. Callixtus (or Saint Sebastian) and a stop at the Baths of Caracalla. Exact tour departure times vary by season, but you can expect to start around 9 a.m. TopBike also leads cycling tours within the city center.

Gourmetaly – Campo de' Fiori, Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere Rome Food Tour

Price: Adults from 93 euros (around $101); kids from 65 euros (around $71) Duration: 3.5 hours

Tantalize your taste buds on this Rome food tour, which covers three distinct neighborhoods known for their cuisine. As your local guide leads you through the Jewish ghetto, Campo de' Fiori and Trastevere, you'll stop by top-rated food markets, grocery stores, coffee shops, gelaterias and restaurants. Among the food samples included in the tour are fried artichokes, pizza, mozzarella, fresh pasta and gelato. Tours are capped at 12 participants. Reviewers call this a delightful experience thanks to the informative guides who offer an interesting lesson on Roman history, food and culture. They also recommend taking this tour on your first day in Rome to make the most of the guides' recommendations.

Tours are offered several times each day in the morning and afternoon. Note that the afternoon tour does not visit the Campo de' Fiori market (a highlight for many recent tourgoers). In addition to food tours, Gourmetaly also hosts cooking classes.

Eyes of Rome – Colosseum and Roman Forum Tour

Price: Adults from 453 euros (around $491); kids from 35 euros (around $38) Duration: 3 hours

With your private guide leading the way, you'll visit the Colosseum, explore the ancient city along paths that served the Roman Senate and learn the legends of the House of the Vestal Virgins. Tourgoers value the attentive guides who share history and lore in an entertaining way. They also say the tour is well-paced.

Tickets cover pick up at centrally located hotels and skip-the-line admission. Note that prices can vary significantly depending on the number of people in your party. A couple can expect to pay roughly $500 for tickets. Eyes of Rome also conducts private walking tours of the Vatican.

Private Tours of Rome – Vatican & Sistine Chapel Private Tour

Price: From $364 Duration: 3 hours

One of the best tours of the Vatican , this intimate excursion includes skip-the-line access to the complex and a guide who shares the Vatican Museums' top attractions in just three hours. See the artistic highlights in the   Gallery of Ancient Roman Sculptures, the Gallery of Tapestries and famous Raphael paintings. You'll then experience Michelangelo's masterpieces in the Sistine Chapel. Your guide will ensure you see the Pietà   in St. Peter's Basilica, the Apostolic Palace and the famous balcony where the pope delivers his blessings. Travelers praise the excellent guides who tailor the tour to groups' interests and keep children engaged.

Tours operate Monday through Saturday in the morning and afternoon. Ticket prices vary depending on your itinerary and group size. The company suggests you book at least one month in advance to ensure a specialist authorized by the Vatican is available. Private Tours of Rome also offers tours of the Colosseum and the Borghese Gallery, among others.

Courtesy of Roman Food Tours

The Roman Food Tour – Prati By Sunset

Price: Adults from 99 euro (about $107); kids from 90 euros (about $98) Duration: 4 hours

Devoted foodies skip lunch for the more than 20 food and wine pairings on this four-hour evening tour of some of Rome's top eateries. Throughout the tour, you'll feast on gourmet delights, such as homemade pasta, pizza, fresh cheeses and gelato. More importantly, you'll learn tips to enhance your knowledge and pleasure in Italian cuisine. Travelers praise the expertise of the fun guides who explain each dish's origin and quality with gusto.

Tours, which are offered daily multiple times starting at 3:30 p.m. The Roman Food Tour also offers day tours and cooking classes.

Rex-Tours – Rome City Segway Tour

Price: From 79 euros (about $86) Duration: 3 hours

Roll in comfort past many of ancient Rome's major sights on this three-hour Segway tour. Rex-Tours' expert guides lead up to eight travelers for an effortless overview of must-see landmarks, such as Capitoline Hill and the Colosseum. Reviewers applaud the knowledgeable guides who offer a wealth of information without overwhelming travelers. What's more, guides provide restaurant recommendations and tips for making the most of your visit to Rome, according to tourgoers.

The Rome City Segway Tour departs twice daily at 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Travelers also recommend enjoying the company's evening Segway tour if you're visiting during the summer and need a break from the peak daytime heat.

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks Newsletter

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Sign up to receive the latest updates from U.S News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors. By clicking submit, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy .

Eating Europe – Twilight Trastevere Rome Food Tour

Price: Adults from 114 euros (about $123); kids from 81 euros (about $88) Duration: 4 hours

Travelers suggest you skip lunch before this evening walking tour of Trastevere, so that you can savor the street food and sweet treats served at each stop. As you meander through the neighborhood (often compared to New York City's Greenwich Village), you'll enjoy mouthwatering bites of everything from classic supplì , or fried risotto balls stuffed with mozzarella, to porchetta, homemade pasta and gelato. Foodie guides share each chef's story and culinary traditions, along with tips on how to find and make the best Roman cuisine on your own. Reviewers praise the guides for their insider knowledge and gush about the quality of the food and wine featured on the tour.

Tours run daily at multiple times and there is a maximum of 12 people per tour. Eating Europe also operates a tour that explores Testaccio, considered Rome's "original foodie neighborhood."

Rolling Rome – Rome Squares & Fountains Golf Cart Tour

Price: From 100 euros (about $108) Duration: 3 hours

Avoid Rome's congested traffic and keep the family entertained on this three-hour, private golf cart tour of the city. Whizz past major sights in the historical center and piazzas Venezia, Navona and del Popolo, plus the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and more. Since the tour is customizable, you can also ask the guide to take you to lesser-known spots in the city – a highlight for reviewers. Along with the knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides, reviewers appreciate the golf cart's ability to avoid traffic using Rome's narrow back lanes.

Tours, which can accommodate up to seven participants, depart daily at 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. One week's advance reservation is recommended. Rolling Rome also offers daylong golf cart tours, as well as a variety of Segway and electric bike tours.

Food Tours of Rome – Jewish Ghetto and Campo de' Fiori by Night Food Tour

Price: Adults from 89 euros (about $96); kids from 75 euros (about $81) Duration: 4 hours

Combine sightseeing with snacking and drinking on this evening tour of the Jewish ghetto and the Campo Marzio area. Fun, knowledgeable guides make seven stops for food and wine between explaining major historic attractions like Piazza Navona and Campo de' Fiori. Stop in delis, family-run shops and restaurants to sample gourmet cheeses and hams, pasta, espresso, and gelato. First-time visitors especially appreciate this informative introduction to the city and the family-run vendors featured on the tour.

Tours depart nightly at 6 p.m. Food Tours of Rome can accommodate some special diets with advance notice. The company also offers a dessert and sightseeing tour of Rome, among various other options.

Rome's Ultimate Free Walking Tour

Price: Free Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours

According to reviewers, this free walking tour is a great way to start your visit in Rome. During the nearly three-hour stroll, you'll visit several photo-worthy piazzas, the Pantheon, Ponte Sant'Angelo and Castel Sant'Angelo, among other sights. Guides, who have backgrounds in subjects like history and architecture, earn praise from reviewers for their entertaining storytelling and thoughtful restaurant and activity recommendations.

Tours, which are limited to 15 participants, operate twice daily at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. In total, you'll walk less than 2 miles. According to the company, the tour is suitable for travel strollers and wheelchairs. Though the tour is free, it's recommended that you reserve your spot in advance via the company's website (guides do not wait at the departure point unless reservations are booked). At the end of the tour, you can tip your guide based on your experience.

Check availability on:

Courtesy of Secret Food Tours Rome

Secret Food Tours – Rome Food Tour

Price: Adults from 79 euros (about $86); kids from 69 euros (about $75) Duration: 3 to 3.5 hours

Dine your way through the historical center of Rome, visiting cafes, markets and shops for a total of up to seven stops. During the tour, you'll walk through neighborhoods like the Campo de' Fiori and the Jewish quarter with an enthusiastic guide who ties together history and insights about traditional dishes. The focus is on Italian-style dining: savoring the perfect cappuccino, sampling fresh pizzas and homemade pastas, pairing wines with a variety of cheeses, gelato and more. Travelers praise the guides' knowledge of Roman cuisine and the amount and quality of the food.

Tours depart daily at 11 and 11:30 a.m. An additional 5 p.m. tour may be available depending on the day. Private tours are also an option.

The Roman Guy – Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel

Price: Adults from $119; kids from $56 Duration: 3 hours

Hoping to see the Vatican sans enormous crowds? This three-hour tour from The Roman Guy convenes at 7:45 a.m., allowing you to enter the Vatican Museums an hour before they open to the general public. First, relish the tranquil Sistine Chapel, which welcomes upward of 25,000 visitors daily during the summer. Afterward, follow your guide to museum highlights, including Raphael's paintings, the Borgia Apartments and the Gallery of the Maps. Travelers rave about the knowledgeable guides and say the opportunity to see the Sistine Chapel without the crowds is worth the tour price (though reviewers warn that you will still encounter quite a few other tour groups enjoying early access to the site).

Tours are available Monday through Saturday. Groups are capped at 14 people. If you're short on time, consider The Roman Guy's abridged Vatican Highlights tour, which last 2.5 hours.

City Wonders – Tuscan Countryside Day Trip from Rome with 3-Course Lunch & Wine Tasting

Price: Adults from $112; kids from $102 Duration: 12 hours

If you want to visit Tuscany while in Rome, but don't want to drive the approximately 175-mile journey yourself, consider this 12-hour excursion from City Wonders. You'll depart from Rome at 7:30 a.m. via an air-conditioned coach bus to see famous hilltop towns, such as Montepulciano and Pienza. You'll also visit the Renaissance church of St. Biagio before enjoying a three-course lunch and wine pairing in the famed Montalcino. Travelers say guides are informative and thoughtful, giving tourists ample time to explore the towns and take pictures. All agree that leaving the driving to a professional made the trip worthwhile.

Tours are offered daily. City Wonders also offers a variety of tours in Rome, including tours of the Colosseum, the Vatican and the Borghese Gallery.

Through Eternity Tours – Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum & Sistine Chapel: Essential Experience

Price: From 1,345 euros (about $1,458) Duration: 6 hours

Conquer Rome in six hours with Through Eternity Tours. With your skip-the-line tickets , you'll visit the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica. Professional, engaging guides – all fluent English speakers – allow you to set the pace, absorbing as much history and archeology as you want at each stop. Travelers say you'll see much more on this half-day tour than you would if you were to visit each site on your own, as guides point out unexpected gems along the way.

Rates can vary considerably depending on the number in your party, and the company offers discounts for students and children. Bring stamina, a water bottle and wear comfortable walking shoes . When you're ready for more, try one of Through Eternity's other tours, such as its evening tour of Rome's piazzas and fountains.

Walks of Italy – Gladiator's Gate: Special Access Colosseum Tour with Arena Floor

Price: Adults from $105; kids from $99 Duration: 3 hours

On this three-hour tour, you'll enter the Colosseum through the "Gladiator's Gate" – the entrance that was once used exclusively for gladiators 2,000 years ago. Once inside, you'll enjoy 360-degree views of the Colosseum on the reconstructed arena floor as your guide shares the gory history of this famous landmark . Then, you'll bypass the lines to tour the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Highlights include the cremation point of Julius Caesar, senate buildings and the Temple of the Vestal Virgins. Guides win kudos from travelers for their ability to discuss dense history topics in an engaging manner. Reviewers say the tour flies by thanks to the guides' entertaining storytelling. They also appreciate the skip-the-line access to these must-see sights.

Tours, which are capped at 25 participants, are offered three times daily at 9:15 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Rates may vary based on the time of year, and they include all entrance tickets and the use of audio headsets during the tour. Walks of Italy also hosts cooking classes in Rome and organizes day trips to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast.

Maya Tours – Skip-the-Line Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Group Tour

Price: Adults from 45 euros (about $49); kids from 35 euros (about $38) Duration: 2 hours

If you're interested in visiting the Vatican Museums, but don't want to devote more than a couple hours of your Rome vacation to the experience, consider this kid-friendly tour. In addition to skip-the-line access, your guide will show you the must-see artworks, several courtyards and galleries, and the Sistine Chapel. Reviewers praise guides for their interesting and informed commentary (which tourgoers can hear via audio headsets). Parents are particularly impressed with guides' ability to engage children.

Tours are offered Monday through Saturday multiple times in the morning and afternoon. Maya Tours also operates longer, semiprivate tours of the Vatican.

You may also be interested in:

• The Best Hotels in Rome
• The Best Places to Visit in Italy
• The Best Italy Tours + Small-Group Trips
• The Best International Travel Insurance

Tags: Italy , Tours , Travel , Vacations , food and drink , Europe Vacations

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

Top things to do in new hampshire.

Timothy J. Forster and Mariya Greeley June 14, 2024

The Best Scotland Tours

Marisa Méndez June 13, 2024

Flight Canceled or Delayed? What to Do

Amanda Norcross June 13, 2024

How to Renew a Passport Online

The Best Small Group Tours of Italy

John Rodwan and Ann Henson June 12, 2024

Crystal Symphony Review

Jill Schildhouse June 12, 2024

Fall in New England

Amanda Norcross June 11, 2024

Fun Things to Do in New Mexico

Alissa Grisler and Ashley M. Biggers June 11, 2024

Travel During Hurricane Season

Top Orlando Theme Parks

Lyn Mettler and Timothy J. Forster June 11, 2024

5 of the best places to eat in the Trastevere neighbourhood of Rome

Visit this picturesque cross-river quarter known for its vibrant colours, lively nightlife and delicious food scene. Trastevere has something to offer culinary-minded visitors at every hour of the day, from little shops selling artisanal salumi to classic trattorias.

Literally meaning ‘the other side of the Tevere (Tiber River)’, Trastevere is one of the most historic neighbourhoods of Rome. It used to be a working-class district, and although much has changed since those times, plenty of its charm has remained: the tight alleys with fascinating angles, laundry hanging from building to building, old men playing cards in the bars, the smell of tomato sauce wafting from homes and trattorias alike. Its streets abound with historical sights such as churches and palazzos to explore. And at night, you can find the same streets buzzing with huge crowds of young people out for a drink and a bite in one of Trastevere’s many bars, or in its extraordinary piazzas. Here are a few of the best places to eat while in Trastevere.

1.   La Norcineria di Iacozzilli

Near the characterful San Cosimato market, this family-run deli shop has just turned a century old and is still where locals do their shopping. The market itself is well worth a visit, while this old-school deli — with all the retro vibes of a corner shop from the movies — is the perfect spot for a snack or a light lunch. It has a large variety of salami, hams and other types of cured meat, as well as cheeses and a very good porchetta (pork roast), which you can have in the form of a panino, if you want, with the addition of mozzarella.

2. Supplì Roma

It’s traditional to have fritti (a variety of deep-fried bites) before a pizza in Rome and Naples. The classic Roman fritti are deep-fried courgette flowers ( fiori di zucca ) stuffed with mozzarella and anchovies; deep-fried cod fillet ( filetto di baccalà ); and supplì , little rice balls dressed with tomato sauce and stuffed with mozzarella, then breaded and fried. Some compare supplì to Sicilian arancini , but they’re supposed to be different, both in size and in condiment. Supplì Roma in Via di San Francesco a Ripa has gained fame for making its   supplì using other traditional Roman recipes such as cacio e pepe , aubergine parmigiana and even non-traditional options such as pulled pork — the latter two are especially popular. Many locals have these supplì for a workday lunch.

3. Alice Pizza Trastevere

There’s a Roman tradition of pizza al taglio that is quite unmatched in the rest of Italy. Literally meaning pizza by the slice, pizza al taglio is made in large trays, topped with a variety of ingredients that can be quite far from the classic round pizza flavours, and is sold in the quantity you want — so it’s a perfect solution for a little snack, a light lunch or feeding a big crowd at a party. Alice Pizza, born 35 years ago in Rome, is famous for its light and highly digestible pizza dough, which manages to retain its quality across branches throughout the country. Alice’s toppings, however, are locally provided, which means the pizzas in different cities are not quite the same. Go for the classic potato and the amatriciana if they’re available.

4. Taverna 51

This one of Rome's oldest and most classic trattorias, run by generations of trasteverini who have been making the same dishes for more than 70 years. It’s a trusted institution run by generations of trasteverini . They make tonnarelli (a fresh pasta not unlike spaghetti) in house and serve it with amatriciana, carbonara, gricia or cacio e pepe — all the Roman classics to try. Another standout menu option at Taverna 51 is the tonnarelli with mussels and pecorino — an unlikely but very interesting combination. For the main, the meatballs ( polpette ) and saltimbocca alla romana (veal with ham and sage cooked in wine), are highly recommended choices.

5. Fiordiluna

For over 25 years, this small gelateria has been a source of refreshment on cobbled Via della Lungaretta. The pleasantly surprising element about Fiordiluna is its attention to the ingredients; not only does it source them from fair-trade and local producers — many of which are organic — it also takes particular care to use as few ingredients as possible for each gelato flavour. You can also find sugar-free gelato   that’s truly indistinguishable from the conventional kind.

Related Topics

• FOOD TOURISM
• FOOD HISTORY
• STREET FOODS
• FOOD CULTURE

You May Also Like

Where to eat in Bogotá, the Colombian capital taking on Lima's food crown

9 of the best restaurants in Istanbul

A guide to Dijon, Burgundy's wine-soaked medieval capital

A food guide to Barcelona, from historic markets to atmospheric vermouth bars

Liked ‘The Bear’? Eat your way around Chicago with these iconic dishes

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Your US State Privacy Rights
• Children's Online Privacy Policy
• Interest-Based Ads
• About Nielsen Measurement
• Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
• Nat Geo Home
• Attend a Live Event
• Book a Trip
• Inspire Your Kids
• Shop Nat Geo
• Visit the D.C. Museum
• Learn About Our Impact
• Support Our Mission
• Advertise With Us
• Customer Service
• Renew Subscription
• Manage Your Subscription
• Work at Nat Geo
• Sign Up for Our Newsletters
• Contribute to Protect the Planet

Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society Copyright © 2015-2024 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All rights reserved

17 Essential Tips For Visiting Europe With Kids

A re you planning a trip to Europe and think you have everything mapped out, but not sure what you need to know for when you’re actually on the ground?

Well, then you’re in the right place! Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned traveler, exploring the enchanting continent is always an incredible experience.

In this guide, we’ll share valuable tips and insights to make your European adventure even more memorable. From navigating transportation to dealing with the stresses of finding places to eat, we’ve got you covered.

If you’re in need of some tips for visiting Europe with kids, then we hope the following words of advice help you create unforgettable memories with the family without the stress.

1. Pack Minimal + Carry on (that you can also check in for free)

2. book (almost) everything in advance, 3. tips for tours and attractions in europe, what about food allergies, 5. european cities are very walkable, 6. public transport in europe, 8. things to know about accommodation in europe, 9. you’ll always be thirsty, 10. service is slow, 11. learn basic phrases in european languages, 12. or use google translate, 13. let the older kids stay in, 14. you don’t need to tip, 15. get an e-sim for data in europe, 16. accessing and using money, 17. give your kids a daily budget, essential tips for visiting europe with kids.

After you have planned your European trip with kids and everything has been prepared before you go, it’s time to think about what to plan when you’re actually there.

Here are a few tips for visiting Europe that will help you while you’re traveling around the continent. 

For our family, we had three carryon backpacks and one checked in suitcase. We wanted a check in, for liquids and in case of any excess baggage. 

The carry-on baggage allowances can be different flying within Europe – and they may weigh them, so we wanted to have that checked bag in case. They never weighed them!

Packing minimally is much easier to do if visiting Europe in the summer as generally there is one temperature – hot. I even managed to pack carry on for the 4-week trip.

However, I checked in my luggage most of the time. Why? Because we had to wait to pick up the one checked bag anyway and I’d rather not lug my bag around with me. And because I never had to pay for my checked luggage – which is the only reason I’ll check it in. 

Airlines now have created such a s**t fight with their outrageous fees for checked bags, that most people bring carry on. Planes don’t have the space for all that carry on, so they ask for volunteers to check in bags for free. 

I always volunteer. (Unless I have tight connections and can’t wait for the luggage carousel.)

Pack layers that can mix and match to create different outfits and have a good pair of walking shoes, I suggest sandals in the summer. It’s worth the investment. 

Crag and I love our super comfortable Chaco hiking sandals . I chose black so I could wear them with all outfits and for all occasions, even wearing them with a dress if I wanted to elevate my style. I also threw in some flip flops, but only really needed the chacos

Also, check your children’s suitcase after they pack. We’ve encouraged our girls to pack their own luggage since they were toddlers. They are generally great at it, but I didn’t check properly this time. 

Kalyra had packed her heavy Dr. Martens boots (which she wore once – way too hot), a heavy winter jacket, and half her bookshelf. Savannah also packed 6 pairs of denim shorts which she refused to reduce!

THE LUGGAGE WE TOOK TO EUROPE (Family of four)

• Delsey Suitcase Review – our preferred suitcase for 8 years now (they have lasted that long and still in great condition)
• Standard Luggage: Affordable Carry-On Backpack
• Tortuga Backpack Review
• Best Laptop Backpack for Travel: Tortuga Setout Review
• Review: Driibe CITYC 2-in-1 Expandable Backpack
• Review: Driibe DAKOTA 3-in-1 Convertible Backpack & Purse
• A Multi-Tasking Daypack You Didn’t Realize You NEEDED (It’s a packing cell)

For Europe, especially in the summer, if you don’t book in advance (and sometimes far in advance) you will miss out. 

We booked our flights three months in advance, our accommodation not long after, and our tours and attractions at least a month in advance. 

That was even too late for some tours and attractions like the Eiffel Tower ( we missed out on second floor tickets, a boat tour of Venice , dome climb of The Vatican , and dome climb of the Duomo in Florence.

Most tours and hotels do offer free cancelation up to 24 hours in advance, so if you do feel like doing something spontaneous, there is always an option to cancel and try to rebook for another day.

If there is a tour or attraction you decide last minute you want to do, book online as soon as you can. Our timed tickets for the Eiffel Tower were cancelled due to a delayed opening. I hopped online straight away and was able to purchase more tickets for the earliest tour the next day. You want to avoid having to line up to buy your ticket as much as possible.

We recommend using booking sites like Get Your Guid e, Viator , or Tiqets as much as possible. They’re guided tours will give you guaranteed entry as they pre-purchase tickets. So if an attraction you want is sold out, they may have the entry ticket you need.

Don’t forget to make a note of free attractions to visit too, such as the Trevi Fountain in Rome or the Arc de Triomphe in Paris , and plan to visit them as early as you can to avoid crowds, especially Trevi Fountain.

We share a lot of tips on tours and attractions in Europe on our guide to planning a trip to Europe with kids .

Here are a few essentials for you to know before you arrive in Europe:

• Purchase skip the line passes and timed entries. Lines are very long to purchase tickets on the day.
• Guided tours are a fantastic way to engage kids, gain deeper insights, get a general overview of a city, and get steered through crowds. We love the small group tours in Europe offered by Take Walks and LivTours.
• Food tours and cooking classes are an enjoyable way to learn more about culture. Kids love them! Also check by Take Walks and LivTours for food tours and cooking classes.
• Book first tour, or timed-entry slot, for the day fir a greater chance of fewer crowds, and less delays.
• Kids can often be free for attractions in Europe.
• Some attractions may be closed on certain days , so always check.
• Leave yourself enough time to get through securit y, which can often be slow.
• Sometimes there is no clearly marked lane at attractions for people with skip the line tickets or timed entry tickets. Several times in Paris , we ended up waiting on a line that was for general admission. It wasn’t until I went up the front to speak to the attendant that they said, “ oh no, you don’t have to wait ” and ushered us in. Always ask.
• Make sure you have a scarf in your bag, to cover shoulders when visiting religious sites , including for the kids. Many may also want your knees covered. You will need both covered for the Vatican . I had to buy Kalyra a scarf to wrap around her waist and cover her knees for St Mark’s Basilica in Venice. There will always be scarf hawkers nearby capitalizing on this opportunity if you get stuck!

RELEVANT READING:

• Your guide to a Montmartre food walking tour in Paris
• Unravel The History Of Roman Cuisine On A Rome Food Tour
• A walking food tour of Florence
• A Venice City Highlights walking tour
• David and the Duomo highlights walking tour in Florence

4. Tips for Eating Out in Europe

• Most people in Europe eat late. A lot of restaurants won’t even open till around 7:30. So go early and you’re sure to get a table.
• Do a food tour during mealtimes and you’ve hit two birds with one stone.
• Aperitivo Hour (generally around 4-7) is great as you can get free snacks with your Aperol Spritz (usually it’s not much, just nuts and chips, btu some can be fancier)
• Grab a baguette with cheese , and a bottle of wine from a local market and enjoy a fresh picnic in one of the many gorgeous parks or viewpoints and let the kids play.
• Pastries and coffee from an espresso bar in Italy, or bakery (boulangerie) in France are cheap and delicious breakfasts. How can a kid say no to chocolate pastries?
• Food and wine is cleaner and healthier in Europe so enjoy it. I overindulged and did not put on any weight!
• There are many easy to go places where you can get a panini, sandwich, and other easy lunch options.
• Order to go whenever you can – that includes coffee – as it’s always cheaper than sitting down.
• Daily gelato! Is there really any other way?
• Eat away from the main squares (piazzas/ campos) and tourist attractions and head to smaller streets. It will be cheaper and often better.

I found Europe to be pretty good with food allergies, especially Italy! I was shocked at how many gluten free options they had. Our favorite restaurant in Rome was Mama Eats in Trastevere , a completely gluten free restaurant with delicious Italian food.

France not so much. I think they’re horrified that you won’t eat flour!

At least they understand what gluten free means, unlike many places in the US. I’ve even had airline hostesses give me a packet of pretzels when I ask if they have gluten free snacks.

Have your dietary requirements translated into local language on your phone (or saved in the Google translate app) to easily show servers. 

Get a comfortable, sturdy pair of shoes as most European cities are walkable.

Walking is cheap, a great way to see the cities – because in Europe there is something around every corner- and it can help keep off the pounds from all the delicious food and Aperol Spritz you’re consuming.

Our rule is if the public transport is 20 minutes or less, we walk. By the time you get down to the subway station and wait for the train, you’d almost be there walking. 

In fact, we were clocking up 20k-30K steps each day. We would be disappointed in ourselves if we went below that. 

• Uber is not found as much in Europe as the US. Verona did not have it at all, so you will be using meters. Make sure taxis put the meter one.
• Often, for families, catching an uber may end up the same price or cheaper than individual train or bus tickets – especially for shorter distances. So, we always check it first.
• Be careful of traffic. We thought it would be cheaper and easier to get a taxi from Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris to our hotel after our red eye flight. MISTAKE! An extra two hours and 30 euro later we arrived.
• Trains are an excellent way to get around Europe. They are fast, efficient and comfortable. You can possibly book tickets on the day but use sites like Omio and Trainline in advance just to be sure.
• Buses are usually my last resort . You can often walk or get subways instead. Buses will have frequent delays due to traffic conditions!
• Subways in big cities are also an easy and affordable way to get around. If staying several days, and riding the subway a lot, it may be cheaper to purchase a daily or weekly pass. Check our post on getting around London .
• In some cities, like Vienna and Budapest , there are no ticket barriers getting on and off the train. You will need to find a little machine to validate your ticket before you get on the train. Do not attempt getting on a train without a ticket . Trust me. We did this in Budapest, only because we could not find a ticket machine anywhere or find anyone to help. So, we jumped on a train thinking we could buy a ticket from a ticket person on the train or when we arrived. Oh no. The ticket guy was not having it. He gave each of us a €30 fine! What should have been a €4 journey costs us €120. (Click to read more of our European travel mistakes )

7. Driving in Europe

As we mentioned in our Europe planning guide, book your rental cars in advance . Here are a few tips for when you are on the road in Europe.

• Cars and luggage space will be smaller in Europe. Allow for this when booking and take less luggage!
• Fuel is really expensive in Europe , especially if you are coming from America (but don’t worry almost everything else is cheaper)
• On continental Europe they drive on the right , same as in the USA. In the UK , they drive on the left, same as in Australia . 
• You typically won’t need an international driver’s license (but check on that as it varies from country to country) and I wouldn’t recommend driving if you don’t feel confident.
• Europe is far more eco-conscious than the US. Some cities will have restrictions on driving in the city center and can charge hefty fees and taxes if you do.
• Driving through city centers in Europe may not be ideal. Roads are narrow and congested with all sorts of moving things from people, bikes, scooters, vespas, cats etc. In May, I rented a car for my Peloponnese road trip and had to drive through Athens city center on my own – it was an adventure!
• Download Google maps for the area you are driving through in case you lose wifi connection. It will not give you updated traffic information though.
• There will be a lot of toll roads . You can avoid them, but it will add time to your journey. Most will take credit card but have some cash on hand just in case. Look for the symbol for cash or a ticket man, so you know what lane to go in, as some cars can drive straight thorough with their eTag.
• Drink driving laws are strict in Europe. Don’t even try.

Again, we have more in-depth information on booking accommodation in our planning guide to a European vacation with kids.

Here are a few helpful tips for when you arrive:

• Accommodation is cheaper than in the USA, but you’ll find rooms are typically smaller.
• You won’t find as many American hotel chains (wahoo, although not great for using points.) Using local hotels tells a better story anyway!
• You won’t have as many in-room amenities though like body lotion and coffee. Some will. The body lotion is generally a no! Most will have hairdryers.
• There won’t be a lot of elevators, so be prepared to carry luggage.
• If you have an apartment rental, and there is laundry, be prepared for dryers that don’t work or aren’t there. The washing machines can be confusing to work.
• Not all will have parking options . There will be some valet parking for a higher price, street parking if you’re lucky, or paid parking garages. We had trouble finding parking for our apartment in La Spezia and took a gamble parking in what looked like a housing complex right near where our apartment owner told us there would be free parking. It ended up being okay, but as we were leaving, we were pulled over by a soldier and told we were in a military zone and could not be in there!!!! We were so lucky!
• You will be charged a hotel city tax at the end of the stay. Some places will only take cash. They will generally forewarn you.
• Some hotels may include bikes, our hotel in Verona did.
• Not many hotels will include breakfast – our Florence hotel did , and it was lovely. I don’t recommend you purchase it anyway, as you can get much cheaper breakfasts from a bakery.

One of the things we missed the most about the USA on this Europe trip was having easy access to unlimited drinking water. It doesn’t mean you can’t find water in Europe.

In fact, Rome and Paris had plenty of free drinking fountains around the city to encourage the use of refillable water bottles. Other places did too, just not as much.

However, getting water at a cafe or restaurant is a task! In the US, as soon as you sit down a pint glass of ice water is filled and topped up without asking for the remainder of your time.

In Europe, you have to ask for water, then they bring out tiny cups – in one café in Venice we got espresso glasses – and you have to keep asking for it. 

During summer the weather is so dry, and service so slow, that we felt we were dying for water most of the time. 

As soon as you sit down ask for multiple carafes of water – they’re also tiny and are gone with one round of drink pours for all of us.

Ask for tap water , or they will bring still or sparkling and charge you. Unfortunately, most places in Italy still charge us for tap water!!

Carry around refillable water bottles and fill them whenever you get the chance. The water is fine to drink in most places, but always check to be sure.

Added to that, the other thing we missed the most about the USA was the service. There really is no country like it. 

Service in Europe is painfully slow and inattentive. You will be flagging and chasing down servers most of the time. 

It can really drag out your eating time. So be ready to go with your order, order everything all at once, and ask for the bill as soon as possible.

The only good service we had was on our Avalon Waterways Danube River Cruise – it was extraordinary!

With English you’ll get by quite easily in Western Europe. But we do think it’s great manners to learn at least a few of the basics of the local language and use it regularly.

We find locals love it when you do. Keep it simple with hello, please, thank you, excuse me, cheers … You can add in more as you learn them!

Savannah learns Latin at school, so she was quite good at picking up Italian and I had her translate a few old Latin words on historical buildings for me. She also took Italian lessons on Duo Lingo before we left. 

How did I travel for decades without Google translate? I enjoy trying to communicate without it more, but it came in handy when I was short on time, or when miscommunication could make me sick – like explaining my gluten free requirements.

I found most people we encountered on our European vacation spoke enough English for us to get by.

On several evenings, when the girls were tired from a busy day and just wanted to catch up with friends back home, we let them stay in the hotel or on the river cruise ship while Craig and I went out for a drink or a nice dinner. (Y ou can see what else our teens loved about the river cruise)

We, of course, arranged to-go dinner for them before doing so. This is a tip for those traveling to Europe with older kids. We always stayed close to the hotel so we could get back if needed. They were in no rush to call us back.

It was a break all of us needed and loved.

Not going to lie, I loved this. The price is the price!

Sure, service is not as good, but considering tipping has gotten out of control lately in the US, with people expecting 20-30% just to hand you over a donut, I’d rather the no tipping culture any day!

Of course, you can if you want, and sometimes we did. In Europe, it’s typically 10%. Some places will have a service charge, or per person cover charge, so check your bill. If that is on there, I would not leave a tip.

You will mostly get free and fast wi-fi everywhere, including accommodation, airports, trains, and even entire cities. You’ll have to ask restaurants and cafes for the passwords, but they are pretty good at giving it to you.

We traveled with our phones disconnected to international roaming. We are with AT&T who are dreadful, and I do not recommend them for anyone who likes traveling.

We are thinking of moving to GoogleFi or T-Mobile, which includes international roaming for no extra price.

AT&T charges $10 a day, which is a complete rip off. If your phone is unlocked get an eSim. Our phones aren’t. Version and other carriers will let you get eSim even if on a phone plan, ATT locks your phones)

It’s an affordable and easy way to get data on your phone. Just use What’s app if you need to use your phone number. Many businesses in Europe understand What’s app and can communicate with you via that.

The number one thing older kids will ask you whenever you arrive at your hotel or sit down at a café is “What’s the Wi-Fi password.” It’s how they communicate with their friends so I get it, but I was also glad to disconnect them from it, so they could be present when we were exploring.

One of the best places to purchase your eSim is through Airola. Check rates and availability here. They’re affordable, transparent, you’re connected instantly, and they have 24/7 support.

Most places take credit cards but carry some cash for smaller businesses. ATMs are everywhere. A great thing about traveling across Europe is most countries use the Euro, so you don’t have to change currency. 

We got stuck in Budapest as they took Hungarian money – some will take euros. We were only there for a day so did not want to get Hungarian money because then we couldn’t use it. You may get that in change if you use euros.

Use credit cards whenever you can, especially if you point hack and your card has no foreign transaction fees. We used our credit card. 

Tap and go is very popular in Europe, and typically all everyone offers. But if it doesn’t work they still have chip facilities. 

You may get stuck in some places – like pay at the pump fuel – where if you use a credit card they ask for a pin number. 

American credit cards don’t have pins. Pay at the pump will usually have a tap payment so look for that next to where you insert your chip. Otherwise have a debit card on hand you can use instead if you get stuck. 

I only thought of this near the end of the trip, and I wish I did it. Give your older kids a daily budget and the money on their own cards. 

They’re responsible for what they spend during the day including food. You may even strike a deal where you’ll pay for one meal a day but they cover the rest. That way they can learn about budgeting and spending. 

They may ask for less treats and figure out clever ways to get the best deal, and roll over excess money to the next day, which they can then spend on treats, souvenirs etc. 

Souvenirs aren’t typically something we spend money on, usually because of luggage limitations. If they do, it will be jewelry or clothes – something a teen usually loves. Kalyra actually added two more books to her heavy suitcase. Read more of our top family travel tips here.

We have created a 3-page printable PDF with a step-by-step guide on planning a trip to Europe. Members of our free email community, get access to all our freebies – including planning guides, checklists, cheat sheets, and itineraries. Join by filling out the form below and get immediate access!

FREE Europe Travel Planning Guides

Want help planning your Europe Travels?  Step-by-step guides, tips, and itineraries. 

Final Thoughts

So there you go, those are our most essential tips for visiting EU.

We learned these tips the hard way by making mistakes and figuring it out along the way, so we hope that these tips provide you with useful insights and inspiration for your upcoming adventure.

If you’re still mapping out your itinerary, then be sure to check out our other guide on how to plan a trip to Europe to make sure you have everything covered.

So go ahead, pack your bags, and embark on a journey of a lifetime. Bon voyage!

Here are some more specific tips on things to know before visiting Rome , things to know before visiting Paris, and things to know before visiting London .

And for older kids, here our our teen’s favorite things to do in London , the best things to do in Paris with teens, best things to do in Rome with teens and what our teens loved about our river cruise .

If you have any more tips for visiting Europe, let us know in the comments section below!

• Food & Drink
• Food & Drink

Top 5 Food Tours of Rome

Taste of Testaccio Food Tour

Testaccio is the original foodie neighborhood of Rome and where cucina romana (Roman cuisine) was born, and the Taste of Testaccio Food Tour is the perfect introduction to this off-the-beaten-path neighborhood. It’s no coincidence that it’s known to Romans as the “heart of Rome.” With tons of rich Roman culture and history to be found around each corner of the neighborhood, on this tour you’ll enjoy 12 delicious food tastings. The 4-hour tour includes 3 of Rome’s most famous pasta dishes, real Roman street food, cannoli , and of course some t iramisu —in addition to many other foodie surprises!

Cook Dinner with Nonna

Take full advantage of your trip to Rome by spending an evening cooking with Nonna – grandma. Enjoy a unique opportunity to go inside Nonna’s Italian apartment and spend 4 amazing hours learning how she’s been making Roman specialties – using local, fresh ingredients – for decades. The menu changes seasonally but always includes a popular antipasto (appetizer), homemade pasta, a local meat dish, and dessert. The Cook Dinner With Nonna class is great for couples or families.

This is a one-of-a-kind cooking class that really gives you the full authentic Italian experience beyond being a tourist, by learning how to take some of Italy’s traditions home with you. By far the best way to learn the principles of traditional Italian food—and have some fun along the way. Savor fresh, seasonal, local ingredients and local wine choices during your classic 4-course Italian meal with new friends.

Twilight Trastevere Tour

Trastevere is a neighborhood like no other. Its ivy-coated, cobblestone streets come alive each night, earning it comparisons to Greenwich Village in NYC or the Left Bank in Paris. It’s where Romans choose to eat with their families on a Sunday and where young Romans go for weekend nightlife. On the guided 4-hour Twilight Trastevere Food Tour  you’ll explore this ancient neighborhood, indulging in over 10 different food and wine tastings at some of Rome’s most historic and locally loved places. You’ll meet the families that have been serving up the foodie treasures we have savored for generations.

Few activities in Rome deliver as many hidden surprises and enchanting moments as this unforgettable night in one of our favorite neighborhoods in Rome. From the creator of gourmet gelato to Rome’s favorite street food snack, the suppli ’, there will be plenty to enjoy on this tour.

Wine Tasting Dinner

Wine pairing isn’t as simple as “white wine with fish, red with meat.” There’s so much more to it, and this wine tasting and dinner experience provides you with all the know-how on Italian wines. An Italian Sommelier and Executive Wine Master guides you through 6 fine Italian wines during the Wine Tasting Dinner – from sparkling whites to oaked reds to sweet dessert wine – that you’ll taste with everything from local, Roman pasta dishes to Tuscan meats and real buffalo mozzarella. You’ll understand how the right wine can enhance even the simplest of dishes (and how the wrong wine can have drastic consequences, too!).

This tour offers a truly delectable and educational journey through Italian food and wine, and gives you the real Rome wine tasting experience! And your guide is one of only 50 Executive Wine Master Sommeliers in all of Italy. Wine fanatics, this is a tour you won’t want to miss.

Daylight Trastevere Tour

With its narrow cobblestone streets and laneways, Trastevere is the quintessential Roman neighborhood. While by night it is a happening destination for tourists and locals, during the day Trastevere is like a small village with its timeless and artisan shops serving the same local families for generations.

On this 4-hour guided walking food tour, the Daylight Trastevere Food Tour , you’ll get to eat your way through the culinary neighborhood while enjoying 10 delicious food tastings. You’ll visit the local, colorful outdoor food market and meet the wonderful families working hard to preserve Roman food traditions. This tour features some unique cultural and historical sites that few tourists get an opportunity to see.

For more tips and recommendations during your stay in Rome, read Eating Italy’s Foodie Guide to Rome

We have a really, really good newsletter

Join over 100,000 food travel experts. Subscription is free.

Eternal Rome: Jewish Ghetto, Campo de' Fiori and Trastevere

Explore the historic Campo de' Fiori market, tasting unique dishes in the Jewish Ghetto and enjoying VIP access to top restaurants in Trastevere, including a Slow Food Presidium.

• 10 & 10:45 am, 5 pm
• Small Group

Twilight Trastevere Rome Food Tour

Enjoy the hottest spots and best kept secrets of Trastevere like a true VIP

Taste of Testaccio: Food & Market Tour

VIP Golf Cart Food Tour in Rome

Get the best of Rome and have fun on our brand new Golf Cart!

Eating Rome: Trastevere Pasta Making Class

About Kenny Dunn

Kenny’s love for European cuisine was sparked after moving to Rome in 2009. He fell in love with the city’s backstreet eateries, and even more with the people and stories behind each dish. Now he's turned his passion into food tours, so  Eating Europe  guests can also share a taste of local life.

Get the best advice and offers on Eating Europe tours

Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive offers, discounts and the best in food and travel advice across Europe

Related Posts

The 7 Best Seafood Restaurants in Rome

Before moving to Rome, I had yet to learn how extraordinary the seafood restaurants here were. Like many, I’d assumed I’d spend my days digging i...

The 6 Best Maritozzi Spots in Rome

Romans have quite the affinity for pizza al taglio, porchetta sandwiches, and carbonara, but they’re also rather fond of a sweet treat. The confection ...

What to Drink in Rome and Where

While Rome’s food scene usually takes all the credit for the city, one thing that goes unnoticed is how much the Romans cherish drinks equally as much ...

Prague’s Best Wifi Spots for the Mobile Worker