Rome is the hometown of Kids in Italy Editor in Chief, Jessica Rampazzi. Born 20 years ago in the Eternal City, Jessica grew up in a neighborhood called Grottarossa with her American mom, her Roman dad, her 16-year-old sister Emily, their dog and two cats. The walls of her room are covered with swimming awards and colorful drawings. Like all Roman young people, Jessica spends most of her free time with her large circle of friends. Here are some of their favorite things to do in town:

Shopping

Via Sannio Flea Market
This outdoor market used to be the best place in Rome to find funky used clothes. It is not as huge now, but the stands still sell very inexpensive clothing, jewelry, accessories and bags from around the world. The prices and the originality of the items make this a fun place for kids to pick out a souvenir they will REALLY enjoy. To get there, take the subway or bus to Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano (the Romans just call it "San Giovanni"). You will see one of the best stretches of the ancient Roman wall here: Via Sannio is right beside the wall near the church (which is the Pope's parish church, by the way!). The market is held Monday-Friday 8am-1pm and Saturday 8am-6pm.

Jessica's Favorite Hangouts

Gilda Disco
Via Mario de' Fiori 97 (Spanish Steps area)
tel. 06/678-4838
This is definitely our favorite disco! We love its "dark" atmosphere and all the colorful characters we meet here. Saturday afternoons from 4 to 8 are exclusively for kids from 14 to 18 years of age, so of course, no alcohol is served, and it is completely safe. We all come with our friends and dance together, nobody minds if we don't know you because by the end of the afternoon we'll have made your acquaintance. Girls, this is the place to see a lot of cute Italian guys!!! And don't worry, parents, it's all just alot of good fun for everyone.

Planet Hollywood Disco Pub
Via del Tritone 118 (Trevi Fountain area)
tel. 06/4282-8012
If you want to be surrounded by sounds, colors, three-dimensional images and mega-screens, this is the place for you! The walls are hung with souvenirs from loads of famous movies, and they serve huge salads and sandwiches with chips, really great pizza (hey, that part is pure Italian!) and delicious desserts. In the evening they have live music, cabaret and even sports events. The best part is that our favorite radio station, Radio Globo, actually broadcasts from here. You can meet the DJs, see how a radio studio works, request your favorite song or dedicate it to your girlfriend or....one of us! Buon divertimento (that means "have fun!") and buon appetito!

Piper Club Disco
Via Tagliamento 9 (Via Veneto area)
tel. 06/841-4459 or 855-5398
This is probably the best place for dancing. They have a huge dance floor and my girlfriends and I just love it because you can have all the room you want and you don't have to worry about who you bump into!

Alien Disco
Via Velletri 13/19
tel. 841-2212
This is another really fun club that dedicates Saturday afternoons (4 - 8:30) to kids. It's a really nice way to meet people in a friendly environment.

Museums

Wax Museum
Piazza SS. Apostoli 67
tel. 06/679-8482
Open every day except holidays, 9 am - 8 pm, small admission fee The famous characters on display here range from dinosaurs to fairy tale heroes.

Something you can incorporate into your whole stay in Rome is a scavenger hunt for obelisks. There are thirteen of them in town - click here to find out more!

Looking for even more (68 more!) great ideas? Click here