Golden hour hit Ronda’s gorge, El Tajo, hard that first evening—all ochre and burnt orange washing out the green countryside. Birds circled below us riding the wind, pinpricks dancing across all that open space. My son pressed his face into the viewpoint’s curved safety bars, leaning out over the gorge as far as the railing allowed—which, to be clear, is not very far, though my heart hiccuped every time.

We’d eaten dinner back at the apartment, and by the time we wandered outside, the last of the day-trippers had already cleared out. Only the regular Friday evening buzz remained in Ronda. After my city-kid had been strapped into a car seat for hours, he scurried between the bridge’s viewpoints, thrilled by the freedom.

I hadn’t been sure if we needed more than a day in Ronda. But watching him, I already knew slow travel was the right choice.

Sure, Ronda works as a day trip—but I’d spend the night if you have the time.

Not so you can tick off two days of museums and monuments—we skipped most of those and there weren’t that many to begin with. Instead, staying overnight uncovered the unhurried side of Ronda, where locals were relaxed enough for conversation, the air was cool enough for a hike, and there was ample space for a free-spirited kid to careen around empty streets on a race to the bottom of the gorge.

My 2-Day Ronda Itinerary

We had a free weekend—one of several we’re finally taking this last summer as residents of Spain. No Instagram-optimized itinerary, just a rough plan to explore before stopping in Setenil de las Bodegas on the way home.

Our first morning did not go as planned. The kiddo woke at 5 a.m., breakfast at a nearby café went sideways, and most of our morning disappeared into a failed nap attempt back at our Airbnb. By lunchtime, I feared that I’d traveled all this way just to sit in a dark apartment.

Instead, we had lunch, reset, and started again. That’s the whole advantage of going slower when traveling with kids.

Start With Puente Nuevo

It’s impossible to miss Puente Nuevo. Staying four minutes away meant it was our first stop, and our last stop, each day. We walked across it, looked down from it, caught it from every neighboring viewpoint and in every kind of light—and that’s honestly the best way to experience it. Once we had it documented, we left it behind and descended into the old city.

The bridge is clearly noteworthy. But by the time we left, El Tajo gorge had impressed me the most—Puente Nuevo was just the structure that helped show the sheer scale of the gorge and the engineering it took to span it.

Walk Down Through Old Ronda to Puente Viejo

Descending from Puente Nuevo through Ronda is one of the most remarkable parts of visiting this city. The towering city-and-gorge walls crowd out more of the sun the closer you get to the Guadalevín River below.

My kiddo followed Ronda’s streets and stairs downward at an unsafe speed, careening past old gates, darting under arches, and running his hand along stone walls as he flew over the cobbles and watched the city drop away.

Puente Viejo was more interesting than I expected. It sits far lower than Puente Nuevo, and few people were jockeying for the same photo. Standing on it, you can easily see the entire city wrapping upwards around the gorge.

Visit the Arab Baths

The Baños Árabes de Ronda sit in this lower part of the city, close to Puente Viejo.

They’re atmospheric, and honestly better preserved than I expected. Entry was just €3.50 a head when we visited, and it was an easy way to pass 25 minutes inside. While there wasn’t a ton to captivate—the looping video barely caught his eye—he was intrigued enough by the air vents to ascend and descend multiple times so he could verify the holes we saw from above were the same ones he could see dappling light inside the baths.

And during that back and forth, I caught enough of the video to be intrigued by the process of how the water entered the baths and its progression through the bathing rooms.

It’s also where we first heard water—an unseen trickle audible from the gardens outside the Baths—and he decided, with the total conviction only a four-year-old can manage, that we were close enough to just find it and get in. There was a boardwalk nearby that looked, for one very hopeful minute, like it might lead down toward the river. It didn’t. Someone had gated it shut. The idea of visiting the river had lodged itself in his head anyway, and it stuck there for the rest of the trip—more on that later.

Puente Viejo, the old gates, and the Arab Baths were basically one experience for us, not three separate stops, and filled a good hour—longer with our unsuccessful detour to find nearby river access.

The Arab Baths also have clean bathrooms—hit those before you leave!

Stop for Wood-Fired Pizza at Il Forno a Legna

Pizza Friday is a weekly tradition in our house—one my son was acutely aware I’d broken the night before. Eight years into living here in Spain, I knew better than to expect much open before 8 p.m., his bedtime. Many of Ronda’s restaurants close between the Spanish late-lunch and dinner, so Friday night we’d solved it with a homemade quiche in the cooler instead—no negotiating restaurant hours with a hungry kid after the drive, but no pizza, either.

So pizza became lunch instead at Il Forno a Legna, a cozy spot just a couple of minutes from Puente Nuevo. The brick oven is right at the front, so we watched his pizza go in the oven. A hit. He got his mushroom pizza. I savored handmade pesto ravioli. We both left happy.

We ordered extra food, hauled the leftovers back to our Airbnb two streets over, and dinner was handled before we’d even headed back out.

Wake Up Early for a Completely Different Ronda

This is the part I’d most want to preserve if I planned the trip again.

Our second morning started early, because, well, life with a preschooler tends to start early whether a Spanish town is ready for us or not.

Ronda largely wasn’t.

Amaranta Café was one of the rare places serving breakfast early enough for us. For a while, we were the only visitors, so my son charmed the waitstaff with his extroverted litany of personal questions. As our food arrived, locals joined us at the bar for coffee and conversation while we lingered over our avocado-and-eggs-on-toast breakfast.

Outside, the tour buses had yet to descend on Ronda, so we headed for the playground and the Paseo de los Ingleses, which traces the edge of El Tajo.

Near the playground, I spotted an intricate colored alfombra already laid out across the pavement, no one around yet to explain why. Seeing the patterned carpet pulled me straight back to Semana Santa in Guatemala many years back.

Otherwise it was just locals—dog walkers, a few early runners. My kiddo, meanwhile, decided he needed to jump from every.single.bench we passed.

So, what could have been a quick walk took us a solid 20-plus minutes.

I didn’t mind.

The pathway follows the edge of the gorge, opening repeatedly onto views across the landscape. From the playground, we followed another walkway leading away from Puente Nuevo. It narrowed and curved farther around the gorge until the views back toward Ronda disappeared and the landscape opened in front of us.

Eventually we’d wandered far enough. We turned around and slowly made our way back.

The whole walk, my kiddo pointed at every path and staircase visible across the gorge, convinced that each one would finally get him to the water’s edge. I kept pointing out that whatever path we walked down, we’d also have to walk back up. He was unmoved. He informed me—repeatedly—that this was going to be the best part of the trip. That we simply had to walk down into the gorge.

This is what staying overnight gave us that I wouldn’t have known to put on an itinerary beforehand. We weren’t seeing another attraction. We were just walking along the edge of the gorge while Ronda woke up.

Eventually we reached Puente Nuevo again. It was decision time: Do I allow my nearly 50 pound (22 kilo) four-year-old to hike down into the gorge, knowing there’s no way I could carry him back up—he’d have to walk?

He had been lobbying for this since the Arab Baths. Once he spotted the actual paths down from the opposite side of the gorge, that was it—he talked about nothing else all morning, and I’d run out of ways to say maybe.

So we crossed the bridge and finally did it.

Hiking Down Into El Tajo Gorge

If your knees and shoes can handle it, getting below Puente Nuevo is the one thing I’d add to almost any Ronda day trip.

We went while the morning air was still cool, which mattered more than I expected going in. This stretch gets brutal, unshaded sun by afternoon, and I wouldn’t attempt it with a small kid at peak heat—steep, uneven, and blazing hot is a rough combination for little legs, no matter how badly they want the water.

We passed the entrance to Ronda’s official Tajo gorge walk and kept going on the free path down. With only the first section of the official walk open when we visited, we didn’t find it compelling enough to choose over the route down toward Mirador La Hoya del Tajo and the lower Puente Nuevo viewpoints.

Parts of the walk were straightforward. Then we followed a much steeper rocky section that was one of those technically we’re still on a path, but this doesn’t feel much like a path anymore situations.

I had to pay close attention with a four-year-old. This was not remotely stroller territory, and it’s not a route I’d casually recommend for every young child.

Mine, however, loved it.

The farther we descended, the more the perspective changed. Puente Nuevo rose above and across from us, with vegetation and a waterfall adding to the spectacle. Mirador La Hoya del Tajo also gives you distance that Puente Viejo doesn’t. The old bridge sits close to Puente Nuevo, on the opposite side of the gorge, so from there you’re looking up at Puente Nuevo rather than across at it.

We never reached the river.

He didn’t care nearly as much as I’d expected. We’d gone on a big adventure, and that was enough.

The Grandmother We Adopted Along the Way

Somewhere on the descent we met Anna, a local grandmother originally from Valencia.

My son took to her almost immediately.

They spoke mostly in Spanish, but when we learned she spoke Valenciano, she even pulled out bits of long-dormant Catalan that he’d learned during his nursery-school years in Barcelona.

Before long, they were holding hands while they walked.

The climb back up was sweet—the two of them spent the whole climb alternating encouraging words when one would slow down. At least until his “tired” legs managed a manic burst of speed at the end, when Anna and I trudged side-by-side for the last five minutes.

Just as we arrived back in town, Ronda’s Corpus Christi procession was unexpectedly setting out from a nearby church. We watched it leave with Anna—then she peeled off as the procession headed toward the alfombra from that morning. Numbers exchanged, we went our separate ways.

Couldn’t have planned any of it—or the repeated stops my kiddo insisted on making along the gorge trail to rescue beetles before someone stepped on them.

After Anna left, we found a machine that pressed souvenir coins. We didn’t have a coin for it—had to duck into a shop nearby and beg for change—but we got it working, pressed the one coin, and then it was time to check out and go.

Plan Your Trip to Ronda

Ronda With Kids: What I’d Know Before You Go

Ronda worked surprisingly well with a preschooler, but not because it’s packed with conventional children’s attractions. It’s just inherently interesting stuff—cliffs, bridges, staircases, a gorge you can stare into for as long as you want. His favorite parts, unsurprisingly, weren’t the ones any guidebook would list.

The biggest complication is the terrain. Ronda looks deceptively compact on a map—Puente Nuevo, Puente Viejo and the Arab Baths all look a few minutes apart—but the city’s built around a 100-meter gorge, and getting between them means an awful lot of steps. We never simply walked from Puente Nuevo to Puente Viejo; we descended through Ronda to reach it, then faced the climb back up on tired legs. I passed more than one set of parents with a kid riding their shoulders while they hauled a stroller up the uneven stairs.

If you’re visiting with a baby or toddler, a stroller will work for portions of the upper town, but it won’t survive the full itinerary we followed—a carrier gives you way more flexibility.

With younger kids, I’d resist the urge to pack the day with museums. Ronda itself supplied more than enough entertainment for us.

Getting to Ronda From the Costa del Sol

From our home in Benalmádena, Ronda is about a 90-minute drive, which makes it an easy day trip from the Costa del Sol.

We rented through DiscoverCars for this one. After eight years in Spain, this is our last summer as residents, and we’re finally doing some of the Andalucía day trips and weekend detours we never quite got around to as locals living in the Málaga area without a car.

Three ways to actually get here:

• Drive yourself, if you can. It’s what let us stay the night, wander at our own pace, and keep things flexible with a four-year-old. If you’re staying overnight with a car, prioritize accommodation with its own parking—I specifically chose our apartment partly because a spot was included, which meant we could arrive, park, and basically forget about the car until checkout. (A wrong-way ticket could happen anyway—ask me how I know: one missed turn into one of Ronda’s restricted-access areas amid the maze of narrow one-way streets, and a €50 fine found its way to the rental agency weeks later.)
• Organized day tour. Handles the driving and parking for you, which is genuinely appealing if that’s your main hesitation. You’re just on someone else’s schedule all day.
• Public transport. Direct buses from Málaga make Ronda entirely feasible without a car. From my home in Benalmádena, however, driving made a lot more sense for the trip we actually wanted—staying over, keeping things loose with a four-year-old, and ending with a quick stop in Setenil de las Bodegas.

How Long Should You Spend in Ronda?

Ronda works perfectly well as a day trip. It really does. You hit Puente Nuevo, the old city, Puente Viejo, and the Arab Baths in a single full day—no problem. But you miss the quiet early morning hours before crowds show up, and the chance to hike the gorge without racing back to the car.

One night, if your schedule allows it? That’s my actual recommendation. You gain an evening—and, more importantly, that early morning before the day-trip buses roll in.

Two days work particularly well with younger kids or slower travel. We lost a significant chunk of our first day to my exhausted preschooler, yet we still caught the best of Ronda.

Ronda is absolutely worth visiting, even if you only have a day. But the best part wasn’t standing on Puente Nuevo or collecting viewpoints of it—it was walking down through old Ronda and eventually into El Tajo itself. The city clicked for me in those cool early morning hours when I absorbed the pace of life for those just going about their day. So, I’d happily take a day trip to Ronda—but, given the choice, I’d stay the night.

This travel story (A Little Adventure… Ronda With Kids on More Than a Day Trip ) first appeared on the A Little Adrift Travel
Blog, thank you for following the journey. :)

There’s something about crossing a border on foot that I’ve always loved—whether it’s a rickety bridge from Costa Rica into Panama or a frigid nighttime crossing between Thailand and Laos. For a place as compact as Gibraltar, my day trip felt unexpectedly big—views of Africa, wild macaques, and the strange delight of walking across an active airport runway. From Málaga or the Costa del Sol, it’s an easy, quirky, genuinely fun day trip.

Quick Take: Gibraltar in One Day

Gibraltar is a strange blend of red phone booths and Spanish cafés, views into Africa, monkeys, caves, and cliffside lookouts. It’s a British Overseas Territory on Spain’s southern tip—tiny (just 2.6 square miles), historically layered, and visually dramatic thanks to the Rock of Gibraltar.

• 🚗 Drive: best flexibility from Málaga
• 🚶 Cross on foot: often faster than driving
• ✈️ Runway walk: unique highlight
• 🐒 Monkeys: fun but bold—secure bags
• 👶 With kids: town is easy; the Rock is not stroller-friendly
• 💳 Pay by card: typically better value than cash euros

How to Get from Málaga to Gibraltar (Car, Bus, or Guided Tour)

There are three main ways to do a Gibraltar day trip from Málaga: drive, take the bus, or join a guided tour. We drove, since I live along the Costa del Sol, and for our group (toddler + grandparents), it was the right call.

Driving from Málaga

We drove from Benalmádena in a rental booked through Discover Cars (they provided credit so I could try out the service). It gave us the flexibility I wanted with a toddler and grandparents—especially on a day when everyone’s energy runs on a different clock. If my son had been older, we likely would’ve added a stop in the charming town of Estepona on the way back.

From Málaga, it’s roughly 1 hr 45 min to the border at La Línea. The drive from Málaga was straightforward and smooth most of the way, mostly on modern highways with no tolls on our route. The only real slowdown was a predictable bottleneck near the final town—traffic crawls there most days.

We parked on the Spanish side at Parking Público Parque del Ayuntamiento in La Línea de la Concepción. From there, it was an easy walk to the pedestrian border crossing—and it avoided the vehicle queue that can build up entering Gibraltar and (even worse) leaving in the late afternoon.

Taking the Bus from Málaga

If you don’t want to drive, ALSA and Avanza buses (check the bus timetable on Omio.com) run from Málaga to La Línea de la Concepción (near the Gibraltar border).

• Pros: affordable, simple, no parking stress.
• Cons: fixed schedule and more stops (up to 3 hours one way)—less ideal if you’re working around naps or traveling with older relatives who may want to move at their own pace.

Travel Tip: If you’re visiting with kids (or mixing ages in a group), a car makes Gibraltar easier. You can arrive earlier, leave when you want, and avoid being locked into a bus schedule. If you’re set on taking the bus, the Malaga bus station offers luggage lockers for about €4.

Joining an Organized Tour

If you prefer a structured day—or you want a guide to handle the Rock logistics—an organized tour is worth it. This is often the easiest option for travelers without a car, or anyone who wants to maximize sites like the caves and tunnels without navigating transit on their own.

Crossing the Border & Getting Around Gibraltar

From the Ayuntamiento parking lot, it was about a 10-minute walk to the border. We crossed mid-week in May around 10:30 a.m. and breezed through with no crowds—weekends and summer can be slower, especially for cars. Bring your passport—you’ll go through border control and then walk across Gibraltar’s airport runway to enter.

Traveling with a child and one parent? Read this.
Because our day felt so casual, I didn’t bring my son’s travel authorization papers (I only had scans on my phone). Border staff asked for them and made it clear digital copies weren’t sufficient. Since my son was born and lives in Spain but travels on a U.S. passport, they were attentive about a child crossing with one parent. I was ultimately waved through—but next time I’ll bring printed copies.

After crossing, we took a bus to the cable car base. If you book your cable car ticket ahead, there’s a free shuttle bus in most seasons (about every 30 minutes) just past passport control—cross the street and you’ll see it. The municipal bus is another option (about €2.50 per adult), but it winds through town with many stops before ending near the cable car.

Either way, taking the bus saves your energy for later. On the way back, we walked from the base of the Rock to the border—mostly downhill and manageable.

Things to Do in One Day in Gibraltar

Gibraltar can be done in a tight day—but how much you’ll cover depends on mobility, weather, and whether you’re wrangling a stroller.

We bought the full Nature Reserve combo tickets online (be sure you’re booking from the official site), assuming we’d make use of everything included. In hindsight, with a toddler and grandparents, it was overkill—we used only a fraction of what was included.

Ride the Cable Car to the Rock Summit

We went up straight away, partly because the cable car stops running earlier than most people expect. We’d bought tickets online, and the queue moved quickly—about 20 minutes. The ride is short (around 6 minutes) and a bit crowded, but the views open up dramatically once you’re at the top.

We squeezed in with a lightweight travel stroller, but I wouldn’t attempt this with anything larger—there are stairs at both stations.

Enjoy Coffee with a View at the Top of the World Café

The Top of the World Café was calmer and more pleasant than we expected for such a busy viewpoint. The wide terrace over it gives you one of the best 360° views in Gibraltar—sea cliffs, the town below, and Morocco across the water. My parents settled in with pastries, my toddler ran laps around the tables once he finished his cinnamon-dusted babyccino, and I sat near the glass watching ferries move across the Strait. The café sits outside the ticketed Nature Reserve area, so it’s an easy stop even if you skip the full pass.

Wander the Old Fortifications

From the cable car station, take the higher path to the left for a quick wander through the derelict fortifications—this stretch doesn’t require entering the ticketed Nature Reserve.. The concrete bunkers and lookout positions feel rugged and cinematic, and it’s a fun place to scramble around.

This is also where we met our monkey.

We’d parked the stroller for just a moment… and came back to find a macaque sitting inside it, having tossed our jackets out and bitten clean through our 1.5-liter water bottle. Water was spraying everywhere, a small crowd had gathered to film it, and I didn’t even see the monkey at first until I was almost face-to-face with him. My mom shrieked. The monkey scattered.

Lesson learned: secure more than snacks. Gibraltar enforces steep fines for feeding the monkeys—posted signage warns of penalties running into the thousands of euros—and they’ll happily unzip bags, grab bottles, and rummage through anything that’s left unattended. Our food was sealed in my backpack—I just didn’t expect a water bottle to be the target.

We saw monkeys clustered around the cable car station and fortifications, not tucked away on remote trails.

Wonder at the Skywalk Glass Platform

The Skywalk glass platform hangs over the cliffs with sweeping views. My toddler and I loved it; my parents refused to step onto the glass. The elevator access is a big plus—it’s one of the easiest “wow” viewpoints on the Rock (Nature Reserve ticket required).

Walk Main Street & Shop for Souvenirs

After descending by cable car, we wandered Main Street. My toddler napped in the stroller, which was perfect—the town is flat and stroller-friendly.

Souvenirs were much cheaper here than at the summit. We bought a little snow globe and a long-armed hugging monkey that became the mascot of the day. The shopping streets are pleasant, but more of a wind-down than a must-do.

Fish & Chips (and an easy kid reset)

My parents grabbed fish and chips, and my toddler and I shared the chips (we’re vegetarian)—simple, comforting, and exactly what everyone needed after a big day.

From there, we walked slowly back toward the border, warming up in the afternoon light. Around 5 p.m., the vehicle queue was enormous—another reason I’d park in Spain and walk.

Even without rushing, these stops filled most of our day—trying to add more would have felt crowded.

If You Have More Time in Gibraltar

(Or you’re visiting without a stroller)

Note: Most attractions on the Upper Rock—including caves, tunnels, and suspension bridges—require a Nature Reserve ticket. Lower Gibraltar sights like Europa Point, Catalan Bay, and Main Street can be visited without one.

• St. Michael’s Cave — dramatic limestone formations and a colorful light show inside the Rock.
• Great Siege Tunnels — hand-carved tunnels with panoramic viewpoints and deep military history.
• Moorish Castle — remnants of Gibraltar’s early fortifications, with portions accessible inside the Upper Rock.
• Windsor Suspension Bridge — a short, scenic bridge walk high above the cliffs.
• Mediterranean Steps Hike — a strenuous but iconic route for fit adults or older teens.
• Europa Point Lighthouse — the southernmost point, with calm views across the Strait.
• Catalan Bay — a colorful beach village, best in warm weather.

We skipped these this time to keep the day relaxed with a toddler and grandparents.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Málaga → Gibraltar Day Trip

These are the details I wish I’d known before going—especially helpful for families and day-trippers. A few of these caught us off guard, even after planning.

My Toddler’s Favorite Things

• Walking across the airport runway
• Riding the cable car
• Running around the Top of the World Café terrace
• Standing on the Skywalk glass floor
• Watching the monkeys (from a safe distance)
• The long-armed, blue monkey toy we brought home

Currency & Payments

• Official currency: Gibraltar Pound (GBP), which is pegged to the British pound
• Euros are accepted, but often at poor exchange rates
• Best value: pay by card in GBP
• No need to exchange cash in advance

Stroller & Accessibility Notes

• Stroller-friendly: town center, Main Street, buses, border crossing
• Not stroller-friendly: most of the Rock, fort paths, cable car station stairs
• A baby carrier is significantly easier at the summit
• A lightweight travel stroller is doable, but inconvenient

Parking & Border Notes

• Park on the Spanish side in La Línea de la Concepción
• 5–10 minute walk to the pedestrian border crossing
• Vehicle queues peak around 5 p.m. and can stretch far into town
• Walking across the border is consistently faster than driving

Cable Car Logistics

• Buy tickets online to reduce waiting
• Expect closures in high winds—check the forecast
• Ride time: about 6 minutes
• Bus from border to cable car: ~20 minutes

Best Time to Visit

• Mid-week and shoulder seasons are ideal
• The summit is cooler and windier than the coast—bring a light layer
• Cruise-ship days bring heavier crowds

Is Gibraltar Worth Visiting?

We probably won’t rush back—but we were all glad we went.

Gibraltar packs an unusual amount into a small space: wildlife, cliffside views, layered history, and the novelty of crossing an international border on foot. It’s especially compelling if you dream of standing on a cliff looking straight toward Africa.

For families or mixed-age groups, the key is pacing. Skip the full-access tickets, prioritize the views, enjoy a coffee at the top, watch the monkeys from a respectful distance, then wander back down through town. Treated as a relaxed day trip—not a checklist—Gibraltar made for a memorable detour from the Costa del Sol.

Frequently Asked Questions

This travel story (A Little Border Crossing… A Day Trip to Gibraltar from Málaga ) first appeared on the A Little Adrift Travel
Blog, thank you for following the journey. :)

I spent the better part of a week in Rome this past spring with my 3.5-year-old son and my 60-something parents. Having done all the things in Rome while backpacking Europe in my 20s, I went in with modest expectations, a lot of snacks, and a toddler who has specific ideas about the pace and sites fit for our trip (spoiler alert: He wanted to find playgrounds).

Over our six days though, both my parents and my kiddo found their own kind of magic in the Eternal City. My parents were often content to sit on a terrace sipping coffee, and my son is an avowed lover of “ding dongs” (church bells), large fountains, and gelato—so Rome was a hit.

Exploring Rome together was one of our better multi-generational family trips (Paris in winter with a baby was less fun). Here are the things my parents and toddler genuinely loved (and still talk about), plus ideas throughout to make a trip to Rome easier for everyone.

Family-Friendly Things We All Loved in Rome (Even the Toddler)

1. Riding the “Big Bike” in Villa Borghese

📍 Pedal-assist “Bici Pincio” bike rental in the Borghese Gardens, near the Spanish Steps

This was a highlight of the week for everyone—all three generations rode together through the shady park on a giant quad-style electric bike. I drove, but there was a kids’ steering wheel, and pedals for all of the grownups.

My son gripped his tiny steering wheel, shouting “faster!” every few minutes, and pointed out every dog and fountain we passed. He delighted when we got stuck in a ditch and I had to haul us out. But mostly, we all enjoyed the breeze as we as we coasted down Villa Borghese’s wide, shady lanes. We also cruised past sweeping vistas of the city skyline, where my son delighted as the church bells’ song echoed across the city at the top of the hour.

We got off the bike to explore a few corners of the park, but we mostly just enjoyed the ride. It was a bargain at €25 for an hour on the four-seater (and €15 for a two-seater). Once it was over, we found a shady spot near a busker rocking out on the guitar (my son and my dad were entranced), unpacked a small picnic I had picked up from the market on our walk to Villa Borghese, and enjoyed the vibes.

2. Sampling Gelato Every Day

📍 Everywhere

This is an obvious for any trip to Rome—with or without kids—but we really “primed the pump” for my kiddo. He knew that when all of the churches and touring were done for the day, he could try a new gelato flavor—his favorite part of the day. He sampled strawberry, mango, stracciatella, and cinnamon. The adults enjoyed the classics: stracciatella, hazelnut, and lemon, with a few out-there flavors thrown in there to keep things interesting.

As for picking a gelateria to go—it’s so important to consult Google maps. I visit Italy frequently since we live close (Spain) and friends live in Sicily, so my standards are high. Many gelaterias have fancy, eye-catching gelato display cases—avoid! These are usually overpriced and touristic.

If you spend a few minutes using Google maps, you can find a gelateria even locals would visit—even near the most touristy spots. For example: Nearly every gelato shop near the Spanish Steps was overpriced, gimmicky, and poorly rated on Google Maps, but La Strega Nocciola knocked it out of the park.

3. Engaging in a Colosseum Treasure Hunt

📍 Colosseum with a printable scavenger hunt

Let’s be honest: Without the treasure map, interest in the Colosseum would’ve lasted five minutes for my three-year-old. But another blogger’s free printable scavenger hunt completely saved the experience. He clutched his “map,” declared himself an explorer, and gleefully ticked off lions and gates and a “big, big cross.”

That interest in checking off items on the map gave my parents time to take a fairly sedate pace through the long hallway of artifacts and information. We visited in early May, so it wasn’t too crowded (also thanks to the timed entry tickets you have to buy ahead of time). We spent about an hour inside, and no one felt rushed. We were also all losing steam and ready for dinner, so the Colosseum felt like a great way to end our first day in Rome.

Parent Tip: Print something interactive before you go. The Colosseum is big, crowded, and mostly rubble—a tough sell without a toddler-friendly hook. Same goes with the Roman Forum, but there’s also a printable for that. Oh, and the Colosseum has an elevator if you bring a stroller, or if your parents are low-mobility (my mom has a bum knee) and need a lift upstairs.

4. Admiring Rome’s Many Public Fountains

Most of my son’s biggest grins in Rome came from the city’s fountains—the grand ones and the utilitarian ones.

At the Trevi Fountain, he threw in penny after penny (six in total) and leaned in to touch the water every time we passed, despite the many signs (and side-eyes). Each visit brought a new wish and a hopeful glance—he was convinced that one more coin might unlock something magical.

At the base of the Spanish Steps, the lower fountains were less crowded and a bit more forgiving for kids who just wanted to lean over and touch the water spray. No one scolded him here, so we let him splash for a few minutes before munching on fresh roasted chestnuts from a nearby cart.

But it was Rome’s little drinking fountains—the nasoni—that completely stole his heart. He first spotted a teenager plug the spout to make a thin stream arc from the top hole, and after that, he had to try every one we passed. He got soaked more than once perfecting his “water trick,” but it was pure joy. And for us, it was a welcome way to cool off in the May heat—and to refill our water bottles with aqueduct-fed water straight from the source.

He was so proud when he finally figured out how to drink from the arc on his own. Back home in Spain, he was genuinely disappointed to discover that most fountains don’t work that way.

Note: Rome’s nasoni fountains are scattered all over the city and pour clean, cold drinking water—bring a reusable bottle and a dry shirt if your kid’s likely to go all in. And the Trevi area gets packed, so visit early in the morning or after dinner for a bit more space to toss in a coin or two.

5. Making a Toddler-Tolerable Vatican Visit

📍 St. Peter’s Basilica + Piazza San Pietro

Let’s be honest—toddlers and Vatican Museums don’t really mix. We skipped the full museum tour and Sistine Chapel entirely (it was closed for the Conclave). But we did make time for a walk through St. Peter’s Basilica and Piazza San Pietro. The wide-open square gave my kiddo space to roam while we admired the architecture and soaked in the significance.

The real win? The bells. We happened to be there when they rang out overhead, and my toddler’s eyes lit up. Meanwhile, my parents got the spiritual and historical dose they were hoping for without anyone melting down inside the museum halls.

Bonus: If your child still naps in a stroller, that would be the best time to tackle the museums, especially if you have your heart set on the Sistine Chapel. We used the free Rick Steves audio guide for St. Peter’s Basilica (he offers one for the Sistine Chapel too) and deeply enjoyed the history and commentary. Meanwhile—it was the holes in the floors with grates covering them that kept my toddler entertained. He was obsessed with watching the people in the crypts walk by down below.

6. Bonus: Exploring Ostia Antica as a Day Trip

We took the train to Ostia Antica and it was a surprising hit. This Roman ruin site is quiet, stroller-manageable, and full of space to explore. My son could run ahead, my dad took his time photographing everything, and my mom and I wandered together reading the info boards. It was a relaxing day out of the city and only a 40-minute train ride.

You can read the full post on my main blog: A Toddler-Friendly Day Trip to Ostia Antica

What Helped Make Rome a Win

Where We Stayed in Rome as a Family

Our hotel near Campo de’ Fiori had a communal kitchen and two double rooms with a connecting door. Il Tempio Della Capitale made a great base for mid-day rests.

Our Favorite Kid-Friendly Eats in Rome

Breakfast Win in Trastevere: Mammò Trastevere on Piazza di Giovanni della Malva was a favorite. Good coffee, affordable Western-style breakfast, and the nearby plaza offered enough space to entertain my squirmy kid while we waited for the food.

Chestnuts at the Spanish Steps: Fresh roasted chestnuts from a vendor near the base kept all of us happy (and the hangry at bay) before we rode the nearby elevator to the top of the steps (and then onward to the nearby Villa to ride the big bikes).

Small Wins & Tips for Success

• Low-key starts were key. We always had a morning snack in the hotel fridge for my son—yogurt, fruit, toast—meaning we never felt rushed to get out the door. We started most days at Mammò Trastevere just over the river from our hotel, then we were well-located to explore. Most days also included a mid-afternoon break to encourage a toddler nap in the stroller. We aimed for one main activity per day (plus a park or snack break), and that rhythm really worked for the multigenerational aspect (even my dad needed a nap one day).
• Getting Around: We walked everywhere in Rome. Public transport + strollers = chaos. The buses and trains work well though, and we used both for our Ostia Antica day trip.
• Use Google Maps to cluster activities and plan breaks. I combed through Google Maps and other travel blogs for restaurant recommendations, top-rated gelaterias, and historic sites hidden down alleyways. I starred all of the recommendations on my map. Then, as we walked around, I always had a fun way to break up walks longer than 20 minutes. And it allowed us to easily pivot when hangry.

• Slot in fun stuff around the adult stops: We also visited the Pantheon—my son was unimpressed, but my parents were floored. We bought tickets ahead of time to avoid the crushing lines—we had no wait. And with snacks in hand and a bit of stroller pacing, it worked out for all of us.
• Expect a different Rome by season. Spring gave us warm afternoons, cool mornings, and crowds that felt manageable. Summer, though, is another story—heat radiates off the stones, shade is scarce, and everything moves slower with a toddler in tow. If you’re visiting June–August, plan early starts, long siestas, and any big sights before 10 a.m. I suffered from mild heat stroke my first time in Rome 20 years ago after not hydrating properly during July sight-seeing.
• Bathrooms require strategy. Tactical wees at every stop were essential. Public restrooms are rare, so we relied on cafés, gelaterias, and museum stops—basically anywhere we bought a snack or coffee. If traveling with little kids, don’t pass up a bathroom you see.
• Stroller notes: Rome’s cobblestones are rough. We brought a lightweight travel stroller and made it work, but something with bigger wheels and better suspension would’ve helped. Ours came in handy for midday naps in cool, echoey churches or shady spots. (I used a mesh Ergobaby Omni 360 carrier for years, and I’d recommend it for babies and small toddlers)
• Day Trip Bonus: We took the train to Ostia Antica—easy, low crowds, stroller-manageable, and full of space to explore. You can read the full post here.

Would We Visit Rome With a Toddler Again?

Rome was more toddler-friendly than I expected, especially since we let go of any sightseeing checklist and followed the group’s energy instead. We skipped the Vatican tour in favor of a wander with the free Rick Steves audio guide (great decision), kept our days short, and built in lots of snack stops. Although I had done my research, the bikes were one of those things I’m surprised no one else mentions as a kid-friendly activity in Rome. It was truly a hit for us.

Rome works best if you accept that you’re visiting to soak it in, not check off every major sight. That mindset shift made all the difference for us. I’d go back in a heartbeat with a kid of any age.

This travel story (A Little Family Travel… Rome With a Toddler (and Grandparents in Tow) ) first appeared on the A Little Adrift Travel
Blog, thank you for following the journey. :)

On a five-day trip to Rome with my toddler and 69-year-old parents, finding the right day trip took me hours of research. We wanted something close, low-stress, walkable, and, well, cool. It needed to address why we were in Rome in the first place: for the history.

After spending a full day exploring Ostia Antica with my toddler and parents, I can confidently say: This was the perfect day trip from Rome for our family.

Why Day Trip to Ostia Antica?

Just 30 minutes from Rome, Ostia Antica is one of the best-preserved ancient Roman cities—it’s a quieter, more approachable Pompeii. I couldn’t wrap my head around the time commitment needed to visit Pompeii from Rome (I’ve visited it previously and believe is incredible). But with my parents and toddler in tow, it was simply too much round-trip travel time for a single day. The villas in Tivoli were a serious contender for our day trip, but the need for long walks and taxis between the villas meant Ostia Antica just made more sense.

Ostia Antica was once a bustling port city at the mouth of the Tiber River, and it’s now a sprawling archaeological park with welcoming ancient streets, well-preserved tiles and frescoes, and even a Roman theater.

What made it great for our family:

• 🚼 Wide open spaces for my toddler to explore safely
• 👟 Mostly flat walking paths with benches all of us used to rest
• 📸 Beautiful photo spots around every corner
• 🌳 Shade and greenery for breaks and picnics

And unlike the chaos at the Colosseum or Forum the day before, we weren’t jostling for space—it was peaceful, uncrowded, and still filled with Roman History.

Why We Skipped Pompeii and Tivoli

Pompeii is incredible, but requires hours of travel and more intense walking—too much for my toddler and parents. Tivoli looks beautiful, but the villas are spread out, and getting between them involves taxis or long uphill walks. Ostia Antica hit the sweet spot: immersive ruins, close to Rome, and walkable for all of us.

What to See at Ostia Antica (Even with Little Kids)

We spent around three hours wandering the ruins, stopping often to let my kiddo explore and giving my parents plenty of breaks in the shade. Then we spent an hour between the small museum and café, which made for a slow but interesting day.

The Necropolis

Don’t rush past the graveyard near the front gate—it was one of our family’s favorite spots.

The small tombs, low arches, and maze-like layout make it surprisingly fun to explore. My toddler darted through passageways while my mom followed him. I loved seeing the carvings up close, and my dad relaxed under a tree for a while just taking in the peaceful atmosphere. This section offers a quiet, shaded start to the visit—and it’s a great time to read (or listen to) the history before walking deeper into the ruins.

The Roman Theater

One of the most intact ruins onsite, the theater seats 3,500 and still has great acoustics. It was under renovations while we were there, otherwise my toddler would have surely run up and down the steps.

The Baths of Neptune

Famous for its black-and-white mosaic floors, the bath complex at Ostia Antica made for a fun wander.

The Museum & Its Frescoes

After wandering the ruins, we cooled off inside the small on-site museum—honestly, I wasn’t expecting much, but it was a highlight. My dad had mentioned the frescoes as one reason he wanted to go to Pompeii.

The frescoes at Osteo Antica are better: vivid reds, deep blues, and delicate figures that somehow survived 2,000 years of history and weather. I found these significantly better preserved than Pompeii.

It’s a short visit—20–30 minutes, tops—but well worth it. The museum also has statues, mosaics, and everyday objects that offered needed context to the ruins. For the adults in our group, the museum offered a picture of how this ancient site once rivaled Rome in complexity and culture.

For kids, it’s just the right size to point out a few cool things, have them pose like a few statues, and then go back to the free-roaming grass. My blood pressure spiked a bit inside with my high-energy toddler, and I ended up putting him in the stroller with some dried fruit for 10 minutes to keep his hands busy and off of the tipsy statues.

Tip: The museum is included in your entry ticket. The restrooms and shaded benches outside are perfect for a midday break.

Other Things to See

• Apartment Blocks & Shops: My parents enjoyed this section, but I sat it out while my toddler napped. You can wander into multi-story apartment buildings and storefronts that feel like time capsules from 2,000 years ago.
• The Forum: This is a classic Roman centerpiece you’d expect in any set of ruins, complete with temples, columns, and a palpable sense of history. Without the crowds of central Rome, we enjoyed this a lot.

🎧 Bonus Tip: Use the Rick Steves Audio Guide

Instead of hiring a tour guide, we followed Rick Steves’ free Ostia Antica audio tour, which walks you through the key sites with just enough historical context to keep it interesting—without slowing down the pace to frustrate my kiddo. You can also download a map that matches the audio route, which helped us stay on track and not miss anything important. Rather than use the buggy Rick Steves Audio Europe app, I just downloaded the audio MP3 here to all of our phones beforehand.

Tip: Download both the audio and the map before you go—there’s no Wi-Fi inside the ruins and cell service can be spotty.

How to Get to Ostia Antica from Rome

Getting to Ostia Antica is dead simple and ridiculously cheap—no car or tour needed.

🎟️ You can use a regular metro ticket (BIT) for the entire journey—just validate it once and you’re set. As of 2025, it costs just € 1.50 each way.

🚆 By Train (Best Option)

• From Rome, take Metro Line B to Piramide Station or take the bus to Piramide Station
• Transfer to the Roma-Lido commuter train
• Ride to Ostia Antica station (about 25 minutes) (often standing-room only)
• From the station, it’s a roughly 10 minute walk to the archaeological site via a pedestrian overpass and down some quiet streets.

🚗 By Car (Optional)

There’s parking available if you have a rental car, but honestly, public transport is easier and faster.

What to Bring

• Water: When it’s hot, you’ll be glad to have a refillable bottle—there’s a sidewalk fountain for refills between the train station and the entrance.
• Snacks: A small cafeteria-style café near the museum has limited but decent options. When we visited, they had a white asparagus lasagna (vegetarian), ham sandwiches, grilled vegetables, and one other (non-vetetarian) hot dish. Don’t count on a full lunch menu—bring snacks.
• Hat & sunscreen: There’s shade, but not everywhere. Use a quality high-factor sunscreen (this is my fav) and a wide-brimmed hat.
• Comfortable shoes: It’s a big site and though there are great grassy areas, the cobblestone and pebbled streets wouldn’t work well with flip flops.
• Stroller: Despite what others say, it’s not very stroller-friendly—a baby carrier (we used the mesh Ergobaby Omni 360 for years) would be easier on the many uneven stones and paths. I brought our lightweight travel stroller and although it was great for nap time, I could not push it through most of the archeological site with my toddler actually in it—the wheels get stuck within seconds in every cobble and stone.

If you’re planning a trip to Rome with family, Ostia Antica blends history, calm, and adventure. It offered immersive Roman history, yet it was compact enough for us enjoy in half a day.

We spent about four hours exploring at a leisurely pace—with plenty of snack breaks, photo ops, and time to let my toddler roam free. Wondering what else we did? Here are 5 Things My Toddler Loved in Rome.

This travel story (A Little Day Trip… Why We Skipped Pompeii for Ostia Antica ) first appeared on the A Little Adrift Travel
Blog, thank you for following the journey. :)

When I bought my two-month Eurail pass on a whim (and during a great sale), I had no firm plans for this trip with my toddler son. But I quickly decided it was financially advantageous—and fun—if I tried to hit as many of the most scenic train routes in Europe as possible.

That’s how I found the Bergen to Oslo train journey—it promised passage through some of Europe’s most breathtaking landscapes on a route famed for stunning vistas and serene beauty.

Another bonus? It’s virtually the only of Europe’s famed train journeys featuring a family car and play room to occupy little kids during its roughly seven-hour run time. If you’ve ever traveled with tiny humans, seven hours isn’t a relaxing prospect if you’re shoved into small seats trying to keep them happy and quiet, so as not to disturb the rest of the travelers.

You can understand then why I was thrilled when we set out from Bergen, leaving behind its picturesque mountains and fjords. I’m a single mom, and I had meticulously planned our 10 days in Norway to include this as more than a transport day—which I usually write off—this train itself is purported to be a gateway to a world where nature unfolds in its most pristine form. I was going to have the chance to immerse in the natural beauty that defines Norway, and to discover whether this train ride lived up to its reputation.

Why the Bergen to Oslo Train Ride?

Taking the Bergen to Oslo train journey, known as the Bergensbanen, isn’t merely about transitioning from one city to another—if you just wanted to get to the other city, you could fly. Instead, it offers the chance to witness a living museum of natural beauty and human perseverance while riding the highest mainline railway in Northern Europe.

Stretching 308 miles, the Oslo to Bergen rail journey unwinds across some of Europe’s most challenging landscapes—and also some its most stunning. Every time we emerged from a tunnel we entered scenes that seem conjured from a painter’s wildest dreams.

Constructed between 1875 and 1909, the Bergensbanen is a fascinating testament to human ambition and engineering prowess. Imagine the Herculean effort required to carve over 180 tunnels through unforgiving gneiss rock, to stand strong against relentless winter storms, and to secure funding for a project that many deemed impossible.

As the train ascends from Bergen, the scenery unfolded and changed like a kaleidoscope, transitioning from the deep turquoise of Alpine lakes to the stark, windswept beauty of shrubbery above the treeline (when you reach 1200 meters above sea level in Finse), before descending into Oslo’s verdant valleys.

Train Amenities and Tips

If you’re booking journey on the train, here’s what you need to know going in either direction between Oslo and Bergen.

Seats

The standard seats are well-maintained and comfortable, offering a pleasant travel experience. The time flies by given the views.

That said, first class plus seats are nicer—the seats are comfier and more spacious, making the upgrade worthwhile for those with the budget to splurge. Either way though, there’s really only the barest of recline in either class.

All of the seats have fold-down tray tables, or you can book a four-seater if you’re in a group and have a large table between you.

Power Plugs and Wifi

Each seat is equipped with power plugs, so it was easy keep my devices charged throughout the journey. Wifi connectivity is available but spotty given the number of long tunnels you’ll pass through. Don’t count on a video call working, but it’s good enough to text with friends or send emails.

Cafe Car

The cafe car offers large bay windows and comfortable seating. The tea and coffee are decent, and the food options range from some typical train fare (especially by the end of the journey) to more locally-sourced options like smoked pepper salmon with potato salad, green beans and broccoli tops, etc. By the end of the train during our journey all that was left was snacks like muffins and chips. If you buy a sandwich and snacks in Bergen or Oslo first, you’ll be thankful for your foresight, but you won’t starve either way.

The only advantage to plus first class seats, besides being slightly nicer, is free tea and coffee, which you can easily purchase in the cafe car.

Luggage Storage

Ample luggage storage is available on the train, with designated areas for larger bags and overhead racks for smaller items. Store your belongings securely to avoid any inconvenience during your journey for you or other passengers.

The Bergen Railway Family Car, Explained

Traveling with children, especially as a single parent, makes ever journey both an adventure and a challenge. I loved the family car on the Olso to Bergen train and it’s one of the main reasons I was able to enjoy the train’s scenic vistas so much.

During my trip in early June, the family car was half-full and welcoming, and the soft play area was both fun and safe. Another single mom and her daughter, and a small toddler and his mom were the only others using the play room during that seven-hour journey, so it was relaxed and low-stress.

The Soft Play Area

The kids area of the family car is a good sized with cute nooks that my toddler just loved. There is a ladder and crawl tunnel, which helped get out his energy, and soft, padded cushions covered everything. My son used the small cushioned squares to assemble towers, to practice jumping, and generally keep busy rearranging things.

Besides a couple of random, non-English books on the shelf, the room was otherwise empty. Just a space, no toys. And the room’s TV was not working in summer 2023, but the other moms and I had brought plenty of books and toys. Usually, the TV plays cartoons with the sound off, but our under-twos never noticed it was missing.

The windows in this room are not as clean/clear as in the other areas, which was a tad disappointing since my son was too small to be in the room alone. I had to poke out of the room to snap photos from the huge bay window across from the playroom.

The Family Car’s Amenities

The family car’s thoughtful design includes a large bathroom with a changing table, and huge spaces for stroller parking—these are free but must be booked separately.

The seats in this train car are incredibly spacious, and some parents were able to park small travel strollers in the seat row while their toddler napped.

You’ll also get spotty but serviceable Wi-Fi, power plugs under each seat, hooks, overhead storage, and space to stow jackets and coats.

And there are huge cubbies for luggage storage at the front and back of the family car.

Tips for Family Travelers

Book your seats and pram space.

If traveling with a pram, secure a “space reservation” so you can park and secure the pram in the huge space available. This is ideal for those traveling with little babies who sleep in larger prams. On our half-empty train, I had no problem using one of the front-row seats to park my son while he napped and watch the landscape unfold around me.

Pack fun activities.

I brought an array of activities—sticker books, paint with water, and many books. The other little girl had some small wooden stacking blocks and the little boy’s mom supplied toy cars. Together, they were thoroughly entertained throughout the trip.

Bring your own food and drink.

I bought snacks and sandwiches in Bergen and we enjoyed a feast on the move. As vegetarians, this was a must, but also just cheaper and tastier. Things like grapes, croissants, bananas, raisins, a small jug of milk, and a huge bottle of water made the journey feel normal for my son, and kept us both fed on things other than plastic-wrapped junk food.

Is the Oslo to Bergen train worth it?

The Oslo to Bergen train is consistently rated as one of Europe’s most scenic train journeys for good reason. Although it’s a long day on the train, it’s worth spending that time to soak in the natural beauty of Norway. So yes, whether you’re solo, traveling with kids, or a couple vacationing, it’s worth seeing this region of Norway from the train window.

Ticketing and Planning Your Journey

Many travelers take this as part of Norway in a Nutshell or similar tours, but if you’re independently traveling in Norway, it’s dead simple to take this train in either direction, from Oslo to Bergen or Bergen to Oslo. I found cheap flights into Bergen from Zurich, and then home to Barcelona (my homebase) from Oslo, so I planned our entire route through Norway around that start and end point.

Many travelers journeying from Oslo also choose this route because you can get off the train in Myrdal and take the famed Flam Railway. I would have absolutely done this if my son had been older.

Booking Tickets

You have two options. Most travelers will use online booking, but if you’re using a Eurail or Interrail pass like we did, you have to call and make these reservations ahead. Unlike some of the scenic trains in Europe, I did not have to pay for my seats on the Bergen to Oslo train, I just had to secure the seat reservation by phone, and activate the trip in my app.

Online Booking

Book tickets through the official website of the Norwegian State Railways (Vy). The platform is user friendly and allows you to select the family car option. Don’t use passthrough booking sites—some are outright ripoffs, others just charge a steep premium. Through Vy you’ll have access to the cheapest prices, including if there are any discounted minipris tickets available on your date and time (these can be a lot cheaper!).

Always book your tickets in advance—at least 30 days, but they open 90 days ahead—especially if you’re aiming for the family car during the high summer travel season, as these spots can fill up quickly.

On which side should you sit?

The difference is marginal really, since you can get up and look out of windows on either side, but the going advice is that from Oslo to Bergen you sit on the left—but views are better on the right for the first and last hour.

Which Train Should You Take?

The train takes roughly between 6.5 hours to 7.5 hours (slightly varied depending on which direction you take), so most travelers should book tickets on the morning train—you’ll have the best views during full daylight, and it gets dark early in the winter. This is true for any traveler, but especially families with children, since you’ll get into your destination in time to check into your hotel, get dinner, and still get the kids to bed at a decent time.

There is a sleeper train overnight, but reviews are mixed about the amenities, and you’ll miss all the views—only do this if you’re keen to just get between the two cities.

Other Ways to Get Between Oslo and Bergen

If you’re in it for the journey, take the train—it leaves and arrives in the city centers and is gorgeous. But if you want more flexibility, or to maximize your time, you have three other options:

Flying

Pros: The flight is quick, taking just 55 minutes, and with over 20 flights daily, it offers flexibility.

Cons: It lacks the scenic views of the train journey, is less environmentally friendly, and will still take hours once you factor in getting to and from the airport, and through airport security.

Driving

Pros: Driving offers complete flexibility to explore attractions like Flåm and Vøringsfossen waterfall. You can take scenic routes like Hardangervidda and make stops at places like Folgefonna glacier or Voss.

Cons: It’s time-consuming (7-8 hours) and requires dealing with potentially challenging driving conditions.

Bus

Pros: You’ll have some pretty views of Norway’s mountains and scenic landscapes without the need to drive.

Cons: At around 9.5 hours, it’s longer than the train, lacks the comfort of train amenities, and will miss some of the most breathtaking places the train goes but where there are no roads.

This travel story (A Little Adventure… Enjoying Norway’s Most Scenic Train Ride in the Family Car ) first appeared on the A Little Adrift Travel
Blog, thank you for following the journey. :)