One of the best things about Rome is the numerous neighborhoods throughout the city, giving you countless options of areas to use as your base during your visit to the alluring capital city of Italy. If you’re searching for guidance in choosing the best area to stay in Rome for your trip, this guide will break down the pros and cons of some of the most popular options!
Table of Contents
Best Places to Stay in Rome
Historical Center (Centro Storico) – Best for First Time Visitors
The Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, Spanish Steps, Piazza di Spagna, Campo Dei Fiori, Piazza del Popolo, and more are all part of the numerous main sites in Rome that make up the historical center.
Many would say that the historical center is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Rome and that’s a sentiment pretty difficult to argue with.
You essentially have all the magical places you’ve likely dreamed of visiting right on your doorstep as well as some of the most beautiful architecture and beauty.
This makes it incredibly convenient if you aren’t too keen on taking public transportation as you have so much of ancient Rome available to you within walking distance. Even staying just a day or two in the historical center of Rome will make it incredibly convenient to see everything, particularly for first-time visitors.
Best for: For those looking for the best areas in Rome for sightseeing and history, the historical center is without a doubt the best place to stay in Rome for you.
Downsides: Due to being the central location of the city closest to the majority of the main sites in Rome, many hotels in the center are quite expensive
Most tourists are also going to spend the majority of their time here, so if you want to get away from tourists when heading back for the night, perhaps a different part of Rome is best for you.
Where to Stay in Centro Storico
Casa Leoncino B&B – This cosy and quaint B&B is the perfect base in Rome’s historical centre for those on a mid-range budget. They have a range of comfortable rooms available — all with air conditioning — and an unbeatable location for exploring the Italian capital.
Barberini Dream – Located within spitting distance of the Trevi Fountain, this is an excellent luxury place to stay in the historical centre of Rome. They offer a few different types of private rooms that are pet-friendly and have all the modern amenities expected.
Hassler Roma – For those looking for luxury on their trip to the Eternal City, this grand accommodation is one of the best hotels. Located at the top of the iconic Spanish Steps, they have a range of beautiful rooms to choose from and countless other amenities to ensure your stay is a great one.
The RomeHello Hostel – If you’re travelling solo or on a tight budget, this hostel is an excellent choice. Located close to all the action in Centro Storico, they have both dorm and private rooms available and great common areas for meeting other visitors.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in the Historical Center!
Trastevere – Best Area for Nightlife
When thinking of classic and quaint Roman streets lined with cobblestones, the beautiful Trastevere neighborhood is what you’re likely imagining.
Trastevere literally translates to “across the Tiber River” and sits stuck in time beside the Tiber River. When in Trastevere, you’re transported to what feels like a small Italian town; full of artisanal shops, locals sipping espresso outside, and local restaurants.
Trastevere is located in a great position in the city for tourists, as a tram runs along Trastevere and there are also many buses connecting the area to the rest of the city.
It’s also quite convenient to walk to the historical center from Trastevere and all of the top attractions, making it a great place to stay for first-timers wanting to explore Rome.
Trastevere also attracts drones of young people throughout the year thanks to its booming nightlife, whether you’re keen on tasting various beers, sipping wine at a wine bar, or enjoying a few cocktails.
When spending time in Trastevere, make sure to enjoy a pizza from Pizzeria ai Marmi located on Viale di Trastevere.
Best for: Trastevere is best for those searching for a quintessential Roman experience while still being quite central to the city, it is also great for those in search of an area of Rome with a thriving nightlife.
Downsides: Due to its popularity with visitors yet small size, Trastevere is on the medium or higher end for costs for accommodation with few options (mainly Airbnbs) that are snatched quickly.
Although the area still feels quite local, it’s becoming less hidden as time goes on and is becoming more saturated with tourists.
Where to Stay in Trastevere
Hotel Santa Maria – This comfortable 3-star hotel makes for an excellent base in Trastevere. They offer a number of clean and comfortable rooms, a lovely courtyard and an on-site bar to enjoy.
Loly Boutique Hotel Roma – This 4-star hotel is a fantastic choice for those after a luxury stay in Trastevere. They have chic rooms available, an unbeatable location and there is even a breakfast option available.
Casina Tiberina – If you’d like to live like a local in the Trastevere neighbourhood, then this one-bedroom apartment is a great choice. It is fully furnished with all you could want and perfectly located for exploring the neighborhood and Rome.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Trastevere!
Prati (Vatican Area) – Best Residential Area to Stay
The area surrounding Vatican City is Prati. Prati is a residential area full of white-collar Romans that is also known to be one of the chicest areas of Rome.
The area is probably one of the most well-connected parts of the city (numerous buses as well as trams and metro lines) yet is quite empty of tourists in certain parts of Prati.
This makes it a great area to stay, seeing as you’re very close to the main sights of the city yet don’t feel swamped by the hustle from the historical center of Rome.
Next in line to Via del Corso in the historical center, Via Cola di Rienzo in Prati is one of the best shopping areas in all of the city.
Prati is also quite well known for its stylish bars, spots for aperitivo, and intimate music venues. Accommodation prices are also quite reasonable in the Prati neighborhood, making it a great option if you’re traveling on a moderate budget.
Best for: When searching for the best neighborhoods in Rome and you’d like to stay somewhere with classic Italian fashion as well as a lack of too many tourists, Prati is going to be a great option for you. Prati is also a great place to stay if you’re wanting to be close to the Vatican during your trip.
Downsides: Most accommodations in Prati are going to be serviced apartments, (kind of like hotels without the amenities) or Airbnbs, so if you’re hoping to stay in a large hotel with amenities, skip Prati and stay in a different neighborhood.
Where to Stay in Prati
Hotel S. Anna – This quaint hotel makes for an excellent base in the Prati neighborhood. They have a number of lovely rooms to choose from, an inviting courtyard and a great location for exploring the city.
Orazio Palace Hotel – This gorgeous luxury hotel in Rome is an excellent option for those looking to splash the cash on their trip to Rome. They offer countless amenities, plush rooms and even an inviting rooftop terrace with some of the best views of the capital.
Trianon Borgo Pio Aparthotel – If you want the feeling of your own apartment with the convenience of staying in a hotel, then this is a great option for you. They offer a number of different apartments, ranging in size, and plenty of other amenities to ensure you have a great stay.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Prati!
Testaccio – Best Area to Stay for Families
Located south of Trastevere along the Tiber river, is the working-class Roman area of Testaccio. Known for its incredible food scene, interesting history, and food markets, Testaccio is a wonderful place to stay in the heart of Rome.
Those that love Testaccio have a strong passion for it and would recommend staying in this neighborhood in a heartbeat. It’s a great place to get away from the crowds, watch the slow pace of local Roman life, and quite possibly eat the best carbonara you’ve ever had in your life!
If you stay in Testaccio or even just spend a few hours, make sure to stop for a coffee or cocktail at the quirky bar, “Tram Depot.”
Best for: Due to its numerous parks as well as an abundance of Airbnb-style accommodations, Testaccio is a great option for travelers with little ones and looking for the best place to stay in Rome with a family. Due to the great food scene, Testaccio is also a great option to stay in Rome for die-hard food pilgrims.
Downsides: Although it is still quite easy to navigate from Testaccio to the rest of the city, Testaccio is a little further out from the majority of the main tourist sites (except Circo Massimo). So if you want to be able to mainly walk throughout Rome during your stay, head to a different area to stay instead.
Where to Stay in Testaccio
Seven Suites – If you’re looking for a modern mid-range hotel in Testaccio, this place is a great choice. They have a number of large and comfortable rooms available and a great location for exploring the neighborhood and the entire city.
Hotel Santa Prisca – This is another great mid-range option in the Testaccio neighborhood. They have a number of clean and comfortable rooms available and there is also a terrace to enjoy.
Casa Ferrari Testaccio – If you want to have your own place in Testaccio, then this two-bedroom apartment is an excellent option. It is fully furnished with comfortable commodities and makes for the perfect base for exploring the Eternal City.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Testaccio!
Monti – Best Place To Be Near the Colosseum
Another local neighborhood and a great contender for the best location to stay in Rome, is the area of Monti.
Monti is known to be one of the most scenic and aesthetically pleasing neighborhoods in the center of Rome and fortunately, also lacks a lot of tourists.
From numerous points in the neighborhood, you can find the Colosseum staring back at you in full glory – whether it be in the day, or under the moonlight at night.
This close proximity to the Colosseum makes Monti one of the best places to stay in Rome. The area in itself is quite “hip”, and has a plethora of good restaurants, cool bars as well as many modern and classic cafes.
Monti is quite close to the rest of the city and has many bus transport options as well as Metro lines throughout the area. Full of all types of accommodation from Airbnbs to 5-star hotels, you aren’t chained to one type of accommodation if Monti is the area that you prefer to stay in.
Best for: Due to its close vicinity to the Colosseum, idyllic Roman scenery, and great transport, Monti is recommended as one of the best areas for first-time visitors.
Downsides: Monti is more of a “modern” area, so if you’re looking to stay somewhere that is stuck in time, maybe head to Trastevere or the Historical Center instead.
Where to Stay in Monti
Hotel Grifo – This 3-star hotel is a great choice in Monti. They have bright, clean and comfortable rooms on offer, a great location for a base in the city and they even allow pets for those travelling with their furry companion.
Le Piccole Lune di Monti – This one-bedroom apartment makes for a great, comfortable base in the Monti neighborhood. It is fully furnished and even has an electric fireplace to warm you up if you happen to be visiting Rome in winter.
Ostello Bello Roma Colosseo – This hostel is perfect for budget or solo travellers who want to be within a stone’s throw from the Colosseum. They have both dorm beds and private rooms available and there is even a bar on site.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Monti!
Roman Ghetto – Best Underrated Area of Rome
Located between Piazza Venezia and the Tiber river is one of the most special gems of Rome, the Roman Ghetto.
The Roman Ghetto is believed to be one of the oldest Jewish quarters in all the world and is full of history, equally both heartbreaking and inspiring. While the area itself is quite small, there’s a lot packed into the Roman Ghetto neighborhood.
From exquisite Kosher restaurants to quirky fountains, the Roman Ghetto is an area that deserves to be on your radar when planning a trip to Rome.
It’s located quite centrally, between the Colosseum and the Historic Center, making it a great location if you want to be in the center of it all while still being in quite a quiet and local area of the city.
Most accommodations will be Airbnbs or serviced apartments in the Roman Ghetto making it quite an affordable neighborhood to stay in the Italian capital.
Best for: Staying in the Roman Ghetto would be best suited for those looking to stay in a hidden gem and historically rich corner of Rome that is also very central.
Downsides: The area itself is very small so finding accommodation may be quite difficult while planning your trip if you’re hoping to stay in the Roman Ghetto.
Where to Stay in the Roman Ghetto
Black And White Suite – A centrally located bed and breakfast that offers both standard rooms and a one-bedroom apartment. Breakfast is an optional extra.
HT6 Hotel Roma – A modern hotel located in the heart of the Roman Ghetto, they have both double rooms and suites with a bar downstairs. Breakfast is possible to include the nightly rate.
Reginella – A large three-bedroom apartment it is a great option for a larger family or group. looking for self-catering facilities. There is a balcony attached.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in the Roman Ghetto!
Esquillino (Termini Station Area) – Best for Transport Links
When searching for the best neighborhood to stay in Rome, one of the most important things to you may be transportation and the vicinity to the main train station.
Maybe if you’re only spending a day in Rome and have an early flight or train in the morning, you’ll likely want to be able to save time reaching the station. If this is important to you for your trip to Rome, the Esquilino neighborhood is a great option to consider.
Esquilino is located between the Monti and San Giovanni areas and also encompasses the central station of Rome, Termini Station.
The Esquilino area is known as a “gritty” area of Rome that is still safe, and also offers budget accommodation options, great transportation, and Santa Maria Maggiore, one of the 7 main churches in Rome and a major pilgrimage site for Catholics.
Best for: The Esquilino area is a great option for visitors to Rome looking to be close to Termini station as well as those with a lower budget for accommodation that still wants to be in central Rome.
Downsides: Esquilino isn’t known to be one of the most beautiful parts of Rome, so if you want to stay somewhere more aesthetically pleasing, head to the neighboring area of Monti.
Where to Stay in Esquillino
Domus Palatina – A mid-range hotel located close to the train station, they offer double rooms and suites. They have a great location for exploring the city and even include breakfast in the room rate.
Hotel Artemide – Located around a 10-minute walk from Termini, this elegant hotel offers a range of rooms with guests able to take advantage of the on-site spa. Breakfast is included daily.
The Beehive – One of the top-rated hostels in Rome, they have both dorms and private rooms with guests able to socialise in the common garden, lounge and kitchen areas.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Esquillino!
Pigneto – Best Alternative Area of Rome
Past the San Giovanni neighborhood, you’ll find the alternative area of Pigneto. Pigneto is full of the young and edgy and has an extremely bohemian feel to it due to its close vicinity to the universities.
The neighborhood of Pigneto is full of character and is known to have one of the best nightlife areas in Rome making it a great place to stay if you’re looking to spend time out at night experiencing Rome as a local.
If you’re someone looking to experience Rome’s wonderful street art scene, Pigneto will be a gold mine for you during your stay.
Pigneto also has a handful of hotels that are reasonably priced due to being further away from the city center, as well as plenty of Airbnbs to choose from if that is your accommodation of choice.
Best for: Those looking for a hip, artistic, and up-and-coming area with a laid-back atmosphere away from the city center.
Downsides: Although it’s quite accessible by public transportation, the Pigneto neighborhood is the furthest away from the city center in this guide. If you’re looking for a similar feel but somewhere more central, maybe stay in the Testaccio area instead.
Where to Stay in Pigneto
Sweet Home Pigneto Guest House – A comfortable guest house offering a range of double rooms with a shared lounge for guests to enjoy. Breakfast is included in the nightly rate.
Vic Pigneto – A luxury one-bedroom apartment in the heart of Pigneto, this place is perfect as a self-catering option. There is also a pull-out sofa in the main room.
Villa Ella – A two-bedroom apartment with a pull-out sofa making it suitable to accommodate up to six people. There is also a garden for guests to enjoy.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Pigneto!
The city of Rome is an incredibly vibrant destination and the area that you decide to stay in during your trip will undoubtedly reflect that. Whether you decide to stay in the working-class area of Testaccio, or the trendy area of Monti, you’re bound to find an area to stay in that will only enhance your trip to the eternal city.
Are you wondering which area to base yourself in Rome? Have any questions? Let us know in the comments!
