Where to stay in Rome
Where to stay in Rome is one of the most important parts of a holiday there. Cut down on travel between attractions with our guide to the city's areas.
The Best Areas To Stay in Rome
Bustling and lively, Rome is a great city to explore on foot as most of its major sights are all in one area and there are numerous cafes where you can stop off for a break, coffee and a bite to eat. When you start venturing further afield, you can always use public transport, either buses or taxis.
To familiarize yourself, remember: these sights are all between the main railway station, Stazione Termini in the east and the Vatican in the west, which is essentially an independent country but one of the most important places to visit in the city, as it’s home to incredible museums, inside of which is the Sistine Chapel, as well as the iconic St Peter’s Basilica. South of Rome’s historic center one finds the Colosseum and if you head north you’ll eventually reach Villa Borghese, the city’s 80-hectare oasis. Rome doesn’t have a main street, but if it did, it would be the Via del Corso, near which are a number of other main attractions including the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain.
Rome is built on a number of hills – there are actually 9 in all, 7 of which are the ones on which ancient Rome was built. These are the Aventine, Caelian, Capitoline, Esquiline, Palatine, Quirinal and Viminal hills. There are also 2 others – Janiculum and Pincian hills. The city center is bisected by the Tiber River.
Best Places to Stay in Rome
- Most Romantic Neighbourhood: Aventine Hill
Set right on top of the hill, this district offers stunning views and is popular for a romantic getaway, as it’s set apart from touristy areas and a little more exclusive. You’ll have to travel further to see the city’s sights, but close by you’ll find the legendary Villa del Priorato di Malta, which boasts that famous keyhole view of St Peter’s Basilica. - Best Neighborhood for Nightlife: Trastevere
This is where Rome’s nightlife buzzes, so don’t stay here if you’re looking for somewhere peaceful. If you love being in the midst of the party, you’ll find plenty of restaurants, bars and clubs open here, as well as in Rome’s historic center. A younger, more alternative crowd hangs out in the student district of San Lorenzo as well as in Pigneto nearby.
- Best Neighborhood for Food and Restaurants: Testaccio
If you’re looking for great food, Testaccio is the place to stay. It’s brimming with fabulous food served in traditional trattorias, pizzerias and gourmet Michelin-starred eateries. Testaccio gained a reputation as being home to Italy’s traditional dishes cooked with the less popular but cheaper offcuts, but the area also offers some fine Jewish Roman dishes particularly on on Via del Portico d’Ottavia. - Best Neighborhood for Local Vibe: San Giovanni
The place to come if you want to live like a local, San Giovanni is situated just outside the center of Rome. It’s full of traditional restaurants frequented by the locals as well as bustling markets and shops. Nearby Monti, near the Colosseum, has a local village atmosphere even though it’s become a trendy part of town. - Best Neighborhood to Stay for First Timer: Historic Center
A lot of people stay in this area when they first visit Rome, not only because it’s the center of the most important sights (the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain are located here), but also because it is very pretty. Those charming little streets are filled with restaurants and shops, and nearby Trastevere is a close second, with its gorgeous squares and cobbled streets. Hotels abound in both areas. - Best Neighborhood for Sightseeing: Ancient Rome
If sightseeing is going to be your main occupation while you’re in Rome, then you should consider staying in either the historic center mentioned above, or Ancient Rome, home to the Colosseum and other famous ruins. This area offers a selection of hotels to choose from – and the Vatican is just over the river. - Safest Areas in Rome
The city center is a safe place, but if you’re looking for a quiet spot, choose Prati which is close to the Vatican and offers numerous hotels and restaurants. Another quiet area is the one around the Spanish Steps, in the heart of the shopping district. When the shops close, it’s very peaceful. Hotels may be a little more expensive here, but if you’re keen for peace and quiet, it’s worth it. - Unsafe Areas of Rome
There aren’t any really unsafe areas in Rome’s city center, but the area directly around Termini Station is considered a little dangerous. However, accommodation here is inexpensive and you’re close to a number of sightseeing attractions and good restaurants.
The 8 Best Neighborhoods in Rome for Tourists
1. Trastevere
If you’re looking for great food, a number of sights to see and an authentic maze of narrow cobbled streets, Trastevere offers all of that – and then some. You’ll also discover numerous bars and the restaurants offer a wide choice, from inexpensive traditional food to innovative Michelin-starred dishes. It’s a great place to visit during the day and at night, when bars and clubs come come alive.
• Best Hotel: Gran Melia Rome
The Vatican is located on the other side of the river and its incredible sights are legendary. Nearby is Prati, home to some excellent shopping, some super restaurants and takeaways. The entire area is quiet after dark, although Prati does boast some famous nightspots including the oldest jazz club in the city.
• Best Hotel: Palazzo Cardinal Cesi
This is where you’ll find some great, if expensive, shopping options along Rome’s famous Via dei Condotti, as well as have time to visit the famous Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. Hidden amongst the fancy stores are some great bars and restaurants, often frequented by the rich and famous. Because everything closes in the evening, it’s a quiet place to stay, but accommodation here doesn’t come cheap.
• Best Hotel: Rocco Forte Hotel De Russie
Great sightseeing options in the area include the Colosseum and other ancient sites, and there are a number of hotels on offer. However, there aren’t many restaurants to choose from, so head for nearby Monti where there are some great places to eat, superb bars and trendy shops.
• Best Hotel: The Inn At The Roman Forum
5. Historic Center & Jewish Ghetto
The place to stay if you enjoy being where the action is, and having a number of sights in the vicinity. It’s also postcard pretty with its cobbled narrow streets, but accept the fact that you’re in tourist heaven. Luckily, the locals come here to, to enjoy the busy bars and restaurants and there are plenty of hotels, too.
• Best Hotel: Hotel Raphael
6. Villa Borghese, Barberini, & the Quirinale
This beautiful part of town is home to Rome’s legendary park, Villa Borghese, where you can stroll around and explore some gorgeous museums or take a boat out on the little lake. The road leading up to the park is lined with fancy hotels and restaurants and the entire area boasts a number of palazzos including the Presidential Palace. It’s quiet in the evenings, a great respite for those who prefer a more subdued existence.
• Best Hotel: Villa Spalletti Trivelli
This area is always lively, and it’s also home to plenty of budget places to stay. It’s not a pretty part of town but you’ll find some great museums and churches to explore plus some good eateries and bars. Nightlife buzzes in the student area of San Lorenzo and nearby Pigneto.
• Best Hotel: The St. Regis Rome
8. Testaccio
A hidden gem for those who love authentic local food, Testaccio is home to a number of wonderful traditional trattorias serving Roman dishes. It also boasts a lively nightlife in several clubs popular with a younger crowd. You’ll find some romantic places to stay in Aventire, a district close by.
• Best Hotel: San Anselmo