Where to stay in Rome: The best areas explained

Historic Centre

The best place to stay in Rome for first-timers and shorter stays.

The Historic Centre of Rome, also known as the Centro Storico, is situated in the heart of the city, on the eastern bank of the River Tiber. To the west, across the river, there is the Vatican, and to the southeast, the Colosseum. 

In terms of safety, Centro Storico is generally safe for tourists but may suffer from incidents of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas. Make sure to keep an eye on your belongings at all times.

My top accommodation pick >> Borghese Contemporary Hotel is beautifully designed and housed in an old building with a majestic entrance. It feels luxurious and inviting without breaking the bank.

Things to see & do

Here you will find the Instagram-famous Trevi Fountain. Piazza Navona is also a must-see. The square has an oval shape, based on the shape of an old gymnastic stadium, which was built here by an emperor in the year 86. 

Another icon of the Historic Centre is the Pantheon. One of the most striking aspects is the massive dome, which was revolutionary for its time and remains a marvel of engineering.

The square around the Pantheon is super lively and lined with trattorias and cafes, and the surrounding area is one of the best places to stay in Rome.

Pros & cons

✅ Here you are within walking distance of the city’s most iconic sights. I love how wandering the cobblestone streets of the Centro Storico transports you back in time.

There are also plenty of high-end restaurants in this part of town if you’re looking for an upscale dining experience, such as Casa Bleve or PER ME – Giulio Terrinoni. But also many affordable eateries: such as Pizzeria Romana Bio or La Fraschetta di Castel Sant’Angelo, which was our favourite.

❌ Due to the popularity, it gets crowded and hotel rates are among the highest in Rome, averaging at €250 per night for a modest double room.

The nearest metro station to the Historic Centre is Barberini, which can be a fair walk if your hotel is closer to the river. Also, many streets are pedestrianized, so be prepared that the taxi won’t be able to drop you off right by the door of your accommodation.

Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Steps)

Best for couples and luxury travelers.

Piazza di Spagna is one of the best places for couples to stay in Rome because of its luxurious accommodation options, fine dining venues, and romantic, sophisticated ambiance.

In the heart of this area sits the Piazza di Spagna with its iconic Spanish Steps, which were built to connect the French-owned Trinità dei Monti Church with the Piazza di Spagna below.

My top accommodation pick >> Relais De La Poste is affordable considering the area, yet it still feels fresh and new. I especially loved the staff who will stop at nothing to make your stay unforgettable.

Things to see & do

At the foot of the stairs, you’ll find the historic Babington’s tea room, where you can enjoy a typical British afternoon tea there. Or if you prefer cocktails and jazz, Gregory’s Jazz Club is a great place to visit.

If you’re a history buff like me, don’t miss out on the 18th-century Antico Caffè Greco, where Keats and Lord Byron drank their coffee and talked about literature.

Tucked between Spanish Square and Piazza del Popolo, Via Margutta is the perfect escape from the bustling city. I love the picturesque setting, green ivy elegantly drapes the walls of the buildings lining the street.

Head to Via Condotti for high-end designer boutiques, Via Margutta for artisanal shops and Via del Babuino known for its antique shops. And, if you continue walking south, you’ll get to the expansive Piazza del Popolo, used for public events and concerts.

Villa Borgese Gardens, where you can ride a bicycle on its expansive grounds or rent a boat and row around its picturesque lake, is also close. And don’t forget Villa Medici, an exquisite 16th-century mansion home to the French Academy.

Pros & cons

✅ In addition to the upscale accommodation and high-fashion shopping, it is also quieter than the Historic Centre, yet only a 15-minute walk away from Piazza Navona. And, since it’s an upscale neighborhood, it is the best location to stay if you’re concerned about safety.

It is also well connected by public transport. The nearest metro station – Spagna (Red Line), connects with Termini, where you can catch a train or change to the Green Line to go to the airport.

❌ The only drawback of this fantastic neighborhood is the accommodation prices, averaging at €300 per night.

Prati (near the Vatican)

Best area in Rome to stay for families & affordability.

Where do you stay in Rome when you’re traveling on a mid to lower budget? The answer is Prati – an elegant neighborhood near Vatican City. And only a 15-20 minute walk from the Historic Centre.

My top accommodation pick >> Astom Suites is a highly-rated and newly renovated (yet somewhat affordable) property in the heart of Prati.

Things to see & do

After careful research, Prati was where I stayed last time. My favorite pastime here in the afternoons was watching people going on about their daily lives from a local trattoria while eating a delicious pizza and sipping on Aperol Spritz.

What it lacks in fame, it makes up for in grandeur. This neighborhood is home to stunning Belle Epoque villas and stately buildings, as well as expansive boulevards that make for a charming stroll.

One of the main streets, Via Cola Di Rienzo, is a bustling shopping destination with both international and local brands. And when it comes to local flavor, Mercato Trionfale is the place to be. Here, you can find a colorful array of fresh fruits, veggies, meats, cheeses, and wine. 

Pros & cons

✅ Thanks to its proximity to the pope’s residence, it is one of the safest places to stay in Rome, and thus the best area for families. I really liked how close the Historic Centre is so I could head back for a midday nap before exploring more in the afternoon.

It was also handy to have a few good grocery stores nearby, which are hard to find in the Historic Centre. The last thing which I found useful was being able to park my rental car near the accommodation.

Prati is well-linked with the rest of the city with buses, trams and the metro. The two nearest metro stations are Lepanto and Ottaviano of the Orange Line, which links Prati with the Termini train station and the Green Line, which goes to the Da Vinci Airport.

❌ The main drawback of staying in Prati, which wasn’t a big deal for me, is the Vatican crowds. Every Wednesday and Sunday, thousands of people head to St Peter’s Square in the Vatican for a catholic mass and to see the Pope.

Trastevere

Best area to stay in Rome for charm, nightlife & romance.

If you’re looking for a hip place with a bohemian vibe, superb dining, and bars, Trastevere is the place to be. It is my favorite area in Rome, and I plan to stay there during my next visit.

This charming neighborhood is located on the western bank of the River Tiber, around a 20-minute walk to the Historic Centre.

My top accommodation pick >> Check out Vicolo dell’Atleta 23, an apartment in the heart of Trastevere with outside space.

Things to see & do

The cobblestone alleys lead to picturesque squares, each one with its own distinct flavor, with the bustling Piazza di Santa Maria, home to the quaint church of Santa Maria, at its heart.

One must-visit spot for pizza lovers is Sesamo Trastevere, located near the main square. Their crispy, thin crusts with fresh, mouth-watering toppings make it easy to see why it’s considered the best pizza in town. 

For a traditional Roman meal, Cave Canem is a charming trattoria that serves up delicious plates of pasta and hearty meat dishes.

Apart from eating and shopping, Trastevere is home to Belvedere del Gianicolo, which boasts one of the best viewpoints in Rome and the Botanical Garden of Rome, with thousands of species of plants and a picturesque Japanese tea garden.

🍕 Looking for the best food tour in Rome? In my eyes, the best way to get to know a new city is through its food. This twilight Trastevere food tour is one of the best I’ve experienced in a long time!

Pros & cons

✅ Trastevere is a delight for anyone who loves to explore the streets on foot. It doesn’t have a metro station, but multiple buses and a tram line provide a good connection with other touristy attractions and the Termini central station.

My favorite part is the orange and yellow colored buildings, housing boutiques and eateries, that line the charming alleys, adding to the cheery character of the neighborhood. 

For those seeking a trendy evening out, Trastevere’s aperitivo bars provide the perfect setting for an Italian-style happy hour.

❌ There’s no real disadvantage of staying in this neighborhood, though it takes around 20 minutes on foot to get to the Historic Centre. If you’re okay with having to walk or take a bus, you’ll be rewarded with an authentic, lively vibe yet not too busy.

Monti (Colosseum)

Affordable & bohemian.

Monti is where you should stay in Rome when you’re after a hipster vibe, excellent street food, affordable accommodation, and, to top all that, good public transport connections. Tucked between the Historic Centre and Termini, Monti is home to the most iconic landmark of Rome – the Colosseum.

This old residential neighborhood used to be known as Suburra, a little shady area once filled with craftsmen, petty criminals and sex workers. In fact, there used to be a wall dividing it from the heart of Rome to prevent spreading fires, which were notorious here.

Nowadays, tourists tend to overlook Monti while on their way to the Colosseum. But if you take a closer look and wander around, you’ll find a bohemian vibe that’s hard to resist.

My top accommodation pick >> I found this apartment to offer great value, or if you can afford it, check out Amazing Colosseo that overlooks the Colosseum!

Top things to see & do

All roads lead to Piazza della Madonna dei Monti, the hub of this vibrant community. Foodies, in particular, will find themselves in heaven here.

A standout favorite is al42 by Pasta Chef Rione Monti, which boasts some of the best pasta we’ve ever tasted – and conveniently, it’s located right by the square. Try their veggie lasagna; you won’t regret it!

For a cozy breakfast, head to La Casetta a Monti, a hidden gem tucked away in a charming ivy-covered building. And no visit to Monti is complete without picking up a slice of pizza from Forno da Milvio.

But food aside, Monti also offers a unique shopping experience with vintage clothing stores and local Roman designers lining Via del Boschetto – be sure to check out boutiques like Blue Goose, Le Gallinelle and Tina Sondergaard.

Pros & cons

✅ This neighborhood has fantastic metro links with its own station – Cavour (Blue Line), right in its center, from where you can get to other points of interest in the city, such as the Termini train station and airports.

I stayed in Monti on my first-ever visit to Rome, and I remember how cool it was to have the view of the Colosseum right on the doorstep of my accommodation! Coming back to Monti recently, I definitely appreciated all the food joints and its authentic, bohemian vibe.

❌ I don’t really have anything negative to say, other than it being a bit of a walk to the Historic Centre. Which isn’t too bad. The Trevi Fountain is only around 14 minutes walk, Pantheon 21 minutes and Piazza Navona 24 minutes.

Testaccio

Best neighborhood to stay in Rome for foodies and longer stays.

Looking for where to stay in Rome for the first time but don’t want to stay in a touristy area? Testaccio may be the perfect choice for you.

The neighborhood is known for its humble beginning as a working-class district responsible for looking after the slaughterhouses in the city. However, today, Testaccio is a non-touristy, real-life destination that has garnered attention as a growing foodie hotspot.

My top accommodation pick >> ALMA SUN ROOMS Testaccio boasts clean and newly renovated rooms with some kitchen appliances.

Things to see & do

This neighborhood is home to a busy market – Mercato Testaccio, where you can purchase fresh produce, meats and cheeses. If you enjoy going off the beaten track, also check out the former slaughterhouse turned event space, Città dell’Altra Economia.

Don’t forget to try a tasty triangle sandwich, which we loved and craft beer at Trapizzino | Testaccio. For authentic Roman cuisine, head to Piatto Romano, where you’ll have the chance to mingle with the locals and taste some mouth-watering non-touristy dishes.

Rising up to 35 meters high, Monte Testaccio is the most recognizable landmark in this area. With over 53 million pieces of pottery, it is the largest spoil heap of the ancient world. It’s hard to fathom just how much wine and oil was stored in all of these jars! 

Other points of interest in this neighborhood include the Pyramid of Cestius, which is a burial tomb of Caius Cestius, dating back to 12 BC, and the Non-catholic Cementary, where you can find graves of the two English writers – Keats and Shelley. 

And for an afternoon stroll with panoramic city views, head to Giardino degli Aranci lined with fragrant orange trees.

Pros & cons

✅ Testaccio is the perfect place to immerse yourself in authentic Italian culture and enjoy some delicious cuisine. If you have more than just a few days in Rome, this could be the perfect base.

❌ The only disadvantage of staying in Testaccio is its more remote location, from where you won’t be able to walk to the Historic Centre, and the Colosseum is about a 26-minute walk if you’re feeling energetic.

Having said that, Testaccio has its own metro station in the center of the neighborhood – Piramide (Blue Line), where you can easily get to other Rome attractions.

Termini

Another great area in Rome for budget travelers.

Termini is the last neighborhood we recommend in this guide to where to stay in Rome. The biggest advantage is its proximity to the Termini Central Train Station and a wide selection of budget (compared with other more desirable areas of Rome) hotel choices.

Whether you arrive in Rome by plane or train, you will end up at Termini, and having your hotel within walking distance will save you money on taxis.

My top accommodation pick >> Check out Smart Guesthouse Termini for a stylish yet somewhat affordable private room.

Things to see & do

My favorite part of the Termini neighborhood is Piazza di Santa María Maggiore, home to the magnificent basilica of the same name. The area around the square is super lively and lined with traditional Roman cafes, which are perfect for grabbing a morning cappuccino and a fresh pastry!

Other interesting points of interest in this area include the grand 19th-century building of the opera house – Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, the National Museum of Rome and the Baths of Diocletian.

Pros & cons

✅ Depending on which hotel you choose, you will have the Historic Centre within a 17-20 minute walk, which is not bad for a more budget-friendly area. The area is also packed with cheap eats and grocery stores, handy on days when you prefer to eat in.

It makes sense to base yourself here if you’re staying in Rome just for a day, this way, you will save by not having to take a metro or bus to your hotel.

❌ The only thing to keep in mind is that the proximity of the central station makes this area less safe, especially at night. It’s a common thing in big cities that the neighborhoods around the central station suffer from pickpocketers and opportunists, as well as a higher concentration of homeless people.

For that reason, if you’re a solo female traveler, we don’t recommend staying near Termini.

Quick tips for visiting Rome

Plan ahead: Book tickets for popular attractions like the Colosseum, Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica in advance. Even though I prefer to explore without a set itinerary, for a big city like Rome, a plan is necessary. Even when I visited during the shoulder season, one of the tours I had been eyeing was sold out a month before.

Beware of pickpockets: Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas and on public transport. Luckily I didn’t have any bad experiences in Rome this time, but I guess that’s because I took precautions. Read more in my guide to safety in Rome.

Stay hydrated: Carry a reusable water bottle; Rome has many public fountains with safe drinking water. I always travel with my trusty LifeStraw filtered bottle, so I know I’m always safe.

🌟 LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle

My favorite bottle for travel, backpacking and hiking.

You can fill it up anywhere, LifeStraw filters bacteria, parasites, chemicals and microplastics.

For every LifeStraw product purchased, a child in need receives safe water for an entire school year!

Use public transport: Take advantage of Rome’s buses, trams, trains and metro to get around efficiently. I love that they have now implemented a tap-and-go system. It is easy to use, no need for physical tickets anymore.

One tap lasts for 100 minutes, except for on the metro, but tap every time you enter. The system will automatically apply discounts when you qualify.