Where to stay in Rome? Neighborhood by neighborhood, discover our guide to finding the best place to stay in Rome!
Are you planning a visit to the Italian capital and looking for the best place to stay in Rome? Rome ‘s surface area is three times that of Paris, so choosing the right neighborhood is an important part of planning your stay.
In this article, we’ve listed the best areas to sleep in Rome, depending on the reason for your trip (sightseeing, gastronomy, nightlife…), how you’re traveling (as a couple, with family, with friends) and the duration of your trip. You’ll then have to choose between an Airbnb accommodation or a hotel in Rome.
We’ve also added practical information for each district to help you make up your mind. Want to get straight to the point? Check out our summary of Rome’s best neighborhoods below:
| Neighborhood | Ideal for | |
|---|---|---|
| ⛲ Centro Storico | Main monuments | See hotels See Airbnb |
| 🍸 Trastevere | Gastronomy & Nightlife | See hotels See Airbnb |
| 🛍️ Piazza di Spagna | Family & Luxury | See hotels See Airbnb |
| 🏛️ Monti | Ancient sites | See hotels See Airbnb |
| 👨👩👧👦 Prati | Vatican & tranquility | See hotels See Airbnb |
| 🍕 Testaccio | Gastronomy & culture | See hotels See Airbnb |
| 💰 Esquilino | Small budgets | See hotels See Airbnb |
Centro Storico: for your first time in Rome
Photo credit: Shutterstock – fritschk
The Centro Storico is Rome’s historic center. It is home to the Pantheon, Piazza Navona and the famous Trevi Fountain. It’s the best place to stay in Rome if you want to visit the city’s main attractions on foot. Even the Vatican and the Colosseum are only a 20-minute walk away.
This is the right neighborhood if you’re coming to Rome for the first time and staying for a weekend of 2 or 3 days. Centro Storico is well served by the metro. If you arrive from Termini station, you can easily reach the Spagna metro stop (Linea A), which is close to many Centro Storico hotels.
Walking through the Centro Storico is like immersing yourself in a history book. The cobbled streets, narrow alleyways and artistic buildings of this district are a delight. Every corner is picturesque, so don’t be afraid to get lost in the maze of alleyways!
Trastevere: local living, eating and going out
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Catarina Belova
Trastevere is a pleasant neighborhood next to the historic center, on the west bank of the Tiber. The crowds of tourists are a little more bearable here. Trastevere is one of the best places to sample Roman cuisine. Unlike Centro Storico, this district is packed with authentic restaurants, where the locals come to eat. Try Nannarella, Tonnarello or Tavernetta 29.
Before dining, enjoy an aperitivo, the great Italian tradition of having a drink with a local dish. There’s no better place to experience it than in Trastevere.
Trastevere is the place to stay in Rome if you’re looking for a romantic weekend for two. Among the cobbled alleys and ivy-covered buildings, there are numerous churches and hidden squares. What’s more, it’s only a 15-30 minute walk from Trastevere to the historic center, where all the main attractions are located. The Vatican is also just a half-hour’s walk away.
Piazza di Spagna: for a luxury or family stay
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Piazza di Spagna is an area of the historic center that lies right next to the Villa Borghese gardens. Perfect for families looking to relax. It’s also known for the many luxury hotels and high-end stores that line its narrow streets. As its name suggests, this is where you’ll find the Spanish Steps. It’s a good place to stay, as it’s close to the historic center and thus to Rome’s most famous attractions.
Piazza di Spagna is very close to Piazza del Popolo, which is surrounded by restaurants and bars. Despite the tourist traps, you’ll find plenty of authentic addresses. The area is very well connected to Termini station and other parts of Rome, thanks to the Spagna metro stop (on line A). Termini station and the Vatican are just two stops away, and the Colosseum is 15 minutes away by metro.
Finally, if you love luxury shopping, you’ll love Spagna. Here you’ll find Via Condotti, a street famous for luxury boutiques such as Prada, Armani, Valentino, Tiffany & Co, Gucci and Dior.
Monti: for ancient sites (Colosseum)
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Tupungato
If you come to Rome to immerse yourself in its history, the Monti district is perfect for you. You’ll see the Colosseum from your window, and ancient Roman ruins will be at your feet. In addition to the ancient ruins, you’ll find numerous vintage boutiques, unusual cafés and pastel-colored buildings. The bohemian atmosphere is real!
Booking accommodation in the Monti district can be very convenient. Most of Rome’s must-see sights are just a 20-minute walk away, with the exception of the Vatican, which is an hour’s walk away.
However, Monti is well served by the metro: there are two stations (Colosseo and Cavour) on the Linea B, providing an easy link to the Vatican (20 minutes away) and Termini station (1 or 2 stops). Getting from the airport to your hotel in Monti is easy!
Even if the Colosseum area isn’t very lively, you’ll find plenty of authentic restaurants in Monti, like Ce Stamo a Pensà (for the best carbonara) and La Prezzemolina (for a pizza to die for).
Prati: the quiet district near the Vatican
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Ragemax
Prati is a modern, safe and affluent neighborhood located between the Vatican and the Tiber. Just a stone’s throw from the Holy See, this neighborhood is ideal for those wishing to visit the Vatican. Despite its proximity to the Vatican, Prati is actually not very touristy, very quiet and residential. This allows you to enjoy a little peace and quiet and discover another side of Rome, frequented by locals. It’s a great place to stay in Rome for families.
The main advantage of Prati is that you can arrive early in the morning to avoid the Vatican queues. What’s more, two metro stations (Ottaviano and Lepanto) on line A give you easy access to other parts of the city, including the Colosseum (20 minutes away), the historic center (2 stops away) and Termini (5 stops away).
Via Cola di Rienzo, a major shopping street, has no shortage of luxury boutiques. If you’re looking for a restaurant in Prati, try Il Ragno d’Oro. For a quick bite, try Pinsa ‘Mpò for its pizzas.
Testaccio: for gastronomy and hipster flair
Photo credit: Shutterstock – penofoto
Testaccio is a unique neighborhood where tradition meets street art, and where markets and piazze breathe local life. Gastronomy, art and culture are the ingredients that make this district the ideal place to stay in Rome if you want to relax and soak up Roman life.
Authentic, this is where you’ll meet traditional butchers and bakers at the local market. There are no tourists here, so it’s an excellent neighborhood if you want to stay in Rome for more than 4 days.
Testaccio is one of the best places in town to enjoy authentic local dishes. Most modern Roman cuisine originated in this district. You’ll be spoilt for choice here, but one of the best restaurants is Lo Scopettaro.
Although the Esquilino district offers less expensive accommodation, Testaccio is quite affordable when compared to Rome’s more touristy districts. Testaccio is served by the Piramide metro stop (on Linea B), which is 4 stops from Termini station and 2 stops from the Colosseum. It takes around 25 minutes to get to Centro Storico and 35 minutes to get to the Vatican by metro.
Esquilino (Termini): for small budgets
Esquilino is a neighborhood north of the Colosseum, which is home to the Termini train station. It’s the most affordable area to stay in Rome, as well as the most convenient if you’re looking for a quick overnight stay in the city before catching a train to other parts of Italy or a flight abroad. Youth hostels can be found in this district.
In Esquilino, you can discover Rome’s multicultural side. In Piazza Vittorio, you’ll find the Italian-Chinese community with its stores and restaurants. There are also many African restaurants in the area, as well as traditional trattorias.
From Esquilino, it takes about 20 to 40 minutes to walk to Rome’s main attractions. Taking the bus or metro from Termini takes about 20 minutes. The Vatican is an hour’s walk away, but only 30 minutes by bus/metro from Termini. Beware, there are many pickpockets and scammers around Termini. It’s safe to stay here, but keep an eye out. Don’t be distracted by strangers approaching you or asking you questions.
FAQ – The best areas to stay in Rome
⛲ Centro Storico – The best neighborhood for walking to all the main attractions.
🍸 Trastevere – The best neighborhood for fine dining and nightlife.
🛍️ Piazza di Spagna – The best neighborhood for families and luxury travelers.
🏛️ Monti – The best neighborhood to stay near the Colosseum and ancient sites.
👨👩👧👦 Prati – The best neighborhood to stay near the Vatican
🍕 Testaccio – The best neighborhood for gastronomy, culture and local life
💰 Esquilino – The best neighborhood for cheap accommodation and overnight stays
What are the best areas to visit in Rome?
The Centro Storico is home to most of Rome’s attractions, including the famous Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon. Staying in this district, you’ll have plenty to see around your hotel. Piazza di Spagna, Monti and Trastevere are also within walking distance.
Which are the safest areas to stay in Rome?
Prati and Parioli are the two safest neighborhoods in central Rome. Both areas are highly residential, modern and affluent. They are generally frequented by local businessmen and wealthy Roman retirees. The high-end boutiques in Piazza di Spagna make the area very safe.
Where’s the best place to stay in Rome for less?
The Esquilino and San Giovanni districts are the two most affordable areas in central Rome. You’ll find affordable accommodation in other districts too, but these two areas offer the widest choice of quality hotels at reasonable prices.
Where to stay in Rome for the first time?
If you’re visiting Rome for the first time, the Centro Storico is the most convenient area to stay, as you’ll be surrounded by all the city’s main attractions. By staying in this area, you’ll have no trouble getting around the center and walking to all the main attractions.
Where to stay in Rome for just one night?
Esquilino is by far the best neighborhood to spend a single night in Rome. This is where you’ll find Termini station, Rome’s main railway station and the main link between Rome and its two airports. It’s also Rome’s best-served metro and bus station.
Where to stay in Rome with your family
The neighborhoods of Piazza di Spagna and Parioli are ideal for families thanks to the large parks and green spaces nearby. Centro Storico is also perfect for families because of its proximity to Rome’s attractions, minimizing walking for children and the elderly. We could also see that Prati is a quiet neighborhood, and therefore ideal for families.
Where to stay in Rome for the nightlife?
The districts of Trastevere and San Lorenzo are both known for their lively nightlife scene and abundance of bars and pubs. Trastevere’s bars are frequented by locals and tourists alike, while San Lorenzo is more for late-night student parties.
Where to stay in Rome for a week or more?
Testaccio, San Giovanni, San Lorenzo and Parioli are the four neighborhoods of choice if you’re planning a longer stay in Rome.
When is the best time to visit Rome?
The best time to visit Rome is in spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November). The weather is pleasantly mild, there are fewer tourists than in summer, and you can enjoy all the sights without being overwhelmed by the heat or the queues. Avoid the summer high season (June-August) if possible.
How do I get around Rome?
To avoid walking too much and get around Rome easily, the metro and buses are the most convenient options. The Centro Storico and Monti districts are close to most tourist attractions, while areas such as Prati and Testaccio are well connected by public transport. Use Google Maps to plan your day or ask for a city map at one of the tourist points.
Map of hotels and accommodation – Rome,it