Where to Stay in Rome: Neighborhood Guide + Best Hotels

Rome is an ancient city with many diverse and historic neighborhoods. If you need help narrowing down where to stay in Rome, look no further! In this guide, we break down each neighborhood in detail so you can figure out the best option for your time in Rome.

To many travelers, Rome is a bucket list destination in Europe. Nicknamed the “Eternal City,” visitors flock to see its ancient past fused with the modern day.

As one of the most famous cities in the world, and centrally located to many other famous spots in Italy like Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast, Rome is overflowing with exciting things to do. 

When planning a trip to a new city, it can be difficult to determine where to stay. Oftentimes there are a lot of factors involved and no one-size-fits-all answer. In this article, we’ve broken down the best neighborhoods to help you decide where to stay in Rome.

Where to stay in Rome for…

If you’re looking for quick answers, here are our suggestions on where to stay in Rome for different travel scenarios. 

To get the lowdown on each neighborhood plus hotel recommendations, click on the ‘hood to jump to that section of the article, or just keep reading.

• …your first time: Centro Storico
• …luxury hotels & high-end shopping: Piazza di Spagna
• …a quiet reprieve & local experience: Monti / Prati
• …budget travelers/quick transit: Roma Termini
• …nightlife: Trastevere
• …seeing all the sights: Piazza Navona and Campo de’ Fiori Square
• …foodies: Trastevere
• …digital nomads/long-term stays: San Giovanni

Rome Neighborhoods Guide

• Overview of Rome neighborhoods
• Best place to stay in our opinion…
• Getting around Rome
• What to pack for Italy
• FAQs

Overview of Rome’s neighborhoods

When browsing where to stay in Rome, you’ll find there are a number of different areas to choose from. Here are the most central and popular neighborhoods in the city.

• Centro Storico: (Rione VI Parione / Trevi) For access to everything the city has to offer in the most central location. You can walk to everything!
• Piazza di Spagna: For a wealthy neighborhood with high-end shopping and fine dining. It’s also great for families.
• Monti: For a close proximity to the city center and all the main attractions.
• Trastevere: For a charming local vibe; excellent foodie scene, nightlife, and hidden gems.
• Prati: For an elegant and modern residential area. 
• Roma Termini: For a budget-friendly or quick stay and easy access to the metro station.
• San Giovanni: For experiencing Rome like a local in a traditional residential area.

The most walkable neighborhoods are Centro Storico, Piazza di Spagna, and Monti. Since they’re close to all the most popular things to do, they’re chalked full of restaurants, bars, and cafes. 

These neighborhoods are also all very close to Roma Termini Station, so taking a day trip from Rome or going further distances is seamless.

Further out of the historic city center are more residential areas full of their own collection of sights and restaurants. Staying outside of the historic center is great for getting a more authentic stay in Rome. Plus, most of these areas are still walkable from all the main sites if you don’t mind getting your steps in. 

Where to stay in Rome for your first time: Centro Storico

Rione VI Parione / Trevi

This neighborhood is the heart of Rome and likely where you’ll spend most of your time sightseeing as it’s walking distance to nearly everything.

It’s very convenient and great for first-timers in the city and families since you can come back to your hotel for a midday break.

Apart from its iconic location, Centro Storico is stunning no matter where you stumble across. Narrow alleys, artsy buildings, and ancient monuments.

Because this area is so popular, tourist traps are common, which is something to be mindful of. However, there are plenty of gems to go around.

Highlights of Centro Storico

• Trevi Fountain
• Piazza Navona
• Pantheon
• Campo De’ Fiori

Recommended accommodation in Centro Storico

Budget option: Studio and Castle Sant Angelo

This cozy apartment is walking distance to everything the city has to offer, yet still settled along a quiet street. The private space is equipped with a kitchenette, table and chairs, free Wifi, and private bathroom.

Mid-range budget option: Lafarnese Loft

Conveniently situated at Campo de’ Fiore market, in the historic center of Rome, this loft apartment will make you feel right at home. It has all the modern comforts you need including a full kitchen, air conditioning, and fast Wifi. All of Rome’s top attractions are a short walk away from this stay.

Splurge hotel: Navona Grand Suite

This traditionally decorated hotel will make you feel opulent during your time in Rome. It’s located in the center of the historic district with all the amenities to match: free Wifi, daily housekeeping, a private balcony, kettle, mini fridge, and mini bar. 

Splurge hotel: Tree Charme Parliament Boutique Hotel

In the heart of the historic quarter, this 3-star hotel offers rooms with balconies, free Wifi, concierge services, kettle, mini fridge, tv, and onsite bar and restaurant. To top it off, it’s a short walk from all the most popular attractions in the city.  

Where to stay in Rome for luxury hotels & high-end shopping: Piazza di Spagna 

Lavishly situated just north of the city center, the Piazza di Spagna is an opulent and luxurious area for those that want to enjoy one of Rome’s finest neighborhoods.

It’s outfitted with one of the most famous designer shopping streets in the world, Michelin star restaurants, bars, and restaurants. Not to mention the Spanish Steps are right in this area and all the other main attractions in Rome are a short walk away.

It’s a safe area and great for families, however do note that budget options are very limited here.

Highlights of Piazza di Spagna

• Spanish Steps
• Villa Borghese
• Capuchin Crypt
• Villa Medici

Recommended accommodation in Piazza di Spagna

Budget option: Apartment Babuino 68

This updated apartment is inside a magical historical building and neighborhood that’s walking distance to all the sites. It has all the creature comforts you need like a spacious living room, equipped kitchenette, sofa bed, double bedroom, tv’s in each room, and free Wifi.

Mid-range budget option: Rhona’s Rooms

Expertly located just near the Piazza di Spagna, these guest rooms make the perfect landing pad after a day of exploring. Each room has a comfortable bed, small table and chairs, storage, and a flatscreen tv. 

Splurge hotel: Corso Luxury Rooms

Elegantly furnished, this hotel is lavish with all the comforts, attentiveness, and perks to match. All the rooms are spacious with free Wifi, a flatscreen tv, seating area, and some include a spa bath to top things off.

Where to stay in Rome for a quiet reprieve & local experience: Monti

Monti is one of Rome’s up and coming neighborhoods with the highlights of Ancient Rome at your fingertips. You can wake up with a view of the Colosseum and a short stroll has you in the right in the heart of the city.

The streets are charming and cobblestoned with some hip bohemian flair. Wandering around you’ll pass boutique stores, quirky cafes, unique aperitivo, and copious wine bars.

It’s hip, youthful, and well connected to further areas of the city using the metro. Due to its location it tends to run a bit touristy and budget options are limited, but the perks and photogenicity more than make up for it.

Highlights of Monti

• Roman Forum
• Colosseum
• Palatine Hill
• Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore
• Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli

Recommended accommodation in Monti

Budget option: Monti Hill Colosseo

Settled in a quiet corner of Monti, this quaint apartment gives you everything you need. It’s conveniently set in between the Colosseum and Roma Termini station, and a stone’s throw from everything else in the city.

Mid-range budget option: Fascinating and comfortable house

Unique with modern touches and a stylish design, this charming one bedroom apartment features a kitchen, dining area, and private bathroom. The location is unbeatable as it’s just down the road from the Colosseum and main sights.

Splurge stay: Casa Ricci Marchetti

Beautifully decorated in the heart of Rome, this luxurious 2-bedroom apartment is right next to the Colosseum. The lavish decor compliments the the views, and the space is large enough to spread out and make yourself at home.

Where to stay in Rome for nightlife and foodies: Trastevere

Decorated with rustic cobblestone streets and ivy draped buildings, Trastevere is a charmer just across the Tiber River where foodies and romantics go to stay.

Walking the streets you’ll find bars filled with locals, authentic restaurants, and hidden gems many don’t venture out to see.

It’s the perfect place to experience Rome like a local, but still have access to all the main sites in the city center. You can get to the majority of the main attractions on a 15-30 minute walk.

Highlights of Trastevere

• Tiber Island
• Ponte Sisto
• Via della Lungaretta
• Basilica of Santa Maria
• Wander the streets

Recommended accommodation in Trastevere

Budget hostel: Hostel Trastevere

Close to metro/subway lines and walking distance to all the sites in Centro Storico, this hostel has an incredible bang for your buck. Enjoy a continental breakfast, free Wifi, terrace, gardens, onsite bar, and laundry services.

Mid-range budget option: Trastevere Suite

Right in the center of the best food and nightlife in Trastevere, this apartment is full of character and all the creature comforts of home: a kitchenette, washer/dryer, and dining/living spaces decorated with stone archways and wooden beams. It’s also a short walk from Vatican City and the Colosseum. 

Mid-range budget option: FAMM Apartments

This quaint loft will make you feel like a true Roman perched in the authentic area of Trastevere. It has all the modern comforts you need including a brand new kitchen, smart TV, fast Wifi, and work area. All of Rome’s top attractions are a short walk away from this stay.

Splurge hotel: Loly Boutique Hotel Roma

You’ll feel like Italian royalty at this luxury hotel with its onsite restaurant, bar, and terrace. Each room has free Wifi, a desk, electric kettle, fridge, minibar, and flat-screen TV. It’s also a short walk away from the best foodie spots in Trastevere and Rome’s city center.

Psst! Looking for other adventures just outside the city? We put together the ultimate list of best day trips from Rome to give you some fun ideas!

Where to stay in Rome for a quiet reprieve & local experience: Prati

Over the Tiber River and just east of the Vatican, you’ll find the affluent and quiet neighborhood of Prati.

This residential neighborhood is modern, safe, and the most ideal if the highlight of your time in Rome will be exploring Vatican City, trying to sneak a peek of the Pope. 

It’s best known for wide avenues filled with some of Rome’s best nightlife, alfresco wine bars, cocktail lounges, fine dining restaurants, and endless shopping opportunities.

Most of the sights in the city center are about a 30-minute walk away, but it’s still well-connected with the metro system.

Highlights of Prati

• Vatican City
• St. Peter’s Basilica
• Castel Sant’Angelo
• Vatican Museums (Sistine Chapel)

Recommended accommodation in Prati

Budget option: Hermes Suite Four

This spacious and modern apartment makes you feel right at home in the residential neighborhood of Prati. A stones throw from Castle Sant Angelo, this is in a great location if you plan to visit the Vatican.

Mid-range budget option: Charming Loft

This refined apartment is steps away from St. Peter’s Basilica and adjacent to the Vatican. With an independent entrance, central location, spacious rooms, washing machine, free Wifi, and fully-equipped kitchenette, you’ll have all the creature comforts of home on vacation.

Splurge hotel: Apollo Boutique Hotel

This hotel has earned its 4-stars with the sheer attention to detail around its opulent and modern interior. Feel like royalty on the property grabbing a drink at the bar, admiring the gardens, and winding down in a stunning room.

Where to stay in Rome for backpackers: Roma Termini

This neighborhood encompasses Rome’s central station, Roma Termini. 

As it’s one of the busiest stations in Europe, you’ll find a number of hotel and accommodation options here that are some of the most budget-friendly in the city.

If you’re spending a short time in Rome and need quick access to the metro, this is a solid option. It’s also a walkable distance to all the main attractions in the city center.

Otherwise, it’s worth mentioning this area lacks the charm of most other neighborhoods in the city and surroundings change once night rolls around.

Highlights of Roma Termini

• Palazzo Massimo
• Baths of Diocletian
• Church of Santa Maria della Vittoria
• Servian Wall
• Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs

Recommended accommodation in Roma Termini

Budget hostel: The RomeHello

A stone’s throw from the main terminal and all the main cultural attractions in the city center, this hostel is in the perfect location. You’ll have everything you need here with clean and spacious rooms, nightly events to meet others, a shared kitchen, and breakfast buffet in the morning.

Mid-range budget option: The Dream Apartment

This colorful apartment is only a 2-minute walk away from Termini station. It has a fully-equipped kitchen, fridge, microwave, hydromassage shower, sofa bed, dishwasher, and free Wifi. From the apartment, all of Rome’s main attractions are a short walk away.

Splurge hotel: Dharma Luxury Hotel

Just 5-minutes away from Roma Termini, this luxurious stay offers a top-notch location, in-suite Turkish baths and chromotherapy shower, clean rooms, mini bar, balcony views, and free Wifi.  You can hop directly on the metro line to get to the main sites or take a short walk there in under 30-minutes.

Where to stay in Rome for long term stays: San Giovanni 

Authentic and unchanged by the modern wave of tourism, San Giovanni is where you want to stay if you want to experience Rome like a local.

Situated just south of Monti, within walking distance to the Colosseum, and well-connected to main areas using metro line A. 

This neighborhood is primarily a residential area, so instead of swarms of tourists, you’ll find yourself among intimate plazas, small shops and eateries, and offbeat historical sites.

It’s an ideal base even if you’re only in Rome for a few days as it has excellent budget options, but many tend to flock here for extended stays in the city.

Highlights of San Giovanni

• Basilica di San Giovanni
• Lateran Palace
• Aurelian Walls
• Piazza di San Giovanni
• Scala Santa Staircase

Recommended accommodation in San Giovanni

Budget option: Mila Guest House

Located in the prime area of San Giovanni, this apartment is a short walk from the metro and has everything you need for a home away from home. The shared kitchen kitchen, lounge, free Wifi, minifridge, and workspace provide everything you need.

Mid-range budget option: Re di Roma Rooftop

Just south of the main bus stop is this charming stay with a shared kitchen, jacuzzi, lounge, free Wifi, working desk, and an Italian breakfast. Some of the rooms come with an amazing rooftop overlooking the city.

Splurge hotel: Hotel San Giovanni Roma

This modern 4-star hotel has clean and spacious rooms with free Wifi, a shared lounge, onsite bar, breakfast, and quick access to the metro. Getting around on foot from here is seamless as it’s roughly 10-minutes to the Colosseum.

Best place to stay in Rome in our opinion…

Collectively, we’ve been to Rome a number of times and stayed in a few different neighborhoods. On my most recent trip to Rome, where I was showing my mom the city for her first time, we stayed in the Monti neighborhood. 

We loved the charm of this area, the proximity to the Colosseum, and how quiet it was at night. However, we found ourselves walking in the same direction towards the historic center nearly every day—sometimes multiple times a day—to get to where we wanted to explore or eat. 

In retrospect, for a first time visit to Rome, I would recommend staying closer to the Centro Storico. 

That being said, if I were to return to Rome again (fingers crossed!), I would prefer to stay in the Trastevere neighborhood to get a more authentic and relaxed feel of the city, outside of the major tourist attractions. 

Getting around Rome

Transportation is plentiful in Rome. Using the public bus and metro systems and walking are the most economical options. 

You can choose from buses, trams, light rail trains, and the metro to get around. They’re all run by the same operator, ATAC Company, and you can ride them all using a single transportation card. 

These cards vary from 100-minutes to week-long tickets so you can buy one that suits your trip. Purchase one at any of the metro stations using cash.

Since there are so many transportation options, compare the routes vs. walking on Google Maps so you can choose the fastest/most convenient option.

Taxis are everywhere in Rome. Uber only operates in Uber XL or Uber Black, so you’ll be paying inflated fees. Taxis will be cheaper than Uber, but still an expensive option so keep that in mind. You can pay and hail one using the Free Now App. 

Tip: If you hail a taxi off the street (or get one from the taxi line at the train station), be sure to check they are using the meter to charge for your ride. A lot of drivers will try to tell you it’s a fixed rate, but you can politely decline and find another taxi with a meter. 

What to pack for your trip to Italy

We know it can be overwhelming packing for a trip to a new destination. That’s why we spent hours creating this super helpful PDF just for you.

In this free Italy packing list PDF download, we’ve provided packing checklists for everything from clothing and toiletries (for both women and men!) to what shoes to pack and extra medicines you may want to have on-hand just in case.

Plus, we’re sharing tons of packing hacks and tips for traveling in Italy that you won’t find anywhere else!

FAQs about where to stay in Rome

We’ve covered a ton in this guide on where to stay in Rome, but here are the answers to some popular questions regarding where to base yourself.

What is the safest area to stay in Rome?

Piazza di Spagna, Centro Storico, and Prati are some of the safest neighborhoods in Rome.

Is Rome a walkable city?

Yes, and most of the time it’s the best way to get around. Many of Rome’s main attractions are clustered near the city center, with comfortable walking distances between.

However, if you plan to travel between neighborhoods, or even to Vatican City, you’ll need to factor in some public transport options to make the journey easier.

Where to avoid staying in Rome?

There are a few notable areas where you should exercise increased caution: Termini Station, Vittorio square, Tiburtina Station, and Ostiense Station.

Generally speaking though, most of Rome’s inner city neighborhoods are safe to stay in. 

No matter where you stay, you need to watch your belongings and avoid flashing valuables as petty crime can happen anywhere.

Specific neighborhoods of Rome with the most crime are Tor Bella Monaca, Centocelle, Torpignattara, Romanina, San Basilio, and Corviale. It’s unlikely you’ll stumble into these areas if you are sticking to the tourist path, but make a note of them on the map to reference.

Are you planning a trip to Italy?

We have lots of resources on travel in Italy and destinations throughout the country. Check out our Italy Homepage for everything you need to know, or start by reading some of our favorite Italy articles here:

• Best Things to Do in Rome (on your first visit!)
• Super Fun Day Trips from Rome
• Best Things to Do in Florence (you won’t want to miss!)
• Unforgettable Things to Do in Positano

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We want to hear from you!

Have you ever been to Rome before? Which neighborhood did you stay in and what was your experience like? Leave your comment below and we’ll do our best to get back to you!