Where to stay in Rome: a neighbourhood guide

Rome, the Eternal City, is a tapestry of diverse neighbourhoods, each offering a unique flavour of Italian life. When planning where to stay in Rome, you’ll be spoilt for choice, with areas ranging from bustling historic centres to tranquil residential districts. This guide explores five of Rome's most appealing neighbourhoods, highlighting their distinct characters and the top reasons why you might choose to base yourself in each during your visit to the Italian capital.

Monti is a charming, bohemian neighbourhood that’s great for a blend of history and contemporary Roman life. Located just east of the Colosseum, it offers a central location with a village-like atmosphere.

Top reasons to stay in Monti:

Proximity to ancient landmarks

Monti's location puts you within easy walking distance of some of Rome's most iconic ancient sites. The Colosseum and Roman Forum are just a stone's throw away, allowing you to beat the crowds with early morning visits. Additionally, the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, one of Rome's four papal basilicas, is situated on the edge of the neighbourhood, offering a glimpse into the city's religious heritage.

Trendy boutiques and artisan shops

The winding streets of Monti are lined with independent boutiques, vintage stores and artisan workshops. Via del Boschetto is particularly known for its fashion offerings, while Via dei Serpenti hosts a variety of unique shops. This makes Monti an ideal base if you’re interested in shopping for one-of-a-kind items and supporting local craftspeople.

Vibrant nightlife and dining scene

As evening falls, Monti comes alive with a buzzing aperitivo culture. The neighbourhood's central square, Piazza della Madonna dei Monti, is a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. Surrounding streets like Via dei Serpenti and Via del Boschetto are dotted with wine bars, craft beer pubs and trattorias serving traditional Roman cuisine, providing ample options for evening entertainment. After a long night, rest your head at the conveniently located Hotel Centro Cavour Roma.

Trastevere, located on the west bank of the Tiber River, is known for its medieval charm and lively atmosphere. This neighbourhood is the best area to stay in Rome if you’re looking for an authentic Roman experience with a touch of bohemian flair.

Top reasons to stay in Trastevere:

Picturesque streets and squares

Trastevere's narrow cobblestone streets and ivy-covered buildings create a romantic, old-world ambience. Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere, the neighbourhood's main square, is a beautiful spot to relax and people-watch. The 12th-century Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere, with its glittering mosaics, serves as the area’s centrepiece.

Vibrant food scene

Food lovers will find themselves in paradise in Trastevere. The neighbourhood is home to countless traditional trattorias, modern eateries and street food spots. You can sample authentic Roman dishes like cacio e pepe at local favourites such as Da Enzo al 29 or explore the bustling food market at Piazza di San Cosimato for fresh produce and local specialities. At apartments like Trestavere Suite Experience, you can prepare your own meals between sightseeing excursions.

Lively nightlife

As the sun sets, Trastevere transforms into one of Rome's most vibrant nightlife districts. The area around Piazza Trilussa becomes a hub of activity, with bars and pubs filling up with a mix of locals and tourists. For those interested in live music, venues like Casa del Jazz host regular jazz performances, adding to the neighbourhood's eclectic atmosphere.

Prati, situated just north of Vatican City, is an elegant residential neighbourhood that provides a refined and less touristy experience of Rome.

Top reasons to stay in Prati:

Proximity to Vatican City

Staying in Prati puts you within easy walking distance of Vatican City, home to St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums. This proximity allows you to visit these world-renowned attractions early in the morning, avoiding the worst of the crowds. The impressive Castel Sant'Angelo, a fortress-turned-museum, is also nearby, offering panoramic views of the city.

Upscale shopping

Prati is known for its excellent shopping opportunities, particularly along Via Cola di Rienzo. This broad, tree-lined street is home to a mix of high-end boutiques, well-known Italian brands and international retailers. The nearby Mercato Trionfale, one of Rome's largest indoor markets, provides a more traditional shopping experience with fresh produce, meats and local specialities. The Place 217 is conveniently located if you need somewhere to drop your bags between purchases.

Quiet, residential atmosphere

Unlike some of Rome's more tourist-heavy areas, Prati offers a glimpse into everyday Roman life. The wide, orderly streets and elegant Art Nouveau buildings create a sense of calm that can be a welcome respite after a day of sightseeing. Local cafes and restaurants cater more to residents than tourists, allowing you to experience authentic Roman dining without the crowds.

Testaccio, located south of the city centre, is a neighbourhood that has become increasingly popular with travellers seeking an authentic Roman experience off the typical tourist track.

Top reasons to stay in Testaccio:

Culinary paradise

Testaccio is often considered the culinary heart of Rome. The neighbourhood's food scene is centred around the Nuovo Mercato di Testaccio, a modern market hall where you can sample local specialities and fresh produce. Testaccio is also the birthplace of many traditional Roman dishes and its trattorias serve some of the best examples of cucina romana in the city.

Unique history and attractions

Despite its off-the-beaten-path location, Testaccio boasts several interesting historical sites. The Monte Testaccio, an artificial hill made entirely of ancient Roman amphorae, offers a unique glimpse into the area's past as a commercial hub. The Non-Catholic Cemetery, the final resting place of poets Keats and Shelley, provides a peaceful retreat with its beautiful sculptures and cypress trees. Afterwards, you can rest your feet at the spacious Testaccio Boutique Apartment, just a short walk away.

Vibrant nightlife

Testaccio has a reputation for its lively nightlife scene. The neighbourhood is home to some of Rome's most popular nightclubs, many of which are housed in converted warehouses. For those preferring a more low-key evening, there are plenty of wine bars and pubs where you can enjoy an aperitivo or late-night drink with locals.

The Centro Storico (historic centre) is the heart of ancient Rome and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This neighbourhood is the best place to stay in Rome if you want to be in the midst of the city's most famous landmarks and don't mind the bustling tourist atmosphere.

Top reasons to stay in Centro Storico:

Access to major attractions

Staying in the Centro Storico puts you within walking distance of many of Rome's most iconic sights. The Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona are all located within this neighbourhood. This central location allows you to easily explore these attractions at different times of day, experiencing them both in the busy daytime and the quieter evening hours. Head to H10 Palazzo Galla’s rooftop terrace to enjoy sunset views.

Rich artistic and cultural offerings

The Centro Storico is home to numerous museums, galleries and churches housing priceless works of art. The Galleria Borghese, located on the northern edge of the neighbourhood, showcases an impressive collection of Renaissance and Baroque art. Churches like Sant'Ignazio and Santa Maria sopra Minerva offer stunning examples of religious art and architecture.

Atmospheric evening strolls

As night falls, the Centro Storico takes on a magical quality. The ancient monuments are beautifully illuminated and the bustling piazzas become perfect spots for an evening passeggiata (stroll). You can enjoy a gelato while wandering the narrow streets, soaking in the romantic atmosphere that has inspired artists and writers for centuries.

What is the best area to stay in Rome for first-time visitors?

For first-time visitors, the Centro Storico or Monti are often recommended as the best areas to stay in Rome. These central neighbourhoods offer easy access to many of the city's major attractions, allowing you to maximise your sightseeing time. They also provide a good mix of dining and entertainment options, giving you a taste of Roman life beyond the tourist sites.

Is it better to stay near the Vatican or the Colosseum?

The choice between staying near the Vatican or the Colosseum depends on your priorities. If your itinerary focuses heavily on Vatican City, staying in nearby Prati might be convenient. However, if you're more interested in ancient Rome, areas like Monti or even parts of the Centro Storico near the Colosseum could be preferable. Both areas offer good transport links, so you can easily reach other parts of the city regardless of where you stay.

How many days should you spend in Rome?

A stay of 3–4 days allows you to see Rome's major attractions and get a feel for the city. However, if you want to explore more thoroughly, including day trips to nearby towns or a deeper dive into Rome's museums and lesser-known sights, 5–7 days would be ideal. Rome is a city with layers of history and culture and the more time you have, the more you can discover beyond the famous landmarks.

What is the best time of year to visit Rome?

While this depends on preference, it’s generally considered that the shoulder seasons of spring (April to mid-June) and autumn (September to October) are the best times to visit Rome. During these months, the weather is generally pleasant and the crowds are smaller compared to the peak summer season. You can enjoy outdoor cafes and walking tours comfortably and experience events like the Rome Marathon in spring or food festivals in autumn. Winter can also be appealing for budget-conscious travellers, as you’ll be travelling in the off-season, though some attractions may have reduced hours.

Disclaimer: This post was generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence and is presented as-is for informational purposes only without warranties or guarantees of accuracy; please verify the information before making decisions.