Where To Stay In Rome: 5 Best Areas & Neighborhoods

Rome is pure magic. With thousands of years of history stacked on top of itself, every pocket of the city feels like a completely different world. You could wake up next to a two-thousand-year-old temple or spend your nights drinking espresso in a hidden, cobblestone alleyway.

If you like being right in the middle of the action, the Centro Storico is hard to beat. Step outside your hotel, and you are immediately staring at the Pantheon or tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain.

Just across the Tiber River lies Trastevere, a former working-class enclave that transforms into the city’s favorite nightlife hub after sunset. Fun fact: Trastevere actually maintained its own unique dialect for centuries because the river kept it so isolated from the rest of Rome.

For a completely different vibe, head north to Prati or south to Testaccio. Prati sits right next to Vatican City and features wide, elegant avenues lined with high-end shopping and cozy gelaterias.

Testaccio, on the other hand, is the undisputed foodie heart of the city. It was built around an ancient Roman dump site made entirely of broken terra-cotta olive oil jars, Monte Testaccio, which you can still see today. Now, it is home to some of the best traditional pasta joints in all of Italy.

In this travel guide:

Centro Storico

Best area for: history, sightseeing, food

Centro Storico, historic heart of the city, covers thousands of years of human history packed into narrow, cobbled alleyways. The whole area sits over ancient Roman ruins, Renaissance palaces, and grand Baroque plazas.

You run into iconic landmarks around almost every corner. The Pantheon stands right in the center with its massive open dome, built two millennia ago. Piazza Navona features amazing Bernini fountains and lively outdoor cafes. Just a short walk away, you can toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain or check out Caravaggio paintings inside the Church of San Luigi dei Francesi for free.

When we need a caffeine hit, we head straight to Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè near the Pantheon. They have been roasting their own beans over wood fires since the 1930s. Their creamy espresso shot is easily one of the best in Rome. Grab your espresso at the counter like the locals do and drink it fast before heading back out.

The area gets busy with travelers, but the energy stays incredible. You get historic street markets like Campo de’ Fiori by day, followed by romantic lit-up piazzas at night. It is the absolute core of Roman life.

Best place to stay in Centro Storico

Hotel Navona. Address: Via dei Sediari, 8, 00186 Rome RM, Italy.

Monti

Best area for: families, sightseeing, history

Monti sits just east of the Colosseum, but feels much more relaxed than the busy streets around the big sights. Monti is also Rome’s oldest rione. Its name comes from the hills that once formed the district. In ancient times, this was the Subura, a crowded working-class area known for its noisy streets and rough reputation.

Things are very different these days. We can spend an afternoon strolling along Via del Boschetto, Via Urbana, and Via dei Serpenti. These narrow streets are packed with vintage stores, little boutiques, wine bars, and casual restaurants. At the center is Piazza della Madonna dei Monti, where people gather around the fountain for a drink and some people-watching.

There is plenty to see beyond the shops. We can visit San Pietro in Vincoli to see Michelangelo’s famous Moses. The impressive Trajan’s Markets and Imperial Fora are also nearby. The Domus Aurea, Nero’s enormous Golden House, is another fascinating stop, especially if you’re into ancient Rome.

For coffee, we’d grab a table at La Barrique, then return to Piazza della Madonna dei Monti later for aperitivo. In the evening, Monti really comes alive. We can pick a small trattoria, order a plate of cacio e pepe, and call it a very good day in Rome.

Best place to stay in Monti

Villa Spalletti Trivelli. Address: Via Piacenza, 4, 00184 Roma RM, Italy.

Cheaper alternative:

Inn at the Roman Forum. Address: Via degli Ibernesi, 30, 00184 Roma RM, Italy.

Termini Station

Best area for: budget-friendly, students

Stazione Termini (also known as Esquilino) provides plenty of great options to travelers looking to save money on their accommodation. While the Termini neighborhood and surrounding areas are not the most attractive in Rome, it can be a fun part of the city to base your stay in.

The neighborhood gets a bad rap for being a transit hub, but it has serious historical depth. The station gets its name from the ancient Baths of Diocletian right across the street. Michelangelo actually transformed part of those colossal 4th-century ruins into the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, which is wildly impressive.

Culture is everywhere around here.

We like stepping inside Palazzo Massimo to see world-class Roman statues and ancient frescoes away from huge crowds. A short walk leads to the massive Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, sitting right at the edge of the Esquilino hill. You can also stroll down to Piazza della Repubblica or catch a performance at the Teatro dell’Opera.

For food, skip the tourist traps right outside the train tracks. We head inside the station to Mercato Centrale. It is a massive food hall packed with local vendors. Grab a coffee and a fresh sfogliatella for breakfast, or pick up a trapizzino filled with chicken cacciatore for lunch.

Best place to stay in Termini

Palazzo Cinquecento Hotel. Address: Piazza dei Cinquecento, 90, 00185 Roma RM, Italy.

Testaccio

Best area for: life like a local, food

Testaccio feels like Rome without quite as much polish. It’s a neighborhood with a strong local character, old-school trattorias, busy market stalls, and plenty of stories hiding behind the walls. It sits on the Tiber, just south of the historic center, and its history goes all the way back to ancient Rome.

The neighborhood takes its name from Monte Testaccio, a strange-looking artificial hill made from millions of broken Roman amphorae. These jars once carried olive oil into the city. Over time, the discarded pieces piled up into the hill we see today.

We tend to start around the Testaccio Market. It is a good place to grab something casual and watch everyday Roman life unfold. For a more unusual stop, we head to Mattatoio, a former slaughterhouse that has been turned into a contemporary arts and cultural space.

Food is a big reason to stay here. Testaccio is famous for traditional Roman cooking, including carbonara, cacio e pepe and dishes made with offal, a nod to the neighborhood’s working-class past. For dinner, we would book a table at Felice a Testaccio, one of the area’s best-known Roman restaurants. For a quick coffee or breakfast, Il Testaccino is an easy local stop.

Testaccio also puts us close to the Pyramid of Cestius and the Non-Catholic Cemetery. So there is plenty to explore once we’ve finished eating.

Best place to stay in Testaccio

Hotel Santa Prisca. Address: L.go Gelsomini 25, Aventino, 00153 Rome, Italy.

Trastevere

Best area for: nightlife, food, picturesque

If you want a great night out in Rome, then base your stay here.

Trastevere captures that authentic Roman charm like nowhere else. Between the ancient history, incredible street life, and unmatched food scene, it remains our favorite part of the city.

The name translates to “across the Tiber,” referring to its location on the west bank of the river. Historically, it was a working-class neighborhood cut off from the main city center, which allowed its distinct culture and local dialect to thrive for centuries.

The area is famous for its narrow cobblestone alleys, ivy-covered buildings, and vibrant energy. The heart of the area is Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere, dominated by a stunning twelfth-century basilica filled with gold mosaics. If you want a break from the crowds, head up Gianicolo Hill just behind the neighborhood. The panoramic view of Rome from the top is unbeatable. For art lovers, Villa Farnesina houses original Renaissance frescoes painted by Raphael.

The dining options here are incredible, but you have to pick the right spots. For dinner, we always book a table at Da Enzo al 29. It is a tiny, traditional trattoria serving some of the best pasta in the city. Get the carbonara or the cacio e pepe, and do not skip the fried artichoke.

Best place to stay in Trastevere

B&B Arco Di Lauro. Address: Via dell’Arco De’ Tolomei, 27, 00153 Roma RM, Italy.

Prati-Vatican City

Best area for: history, sightseeing

Prati is one of our favorite areas to stay near the Vatican because it gives us a different side of Rome. The neighborhood is elegant and fairly calm, with wide streets, handsome 19th-century buildings, local shops, and plenty of places to eat.

It also feels much more residential than the streets immediately around the Vatican. Prati was built up after Rome became the capital of Italy in 1870. Before that, this was mostly open meadows, which explains the name “Prati,” meaning meadows in Italian.

The big attractions are obviously close by. We can walk to St. Peter’s Basilica, St. Peter’s Square, and the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel. The Vatican Museums are packed with ancient sculptures, paintings, tapestries, and frescoes, so we usually give ourselves several hours here.

We also make time for Castel Sant’Angelo. It started life as Emperor Hadrian’s mausoleum in the 2nd century and later became a fortress, papal residence, prison, and museum. The rooftop has fantastic views toward St. Peter’s.

For shopping, we head to Via Cola di Rienzo. It has everything from fashion stores to food shops. When we need a breakfast stop, Pasticceria De Bellis near the Vatican is a good pick for a cornetto and coffee.

Best place to stay in Prati-Vatican City

Hotel Roma Guistiniano. Address: Via Virgilio 1 E/F/G, Vaticano Prati, 00193 Rome, Italy.

Where travel critics stay in Rome

Want to know where travel critics from publishers like The New York Times, Frommer’s, Fodor’s and Lonely Planet stay in Rome? Check out our overview of all recommended hotels, hostels and B&Bs in Rome.

Budget

Guesthouse Brunetti Suite.

“This family-run guest house is a short walk from Piazza del Popolo. Brunetti Suite has seven rooms on two floors — the double rooms aren’t huge, but they’re big enough and well appointed.” — CNN.

Address: Via Angelo Brunetti 24, Spagna, 00186 Rome, Italy.

Mid-range

Boutique Hotel Campo de’ Fiori.

“In a city where many boutique hotels have gone so contemporary that you feel as if you could be anywhere from New York to Singapore, the unapologetic Old World romance of Hotel Campo de’ Fiori is a standout. An ivy-covered façade, Pompeii-red walls, canopy beds, tufted velvet galore – this is Rome at its most classic.” — Telegraph.

Address: Via del Biscione, 6, 00186 Roma RM, Italy.

Luxury

Hotel Vilòn.

“The quiet, confident arrival of the Vilòn gave Rome a boutique hotel to showcase the city’s sharp sophistication, which too often gets lost among its antiquities. The Vilòn stylishly captures a vital facet of the direction the city is headed in.” — CN Traveler.

Address: Via Dell’ Arancio 69, Spagna, 00186 Rome, Italy.

FAQ: Rome hotel tips

Looking for the best budget, boutique, or luxury hotel in Rome? Or maybe you’re a backpacker looking for an excellent hostel? Want to know which Rome hotel serves a great breakfast? Here are the answers to all those and other questions about where to stay in Rome.

Best time to visit Rome

April to June and late September to October are the best times to visit Rome. These months offer moderate temperatures, fewer tourists, and vibrant city life.

In spring (April to June), Rome comes alive with blooming flowers and comfortable weather, making it perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Autumn (late September to October) is equally pleasant, with a mild climate and the city adorned in fall colors.

The months of July and August, despite being popular among tourists, can be hot and crowded.

Best things to do in Rome

There are plenty of things to do in Rome and surrounding areas, including day trips, attractions, museums, sightseeing tours and many other activities. Here’s our list of 3 things you should definitely do when you’re in and around Rome.

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Skip-the-Ticket-Line Entry

See priceless works of art from the Papal collections in the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Marvel at masterpieces from antiquity to Michelangelo’s legendary frescoes. Enjoy optional access to the Papal Villas and Vatican Gardens. Price: $23. More info.

Colosseum Underground & Ancient Rome Guided Tour

Enjoy access to the Colosseum’s arena floor and underground dungeons, areas as well as stops at the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill for an overview of day-to-day life in ancient Rome. Price: $119. More info.

Saint Peter Basilica Self-Guided Tour

Choose your preferred time and skip the long lines to enter St. Peter’s Basilica. Save up to 1 hour with this dedicated access. Use your own mobile phone, download an audio guide, and marvel at art by Michelangelo and more. Price: $12. More info.

More things to do in Rome

Deciding where to stay in Rome

Let’s recap what we just learned in this article. We’ve covered the best areas of Rome above. Now you can decide where to stay while visiting!

Top 5 neighborhoods to stay in Rome

• Monti
• Termini
• Testaccio
• Trastevere
• Prati-Vatican City

As you have seen in this travel guide, there are plenty of things to explore, and deciding where to stay in Rome is important. Whether you stay in Monti, Termini, Testaccio, Trastevere or Prati-Vatican City, all those neighborhoods are in good locations.

The atmosphere of the area, whether you travel for leisure or business, whether you travel with your family or friends, and proximity to the attractions you prefer to visit should probably be the deciding factors. Whatever your preference is, you’ll have a great time in Rome.

Rome overview

More Rome tips

See our other guides about the best places to stay in Rome:

Hotels in Rome

Hostels in Rome

Boutique hotels in Rome

Luxury hotels in Rome

Cheap hotels in Rome

Sustainable hotels in Rome