Rome is one of the most important cities in the world. It is filled with ancient landmarks and incredible history that other cities wish they had. Rome attracts around 9 million international tourists each year and continually ranks as one of the most popular cities to visit in Europe.
The Italian capital catches the eye with dramatic architecture, breathtaking monuments, and out-of-this-world food. The Eternal City’s authentic Roman cuisine is worth the trip alone. Add in the sights and sounds of Rome, and you shouldn’t miss booking a holiday to the capital as soon as possible.
In this travel guide:
Monti
Monti is the ideal place for families to stay in Rome. It offers a variety of ancient and historical sites to explore throughout a stay. The main attraction in Monti is the Roman Colosseum. The Colosseum is one of the must-see attractions in Rome and shouldn’t be missed by travelers.
The neighborhood is one of the most central areas of Rome. When you step off the metro and walk up to the street to see the Colosseum for the first time, you will be awestruck.
The area feels completely different than other parts of Rome due to its history. As you walk down the street, you will find gorgeous architecture and large piazzas.
The ancient landmarks and history of Monti are perfect for history buffs. Parents can give their children a first-hand look at some of the most famous architecture in Europe. Along with a variety of great historical locations, Monti has family-friendly restaurants, bars, and activities waiting to be enjoyed.
Some of the great landmarks to explore include Fontane Di Roma, Archbasilica di San Giovanni in Laterano, Domus Aurea, and more.
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
If you are on a budget during your Roman holiday, then look no further for accommodation than in the Termini Station area of Rome.
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.
You will find museums and churches well worth seeing when staying in the Termini Station area. Foodies will love the restaurants, cafes and bars that are located in the neighborhood. Along with budget accommodation, you will find low-priced eats and drinks.
When the sun goes down, the atmosphere in and around the neighborhood gets turned up a notch. The bars and restaurants attract a young crowd that makes it a dynamic part of the capital.
Be sure not to miss the National Roman Museum and its incredible art collection. The ancient Baths of Diocletian are also located in the Termini Station area. The area is a short distance from the city center.
Although it gets a bad rap from some travelers and locals, the Termini Station area isn’t a bad place to stay and enjoy a holiday in Rome.
Best place to stay in Termini
Palazzo Cinquecento Hotel. Address: Piazza dei Cinquecento, 90, 00185 Roma RM, Italy.
Testaccio
Testaccio is slightly off the beaten path for tourists. It isn’t as famous as some of the areas of Rome but is one neighborhood you shouldn’t miss if you want something different. Testaccio was a blue-collar, working-class neighborhood that has been transformed thanks to recent gentrification.
Foodies will love the options for food and drink on offer. Traditional Italian restaurants can be found in Testaccio serving up authentic Roman foods. The area has a vibrant, youthful atmosphere on the weekend thanks to the students and young people attracted to the neighborhood.
If you want to base your stay in Testaccio, then you need to book your accommodation early. There is a lack of hotels in Testaccio but you could find a cool Airbnb property instead. Don’t miss your chance to ascend Monte Testaccio.
The artificial mountain was built by old Roman Pottery that was pieced together to create the mountain.
Best place to stay in Testaccio
Hotel Santa Prisca. Address: L.go Gelsomini 25, Aventino, 00153 Rome, Italy.
Trastevere
If you want a great night out in Rome, then base your stay in Trastevere. The area is the ideal place to go for a great night out in the capital city and you won’t regret exploring the neighborhood after dark.
The area is filled with Instagram-worthy medieval streets that meander alongside quaint buildings. Marvel at the incredible architecture of the buildings and churches as you walk through the neighborhood.
You will find a variety of restaurants, bars, and cafes in Trastevere. If you want a five-star Michelin dining experience, then eat at one of the great restaurants in the area. The authentic pizzerias are to die for.
Trastevere is a fantastic place to visit at any time of the day. However, it is when the sun goes down that the neighborhood really sparks to life. Many of the bars and nightclubs stay open until the wee hours of the morning.
Trastevere is just across the Tiber River from Testaccio. You can get back and forth between the neighborhoods easily to explore both neighborhoods. You will find some great sites in Trastevere including the Renaissance Villa Farnesina, Botanical Gardens, and Santa Maria Church.
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
Vatican City is one of the true gems of Rome. Even if you do not explore the religious sites in Vatican City, the area is still a great place to venture for a day out. Be careful because prices can be higher in Vatican City due to it being a very touristic neighborhood.
Some of the sites to see include St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museum, and the shopping in Prati, which is located nearby.
The Prati-Vatican City area is rather quiet at night, making it a great place to stay for peace in the hustling, bustling capital. Although it can be a quiet place to stay, Prati-Vatican City offers some great things to do at night if you look for it.
If you fancy visiting the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, or Vatican Museum, be sure to get there early. Crowds line up from an early part of the day and it can take hours to get into the sites. Staying in Prati-Vatican City gives you the chance to get to the sites early without having to travel across the city.
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
“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
“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.
What is the best budget hotel in Rome?
If you’re looking for a cheap hotel in Rome, then book Hotel Virgilio. It’s an excellent budget hotel offering great value for money. It’s in a good location, it’s been recommended by travel experts and the hotel has excellent customer reviews. Also check out our list of the best cheap hotels in Rome.
What is the best boutique hotel in Rome?
Not a fan of big chain hotels? No problem. If you want to stay in a boutique hotel in Rome, then you should book Chapter Roma. The hotel has been rated highly by previous guests for its boutique style. Also make sure you read our shortlist of the best boutique hotels in Rome, it’s a manually curated list of the most unique and romantic hotels in the city.
What is the best luxury hotel in Rome?
If money isn’t a problem and you’re looking for a luxury hotel in Rome, then go for Hotel de Russie. The hotel offers excellent service, it’s in a top location, it has been rated very highly by previous guests and renowned travel critics have recommended it. Also check out our list of the best luxury hotels in Rome, it’s a manually curated list of the most exclusive 5-star hotels in the city.
What is the best hostel in Rome?
If you’re looking for a great hostel in Rome, then you should check out Generator Hostel Rome. The hostel has magnificent reviews by backpackers, it has been recommended by well-known travel experts and it’s in a good location. Also make sure you read our shortlist of the best hostels in Rome.
How much does it cost to stay in a Rome hotel?
For a 3-star hotel, you have to pay around $140 per night and for a 4-star hotel, you would be looking at $180 per night. If you’re after a luxury 5-star Rome hotel then you can expect to pay around $480 per night.
Which Rome hotel serves great breakfast?
Try Hotel Lunetta or NH Collection Palazzo Cinquecento Hotel if you’re looking for a delicious breakfast at a hotel in Rome. Both hotels have excellent customer review ratings for breakfast.
Which Rome hotel is the best for couples?
Try Hotel De’ Ricci if you’re looking for a romantic getaway in Rome, it has some excellent recent customer reviews by couples.
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 Guided Tour with Palatine Hill & Roman Forum Access
On this Colosseum underground tour, you can experience this historic Rome icon to the fullest with access to areas that are typically closed to the public—the underground chambers. Price: $95. More info.
Reserved Entrance: 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: $23. More info.
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
| 🏨 Hotel prices: | High |
| 🛏 Budget hotel: | $80 |
| 💑 Boutique hotel: | $165 |
| ⭐ 5-star hotel: | $380 |
| 🌎 Best area for first visit: | Trastevere |
| 👪 Best area for families: | Monti |
| 💎 Best luxury hotel: | Portrait Roma |
| 👫 Best boutique hotel: | Chapter Roma |
| 💰 Best cheap hotel: | Hotel Virgilio |
| 🎒 Best hostel: | Generator Hostel Rome |
More Rome tips
See our other guides about the best places to stay in Rome:
