Where to stay in Rome: best areas and neighborhoods
Open IndexLively and romantic, gallant and authentic, Rome is undoubtedly the most famous and most visited Italian city in the world. The city is perfect for those who love to explore museums, art galleries and historical sites, but also for those who are looking for great nightlife and fun. It is a destination that everyone should see at least once in a lifetime.
Nevertheless, since it is a very large city, it is essential to accurately select a proper accommodation: to help you out, here is a guide on where to sleep in Rome, which neighborhoods to choose and which ones to avoid.
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In a hurry? Here's our recommended accommodation
| CATEGORY | RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATION |
|---|---|
| 👑 5-star / luxury | Grand Hotel Plaza |
| 🛎️ B&b & mid-range | Dreams Roma B&B |
| 🎒 Hostel and low-cost | Verrazzano 37 Guest House |
| 🏡 Vacation rental / apartments | Lungotevere Suite |
Useful tips: the best neighborhoods to stay in Rome
| target | area | rates from |
|---|---|---|
| Stay on a budget | Trastevere | da €50,00 |
| Testaccio | da €50,00 | |
| Garbatella | da €55,00 | |
| Families | Trastevere | da €50,00 |
| Monti | da €60,00 | |
| Parione | da €55,00 | |
| Trevi | da €60,00 | |
| Prati | da €60,00 | |
| Nord | da €80,00 | |
| Garbatella | da €55,00 | |
| Monteverde | da €55,00 | |
| Young | Testaccio | da €50,00 |
| Trastevere | da €50,00 | |
| Garbatella | da €55,00 |
Not recommended areas: according to the Romans, you should avoid Esquilino and the nearby areas of Termini Station especially in the evenings, due to poverty and delinquency which are still very much present in those areas.
Except for some areas such as Esquilino and the area around Termini Station, the historic center is absolutely the best solution. This is where you will find the main attractions, a large number of restaurants and clubs, accommodation of all types and an endless number of entertainment options.
Every district of the center has unique characteristics which make it ideal for a stay in the city, but two districts in particular stand out among all the others: Trastevere and Monti.
Trastevere is the perfect combination of romance and authenticity with quaint views and typical trattorias, while Monti is a mix of boutiques, squares and nice restaurants. Both are suitable for those traveling with friends and those traveling with their families, as these areas are lively but safe and quiet at the same time.
Best accommodation: We have selected the best hotels, B&Bs and hostels in Rome. Check out our recommendations and make your reservation on Booking
Rione Trastevere, the picturesque district
- Pros: Charming cobblestone streets, lively nightlife, traditional Roman restaurants and trattorias, artisan shops
- Cons: Can be very crowded, especially in the evenings, potentially noisy, some streets are pedestrian-only
- Main Attractions: Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere, Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere, Isola Tiberina
- Average Prices: From €50,00 per night - Find top stays on Booking
Recommended accommodation
Across the Tevere river, as the name suggests, it is certainly the most picturesque district, where you can experience the true Roman spirit: that's why it is perhaps the best place to stay in Rome, alternating the quietness of the day to the evening nightlife. The area is also rich in budget hostels.
The best way to explore it is undoubtedly through a long walk between pastel-colored houses, noisy taverns with rich menus of typical food and churches with baroque charm. Moreover, we recommend you to climb the Janiculum, one of urban hills: at sunset, you can admire an even more magical Trastevere!
The neighborhood is very close to the historic center, you only need to cross one of the many bridges, like the Ponte Garibaldi or Ponte Sisto. The area is also served by many buses and trams (Take Tram 8 to get downtown to the Trevi Fountain, bus 75 to get to the Colosseum).
Average prices in the neighborhood start from about €50,00 - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Rione Monti (Colosseum, Fori Imperiali, Vittoriano), best for history and culture lovers
- Pros: Central location with easy access to major historical sites, charming streets, independent boutiques
- Cons: Can be more expensive for accommodation, some areas can get very crowded
- Main Attractions: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Imperial Fora, Capitoline Museums
- Average Prices: From €60,00 per night - Find top stays on Booking
Recommended accommodation
Along with Trastevere, the Rione Monti is the other neighborhood that we highly recommend. This is where you will find some of the most important attractions, first of all, the famous Colosseum. But also Trajan's Forum, the Altare della Patria and the Park of Colle Oppio. A few steps from here you will find the Roman Forum and the Capitoline Museums.
This is a very pleasant area to explore, rich in art galleries and chic wine bars, suitable for anyone who wants to discover the coolest and avant-garde Rome. For those who love shopping, you can find many stores along the main streets, Via Cavour and Via Nazionale, but also along Via Leonina. In the evening, however, we recommend you to head towards Piazza Madonna dei Monti, where young people gather and the nightlife is very well organized!
In the neighborhood you can easily move around on foot, in any case, you'll find the stations of Cavour or Colosseum nearby, with buses and trams that will take you to every corner of the city.
Average prices in the neighborhood start from about €60,00 - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Rione Parione (Piazza Navona, Campo de' Fiori), best for art lovers
- Pros: Beautiful Baroque architecture, lively piazzas with street artists and vendors, excellent restaurants and cafes, central location within walking distance of many attractions.
- Cons: Can be very touristy and crowded, potentially more expensive, some noise from the bustling squares, especially at night.
- Main Attractions: Piazza Navona, Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, Pantheon, Campo de' Fiori (market during the day), Palazzo Braschi (Museo di Roma).
- Average Prices: From €55,00 per night - Find top stays on Booking
Recommended accommodation
Bordered by Rione Sant'Eustachio and Rione Regola, Rione Parione is one of the most centralized areas of the capital, including one of the most important from a tourist point of view: here in fact you will find the famous Piazza Navona, with its typical stadium shape and beautiful baroque sculptures, and the picturesque square of Campo de 'Fiori, so-called because until the fifteenth century in this place there was an area cultivated by the inhabitants.
Thanks to its convenient location and the number of cultural attractions, it is an ideal area for those who want to experience the historic side of Rome, but also for those who want to stay right in the center. The neighborhood does not have its own subway station, instead, it refers to the Colosseum station, from which you will need to walk just over 15 minutes. The area is however crossed by Corso Vittorio Emanuele II with several bus stops and several lines that lead throughout the city.
Average prices in the neighborhood start from about €55,00 - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Rione Trevi (Fontana di Trevi, Quirinale), the elegant district
- Pros: Home to world-famous landmarks, central location, good shopping options along Via del Corso
- Cons: Extremely crowded around the main attractions, accommodation can be expensive, some areas can feel very tourist-focused.
- Main Attractions: Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Piazza di Spagna, Quirinal Palace, Barberini Palace (Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica).
- Average Prices: From €60,00 per night - Find top stays on Booking
Recommended accommodation
The Trevi district is known for the beautiful Trevi Fountain designed in the late Baroque style, it is the second Rione of Rome and one of the most touristy of the whole city. This area includes some of the most important buildings from the political and administrative point, such as the Palazzo Chigi and the Palazzo del Quirinale.
Moreover, in this area, some squares serve as an essential meeting point for the locals, such as Piazza Barberini, Piazza del Quirinale and Piazza San Silvestro. Given its central position, it is an ideal neighborhood for families and for those who want to move mostly on foot, since you can easily reach all the attractions of the center. The neighborhood is connected to the Repubblica metro station (MEA line).
Average prices in the neighborhood start from about €60,00 - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Rione Testaccio - Ostiense, for street food lovers
- Pros: More local and authentic Roman atmosphere, excellent food market (Mercato di Testaccio)
- Cons: Slightly further from the main historical center (though well-connected by public transport)
- Main Attractions: Testaccio Market, Non-Catholic Cemetery, Centrale Montemartini museum
- Average Prices: From €50,00 per night - Find top stays on Booking
Recommended accommodation
A former trading post for goods between Ostia and Rome, Testaccio is a neighborhood where more and more artists are relocating to live. One of the main attractions of the area, is the popular market and the old slaughterhouse cleverly transformed into a cultural center. Here you will also find the peculiar Pyramid of Caius Cestius, very similar to the Egyptian ones! If you are a young university student, this is the neighborhood for you.
If you are looking for fun, you should know that Via Ostiense is the hub of nightlife in the area. The whole neighborhood is very lively, with many restaurants and clubs open until late. This is also a great option if you want to save money.
It is located a bit far from the historic center, but it is connected to the metro station Piramide (blue line MEB and MEB1). In addition, the entire area is connected with several buses (stop Piramide-Colosseo metra line MEB, 4 min).
Average prices in the neighborhood start from about €50,00 - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Rione Prati - Borgo (Vaticano, Castel Sant'Angelo), best for families
- Pros: Close proximity to Vatican City and Castel Sant'Angelo, elegant and safe neighborhood
- Cons: Can be very crowded around Vatican City, some restaurants cater primarily to tourists
- Main Attractions: Vatican City (St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel), Castel Sant'Angelo
- Average Prices: From €60,00 per night - Find top stays on Booking
Recommended accommodation
Prati district is very convenient to reach the center but far out enough to allow you to relax and take a break from the chaos and urban traffic, it is in fact outside the ancient walls. In addition, it borders the Basilica of St. Peter at the Vatican and the Vatican Museums. A few steps away you will also find the Castel Sant'Angelo.
Originally created to house the administrative structures of the State and as a living area for officials, gradually the district has been transformed into one of the most exclusive residential areas of the capital. Here you can find everything: from green areas suitable for walking to large squares (such as Piazza Cavour and Piazza Risorgimento), all the way to elegant avenues with a wide variety of restaurants and stores. It is, therefore, a beautiful area, however, not suitable for those who want to save on accommodation.
The neighborhood is a little further from the center, but it is served by the metro station Lepanto (orange line MEA). The whole area is however well connected by several bus lines (Lepanto-Colosseo bus line 87, 20 min, or metro to Vittorio Emanuele stop, 25 min).
Average prices in the neighborhood start from about €60,00 - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Garbatella, best for every traveller
- Pros: Distinctive early 20th-century architecture, strong sense of community, more affordable accommodation
- Cons: Further from the main historical center (requires public transport), fewer major tourist attractions
- Main Attractions: Unique architecture, characteristic "lotti" (housing blocks), Teatro Palladium, local markets and festivals.
- Average Prices: From €55,00 per night - Find top stays on Booking
Recommended accommodation
It was once quite a popular neighborhood and even a bit infamous, but in recent years it has undergone a unique transformation, turning into one of the most popular and coveted neighborhoods in Rome!
It doesn't have any particular attractions or points of interest, but you will definitely have to stop by the Bar dei Cesaroni, as well as stroll along the beautiful streets. It is a neighborhood suitable for everyone, both young people and families. In fact, besides being a residential neighborhood, it also offers much more affordable prices than the center. Furthermore, young people will be within walking distance from the Testaccio district.
The lower costs are also due to the distance from the center, but the area is connected to the metro station of Garbatella, with the blue line that leads directly to the center (Garbatella-Colosseo metro blue direct, 7 min). Plus, the Roma Ostiense train station is nearby, ideal if you have trips planned in the area.
Average prices in the neighborhood start from about €55,00 - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Rione Monteverde - Gianicolense, for tranquil vibes
- Pros: Quieter residential area, often with more spacious accommodations, beautiful panoramic views of Rome
- Cons: Further from the main historical center (requires public transport), fewer nightlife options
- Main Attractions: Janiculum Terrace (Piazzale Garibaldi), Villa Doria Pamphilj, Trastevere's western edge.
- Average Prices: From €55,00 per night - Find top stays on Booking
Recommended accommodation
Along the same side of the Trastevere district, there is a lesser-known but truly wonderful district, widely considered the green corner of Rome. We are talking about Monteverde, also called Gianicolense. Here you will find great parks, such as Villa Doria Pamphili and Villa Sciarra.
It is an ideal neighborhood for families and for those looking for tranquility. We recommend young people or those who are looking for nightlife to stay in Trastevere. It is a residential neighborhood, especially in its newer part, but nevertheless not too expensive.
It is a bit more inconvenient for transportation than Trastevere, as it does not have a metro station, the area is however well connected by buses and trams (from Barilli in the heart of Monteverde to Colosseo bus line 75, 22 min). In addition, the area is also connected to the train station Quattro Venti and Roma Trastevere, so it's great if you are planning to visit the area and take the train.
Average prices in the neighborhood start from about €55,00 - compare the best accommodation on Booking
North Rome: Parioli/Villa Borghese, Pigneto/Tor Pignattara, Trieste/Coppedè, the green district
- Pros: Elegant and affluent neighborhood, close to the beautiful Villa Borghese park and museums
- Cons: Can be more expensive for accommodation and dining, further from the main historical center
- Main Attractions: Villa Borghese Gallery and Museum, Borghese Gardens
- Average Prices: From €80,00 per night - Find top stays on Booking
Recommended accommodation
The areas you have seen so far are all very central and with many solutions for any budget. But if you are looking for a refined and elegant neighborhood, then we recommend that you shift your search to the neighborhoods of North Rome. Here are some of the most elegant areas of Rome, but the prices are above average. You will find yourself walking along avenues with buildings in Art Nouveau style and you can relax in the beautiful park of Villa Borghese.
It is therefore an area suitable for those traveling on a high budget. At the same time, it is also recommended for families, for its tranquility and residential characteristics, while younger people or those traveling low cost will have to focus on other neighborhoods.
The area is farther from the historic center, but it is served by numerous bus lines and several metro stations that lead directly to the center (from Villa Borghese to Colosseum metro orange line to Vittorio Emanuele stop, 20 min).
Average prices in the neighborhood start from about €80,00 - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Places to stay near Rome
Foto di wheresleep. If Rome is the main destination of your trip, we do not suggest you to sleep outside its urban limits: mainly because Rome city is so vast that it will be necessary to travel several kilometers away from the center to reach other cities located in the surroundings. Moreover, the great variety of attractions and accommodations makes it a destination suitable both for low budget travelers and for those who want luxury as well as comfort.
However, if your intention is a trip to Lazio region and Rome is just one of the many stops, we suggest the following nearby destinations:
- Tivoli (41 km / 40 min): Here you can find two of Lazio's most beautiful historical villas, World Heritage Sites: Villa d'Este and Villa Adriana. Recommended for urban escapes but also for art lovers.
Well connected to Rome by direct regional train (1 hour) - Hotels and B&Bs from €30,00 per room - Ostia Antica (27 km / 42 min): the perfect place for those who want to enjoy the sea, Ostia is the small Roman Pompeii. Well connected to Rome, Roma Porta S. Paolo station, by direct train Roma Lido (25 min) - Hotels and B&Bs from €40,00 per room
- Viterbo (104 km / 1 h 25 min): A little further from Rome, but not too far, this is a great base for exploring all of northern Lazio and the Tuscia region. It is linked to Rome by regional train (change in Orte, 2 h 30 min) - Hotels and B&Bs from €25,00 per room
If you are in Rome for business or as a one-day stopover to other destinations, consider sleeping near the airport. Find the best solutions and selected hotels on Booking.com
Rome accommodation price map
Guide to the areas of Rome
Rome is a very large city, it is divided into 15 municipalities (numbered from I to XV), which in turn are divided into 35 districts located outside the Aurelian Walls. However, for the historic center there is a separate issue: the original core of the capital, which is also the main center of tourism, consists of 22 districts also known as Riones, all surrounded by ancient walls with the exception of Prati and Borgo.
Among the most important districts (or rather Riones), we recommend you to not miss Rione Monti and Rione Trastevere, for their liveliness and the number of picturesque views, but also Rione Parione for its central location and the vast amount of services available. Rione Trevi is suitable for the most nostalgic, while Rione Testaccio and Rione Prati are suitable for those who want to stay in a cheaper area, while still well connected to the city center. Rione Testaccio is also the center of youth nightlife!
If you are going to Rome to watch a soccer match of the local team, we recommend you to stay near the Olympic Stadium, located in the northernmost districts of Rome. This is a nice area, however, it is not recommended if you only need to visit the city, as it is quite far from the historic center.
Cool Things to do in Rome
- Marvel at the Colosseum and Roman Forum, imagining the grandeur of the ancient Roman Empire. Book your tour here.
- Explore Vatican City, visiting St. Peter's Basilica and the awe-inspiring Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel. Tickets for the Vatican Museum here.
- Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Campo de' Fiori market, Browse local produce, flowers, and souvenirs. Also available the tour of Campo de' Fiori Market.
- Visit the Pantheon, a remarkably preserved ancient Roman temple now a church. Tickets and audioguide here.
- Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, ensuring your return to the Eternal City.
- Climb the Spanish Steps for iconic views of the surrounding area.
- Wander through the charming streets of Trastevere, soaking in the bohemian atmosphere and enjoying traditional Roman cuisine.
- Discover the beauty of Piazza Navona, admiring Bernini's Fountain of Four Rivers and the surrounding Baroque architecture.
- Stroll through the serene Villa Borghese gardens and gallery, home to masterpieces by renowned artists.
Travel Tips for Rome
- Visit during the shoulder seasons (spring or autumn) for more pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the city.
- Utilize Rome's public transportation (metro, buses, trams) for efficient travel.
- Be aware of pickpockets, especially in crowded tourist areas and on public transport.
- Book accommodations and major attractions in advance to avoid long queues and ensure availability.
- Embrace the Italian dining culture and enjoy leisurely meals.
- Learn a few basic Italian phrases; locals appreciate the effort.
- Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months, and use the public water fountains.
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