Updated September 17, 2023
Rome wasn’t built in a day, so why not give yourself a couple more to explore? Stay the night and experience a multi-day Roman holiday. This historic destination was voted as one of the best cities in Europe by travelers, and one of the best places to stay in Italy. A gold mine of iconic attractions, rich cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and exciting art, there is so much to discover in this city’s dynamic neighborhoods. When it comes to where to stay in Rome we suggest picking an area based on your interests. The exciting Italian metropolis has something for all kinds of travelers. Foodies will be in heaven as they eat their way through the city’s renowned restaurants. While history enthusiasts can enjoy endless sightseeing at ancient sites like the Colosseum and the Pantheon. Of course, you can’t forget the awe-inspiring classical and modern art scene. To help you pick the best location for your stay, local travel advisors have created a guide to their favorite neighborhoods.
For travelers deciding what to see in Rome, a visit to Centro Storico is the answer. The historic neighborhood is a mecca of the city’s most famous attractions. Perfect for first-time visitors, or those short on time, the area is the ultimate spot for sightseeing. Here you can explore iconic Roman sites including the Pantheon, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps all in one convenient location. Visitors staying in this area will enjoy easy access to iconic museums, monuments, architecture, and art, as well as a wealth of restaurants, cafes, and shopping. The lively area draws a crowd from morning till night, so if you are looking for a quiet place to lay your head it might not be for you. Like much of Rome, the center is a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood, offering many public transportation options such as bus, metro, and tram.
Due to the popularity of Centro Storico, accommodations can be on the pricier side. However, you can still find a wide array of options from hotels to Airbnbs. If you prefer to stay in a hotel check out the Downtown Luxury B&B. Set in downtown Rome it is well-located near public transit and local attractions. The elegant Renaissance-style rooms are outfitted with all your basic needs and free WiFi.
Monti might be the city’s oldest neighborhood, but today the trendy district draws a young crowd. The quarter boasts a seamless blend of ancient Roman sights and modern hipster businesses. Just down the block from the Colosseum, the main attractions include the National Roman Museum, the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, and the Domus Aurea (the iconic Golden Palace of Emperor Nero). In addition to these iconic highlights, Monti offers amazing restaurants, independent boutiques, charming cafes, and well-priced bars, making it one of the best places to stay in all of Italy! Even just walking the avenues of the neighborhood is a joy in itself. Easily one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in Rome, the district is composed of cobblestone streets and colorful townhouses decorated with dangling curtains of ivy. Between the area’s vibrant nightlife, bohemian atmosphere, and location, locals say it is an ideal zone for younger travelers deciding where to stay in Rome.
The Casa Santa Sofia is a chic, budget-friendly hotel perfect for travelers who want to stay in this trendy area. Enjoy city views of Rome over drinks at the building’s rooftop wine bar.
As the sun sets in Rome, locals and tourists make their way to the nightlife neighborhood of Parione. The vibrant district is home to two of the liveliest piazzas in the city, Campo de’ Fiori and Piazza Navona. Each square is chock-full of delightful bars and restaurants, and both are buzzing with people until late into the night. During the day the party hub transforms into a charming destination for shopping and sightseeing. Campo de 'Fiori hosts a renowned market that sells vegetables, fruits, pasta, wine, and more. Piazza Navona offers iconic sculptures by masters Bernini and Bramante as well as the famed Chiesa Nuova and Via Giulia churches. Parione is also known for its phenomenal assortment of vintage shops and local boutiques. Our locals recommend the area for souvenir shopping or picking something out for yourself.
Check for accommodations around here if you want to stay where the late-night action is while still being close to tourist sites. A popular choice is the Tree Charme Parliament Boutique Hotel, an elegant Art Deco-inspired hotel located near popular points of interest like the Trevi Fountain and Pantheon.
Testaccio is the most beloved neighborhood for gastronomes visiting Rome. The former meat district is home to some of the best restaurants in the city, where patrons can enjoy traditional dishes. Its other culinary claim to fame is the Mercato Testaccio, a renowned marketplace that features over 100 stalls of produce and meat, alongside bars and restaurants. Exploring the local cuisine in Testaccio is one of the best things to do in Rome, however, it’s not just a destination for foodies. Testaccio has roots as a working-class neighborhood but has maintained a local atmosphere despite gentrification. Some of the grittier areas have seen a transformation over the past 20 years, revamping old butcher warehouses into contemporary art museums, organic supermarkets, and even an architecture school.
For travelers whose itinerary has a culinary emphasis or for those seeking a traditional Roman ambiance, this is the perfect place to stay. Consider a stay at the tranquil Hotel Santa Prisca, which features a lovely outdoor patio surrounded by nature.
Tridente is the swankiest neighborhood in Rome. Filled with scenic squares decorated with palm trees, prestigious designer boutiques, and world-class restaurants, locals, and visitors come here for the upscale offerings. At the intersection of the city’s three most famous shopping streets, Via del Condotti, Via de Borgognona, and Via Frattini, the district is a prime area for shopping. Storefronts of chic brands like Gucci, Fendi, and Valentino, can be found here, alongside signature boutiques selling everything from shoes, to chocolate to paper. As for sightseeing the area is within walking distance of the famous Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps, and the attractions of Centro Storico.
Many of the city’s most glamorous hotels can be found in this neighborhood, but that doesn’t mean travelers cannot find well-priced accommodations. Located right by the Spanish Steps is the Tridente Suites, an elegant hotel set in a historic building with well-equipped suites, that won’t break the bank.
Once an industrial district, the eclectic neighborhood of Ostiense has transformed into the home of Rome’s alternative art scene. Most well-known for its concentration of street art, eye-catching murals adorn the walls along avenues and under bridges. The creative landscape here is diverse and manages to tie together the beauty of old-world Rome with gritty contemporary spaces. Visit Centrale Montemartini, a former power plant, where you can find ancient Roman sculptures on display. The area is great for avant-garde art lovers, and visitors looking for a colorful modern urban atmosphere. Art is not the only draw here. For those who want a taste of the Italian counterculture, the district is a hub for the city’s underground nightlife. Instead of clubs, partiers here gather to dance in former warehouses and factories. The burgeoning zone also has many new restaurants and pubs, and borders the foodie neighborhood of Testaccio. Our locals say Ostiense is very pedestrian-friendly and encourage those staying in the area to wander on foot or even by Vespa.
Book a stay at the Hotel Pulitzer Roma, a tasteful ’70s-style hotel well-connected to the city through the nearby metro station.
If you need a break from the city hubbub and tourist crowds look no further than the stunning district of Prati. One of the most upscale areas of Rome, it serves as a corporate business hub and residential neighborhood for upper-class Romans. The elegant art nouveau buildings boast chic boutiques, authentic cuisine, trendy bars, and live music venues. One of the less touristy neighborhoods of the city, Prati is frequented by locals, who come to lounge in the numerous restaurants. This mixed commercial and residential area is ideal for visitors who want some peace and quiet at night and is also one of the safest neighborhoods in the city. Additionally, it is well-connected to tourist sites and neighbors the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica.
The quality of hotels in the Prati area is certainly top-notch. Unlike in the center of Rome where late-night revelers can be noisy, the Prati area is consistently quiet and peaceful. It's definitely a comfortable area for tourists to get a good night's sleep. Hotel Isa is a wonderful option for visitors who want to stay in the neighborhood.
Travelers will find that big cities like Rome are very LGBTQ-friendly places to stay in Italy. The capital hosts gay pride parades and cultural events and is home to the famous "gay street" on Via San Giovanni. Located right in front of the historic Colosseum, the 300-meter pedestrian boulevard is lined with shops, restaurants, gay bars, and venues. In addition to nightlife, the progressive neighborhood is rich in history, with sights from Ancient Rome and the Renaissance period. Nature lovers should also consider staying in San Giovanni as it boasts some lovely wilderness paths. The district is well-connected and has its own metro stop.
If you are interested in staying in the San Giovanni area, the Generator Rome is rated as one of the best hotels in Rome. The funky boutique hotel offers a fun atmosphere and reasonably priced rooms.
Exploring the charming cobblestone streets of Trastevere is one of the best things to do in Italy. A wonderland of ivy-covered buildings, glittering basilicas, and regal plazas, the picturesque neighborhood has quickly become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Traditional artisan shops now share the area with trendy new breweries, cafes, and restaurants. Foodies will enjoy a well-rounded offering of modern and traditional eateries. Our locals say the best way to experience this Instagrammable neighborhood is on foot. For a more local atmosphere away from the throngs of tourists, head to the southern side of Viale Trastevere.
Trastevere offers a fair amount of mid-range accommodations. Hotel Ripa is a futuristic hotel adorned with unique design features and is well located for many attractions.
Located near Sapienza University, the funky neighborhood of San Lorenzo has become a go-to destination for cash-strapped students and backpackers staying in Italy. The working-class district was bombed heavily in World War II and as a consequence lost many of its monuments. What it lacks in historic attractions, however, it makes up for with a colorful contemporary scene. Another famous zone for art in the city, visit the Fondazione Pastificio Cerere, a modern art museum with eye-catching exhibits. Then wander from Via dei Volsci to Via degli Enotri where you can find amazing murals painted by renowned international artists. Those staying in the area can find well-priced vintage stores, souvenir shops, restaurants, bars, clubs, and accommodations.
Budget travelers know hostels are a great choice when trying to cut costs. The Beehive is a popular eco-friendly hostel in San Lorenzo that offers both private and shared dorm rooms.
From the ancient ruins of Centro Storico to the bohemian art galleries of Trastevere, Rome’s dynamic neighborhoods are home to some of the best things to do in Italy. From hotels to hostels, there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to accommodations for visitors planning a visit to the capital.
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