Known as ‘La Citta Eterna' (the eternal city), a visit to Rome feels like a visit to the past – in the best possible way.
Epitomizing la dolce vita in the form of unrivaled cuisine and plenty of vespa-friendly cobbled side streets, Rome is the perfect beginner's introduction to Italian-style living. There's a reason the Italian capital averages up to 10 million tourists a year.
I first went to Rome with my mum years and years ago and it turned out to be the perfect destination for a mother-daughter trip, the right amount of sightseeing and adventure combined with awesome pizza, pasta and plenty of ice cream and lounging on beautiful rooftops overlooking the city.
From throwing a coin in the Trevi Fountain to strolling around the ancient Colosseum, there's no shortage of things to see and do in this vibrant city. Choosing where to stay, however, can be a little more difficult.
To help you find your place in Italy's iconic capital, here's a guide to the best neighborhoods and hotels in Rome to make your stay unforgettable.
The best Neighborhoods to stay in Rome
Campo de Fiori – This vibrant neighborhood is located right in the heart of it all, as well as being home to Roman big hitters such as Piazza Navona and the Campo de Fiori Market. Stay here if you want to see all the highlights on a limited schedule.
Trastevere – Home to Rome's coolest bars, best restaurants, and most vibrant atmosphere, a night in Trastevere is simply unparalleled. Head to this neighborhood for hipster vibes and a thriving culinary scene.
Trevi Fountain – Located right in the center of Rome, Trevi is the heart of all the action. If you don't mind staying in one of the city's busiest districts, you'll be rewarded with proximity to major attractions and a vibrant part of town that never sleeps.
Centro Storico – Stepping back in time a couple of thousand years is easy when you stay in the Centro Storico. Home to the sights of Ancient Rome, walk along the streets of what was once the Roman Empire when you stay in this part of town.
Prati – Promising proximity to the Vatican City as well as a community all of its own, Prati is one of Rome's most elegant neighborhoods. Live like a local here while enjoying being within walking distance of all the major sights.
San Pietro – While it won't win any awards for style, San Pietro is cheap and cheerful, offering walking distance to Vatican City and the San Pietro train station. It's safe, friendly, and perfect for budget travelers.
Testaccio – This quirky working-class neighborhood should be a go-to spot for foodies and travelers looking to get off the beaten path. It's one of the only areas in Rome where you won't have to battle crowds of tourists to get around and its dynamic and edgy flavor will suit seasoned travelers.
The Jewish Quarter – Home to some of Rome's best-kept secrets and lesser-known history, this important neighborhood is a must for any culture vulture.
Trieste – Located off the beaten track with a unique charm all of its own, Trieste lets you live like a Roman for the day, with culinary delights and laid-back bars to keep you fed and watered.
1. Where to stay in Rome for first-time visitors: Campo de Fiori
Most travel sites will tell you that the Centro Storico is the best place to stay for your first time in Rome or when you only have a handful of days to spend there.
And while it's definitely the best place to stay for exploring the Forum and the Colosseum, it's actually a little outside of the center of Rome. Enter: Campo de Fiori.
Located slap bang in the middle of Ancient Rome and the Vatican, with a personality of its own, the Campo de Fiori area provides unrivaled access to all of Rome's most impressive sights, as well as boasting an impressive selection of places to eat and drink.
Here you'll also find a good range of hotels with spacious rooms and modern amenities, all within walking distance of everything you need to see on your first Roman holiday.
You'll also find my favorite square in all of Rome – Piazza Navona. It's the ideal spot for sitting with an Aperol Spritz and watching the world go by. Prices are more reasonable than you'd think, too.
The name of the neighborhood, Campo de Fiori, refers to the market in the area's center, where you'll find a bustling range of food vendors serving up Roman classics.
You'll also be within a stone's throw of the Pantheon – one of the most impressive relics of Ancient Rome in the city. For me, Campo de Fiori is quintessential Rome. Vibrant, upmarket, and endlessly beautiful.
Things to do in Campo de Fiori:
Grab dinner at Origano
People watch at Piazza Navona
Check out the Basilica of Sant'Andrea della Valle
Stroll to the Pantheon
Grab some local cuisine at Campo de Fiori Market
Attend Italian lessons at Scuola Leonardo Da Vinci
Take a trip to Buddy Veggy (amazing vegetarian restaurant, and the food is good enough even for meat eaters)
Best area for:
First-time visitors
Short stays in Rome
Learning Italian
Being within walking distance of all the main attractions
The best hotels to stay in Campo de Fiori
($$$) The Pantheon Iconic Rome Hotel
($$) Sonder Antinoo
($$) Boutique Hotel Campo de Fiori
($) N-Space
2. Where to stay in Rome for nightlife, food, and drink: Trastevere
Trastevere is Rome's most charming neighborhood. Perfectly blending cutesy cobblestone streets and squares with a rough-and-tumble edge, Trastevere was Rome's best-kept secret until a decade or so ago, when tourists discovered what drew the locals to this vibrant area.
As you'd expect from any good nightlife area, it has its fair share of bohemian residents, with many of Rome's most artistic citizens calling Trastevere home.
Located across the river from Rome's main sights (the name literally translates to ‘beyond the Tiber'), Trastevere is a little out of the way, but it's well worth the visit if you want to experience a lesser-known side of Rome.
One of the biggest draws of Trastevere is the sheer abundance of places to eat and drink. Romans spill out of bars into the streets sipping aperitivi after work, while restaurants selling suppli (an Italian snack consisting of a fried rice ball with tomato sauce usually, it's similar to arancini) line the neighbor's cobblestone streets.
Rome's nightlife on the whole is fairly spread out across the city, making Trastevere one of the only neighborhoods where you can enjoy a lively bar crawl without having to jump in a cab elsewhere.
There's a decent range of accommodation here, too, from luxury hotels to apartments and hostels suitable for budget travelers. It's not the best place to stay if seeing the major attractions is your top priority, but if it's charm you're after, there's nowhere better.
Things to do in Trastevere:
Grab dinner at Mimi e Coco
Enjoy post-bar crawl suppli at Suppli Roma
Stroll around Piazza Santa Maria
Watch the street performers in Piazza Trilussa
Eat a traditional carbonara at Da Enzo
Best area for:
Hipster vibes
Food and drink
Nightlife
Charming cobblestone streets
The best hotels to stay in Trastevere
($$$) Villa Agrippina Gran Meliá
($$$) Loly Boutique Hotel Roma
($$) Horti 14 Borgo
3. Where to stay in Rome for sightseeing: Trevi Fountain
Rome is home to so many iconic sights that it's impossible to choose a favorite. But the Trevi Fountain comes pretty close!
If you're keen to be within walking distance of all the main attractions in central Rome (and you don't mind battling tourists to see them), Trevi should be the area where you rest your head.
Naturally, this area is home to one of Rome's most impressive sights – the Trevi Fountain. For most of the day, you'll have to battle crowds of tourists to have your moment throwing a coin, but if you go in the very early hours of the morning (think 5 am), you'll have the place more or less to yourself.
Admittedly, the area around the Trevi Fountain is very touristy thanks to its central location, so it's not the place to stay for a quiet or authentic stay. But there's a reason so many tourists flock to this part of Rome.
Tourists and locals alike pour into the neighborhood's streets eating the best plate of carbonara they've ever tasted while the streets are alive with visitors searching for their version of Italy's capital. Put simply, Trevi is where Rome comes alive.
The famous Spanish Steps are just a stone's throw away, and you'll be within walking distance of Piazza Navona and the Pantheon on one side and the Colosseum and Forum on the other. If you want to explore Rome at its most hustling and bustling, stay here (just not in July or August, or you'll melt).
Things to do in Trevi:
Visit the Piazza di Spagna and the Spanish steps
Throw a coin in the Trevi fountain and make a wish
Explore the historic center
Visit the Palazzo Poli
Best area for:
Sightseers
History lovers
The best hotels to stay in Trevi
($$$) Umiltà 36
($$) Trevi Elite Rome
($$) Elical Exclusive Private Suites
4. Where to stay in Rome for Ancient Rome: Centro Storico/Monti
History is coded into the DNA of Rome, but nowhere more so than in the Centro Storico and the neighboring Monti.
Home to many of Rome's trademark sights, such as the Colosseum and the Forum, the Centro Storico is the best place to see how Rome would have looked thousands of years ago.
This is the Rome you see in the movies, where slick Romans dressed entirely in Prada circle the Colosseum on their Vespas and businessmen throw back an espresso shot before work in a local cafe. You'll hear the beeping of scooters before you even see the Colosseum.
The downside to Ancient Rome is that it's slightly out of the way of Rome's other sights, but if ancient history is your thing, there's no better place to stay.
It's also not the best place to eat – restaurants surrounding the Colosseum will overcharge for subpar food, so you're better heading to Trastevere or Campo de Fiori for more authentic eateries.
If you're keen to be in the heart of ancient Rome but want to save money, stay in Monti, just above the Colosseum, where you'll find local vibes and cheaper accommodation within walking distance of major attractions.
This low-key neighborhood is home to many of Rome's residents as well as eclectic vintage boutiques, funky wine bars, and family-run trattorias. Monti is also close to the main train station in Rome, Termini, so if you're planning on touring through Italy by train, staying here might be your most convenient option.
Things to do in Centro Storico:
Visit the Colosseum
Stroll around the ancient Forum
Check out the Basilica di San Clemente
Grab a drink at The Court Bar, a rooftop terrace overlooking the Colosseum
Best area for:
History buffs
Visiting the Colosseum
Stepping back in time to Ancient Rome
The best hotels to stay in Centro Storico
($$$) Hotel Palazzo Manfredi
($$) Hotel Capo d'Africa
($$) FH55 Grand Hotel Palatino
5. Where to stay in Rome to be close to the Vatican: Prati
Is Prati Rome's most underrated neighborhood? I think so.
Located just next to Vatican City, Prati is mostly residential. but has enough charm and proximity to the center to make it an appealing offer for tourists, too. It's the perfect spot for travelers wanting to escape the crowds while still being close to the action.
Prati is just across the Tiber River from big hitters like the Trevi Fountain – around 25 minutes walking from Campo de Fiori and 45 minutes from the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. But thanks to its location near the Vatican it still offers plenty to do.
Prati looks a little different from Rome's other neighborhoods. Unlike the charming Trastevere, it eschews the narrow cobbled streets in favor of wide boulevards, home to designer boutiques and hotels.
One of the most impressive advantages of staying in this part of town is the breathtaking views of the Tiber River you'll see when walking over to the historic center.
It's one of the best areas for shopping, too, boasting boutique clothing stores as well as specialty food stores and coffee shops perfect for your morning espresso. In Prati, you'll get to see how Romans truly live, and enjoy more breathing space than you'll find in the likes of Trevi and the Centro Storico.
Prati is home to a large percentage of Rome's immigrant community, too, making it easier to find food from other cuisines in the unlikely event that you get sick of eating Italian food.
It's also one of the best places to stay in summer when most of Rome becomes unpleasantly overcrowded and hot.
Things to do in Prati
Go shopping on Via Cola di Rienzo
Visit the Vatican City and Vatican Museums
Explore St Peter's Square
Stroll down Viale Giulio Cesare
Best area for:
Visiting the Vatican City
Shopping
Escaping the crowds
Seeing how Romans like
The best hotels to stay in Prati
($$$) Hotel Relais Dei Papi
6. Where to stay in Rome on a budget: San Pietro
Located in the area surrounding the train station with its namesake, San Pietro isn't the most glamorous neighborhood, nor is it the most central.
But, if you plan on visiting Rome on a tight budget, staying here is the best way to hold on to your money. And believe it or not, it has a charm all of its own, with new bars and restaurants popping up there all the time.
Location-wise it's close to the Vatican, so within around 20 minutes you can be in the center of Vatican City looking out over Saint Peter's Basilica. Though it's a much longer walk to the historic center, reasonably priced buses can take you there, and it's only a 35-minute walk to Trastevere.
Though mostly residential, you'll also find plenty of places to eat and drink in San Pietro as well as supermarkets and clothing stores. You're unlikely to find a luxury hotel in the area, but there are tons of places to stay that are more reasonably priced than what you'll find in the city center.
Architecture lovers can also visit the charming Chiesa di Santa Caterina Martire. After all, if there's one thing Italy does well, it's churches.
A benefit of staying in San Pietro is also the lack of tourists. If you can't think of anything worse than elbowing your way to your morning coffee through crowds of visitors, staying in San Pietro promises a more peaceful trip.
If you're a traveler on a budget who doesn't want to miss Rome off their list because of the price, heading to San Pietro can be a great compromise.
Things to do in San Pietro:
Grab dinner and cocktails at the delightful Gregorio
Take a stroll over to Vatican City
Eat at Papa Rex Ristorante
Enjoy a pint of Guinness at the cozy Rosy O'Grady's pub
Check out Saint John Tower
Catch a play or concert at the Teatro Ghione
Best area for:
Proximity to the Vatican without staying in Prati
Budget accommodation
Experiencing Rome without the tourists
The best hotels to stay in San Pietro
($$$) San Peter Rome B&B
($$) B&B Residenza Gregorio VII
7. Where to stay in Rome to be off the beaten path: Testaccio
If tourist hotspots sound like your worst nightmare but a visit to Rome is still on the cards, stay in Testaccio.
Located in the city's south, Testaccio is one of the only remaining authentic Roman neighborhoods, home to a vibrant working-class community whose families have lived here for centuries.
Luckily, Testaccio is within walking distance of Trastevere, so you can still opt into Rome's thriving nightlife during the evenings with a short stroll to this popular area.
Testaccio's only claim to fame isn't being less touristic. This charming neighborhood has a personality all of its own, and with plenty of food markets to choose from, it's a great place for foodies to stay.
The quirky neighborhood originally centered around a slaughterhouse, which has since been transformed into a restaurant – Collettivo Gastronomico Testaccio.
Its working-class roots are still present in the slightly run-down building you'll find in Testaccio (it won't win awards for Rome's most attractive neighborhood) but this certainly doesn't mean it's unsafe. In fact, you're much safer amongst the friendly locals of Testaccio where the scammers you'll find in the historic center can't reach you.
Testaccio is ideal for visitors who have been to Rome before. Upon returning, you're unlikely to repeat the tourist sights you visited last time. Instead, you'll probably want to explore somewhere a little more off the beaten path, and that's exactly what Testaccio is for.
Things to do in Testaccio:
Visit the area's original slaughterhouse
Take a stroll over to Trastevere
Enjoy an espresso alongside the locals at a Testaccio cafe
See the Pyramid of Cestius
Check out the area's impressive street art
Best area for:
Street art
Bohemian vibes
Living like a local
The best hotels to stay in Testaccio
($$$) Hotel Santa Prisca
($$) San Anselmo
($) Seven Suites
8. Where to stay in Rome for history buffs: The Jewish Quarter
While many know Rome for its ancient history, it's actually full to the brim with Jewish history, too.
Considered one of the oldest Jewish ghettos in the world (being beaten only by Venice), Rome's Jewish quarter is the home of this community's history, full of historic buildings and museums where you can learn more about Italy's Jewish community.
Although small, this underrated neighborhood in Rome is well worth a visit, whether you decide to stay here or not. As you'd expect, this area is home to many attractions that document the plight and strength of Jews in Italy, including the Synagogue and the Jewish Museum of Rome.
If you plan on staying here, don't miss out on one of Rome's hidden gems – the smallest inhabited island in the world, Tiber Island. It's just a stone's throw from the Jewish Quarter. In true Roman style, the streets of the Jewish Quarter are adorned with a blend of terracotta buildings and historic ruins, creating the perfect blend of charm and edginess.
It's a safe and relatively quiet district – thanks to the fame of ancient Rome it's managed to slip under the radar of most tourists so you certainly won't have to battle crowds here.
Things to do in The Jewish Quarter:
See Teatro Marcello
Visit The Great Synagogue
Learn more at The Jewish Museum of Rome
See La Bocca della Verità
Best area for:
History buffs
Learning more about Jewish history
The best hotels to stay in The Jewish Quarter
($$$) BB Il Re Alla Reginella Guest House
9. Where to stay in Rome to live like a local: Trieste
For travelers who like to do things a little differently, Trieste is the ultimate Roman destination.
Located slightly out of the center, Trieste is a fantastic location for living like a local, but it has sights that will keep tourists happy, too. Here, you'll find Porta Pia, one of the ancient gates in the Aurelian Walls and an important entry point for ancient Rome.
Arguably one of Rome's best-kept secrets, Trieste offers respite from the busy crowds of neighborhoods such as Trevi and the Centro Storico, while still providing enough to do to keep visitors happy.
This neighborhood is located near the universities, too, meaning there's a vibrant student community and plenty of places to socialize. It's a little more on the bohemian side, without ever feeling too edgy or unsafe.
It's perfect for the traveler who likes to get off the beaten path without being in harm's way.
Things to do in Trieste:
Grab a cheap beer in one of the student bars
See the Porta Pia
Enjoy a coffee in Piazza Caprera
Check out the area's brightly colored villas
Best area for:
Students and young people
Cheaper accommodation
Living like a genuine Roman
The best hotels to stay in Trieste
($$$) Hotel Principe Torlonia
($$) Villa Angelina
($) Hotel Mercure Roma Corso Trieste
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Where to stay in Rome – Frequently Asked Questions
📍 Which area is the most beautiful in Rome?
It's an almost impossible question to answer, but I'll go with Trastevere. Lovers of ancient Rome will likely disagree, but for me, the charming narrow streets and piazzi of Trastevere are simply unparalleled – and they look even better when enjoyed with a glass of Aperol Spritz. Naturally, the Centro Storico is also incredibly impressive thanks to the ancient Roman architecture on display, and the lesser-known areas of Rome, such as Trieste, have their own unique charm.
That being said, Rome is one of the world's most beautiful cities, so wherever you stay you'll find breathtaking sights. It's one of my favorite cities in the world to stroll around without a plan – taking in the sights and sounds is enough to understand what the Italian capital is all about. And, of course, eating copious amounts of carbonara.
❌ Which areas should I avoid in Rome?
On the whole, Rome is a safe city, so you don't need to avoid any of the neighborhoods in the main tourist area. You're mostly at risk from scammers and pickpocketing, so keep your belongings close and don't engage with vendors that are based around areas such as the Colosseum. I wouldn't recommend staying in San Basilio, Tor Bella Monaco, and Corviale since the levels of crime are higher there.
⭐ What are the must-see sights in Rome?
There are so many sights in Rome that I could never write a blog long enough to include them all. But if I had to choose just a few must-see attractions, I'd go with the Colosseum, the Forum, Saint Peter's Basilica, Villa Borghese, the Pantheon, and the Trevi fountain. Oh, and the Spanish steps (see what I mean about having to choose?!).
❓ Is Rome a safe city?
For the most part, Rome is a very safe city. You will, however, need to keep your wits about you when it comes to pickpockets and scammers. Around the ancient Roman sights in particular, scammers will try and flog you items for ‘free', then demand money once you've taken them. To be as safe as possible, just ignore vendors that try and draw your attention and they'll leave you alone. Likewise, keep your belongings close to you to avoid pickpocketing.
🚶 Is Rome a walkable city?
Rome is somewhat walkable, but it's not for the faint-hearted! If you plan on visiting all the neighborhoods you'll be racking up tens of thousands of steps per day, so you'll need some comfortable walking shoes. And a word of warning – high heels don't do well on Rome's cobblestone streets!
There would be a slim chance of seeing the Vatican City and the Centro Storico all in one day, for example, so your best course of action is to establish which sights you'd like to see during your Roman vacation and plan to tackle a different area every day.
If you do get tired of walking, there are plenty of taxis in the city center as well as buses and a metro system. You can't book Ubers, but you can use the Uber app to book taxis from local firms.
📅 How long should I stay in Rome?
Only the most dedicated traveler could do Rome in a weekend, and they'd need pretty good walking shoes. This city is best enjoyed slowly, taking your time to explore every crevice of its narrow streets and ancient sights. Look to spend around five days in the capital. That way, you'll have time to get to know every single one of its charming neighborhoods. After all, Rome wasn't built in a day, so don't visit it in one either!
One of the best things about visiting Italy is just how many cities are worth visiting, so if you have the time, I'd definitely recommend visiting other Italian cities by train. The high-speed train network is great, and from Rome, you can reach plenty of other popular destinations such as Naples and Florence.
Where to stay in Rome – Final Words
Choosing the right neighborhood and hotel to stay in Rome is key to having the best stay possible. To make your decision, establish what you're seeking from the trip and use my guide to find the area that best corresponds.
Families should head to one of Rome's more residential areas for some peace and quiet, while party seekers will be kept busy in Trevi or Trastevere.
Remember to try out some Roman specialties while you're there, too. Cacio e pepe and carbonara are both incredible Roman pasta dishes, while the crunchy artichokes served up across the city will prove to be the best starter you've ever tasted.
Luckily, whether you head to Trastevere for the city's best food and drink or stay in the famous Centro Storico for a glimpse of the colosseum with your morning coffee, you're guaranteed to have a wonderful time in la citta eterna. And the best part? Legend says if you throw a coin in the Trevi fountain, you'll return to Rome.
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