Rome, or the Eternal City as it is sometimes known, is the vast capital city of Italy. This enthralling city is situated in the central-western portion of the Italian Peninsula along the shores River Tiber. Bursting with culture, elegance, exquisite gastronomy and rich history, Rome is a beautiful place to visit all year round. The fascinating neighbourhoods in the city offer distinct attractions, and there’s definitely something for everyone.
Take a trip to Rome to experience history, art, and architecture, as well as the culture and delicious Italian cuisine. You will also love the mild climate of the city, and the views while you are there are simply unforgettable.
The Trastevere area exudes a sleepy village-like vibe and is home to outdoor cafes, tattoo parlours, microbreweries, and markets.
Monti is a charming district with winding cobbled streets, antique shops and artisans selling handcrafted wares. You will love the quirky bars and fine dining while you are here, and the relaxed vibe will make you want to extend your stay.
The architectural features you will find in the Prati neighbourhood effortlessly draws visitors in. It is also in close proximity to the Vatican City where you will find many hotels and attractions such as St. Peter’s Basilica and Sistine Chapel.
The Tridente neighbourhood is home to the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain, as well as some of the best high-end shopping streets in Rome.
Testaccio is an area in Rome with old-school trattorias and hip street food joints, along with a thriving music and arts scene. History in this district also runs deep with sites such as Pyramid of Cestius providing evidence of this claim.
Visit the Parioli neighbourhood for a less chaotic pace and some of the best restaurants and hotels in Rome. There are also beautiful public parks and cultural museums in the area.
The Ostiense district is the place to be for art lovers, with many delights such as contemporary galleries and ancient marble statues. There are many cocktail bars and restaurants here as well, and for a fun night out, you will love the clubs and music venues in the area.
Another area you might not want to miss out on is San Giovanni, a neighbourhood that is brimming with churches, statues, museums, towers, and historical buildings.
You can explore Rome on foot, but you will quickly discover the city is quite hilly. Public transport is more convenient, with readily available taxis and buses. Cheap Rome hotels can be found all around the city, but hotels near Termini train station are more budget friendly, as is accommodation outside the city centre.
What’s the best area to experience the city as a local or when visiting the first time, what’s the best district for shopping or for nightlife, or where to stay on a budget or when on a honeymoon (couples)? Read on below to find out more best neighbourhoods to stay in Rome Italy.
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Where is the Best Place to Stay in Rome?
Best for First Time (Sightseeing): Historic City Centre (Trevi – Piazza Navona – Pantheon)
If you are visiting Rome for the first time, the Historic City Centre is a great place to start. Piazza Navona is a square here that was built on the site of the Stadium of Domitian, which was erected in the 1st century. The Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi at the centre of the piazza is quite a sight to behold, and you will also be impressed by the Sant’Agnese Agone church. Pantheon is a former Roman temple that was built in 125 A.D and is one of the best-preserved buildings of the ancient civilization. The Trevi Fountain is the largest Baroque fountain in the city and the only aqueduct that continued to function right throughout the Middle Ages due to its underground construction.
1. Historic City Centre (Trevi – Spanish Steps – Pantheon)
Kick off your tour of the Rome City Centre at the Trevi Fountain. It is fed by the Acqua Vergine, which has been bringing water from the eighth mile of the Via Collatina since 19 B.C. Refrain from climbing into the fountain since it is illegal.
Pantheon is a vast concrete structure with a perfectly hemispherical dome that is perfect displays Roman architecture at its finest. The tombs of the first kings of Italy are within the Pantheon. A great way to finish your tour of the City Centre is by climbing the 138 stairs of the Spanish Steps to experience the breathtaking views at the top.
- Best Properties: Hotel Vilòn – Small Luxury Hotels of the World – A World Aparts – 68 Barberini (Guest House)
- Best Cheap Hotels: Hotel Condotti • Hotel Navona
2. Vatican City – Prati
The Vatican City is a tiny country within Rome that is filled with attractions such as the world famous St. Paul’s Museum, Sistine Chapel, the Castel Sant’Angelo, and the fascinating Vatican Museum.
Make a stop at Prati, which is not too far from the Vatican, for some retail therapy on Via Cola di Rienzo. After a day of shopping, grab something to eat in magnificent restaurants such as La Pratolina and Luma Bistro in the area.
- Best Properties: Hotel Isa – Vatica B&B Roma (Bed and Breakfast)
- Best Cheap Hotels / Great Value : Eccelso Hotel • Domus Terenzio
3. Termini Train Station area
Although Termini Train Station area is not as popular as some other Rome destinations, there are some wonderful places you can visit such as Palazzo Massimo Alle Terme, a neo-renaissance palace that displays classical art collection, and decent eateries in the trendy Pigneto.
An added advantage is the relatively cheap accommodation in the neighbourhood. A budget hotel with great reviews where you can stay is Hotel Leone.
- Best Hotel: NH Collection Palazzo Cinquecento
- Best Cheap Hotels / Great Value: Hotel Leone • Bloom Apartment by La Griffe (Guest House)
4. Colosseum – Monti
One of the must-see attractions in Rome is the Colosseum, the grand oval amphitheatre in the city centre. With almost 2,000 years of history, the Colosseum is the greatest tourist attraction in Rome, along with Vatican City.
To avoid the huge crowds that normally flock the area, arrive early in the morning or buy an entrance ticket in the Palatine Hill. If you are not a big fan of crowds, opt to visit the Monti neighbourhood nearby. Snag an outdoor table at La Bottega Del Café, which overlooks the Piazza della Madonna dei Monti, or dine at La Casetta Della Madonna which is just as scenic.
- Best Accommodation: The Rooms of Rome – Palazzo Rhinoceros | Designed by Jean Nouvel
- Best Cheap Hotels / Great Value: Hotel Terme Olimpia • Nerva Boutique Hotel
5. Trastevere
Explore Trastevere, a popular and vibrant neighbourhood in Rome. Take a stroll through the picturesque cobblestone streets that are flanked by ochre-coloured buildings. Discover the Basilica of Santa Maria, one of the beautiful churches in Rome.
If you are lucky, catch a concert at Piazza Trilussa, which is right on the river, and when you get hungry, order a delicious pizza from La Boccaccia, and later on in the night, sample craft beer and interact with locals at Freni e Frizioni.
- Best Accommodations: Gran Melia Rome – The Leading Hotels of the World – Rhea Silvia luxury Trastevere 2 (Guest House)
- Best Cheap/Mid-Range Hotels: B&B Hotel Roma Trastevere • Stilerome (Guest House)
