Where to Stay in Rome: How to Choose the Right Neighborhood for Your Visit

Deciding where to stay in Rome can be one of the most difficult aspects of visiting the Eternal City. Rome’s historic center is divided into 22 rioni (traditional districts), each with its own character, atmosphere, and price point, so choosing where to stay can feel overwhelming at first. When deciding where to stay in Rome, it helps to know the defining characteristics of each one!

From the hip Trastevere neighborhood to the charming Jewish quarter, there are places to stay in Rome for everyone. Though there are a variety of ways to view the divisions of Rome’s different neighborhoods, our guide will look at the city’s main neighborhoods in order to help you decide which one is best for you.

Where to Stay in Rome – Key to the main neighbourhoods

Centro Storico

Taking a late-night walk around Trevi fountain is a magical experience.

The Centro Storico is the historical center of Rome. Though the actual division lines are subject to interpretation, we consider it the area encompassing Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, and the Trevi Fountain. It is separated from the neighborhood around the Spanish Steps (also technically part the Centro Storico) by style and price.

The picturesque city center is home to most of the major sites that first-time visitors to Rome want to see. This means that it’s also one of the most crowded and touristy districts in Rome – not to mention expensive! Still, it’s hard to beat the convenience of leaving your hotel and being smack in the middle of the city. 

• Stay here if: your Roman vacation dreams include walking right out of your hotel into the heart of Piazza Navona; you want to walk everywhere; you don’t mind spending premium prices on accommodation and food.

Tridente and Via Veneto

Another beautiful area to stay in Rome.

Though technically part of Rome’s historic city center, the Tridente neighborhood is quite noticeably among the most upscale areas of Rome. Tridente is filled with designer boutiques and 4/5 star hotels, but also the beautiful Spanish Steps, Trinità dei Monti church and the Medici Villa.

Nearby Via Veneto is another upscale place to stay in Rome. It was the hotspot in the 1950s and ’60s, filled with celebrities, politicians, film stars, paparazzi, and various other hangers-on. It’s lost some of its allure since then, with more businessmen than cameramen, but you can still find elegant restaurants and luxury hotels here.

• Stay here if: you want to be centrally located and classy; price isn’t a problem for you; you’re planning on doing some serious luxury shopping; you’ve always dreamed of walking with Roman VIPs on your Roman vacation; you want to stay in a luxury hotel. 

Jewish Quarter 

The old Jewish Quarter is a mosaic of ancient gems with the nuances of the modern day. Photo by Anthony Majanlahti

Though the Jewish Quarter was originally created to keep the Jewish community in, the neighborhood is now a beautiful and thriving testament to the history and influence of Europe’s oldest Jewish community. Tucked into the heart of the city, right next to the Centro Storico, the old “Ghetto” is a charming district that still feels true to its ancient roots.

Insider Tip:The Jewish Quarter is one of the culinary gems of Europe and a great place to stay in Rome for Gastronomic travelers – discover more in our guide to Rome’s Jewish food.

With wonderfully crooked streets and a lovely old town atmosphere. The Jewish Ghetto sits between Piazza Venezia and the Tiber River, close to Campo de’ Fiori and Piazza Farnese, making it an excellent central base. It also includes Teatro di Marcello, often nicknamed “the little Colosseum.

Be sure to see the Great Synagogue and the Bocca della Verità, or the Mouth of Truth. It’s said that the stone mouth will bite off the hand of anyone not telling the truth. Check out our Visitor’s Guide to Rome’s Jewish Ghetto for more ideas on what to see. 

• Stay here if: you want to stay centrally located; you want the history and atmosphere of Piazza Navona, but prefer to avoid the large crowds; you appreciate great dining; you want a more authentic Roman experience.

The food in the Jewish Quarter is simply delicious!

Stazione Termini and Esquilino 

The prime advantage of staying in the area surrounding Rome’s Termini station is that it’s packed with a plethora of inexpensive hotel options. Filled with low-cost hotels and B&B’s, this is where to stay in Rome for budget travelers who don’t mind taking a short ride into the city center for sightseeing. 

The area isn’t especially beautiful and there’s not much to see from a tourism perspective, but it’s relatively calm and inexpensive. It’s also where to stay in Rome for those who need to move quickly and/or often, either via train or metro. If you’re planning day trips or onward travel to cities like Florence, Naples, or Venice, staying near Termini gives you easy access to the trains in Rome and Italy’s excellent high-speed rail network.

Spreading around Termini is Esquilino, Rome’s immigrant district par excellence. Here you’ll find hawkers, food shops with delicacies from all over the world, and the large, Chinatown-esque Esquilino market.

• Stay here if: you want solid accommodation at a good price; you don’t mind staying outside the city center; you’re staying in Rome but have an early-morning train connection to another city; you aren’t interested in staying out late; you want to be close to the sights in Monti but enjoy a better price.

Monti

The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is in a very nice part of Rome, filled with Italian ambiance, without the chaos.

The oldest rione of Rome, Monti was the red-light district of the ancient city. Today it’s anything but.

Monti is a splendid little neighborhood just outside of the slightly grittier Termini. It’s filled with traditional trattorie and top-notch clothing boutiques. Here you’ll find the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore (one of the best churches in Rome), the National Museum of Rome, the Colle Oppio Park and on the same hill, the opulent Domus Aurea.

• Stay here if: You’re interested in ancient Roman history; you want to go shopping in unique, independent boutiques; you’d like a suburban atmosphere; you want a bit of nightlife; you’re looking for a friendly, village atmosphere.

Celio

You’ll love taking an early morning walk around this magnificent monument.

Just southwest of Monti is the residential neighborhood of Celio with the imposing Colosseum sitting at its heart. Though the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Circus Maximus and Palatine Hill dominate this district, be sure to also visit the beautiful Basilica of Saint John the Lateran (the official cathedral of Rome) during your stay.

Insider Tip: Join local experts for a tour of ancient Rome (that’s the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and the Palatine Hill) with express passes on our Premium Colosseum Tour.

The area around the Colosseum and Constantine’s Arch is touristy and chaotic during the day, but nighttime offers one of the most impressive views of the ancient amphitheater. As there aren’t many hotels to choose from in Monti or Celio, this adds to the residential feel. 

• Stay here if: You’re interested in experiencing a more suburban Rome; you have already seen the historic city center sites and want to tour the Colosseum and Roman Forum; you don’t need to be close to the Vatican; you’re fascinated by Roman ruins.

Aventine

The second largest public baths in ancient Rome. Photo by Teldridge

It can be hard to distinguish where Celio ends and Aventine begins, the two are so near and so similar. Aventine is a bit further away from any “major” sights, but still within walking distance of Circus Maximus and Testaccio. It´s greenery and hidden gems make it one of the loveliest districts of Rome.

Tour the baths of Caracalla, the Rose Garden, and the famous “Knights of Malta Keyhole,” an unassuming keyhole in an unassuming gate which gives anyone who peers through it a spectacular view. Aventine also happens to have some of the nicest houses in Rome, so if you want to see how Rome’s wealthiest live, this is a good spot for a bit of real estate gazing. 

• Stay here if: You want something even quieter than the suburban neighborhood of Celio; you like to step “off the beaten path”; you want to escape the tourists; you don’t need much nightlife;  you don’t mind being a bit outside of the action. 

Testaccio

Staying in Testaccio means you’ll be able to visit local markets to get a feel for how locals live.

Testaccio, on the outskirts of Rome, is more modern, more classically urban and by far the liveliest of all Rome’s rioni. With a buzzing nightlife, it’s one of the least touristy districts in Rome.

Actually, the neighborhood is ¡built beside Monte Testaccio, an ancient hill made almost entirely from discarded Roman amphorae (olive oil jars). Today it’s one of the most authentic glimpses into real-life Rome. The rione is also connected to Rome’s main attractions by metro or bus.

With frequent buses and the metro, Testaccio is connected to the Centro Storico, Colosseum, or Trastevere by just a 5 to 15-minute ride depending on where you’re going and what the traffic is like. It’s where to stay in Rome for visitors who want to enjoy authentic Roman nightlife at its most vibrant.

• Stay here if: You want to stay outside of the city center but in a safe rione; you want to save a load of money and still have nice accommodation; you don’t mind taking public transportation; you are looking more to enjoy the nightlife than to visit the tourist attractions. 

Trastevere

Trastevere neighborhood is known for its picturesque squares and quaint streets.

On the other side of the Tiber River is the hip Trastevere, which takes its name from being on the other side of the Tiber (or Tevere, in Italian) from central Rome. One of the most popular and visited rioni in Rome, Trastevere is filled with great shops, restaurants, and spots for a night-time aperitivo. In fact, the neighborhood boasts some of the best nightlife in Rome.

Insider Tip: Trastevere is one of Rome’s best neighborhoods for food lovers, from classic trattorias to lively wine bars. If tasting your way through the neighborhood sounds like your kind of sightseeing, check out our guide to taking a food tour in Trastevere, Rome

During the day, stay in the neighborhood with a visit to the Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere,  the Botanical Garden and the Gianicolo.

• Stay here if: Your idea of a perfect neighborhood is offbeat and a bit bohemian; you’re coming for the nightlife; you don’t mind hipsters; you don’t mind a bit of noise at night; you want to explore the tiny streets and stone alleyways in a lively atmosphere.

Flaminio and Parioli

Finding green space in the center of Rome really isn’t that difficult — just head to Villa Borghese.

Though neither Flaminio nor Parioli is centrally located, they are among the most elegant and residential neighborhoods in Rome, filled with magnificent villas, art museums, and fancy restaurants.

In Flaminio, you’ll find the MAXXI Art Gallery, designed by the late architect Zaha Hadid, and the Flaminio Stadium. Parioli, on the other hand, is nestled around the gorgeous (and massive) Villa Borghese gardens.

Insider Tip: Though most visitors only take a quick walk through the Borghese Gardens, art lovers will relish a peek inside to see masterworks by Caravaggio, Raphael, and Bernini on our Borghese Gallery Tour. With pre-booked tickets and an expert guide, you’ll explore the masterpieces of the Borghese Gallery, rarely seen by visitors to Rome.

Inhabited by wealthy Romans, politicians and more than a few foreign embassies, this upper-class area is also one of the safest in the city. Visit the Villa Borghese, Villa Ada, Ponte Milvio and the National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art (GNAM).

• Stay here if: you want a tranquil atmosphere; you want to see beautiful palazzi and other residential buildings of the neighborhood; you’re traveling with kids who love parks and a slower pace; you love modern art; you plan on frequenting fashionable bars and restaurants

Vatican City and Prati

St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City

Though the Vatican City is technically an entirely separate city-state from Rome, it’s actually just across the Tiber from Rome’s city center and it’s where to stay in Rome if you want to divide your time between exploring both Rome and the Vatican.

The Borgo district, the area surrounding St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums, can be too touristy, but The Prati district to the east is a completely different story. Built relatively late in the city’s history, the wide boulevards and straight roads are much more organized than the small, chaotic streets of Rome. With fewer souvenir shops and more dining, Prati has reasonable hotel prices as well.

Besides St. Peter’s Basilica, visitors who stay in this area of Rome can find the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, Vatican gardens, Castel San’Angelo, Cortile del Belvedere and hundreds of gorgeous, historic chapels, churches, and basilicas.

• Stay here if: You want to primarily explore the Vatican City; you don’t mind the crowds; you want to explore Rome’s Catholic heritage; you want to arrive early for an audience with the pope, you want an affordable hotel.

The Gallery of Maps in the Vatican Museum

Where to stay in Rome if it’s your first time

If it’s your first time in Rome, the best neighborhoods to stay in are Centro Storico, Monti, and Trastevere. Centro Storico is ideal for classic sightseeing, with landmarks like the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain on your doorstep. Monti offers a more local feel near the Colosseum and Roman Forum, while Trastevere is perfect for visitors who want lively nightlife, excellent restaurants, and a more bohemian atmosphere.

Insider tip: If you’d like to explore the city’s character in more depth before choosing your base, check out our guide to the most scenic neighbourhoods in Rome for even more local inspiration.

Getting Around Rome

Rome is a wonderfully walkable city, and exploring on foot is often the best way to experience its historic centre.

However, if you choose to stay a little farther out, such as in Testaccio, Parioli, or near Termini, Rome’s metro, buses, and trams make getting around easy. For the smoothest sightseeing experience, try to book accommodation close to a Metro A or Metro B stop.

Metro A connects key sights like the Vatican Museums, Spanish Steps, and Trevi Fountain (via nearby Barberini), while Metro B is ideal for reaching the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Circo Massimo—making both lines especially useful for first-time visitors.

For up-to-date city maps, transport information, and local events during your stay, it’s worth checking the Official Rome tourism website before you travel.

An view of Rome´s skyline

Insider tip: Planning ahead can make all the difference. Read our guide to the best time of year to visit Rome for expert advice on seasonal events and food, the weather, crowds, and the ideal months for different types of visitors to experience the Eternal City at its best.

FAQs – Where to Stay in Rome

How much should I budget for accommodation in Rome?

Accommodation prices in Rome vary widely depending on the season and neighborhood. Budget hotels and B&Bs typically start around €100–€150 per night, mid-range hotels average €180–€300, while luxury stays in central areas like the Centro Storico or near the Spanish Steps can easily exceed €400+ per night. Prices are highest in spring, early summer, and around major holidays, so book early for the best deals.

Should I book accommodation in Rome in advance?

Yes, especially if you’re visiting between April and October, when Rome is at its busiest. Booking 2–4 months ahead is recommended for the best choice and prices, while popular neighborhoods like Trastevere, Monti, and Centro Storico can sell out even earlier during Easter, summer, and Christmas.

the best time of year to visit Rome

What type of accommodation is best in Rome: hotel, apartment, or B&B?

It depends on your travel style. Hotels are ideal for convenience and services like daily housekeeping and reception. Apartments are great for families, longer stays, or travelers who want kitchen facilities and extra space. B&Bs and guesthouses often offer the best value and a more personal, local experience—perfect for couples or first-time visitors looking for charm without the luxury price tag.

What are the benefits of taking a guided tour in Rome?

Rome is like an open-air museum, beautiful, but sometimes overwhelming. A guided tour helps you make the most of your time by skipping long lines, navigating the city more efficiently, and bringing the stories behind the monuments to life. Instead of just seeing the Colosseum or Vatican Museums, you’ll understand why they matter – through the eyes of a local expert. It’s one of the easiest ways to turn a good trip into an unforgettable one.

Discover the stories behind the stones with a local expert guide

Ready to explore Rome like an insider?

Once you’ve chosen the perfect neighborhood, let the experts help you experience the city’s highlights. From must-see attractions like the Colosseum and Vatican Museums to food tours, day trips, and hidden gems, Walks of Italy’s Rome tours make it easy to see more, stress less, and get deeper into the stories that make the Eternal City unforgettable.

Start planning your perfect Rome adventure today.