Where to Stay in Rome: Best Neighbourhoods & Areas

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So, you have finally decided that you want to visit Rome. Rome is a romantic capital city that has history on every street. With all that history, it can be a daunting task to know where the best places to stay in Rome are. There are multiple neighborhoods, each with its own flair and pros and cons. Choosing the right one can be an important part of making sure your visit is exciting and memorable.

I used to live in Verona and naturally visited Rome many times, so I know most of the city fairly well. Rome is enchanting and it will be hard to leave. You will also be able to taste Italian food and enjoy gelato at any time of the day or night.

The exact beginnings of the city are a bit of a mystery and that adds to the intrigue. The Seven Hills of Rome are said to be the origins of the city and they can be traced back to at least 1,000 BC. The city then saw the rise and fall of the Roman Republic, the Roman Empire, and the period when the Pope and the Vatican ruled over the city.

If you’re in a hurry…

Best Hotels in Rome

Best Luxury Hotels in Rome
Donna Camilla Savelli – VRetreats • The Westin Excelsior • Baglioni Hotel Regina

Best Boutique Hotels in Rome
Suite Sistina •  Hotel Forte

Best Cheap Accommodation in Rome
Hotel Borromeo

Things to Think About When Picking the Best Neighbourhood in Rome

There are several things you will need to think about before you decide where to stay in Rome. The main question you need to ask yourself is:

  • What type of experience do you want to have in the city?
  • Are you traveling on a budget or do you want luxury accommodation?
  • Do you want to really immerse yourself in the city center and the culture or do you want to stay where the nightlife is?

Also, your expectations will be different if you are traveling solo with only three days to stay versus traveling with a family of five who want to stay two weeks.

Once you decide what type of experience you want to have in the city, you need to decide where to stay in Rome. There are many of the best areas to stay in Rome and I would tailor where you choose to stay based on the experience you want.

I have highlighted a few of these experiences below in-depth. Mainly, where is the best area to stay in Rome, where to stay in Rome for 3 days, where to stay in Rome on a budget, and where to stay in Rome with kids. I also added a few other suggestions for the best places to stay in Rome if you want luxury accommodation or if you are coming to stay in Rome to visit the Vatican.

map of Rome neighbourhoods

Public Transportation in Rome

Pack walking shoes. You will be walking – a LOT. Rome is a city that is spread out. It is possible to walk to most major landmarks, depending on where you are staying in Rome, but your feet will be tired. It’s best to at least understand how to get around Rome using public and private transportation options in case you want to give your feet some rest.

Metro

Rome does give you public transportation options like the metro or the bus. The metro does not cover the whole city but it does stop near most major attractions. It only has three lines that cross the city diagonally. Tourists don’t seem to use the metro much and it can seem a bit deserted. Use caution if you are the only person around.

Bus

Alternatively, you can catch a bus. There are over 8,000 bus stops all over the city of Rome. Please note that you cannot buy a bus ticket on the bus. You need to buy it at a metro stop or convenience store first and then you will validate it on the bus. The tram and urban railway are also options, but they go fewer places and aren’t as useful.

Taxis and Ubers

There are also private options like taxis. Local taxis are convenient because you don’t need to figure out how to navigate and you don’t need to know timetables or bus routes. But you will have an impossible time getting one to stop for you on the side of the road.

Make sure to call one ahead or book it at your hotel. Uber is also a growing option in the city, but I wouldn’t count on it (I still remember when we waited 40 min for one!). These private options will be more expensive than using public transportation.

Best place to stay in Rome for Local Experience, Food and Nightlife: Trastevere

This neighborhood is located conveniently near the city center across the Tiber River. It’s my pick for the best place to stay in Rome. The name literally comes from old Latin for “beyond the Tiber”. This is a bit of a bohemian neighborhood, but it is safe enough that I would say families can stay here.

If you want your stay in Rome to focus on an Italian experience and lots and lots of food- this is also a great place to stay. There are numerous restaurants and cafes that line winding, ivy-filled streets. If you want to get lost in Rome for a day just exploring, this is the area to do it in.

Trastevere is known for its nightlife and it can be loud in the evenings and last into the early morning. I would suggest asking your hotel what the noise level is like at their location. They will be able to let you know if the hotel is in a particularly loud area. You can also request a quieter room off the main street, if possible.

While you are near the city center, you are not in it. There are not as many landmarks and major attractions here. That is part of its appeal. Rome can be crowded and can sometimes feel like you are just moving from one tourist location to the next. You can get away from that in Trastevere. The Pantheon, Spanish Steps, and Trevi Fountain are all within a short walking distance. The Colosseum and the Vatican are about a 30-minute walk away.

Travestere neighborhood in Rome

Things to Do and See in Trastevere

  • Basilica di Santa Maria
  • L’Isola Tiberina – the Tiber River’s only island!
  • Eat and get away from the crowds. Then eat some more.
  • Get lost on cobblestone streets