When preparing for your first trip to Rome, you may feel overwhelmed by the mountains of pasta and the glorious historical sights that lay ahead. But before you can locate your favorite gelato stall and work through your bucket list, first things first: where is the best place to stay in Rome?
In comparison to the likes of Florence and Venice, the Italian capital is significantly larger and the points of interest are more spread out around the districts. This means that choosing the best part of Rome to stay in is crucial to ensure you spend more time sightseeing and less time riding the Rome Metro.
This is where my guide comes into the picture. I’ve rounded up the best areas to stay in Rome to help you decide which is most suitable for your personal requirements. For each neighborhood, I have provided pros, cons, and hotel recommendations.
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Overview of Where to Stay in Rome
Once the realm of emperors, gladiators, and pioneers of our contemporary civilization, the modern-day city of Rome is a magnet for travelers of all types.
The city is blessed with fascinating historical attractions, delectable Italian cuisine, cool bars, swanky shopping districts, and a wide variety of tourist accommodations ranging from humble guesthouses to upscale hotels.
Rome is the capital city of both Italy and the Lazio region. Located 30 km (18.5 miles) from the west coast of central Italy, Rome spans an area of 1,285 km² and comprises 15 municipi (administrative areas) which are further divided into smaller districts.
The wider Metropolitan City of Rome spreads along the coastline from Civitavecchia in the north to Anzio in the south.
The inner city famously straddles across seven hills and every inch of it is teeming with historic sites, museums, art galleries, and trattorias. The best neighborhoods to stay in in Rome depend on what you hope to get from your trip.
As the capital, Rome is very well connected to the rest of Italy and other European destinations. Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO) in Fiumicino is the main airport but flights also connect to Aeroporto Internazionale di Roma – Ciampino (CIA).
Trains connect Rome to other major Italian cities and regions. And, as they say, all roads lead to Rome which means you can visit the city as part of an Italian road trip.
Before you tackle my full guide, here is an overview of the best areas to stay in Rome with hotel recommendations for each neighborhood.
| Area | Recommended Hotels |
|---|---|
| Centro Storico (first-time visitors, sightseeing, walkability) | The Pantheon Iconic Rome Hotel |
| Monti (history, families) | Kolbe Hotel Rome |
| Esquilino (budget-friendly accommodation) | Hotel Emona Aquaeductus |
| Trastevere (atmosphere, local vibe, laid-back nightlife) | Hotel Santa Maria |
| Testaccio (foodies, local life) | Gasometer Urban Suites |
| San Lorenzo (nightlife, budget-friendly accommodation) | Hotel Villa San Lorenzo Maria |
| Prati (luxury, upscale dining and bars, shopping, vatican City) | Hotel Diplomatic |
Best Areas to Stay in Rome
If you’re looking for more details to help inform your decision about where to stay in Rome then here we go. The following guide is packed with detailed guides to each of the top 9 best locations to stay in Rome based on whether you’re traveling on a budget, looking for luxury, or taking the whole family along.
1. Centro Storico – Best place to stay in Rome for first-time visitors
Welcome to the beating heart of Rome! Located on the right bank of the River Tiber within Municipio I, the Centro Storico is the first urban zone of Rome and identified by the initials 1A.
This is where you will find major landmarks and most of the best Rome Instagram spots such as the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, Campo de Fiori, and Largo di Torre Argentina. If you’re short on time and want to see the best of Rome in a day, this is definitely the best area to stay in!
If you’re a first-time visitor with a hunger for history and culture then Centro Storico is one of the best places to stay in Rome whether you’re flying solo, with your other half, or traveling as a group or family.
Besides the icons, this area is also packed with excellent restaurants, bars, and shops that satisfy all budget and travel styles. Hotels are pricier here as you are right in the thick of it but on the plus side, you will save money on transport as you can walk most places.
Centro Storico rubs shoulders with the neighborhood of Monti which is where yet more of Rome’s historic sites are located.
Pros and cons of staying in Centro Storico
PROS
- All the major tourist spots are on your doorstep
- The neighborhood is walkable for the most part
CONS
- Extremely crowded especially during the peak summer season
- The metro does not serve the Centro Storico which makes travel further afield more time consuming
Best places to stay in Centro Storico
- Luxury: The Pantheon Iconic Rome Hotel, Autograph Collection
- Mid-range: Hotel Ponte Sisto
- Budget: Hotel Barrett
2. Monti – Best place to stay in Rome for history
Even if you aren’t a history buff, you can’t visit Rome without feeling inspired to dip into the city’s majestic past.
You can barely walk anywhere in Rome without bumping into a landmark or relic from the city’s glory days yet no place chronicles the city as well as Monti, one of the best areas to stay in Rome for historical sights and landmarks.
Sandwiched between Centro Storico and Esquilono, Monti is the setting for Trajan’s Market, while the Roman Forum and the Colosseum are only a stone’s throw away. When you’re not engrossed in exploring these legendary sights you can meander through serpentine alleyways.
If you want to make your Rome trip even more memorable, Monti is the place where you’ll find most of the best hotels with views of the Colosseum.
Pros and cons of staying in Monti
PROS
- In comparison with the influx of visitors during the day, Monti is lovely and peaceful after dusk
- Staying here means you get to arrive early and beat the queues at the nearby attractions
CONS
- The area swarms with tourists during the day
Best places to stay in Monti
- Luxury: Kolbe Hotel Rome
- Mid-range: Hotel Labelle
- Budget: Nerva Boutique Hotel
3. Esquilino – Best place to stay in Rome for budget-friendly accommodation
Esquilino is one of the oldest districts in the city and is situated on Esquiline Hill. That being said, it is a relatively overlooked part of the city as visitors navigate towards the most central or most picturesque areas.
Esquilino is situated in the east of Municipio I and connects to the rest of the city by metro, tram, and bus. In fact, it is the setting for Rome’s major train station, Roma Termini, which is handy if you’re traveling in Italy by train.
Esquilino is the best area to stay in Rome on a budget. The area offers a generous supply of low-cost hotels, guesthouses, and hostels. Besides the magnificent Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore, there is less to see in the immediate surroundings.
However, there are a decent number of places to eat and shop which makes it worthwhile if you are looking to explore Rome without spending too much on accommodation and essentials.
Pros and cons of staying in Esquilino
PROS
- Extremely affordable hotels that are perfectly pleasant
- Convenient for Roma Termini
CONS
- You will need to rely more heavily on public transport to get around the wider city
- Esquilino has a grittier vibe than elsewhere in Rome
Best places to stay in Esquilino
- Luxury: Hotel Emona Aquaeductus
- Mid-range: The Cross Hotel
- Budget: Domus Sessoriana
4. Trastevere – Best place to stay in Rome for atmosphere
Trastevere has transformed from a humble suburb to a cosmopolitan hub loved by Rome residents and tourists alike. It is situated on the left bank of the River Tiber which means having to cross over to the right bank in order to tour the major sights.
However, if you are looking to see beyond the hotspots and stay somewhere offbeat, or are re-visiting the city, Trastevere is one of the best places to stay in Rome.
During the day, Trastevere is a joy to potter around on foot while you take in beautiful churches and archaic architecture. Come nightfall, Trastevere springs to life as one of the liveliest nightlife spots in the city.
Take your pick from authentic trattorias, wine bars, and cocktail lounges. It’s not exactly a party area but if you’re a fan of unpretentious nighttime hangouts with a bohemian spirit then this is definitely the best area to stay in Rome for you.
Pros and cons of staying in Trastevere
PROS
- Staying in Trastevere gives you a different perspective on Rome
- Most of the hotels and guesthouses are independently owned and are inexpensive for such a popular area
- You can find many authentic trattorias nearby
CONS
- Accommodation options are more limited so you will need to book ahead to avoid disappointment
- Metro does not serve this district although there is decent tram coverage
Best places to stay in Trastevere
- Luxury: Hotel Santa Maria
- Mid-range: Donna Camilla Savelli
- Budget: Casa Di Santa Francesca Romana a Ponte Rotto
5. Testaccio – Best place to stay in Rome for foodies
Nobody will blame you if you’re visiting Rome entirely for the purpose of Italian gastronomy! If food is top of your agenda then the best part of Rome to stay in has to be Testaccio.
This small neighborhood rests along the right bank of the River Tiber, 2 km (1.2 miles) southwest of the Roman Forum, and is served by the Piramide metro station and Roma Ostiense.
The main draw of this area is Testaccio Market where longstanding vendors entice you with their authentic food stalls. Besides the market, you will find adorable trattorias and cafes that sell traditional Roman and Italian recipes.
Basically, if you’re ready to branch out from the classic pizza and pasta dishes, Testaccio is the place to do it.
Pros and cons of staying in Testaccio
PROS
- More food options than you could possibly imagine
- Safe and appealing for families
CONS
- Far away from the main sites and will not appeal to travelers who aren’t foodies
- Limited nightlife while restaurants tend to close early (the market itself closes in the afternoon and does not open on Sundays)
Best places to stay in Testaccio
- Luxury: Gasometer Urban Suites
- Mid-range: Hotel Major Aventinus
- Budget: Hotel Santa Prisca
6. Quartiere San Lorenzo – Best place to stay in Rome for nightlife
Quartiere San Lorenzo is a small neighborhood that lies to the east of Roma Termini. Its proximity to the University of Rome gives you a hint at what differentiates this part of the city!
San Lorenzo is bursting with laid-back pubs and bars alongside low-cost eateries and accommodation that does not skimp on taste or comfort.
Alongside Esquilino, San Lorenzo is the best neighborhood to stay in Rome on a budget. Accommodation in this part of the city comprises no-frills hotels and simple guesthouses that help travelers stretch their funds.
Pros and cons of staying in Quartiere San Lorenzo
PROS
- Lively and fun nightlife with a great selection of friendly bars to browse
- Affordable accommodation and local restaurants mean you have more time
CONS
- The student vibe is not ideal for all travelers
- Limited number of hotels with more provision for apartment rentals
Best places to stay in Quartiere San Lorenzo
- Luxury: Ateneo Garden Palace
- Mid-range: Hotel Villa San Lorenzo Maria
- Budget: B&B Hotel Roma San Lorenzo Termini
7. Prati – Best place to stay in Rome for upscale luxury
Prati is another option if you want to stay on the left bank of the River Tiber and would rather be away from the hustle and bustle of the touristic core.
The grand, art nouveau boulevards are awash with plush hotels, gourmet restaurants, stylish wine bars, and the coveted boutiques of Cola di Rienzo.
The Prati neighborhood backs right onto Vatican City and gives you a chance of beating the morning queues. Furthermore, simply cross over the river and you will have the expansive gardens that envelope Villa Borghese to explore.
This is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Rome for fine dining and a luxury stay and is perfect for a romantic getaway or a honeymoon. On the other hand, if you’re visiting with the intention to stock up on designer goods then Prati will make the process run like clockwork!
Pros and cons of staying in Prati
PROS
- If touring Vatican City is on your Rome itinerary then Prati is one of the closest neighborhoods you can elect to stay
- Fewer tourists stay in this part of the city
CONS
- Not the best location to stay in Rome if you’re planning on hitting up the main historic areas
- More expensive than the other areas
Best places to stay in Prati
- Luxury: Orazio Palace Hotel
- Mid-range: Hotel Diplomatic
- Budget: The Boutique Hotel
Planning a trip to Rome?
Then you might want to take a look at all our other travel guides about Rome. I promise, they are just as awesome as this article was!
- 7 Best Areas to Stay in Rome for Every Budget
- 13 Incredible Rome Hotels with Views of the Colosseum
- 25 Best Rome Hotels with a View for Every Budget
- How to See the Best of Rome in a Day
- The Perfect 3 Day Rome Itinerary for First Timers
- 15 Best Rome Instagram Spots for Stunning Photos
- 93 Stunning Rome Quotes for Instagram
Other Amazing Destinations in Italy: Cinque Terre | Dolomites | Florence | Lake Como | Lake Garda | Venice
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