Where to stay in Rome: 5 best areas and places to stay (+avoid!) 🇮🇹

Are you planning a trip to the Italian capital and need help choosing where to stay in Rome?

In this travel guide, I will discuss the five best areas to stay in Rome and give recommendations for the best hotels to stay in Rome within these neighborhoods.

Rome, known as the richest city in the world for over a thousand years, is full of amazing history, impressive buildings, and seemingly endless gastronomic options.

Wondering where to stay in Rome? Below, I will introduce you to the best neighborhoods to stay in Rome and offer top accommodation choices in these great places to stay in Rome.

Our Pick of the Best Hotels in Rome

If you would like a brief overview, here it is:

• 👉 Centro Storico – the best area for a stay in the city center
• 👉 Trastevere – the best neighborhood in Rome?
• 👉 Monti – Trendy district near the Colosseum
• 👉 Prati – Stay near the Vatican
• 👉 Testaccio – Best area for local flair

You can click on the area above and go directly to the best hotels in that area of Rome.

The guide to accommodation in Rome continues below.

1. Centro Storico – Stay in the historic center

The historic center of Rome is located in the city center and is the ideal place to stay in Rome if you are visiting the Italian capital for the first time.

I would suggest looking for hotels near the Pantheon and Piazza Navona as both are interesting places in the historic center.

This is indeed the best area in Rome for most tourists to stay.

It is not so important where exactly you live in the historic center.

However, Piazza Navona and the Pantheon are suitable sights – if you can reach them on foot, you are staying in the center of Rome and can reach most of Rome’s best sights on foot.

Find the best hotels in the city center. 👈

If you choose to stay in the historic center of Rome, you’ll be close to everything.

The beautiful piazzas, churches, Roman ruins, small exciting and unique stores and of course a large selection of cafés and restaurants

The Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain are also located in this part of Rome.

All sights that have earned the historic center of Rome a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

I recommend adding a pair of good walking shoes to your packing list when you travel to Rome, as the historic center is very compact despite the size of the city.

This means you can get around quickly on foot and see everything.

In addition to all the well-known sights and activities, there are also plenty of free experiences in and around Rome.

If you opt for accommodation in the center of Rome, the disadvantage is that the nearest metro may be several kilometers away, depending on where you live.

However, there are buses and streetcars. At the same time, you can reach most things here on foot.

However, a stay in the center of Rome can be an expensive affair.

However, if you are only in Rome for a few days, it is advisable to stay in the center or nearby so that you have all the sights right on your doorstep.

Places to stay in the Centro Storico

There are almost always lots of tourists in Rome, especially in the center. If you want to stay right in the historic center, there are only a few hotels to choose from.

This also means that they get booked up quickly, so it’s best to book as far in advance as possible.

👉 The Hotel Indigo Rome is a cozy hotel that is very centrally located and has a fantastic outdoor terrace with a view and an indoor pool, among other things.

Find out more about the hotel and book here. 👈

This is of course reflected in the price, but check out the link below and enter your travel dates – prices do change, and if you are traveling in the “low season” there are often good deals on hotels in Rome.

One of the advantages of this hotel is that it is only about a 15-minute walk from the Vatican and the cozy Trastevere, which is the closest area on the list of places to stay in Rome.

👉 The Hotel Nazionale is an oasis for travelers right in the vibrant heart of Rome.

Thanks to its prime location, you are never far from the city’s main attractions and activities. But it’s the interior that beckons with a promise of comfort.

The rooms combine modern comfort and timeless elegance and offer a peaceful retreat. The hotel is characterized by a range of amenities that ensure a pleasant stay.

See more photos and book here. 👈

Every detail is designed for comfort, from the air conditioning to keep you cool after a day in the Roman sun, to the delicious breakfast.

And small amenities such as a minibar and room service add a touch of pampering to your vacation in Rome.

👉 The Hotel Regno is located in the heart of Rome’s historic center and offers an excellent location for exploring the city’s many sights.

Thanks to the nearby transportation, guests can get around the city quickly, and there are also numerous excellent restaurants within walking distance of the hotel.

The staff at Hotel Regno are known for their friendliness and helpfulness and are always on hand to help and advise guests.

See more photos and book here. 👈

The rooms are characterized by the fact that they are almost new, very clean and functional, which contributes to a pleasant experience.

The breakfast at the hotel could be improved a little, but it’s still a solid meal to start the day.

👉 The Suite Art Navona, located directly on the famous Piazza Navona in Rome, is a surprising oasis of calm in the city center.

This hotel is known for its spacious rooms, which are large by European standards and equipped with large, comfortable beds. Cleanliness is also a top priority here.

Although the hotel entrance and hallway look worn and do not give the best first impression, you will soon be pleasantly surprised by the rooms and the helpfulness of the staff.

See more photos and book here. 👈

Some rooms even offer a view of the charming street.

The Suite Art Navona is a place that many would choose again when they return to Rome.

2. Trastevere – best area for nightlife

Trastevere is one of Rome’s oldest and most authentic neighborhoods and definitely the place to enjoy nightlife in Rome.

Trastevere is located directly on the other side of the Tiber. This means that you can stay relatively close to the center and reach most things on foot, but cheaper.

There are fewer tourists in this district, and a large proportion of Italians themselves live here.

Find the best hotels in Trastevere here. 👈

So if you’re looking for an authentic neighborhood on your trip to Rome, Trastevere is a great place to stay.

However, it must also be said that Trastevere has been described in travel guides for many years as a “somewhat hidden gem”, so there will be other tourists.

But the area is still less touristy than the historic center.

If you have learned Italian for beginners, this is probably not the place to start trying it out, as a large part of the local population does not speak “modern Italian”, but the local Romansh dialect.

Many students live in this area, which contributes to a colorful nightlife, so a stay here is also recommended if you like to be part of it.

If you choose to live a little further north in the area, you can also enjoy several green spaces.

Among other things, it is home to the Botanical Garden, which is home to more than 7,000 plant species from all over the world. Unplug and enjoy this little green oasis for a few hours when you need a break from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Would you like to visit one of the oldest churches in Rome?

It is also located in this district. The Santa Maria in Trastevere dates back to the 3rd century and is said to have been founded by Pope Callixtus I.

From the Terrazza del Gianicolo you have a beautiful panoramic view of the historic center of Rome.

There are many restaurants and cafés in the area, but you have to be careful where you eat. Many places are tourist traps, but you can get local and delicious food if you get away from the touristy streets.

It is also advisable to do some research on the Internet and read various reviews before going out to eat.

The only real disadvantage of Trastevere is that public transportation doesn’t work very well here, so it’s an advantage if you can get around on foot.

Places to stay in Trastevere

Let’s take a look at some of the best places to stay in Trastevere, starting with a real luxury hotel.

👉 The Donna Camilla Savelli is a luxurious retreat reminiscent of the splendor of Italy’s famous south coast – at least that’s what I think when I look at the hotel.

The hotel is housed in a 17th century building and offers a unique blend of historic architecture and modern comfort.

The rooms exude elegance, with a touch of Sicilian and Amalfitan charm, while the peaceful courtyards and panoramic terraces offer a serene escape from the energetic pulse of the city.

From the rich textiles to the classic woodwork, every aspect of the Donna Camilla Savelli is designed to immerse guests in an atmosphere of sophisticated comfort.

See and book more photos here. 👈

One of the best hotels in Trastevere is the 4-star Unahotels Trastevere Roma. 👈

This is perhaps the hotel with the best location in the entire Trastevere area. So if you want to be sure that you’re staying within walking distance of the area’s cozy restaurants and cafés, then you can book here.

The hotel is also suitable for families with children, as you can book family rooms that have both a double bed and two single beds.

Find out more about Unahotels Trastevere Roma here. 👈

👉 Sonder Trastevere is a popular apartment hotel in the northern part of the area, putting you close to the center of Rome and the Vatican.

Here you will find modern facilities and some of the cleanest and nicest accommodation in the area.

The apartments at Sonder Trastevere are equipped with full kitchens, including all the necessary utensils for cooking, cleaning and making coffee.

So if you are traveling to Rome as a family and need a little more space or prefer accommodation other than a normal hotel room, you should consider Sonder Trastevere.

See more photos and book here. 👈

The following hotel in Trastevere is a little hidden gem.

👉 The Residenza San Calisto offers a blend of historical charm and modern amenities.

The six rooms are located in a renovated 17th century building and offer a cozy and relaxed atmosphere equipped with modern amenities.

Guests appreciate the clean, friendly ambience and often compare it to a 4.5-star hotel.

See and book more photos here. 👈

Thanks to its prime location near the picturesque Santa Maria square in Trastevere, the famous Roman landmarks are within easy reach and there are a variety of restaurants and markets in the surrounding streets.

3. Monti – best area for couples (near the Colosseum)

Monti hasn’t always had the best reputation – that’s a shame, because it’s a fantastic place. Monti was a poor area in the past, but today it has renewed itself.

Many wealthy foreigners and successful business people have settled here. As a result, Monti is now one of the best areas in Rome to live in.

I stayed in a good hotel in Monti in the summer of 2022, right next to the Colosseum.

They even had a roof terrace with an incredible view of the Colosseum.

Find out more about this hotel here. 👈

Monti is like a small village in the city. There are many atmospheric streets, small workshops, local butchers and unique stores with goods that you won’t find anywhere else.

You will also experience completely different prices than in the big stores on the tourist streets.

Here you can find something that everyone else doesn’t have.

See the best hotels in Monti here. 👈

Monti is a convenient place to stay as it is close to the main train station (Termini), allowing you to quickly get to the whole city of Rome.

It is also close to the Colosseum.

The evening atmosphere in the only piazza in Monti, the Piazza della Madonna dei Monti, is fantastic.

This is where all the locals meet and chat over a good glass of wine while the children run around and play.

Places to stay in Monti

Let’s explore some of my favorite hotels in Monti. Let’s start with a very luxurious hotel.

👉 The NH Collection Roma Fori Imperiali in the center of Rome on the edge of the charming Monti district offers a luxurious retreat amidst historical splendor.

The hotel is literally right next to the Imperial Forums, and selected rooms offer a breathtaking view of the ancient ruins.

Previous guests praise the attentive staff and appreciate the hotel’s modern, comfortable amenities and rich architectural beauty.

With easy access to the famous sights and the quaint ambience of Monti’s restaurants and bars, this is one of the best places to stay in Rome.

The hotel’s high ratings on various platforms testify to its quality and make it a compelling choice for those seeking a blend of Rome’s historic essence and modern luxury.

See and book more photos here. 👈

Monti is not only a great place to stay, it’s also cheap, at least compared to the city center and other popular areas.

One of the better, but cheaper hotels in Monti is the Salotto Monti. 👈

This 3-star hotel receives excellent reviews from previous guests and is a good example of a budget hotel in Monti.

As mentioned above, I recently stayed at Colosseum Corners, which is literally around the corner from the Colosseum – a great place to stay in the Monti area of Rome.

The hotel is located in an ordinary building that is nothing special on the surface, but contains many surprising details.

One of the most remarkable features of the Colosseum Corner is the opportunity to climb to the roof of the building.

From here, a breathtaking view opens up directly onto the Colosseum, giving you a unique feeling of being right in the historic center of Rome.

Its location in the Monti district offers easy access to other attractions, restaurants and stores, making it an ideal base for those who want to explore the city on foot.

There is no restaurant, but we were given breakfast vouchers that could be redeemed in a café around the corner – from there you can sit outside and look directly at the Colosseum in front of the café.

See more and book the hotel here. 👈

4. Prati – beautiful area near the Vatican

Prati may not be your first choice if you are visiting Rome for the first time.

As I said, it depends on what kind of trip you’re aiming for, but if you’ve either been to Rome before or if you want to experience Rome but have the option to retreat from the crowds of big city tourists in the evenings, then Prati is an excellent place to stay.

You should also stay here if you are looking for luxurious shopping experiences or mainly want to visit the Vatican and its sights.

Find the best hotels in Prati. 👈

As described in the article about the sights in Rome, a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica can take a long time, as there are many people and often long queues.

If you really want to experience the Vatican and take it all in, you can easily spend more than one day here.

If you want to go shopping, you have to visit the two-kilometre-long street Via Cola di Rienzo.

The street begins at the Ponte Regina Margherita bridge and stretches all the way to Piazza del Risorgimento, right next to the Vatican.

Places to stay in Prati

👉 The NH Collection Roma Giustiniano with its elegant façade is just a stone’s throw away from the Vatican Museums and Castel Sant’Angelo.

A haven for those who want to immerse themselves in Rome’s storied past while indulging in modern luxury. The rooms combine comfort with Italian elegance and are perfect for days when you want to retreat from the bustling city to a quiet retreat.

See and book more photos here. 👈

The breakfast buffet is a real feast – imagine freshly baked cornetti and cappuccinos that would make even the most discerning baristas nod their heads.

The NH Collection Roma Giustiniano is a great choice for an authentic Roman stay where elegance meets comfort.

👉 The Residenza Alexander is the perfect place for a stay in Prati in more ways than one. The hotel is modern, but with a good mix of traditional elements.

See more photos and book online here. 👈

Here you live with direct access to the beautiful streets full of shopping opportunities and halfway between the Vatican and Castel Sant’Angelo.

Considering the location, you can hardly say that the price is high, and you may also be lucky enough to book outside the high season at a slightly lower price.

👉 The Best Western Plus Hotel Spring House in the Prati area is an extremely charming hotel that offers comfort and convenience close to the Vatican.

The hotel’s location, just a stone’s throw from the metro station, makes it easy to explore the city, and many of Rome’s iconic sights can be reached on foot within 35 minutes if you want to go to the Centro Storico.

The Vatican is literally around the corner. If you want to experience the Vatican without tourists, you should get up early and go to St. Peter’s Square before breakfast.

The Best Western Plus Hotel Spring House is an excellent choice for those looking for comfortable and central accommodation in Rome.

Its combination of comfort, service and location makes it an oasis in the heart of the city, even if it is slightly more expensive than other options.

See more photos and book here. 👈

5. Testaccio – the best area for a local flair

Testaccio is a unique district in Rome, characterized by its mix of history, culture and vibrant everyday life.

It is located south of the Aventine Hill and is known for its lively atmosphere, which combines the traditional Roman lifestyle with a touch of modern charm.

Historically, the Testaccio became known as “Rome’s food bowl” due to its role in the city’s food trade.

Monte Testaccio, the hill that gives the district its name, is made up of broken clay pots used to transport olive oil and other goods.

Today, this hill is a treasure trove of archaeological finds that provide an insight into ancient Rome, so history buffs will get their money’s worth here – but that’s the case everywhere in Rome.

Although the Testaccio was once known as a working-class neighborhood, it has undergone significant gentrification and is now a trendy area with some of the best restaurants, stores and nightlife in Rome.

Find the best hotels in Testaccio. 👈

The Testaccio market is a must for buying fresh produce and sampling authentic Roman street food.

I recommend getting a sandwich there from the iconic Mordi & Vai – you won’t regret it.

The area is also known as the cradle of A.S. Roma, one of Rome’s two major soccer clubs (Lazio is the other), which gives it a special place in the hearts of many local soccer fans.

Its proximity to the historic center of Rome and good public transport connections, including the Piramide metro station (named after the small pyramid Piramide di Caio Cestio, which you should definitely visit), make Testaccio an ideal place to stay for tourists.

The atmosphere is more local than in more touristy areas such as Trastevere, and Testaccio offers a more authentic impression of Rome.

Places to stay in Testaccio

I would like to recommend a really good place to stay in Testaccio – right in the heart of the area.

👉 Seven Suites in the Testaccio district of Rome is a charming, modern bed & breakfast with a great location close to fantastic restaurants.

At first glance, the exterior of the building may seem ordinary, but inside you will find a surprisingly new, beautiful and really comfortable interior.

The rooms at Seven Suites are clean, nicely decorated and spacious, some offering balconies overlooking the quiet courtyard. The bathrooms are highlighted as being particularly dreamlike and spacious.

Guests at the hotel often praise the friendly and service-oriented staff at reception, who do their best to meet the needs of all guests.

See more photos and book here. 👈

The nearest hotel is located just outside the lively Testaccio district, but closer to the city center of Rome. 👉 The San Anselmo offers a peaceful retreat in the midst of romantic surroundings.

The proximity to the Testaccio brings a trendy restaurant scene within easy reach and combines a quiet retreat with the vibrant Roman lifestyle.

An interesting place to stay in Rome if you are looking for a hotel in a quiet area close to many local favorites.

View more photos and book here. 👈

Where you should not stay overnight in Rome

I would advise against staying in some areas of the city that are not necessarily ideal for tourists.

One such area is Termini Station, Rome’s main train station. The area around Termini may be conveniently located, but it is known for being crowded, noisy and unsafe, especially at night.

Another area to avoid is Esquilino, which is adjacent to Termini station and has a reputation for being a bit rough.

While there are a few good hotels in this area, it is generally better to stay in more tourist-friendly neighborhoods such as the historic center or the areas already mentioned.

This was my guide to accommodation in Rome. I hope it was helpful for you and you have found the right accommodation in the Italian capital.

If you have any questions about the different areas in Rome or are not sure where to stay, write me a comment and I will do my best to help you.

All that remains is to say: “Buon viaggio”.

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