Rome has been a popular tourist destination since Caesar’s time, and it’s easy to understand why. The Eternal City’s rich history comes alive through its ancient landmarks, stunning museums and galleries, religious sites and spectacular food and culture. After a busy day experiencing the things to do in Rome, knowing the best places to stay in Rome can make or break your stay.
Whether you’re heading to Rome for a romantic getaway or to immerse yourself in the culture, we have the perfect place for you to stay. Read on to learn the six best places to stay in Rome, plus specific attractions and hotels in the area.
1. Centro Storico
Best For: First-time visitors who want to see it all
Centro Storico is the heart of the Eternal City in the oldest and most central part of Rome. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980, its narrow streets are home to many of Rome’s most famous—and oldest—attractions.
Pack your walking shoes or hop on an electric bike tour to explore this area of the city, which has a lot of pedestrian-only areas. It tends to get crowded since it’s one of the most popular destinations in Italy, so be prepared to stand in lines to enter attractions and have other tourists in every photo you take.
Go with a plan, or just wander the narrow, cobblestone streets and pop into any cafe, boutique, museum or wine bar that sparks your interest.
Can’t Miss Attractions in Centro Storico:
Popular Hotels in Centro Storico:
2. Trastevere
Best for: Travelers wanting to experience Roman nightlife
Trastevere is a picturesque Medieval working-class neighborhood that’s now home to Roman nightlife. Its name comes from the Latin “tras tevere,” which means “beyond the Tiber,” and was once home to Julius Caesar’s villa Horti Caesaris, where he entertained Cleopatra.
Many narrow, winding streets are closed to cars, so the area feels quieter and like you’ve stepped back in time. As you stroll through the charming markets and little shops on cobblestone streets with vine-clad buildings, you’ll feel like a local.
During the day, visit the many historic churches and museums before sitting down for some of the best food in the city. At night, join the locals for lively nightlife, street performers, live music and al fresco dining.
Can’t Miss Attractions in Trastevere:
- Piazza di Santa Maria
- Basilica of Santa Maria (Basilica di Santa Maria)
- Villa Farnesina
- Ponte Sisto
- Corsini Palace (Palazzo Corsini)
- Piazzale Giuseppe Garibaldi
Hotels in Trastevere:
3. Monti
Best for: Travelers looking for a romantic stay
Once the slums of ancient Rome, Monti is now a hipster residential neighborhood bordered by the Colosseum and Via Nazionale. There aren’t as many cultural attractions in the area, so it’s quieter than some other neighborhoods while still being within walking distance of many major Roman attractions. It gives small village vibes nestled in the middle of the city, making it a great neighborhood if you’re looking for a quiet or romantic stay.
Monti is home to trendy and unique shops and nightlife popular with the locals. You won’t find many hotels, especially chain hotels, so you may need to book one of the many vacation rental apartments in the area instead. The nightlife means the area can get a bit noisy at night, but the cobblestone streets and local charm make it a popular place for romantic getaways.
Can’t Miss Attractions in Monti:
- Trajan’s Market (Mercati di Traiano)
- Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore (Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore)
- Golden House of Nero (Domus Aurea)
- Roman Forum (Foro Romano)
- Colosseum
Hotels in Monti:
- Hotel Palazzo Manfredi
- Hotel Raffaello, Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western
- Mercure Roma Centro Colosseo
- DoubleTree by Hilton Rome Monti
4. Prati
Best for: Travelers with families or older travelers
Prati, located just outside the city center north of the Vatican, is an elegant residential area of Rome. During the day, it’s filled with business people and lawyers who work at one of the offices or tribunal courts in the area. You’ll also see locals shopping at the blend of high-end and affordable shops along the Via Cola di Rienzo. At night, the neighborhood transforms into a social scene, with live music, wine bars and restaurants with tables spilling into the street.
The family-friendly neighborhood is predominantly white-collar residential, so there aren’t a lot of major attractions, meaning you won’t be surrounded by as many tourists as you would be in other areas of Rome. You are within walking distance of the Vatican and have access to plenty of transportation to get you to any major attraction you want to visit during your stay.
Can’t Miss Attractions in Prati:
- Saint Angelo Bridge Methodist Church (Chiesa Metodista di Ponte Sant’Angelo)
- Castel Sant’Angelo National Museum (Museo Nazionale di Castel Sant’Angelo)
- Sant’Angelo Bridge (Ponte Sant’Angelo)
- Tiber River (Fiume Tevere)
- Via Cola di Rienzo
- Vatican Museums (Musei Vaticani)
- St. Peter’s Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro)
Hotels in Prati:
5. Esquilino
Best for: Travelers on a budget
The largest of Rome’s seven hills is home to Esquilino, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Rome. Known for its beautiful churches and monuments, Equilino is a multicultural hub for the city thanks to its large immigrant population (be sure to check out the area’s Chinese, Ethiopian and Indian restaurants).
Esquilino is a popular neighborhood for travelers on a budget. It’s quieter than Centro Storico, but you can still get to most of the major attractions in Rome on foot if you don’t mind a bit of a walk. The Roma Termini makes getting around Rome easy for travelers, and there are great restaurants in the area, including Fassi Gelataria, the oldest gelateria in Rome.
Parts of Esquilino are a bit run-down, and you’ll want to watch out for pickpockets (especially near Termini), but you’ll be safe during the day, no matter where you are in the neighborhood.
Can’t Miss Attractions in Esquilino:
- Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore (Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore)
- Basilica di Santa Prassede
- Oppian Hill Park (Parco del Colle Oppio)
- Porta Maggiore
- Rome Opera House (Teatro dell’Opera di Roma)
Hotels in Esquilino:
6. Testaccio
Best for: Travelers interested in food and seeing authentic Italy
The historically working-class neighborhood of Testaccio was once the site of the shipyards of ancient Rome, then home to the city’s slaughterhouse. Now, the neighborhood south of Aventine Hill is a bustling destination with a party reputation thanks to its many discoteques and street parties.
The area isn’t touristy, so you’ll see Italian parents shopping at the local market while their kids play in the piazza. The area is the origin spot for many of Rome’s famous dishes, and you can’t go wrong with any restaurant you pass.
Explore the beautiful street art, excellent restaurants and one of the best produce markets in Rome at the Mercato Testaccio. While you can walk to a handful of the major attractions, such as the Colosseum, you’ll probably need to catch a bus or use the Metro to get to popular tourist spots.
Can’t Miss Attractions in Testaccio:
- The Original Taste of Testaccio Food Tour
- Testaccio Neighborhood Food and Market Tour
- Protestant Cemetery of Rome (Cimitero Acottolico di Roma)
Hotels in Testaccio:
- There aren’t many hotels in the Testaccio neighborhood, but there are plenty of apartments or Airbnbs you can rent short-term during your stay.
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