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Explore Rome, Italy

When In Rome: The Best Neighborhoods to Stay In

In this visitors guide we explore the neighborhoods of Rome to help you plan your stay. This guide helps you discover the best areas to stay in, depending on your style and interests, whether you're seeking history, local life, or nightlife.

When In Rome: The Best Neighborhoods to Stay In
Ponte Fabricio - Rome's oldest standing bridget

Planning a trip to Rome and unsure where to stay? Rome is a city of diverse neighborhoods, each offering a unique vibe and experience. From the historical charm of Centro Storico to the lively and bohemian atmosphere of Trastevere, this guide will help you discover the best areas for your visit.

Centro Storico

The Pantheon in Centro Storico in Rome
Pantheon

Centro Storico is the true historic center, housing landmarks like Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, and the Trevi Fountain. It's crowded and expensive, but unbeatable for first-time visitors eager to be within walking distance of major sights. This is definitely a luxury area of Rome to stay in when visiting the city.

Stay here if: You want a central location with easy access to Rome’s most famous sites.

Highlights:

  • Vibe: Bustling, touristy, historic
  • Good for: First-time visitors, walking tours, sightseeing
  • Transport: Metro Line A nearby (Spagna or Barberini)
  • Colosseum: 20 minutes by foot
  • Vatican City: 30 minutes by foot
  • Pantheon: Walking distance
  • Spanish Steps: 10 minutes by foot
  • Trevi Fountain: 5 minutes by foot

Monti

The Colosseum in Rome in the summer time with no tourist in the scene
The Colosseum Near Monti Rione

Monti is a vibrant, trendy neighborhood close to the Colosseum. With vintage boutiques, unique eateries, and narrow cobblestone streets, it offers a blend of old-world charm and modern edge.

Stay here if: You love ancient Roman history but enjoy the bohemian feel of a creative, up-and-coming area.

Highlights:

  • Vibe: Bohemian, creative, historic
  • Good for: Boutique shoppers, foodies, history lovers
  • Transport: Metro Line B (Cavour Station)
  • Colosseum: 10 minutes by foot
  • Vatican City: 35 minutes by metro (Line A)
  • Pantheon: 20 minutes by foot
  • Spanish Steps: 25 minutes by foot
  • Trevi Fountain: 15 minutes by foot

Trastevere

yellow and pink flowers hanging from windows over cobblestone streets in the Trastevere neighborhood in Rome
Trastevere Neighborhood

Trastevere is filled with character, offering narrow, winding streets, vibrant nightlife, and some of Rome’s best trattorias. It’s a local favorite, known for its authentic Roman charm.

Stay here if: You’re looking for a lively neighborhood with nightlife, street markets, and Roman authenticity.

Highlights:

  • Vibe: Lively, bohemian, authentic
  • Good for: Nightlife lovers, couples, scenic views
  • Transport: Tram Line 8
  • Colosseum: 20 minutes by tram and bus
  • Vatican City: 15 minutes by foot
  • Pantheon: 25 minutes by foot
  • Spanish Steps: 30 minutes by tram and bus
  • Trevi Fountain: 25 minutes by tram

Prati

waterway at night with lights and buildings in the background in the Prati Neighborhood In Rome
Prati Neighborhood In Rome

Prati is a peaceful, upscale neighborhood located near the Vatican. Its wide boulevards and shopping streets offer a quieter experience compared to the tourist-heavy parts of Rome.

Stay here if: You want to explore the Vatican but prefer a quieter, less touristy area.

Highlights:

  • Vibe: Quiet, elegant, well-organized
  • Good for: Vatican visitors, upscale experiences, shopping
  • Transport: Metro Line A (Ottaviano Station)
  • Colosseum: 25 minutes by metro (Line A and B)
  • Vatican City: Walking distance
  • Pantheon: 25 minutes by foot
  • Spanish Steps: 15 minutes by metro
  • Trevi Fountain: 20 minutes by metro

Pigneto

Buildings Painted with art in the Pigneto Neighborhood In Rome
Pigneto Neighborhood In Rome

Pigneto is a hip, creative neighborhood known for street art, cool bars, and a younger crowd. It's an emerging area with a bohemian feel, though it’s further from the main tourist spots.

Stay here if: You enjoy a more alternative vibe, artistic flair, and local street culture.

Highlights:

  • Vibe: Edgy, artistic, youthful
  • Good for: Young travelers, hipsters, art lovers
  • Transport: Metro Line C
  • Colosseum: 15 minutes by metro
  • Vatican City: 45 minutes by metro
  • Pantheon: 30 minutes by bus
  • Spanish Steps: 30 minutes by metro
  • Trevi Fountain: 30 minutes by metro

San Lorenzo

18 to 30 somethings college students partying the night away in San Lorenzo Neighborhood
Nightlife in San Lorenzo Neighborhood

San Lorenzo is a student hub known for its lively nightlife and affordable restaurants. It’s close to the University of Rome and popular among budget-conscious travelers.

Stay here if: You want an affordable stay with a youthful vibe and don’t mind a short commute to central Rome.

Highlights:

  • Vibe: Lively, affordable, student-heavy
  • Good for: Students, budget travelers, nightlife
  • Transport: Bus and tram
  • Colosseum: 20 minutes by bus
  • Vatican City: 35 minutes by metro and bus
  • Pantheon: 25 minutes by bus
  • Spanish Steps: 30 minutes by bus
  • Trevi Fountain: 30 minutes by bus

Garbatella

shop in the front of building Garbatella neighborhood of Rome
Garbatella Neighborhood

Garbatella is an understated, suburban neighborhood known for its lush greenery and quiet charm. It offers a more peaceful stay, with a strong sense of community.

Stay here if: You prefer a quiet, local neighborhood and want to stay away from the tourist crowds.

Highlights:

  • Vibe: Peaceful, residential, green
  • Good for: Long-term travelers, peace-seekers, families
  • Transport: Metro Line B
  • Colosseum: 15 minutes by metro
  • Vatican City: 30 minutes by metro
  • Pantheon: 20 minutes by metro
  • Spanish Steps: 30 minutes by metro
  • Trevi Fountain: 25 minutes by metro

Borgo

Castel Sant’Angelo bridge that goes to the Vatican
Castel Sant’Angelo

Borgo is directly adjacent to Vatican City, perfect for those who want to be steps from St. Peter’s Basilica and Vatican Museums. It’s a small, charming neighborhood that’s ideal for Vatican-focused visitors.

Stay here if: You want to be near Vatican City and enjoy a quiet, historical neighborhood feel.

Highlights:

  • Vibe: Historical, charming, tourist-heavy
  • Good for: Vatican-focused sightseeing, history lovers
  • Transport: Metro Line A (Ottaviano Station)
  • Colosseum: 30 minutes by metro
  • Vatican City: Walking distance
  • Pantheon: 20 minutes by foot
  • Spanish Steps: 15 minutes by foot
  • Trevi Fountain: 20 minutes by foot

Campo Marzio

Margutta street in Rome's Campo Marzio neighborhood
Margutta street 

Campo Marzio is a central, upscale neighborhood featuring Via del Corso, Piazza del Popolo, and proximity to the Spanish Steps. It offers high-end shopping and is close to several historic sites.

Stay here if: You’re interested in luxury shopping and want a central location for sightseeing.

Highlights:

  • Vibe: Upscale, fashionable, historic
  • Good for: Luxury travelers, shoppers, sightseeing
  • Transport: Metro Line A (Spagna Station)
  • Colosseum: 20 minutes by metro
  • Vatican City: 25 minutes by metro
  • Pantheon: 10 minutes by foot
  • Spanish Steps: Walking distance
  • Trevi Fountain: 10 minutes by foot

Testaccio

Testaccio art on side of the building, many bright colors painted by a talented artist
Testaccio Neighborhood has lots of art

Testaccio is a modern, authentic Roman neighborhood with a strong local vibe. Known for its lively nightlife and culinary scene, it offers an excellent taste of real Roman life away from the main tourist crowds. An ancient Roman port and former working class neighborhood. You will hear a dj playing every night, and a great place to hang out if you want to meet the locals and dance the night away.

Stay here if: You want a non-touristy Roman experience and love great food and nightlife.

Highlights:

  • Vibe: Lively, modern, authentic
  • Good for: Foodies, nightlife seekers, authentic experiences
  • Transport: Metro Line B (Piramide Station)
  • Colosseum: 15 minutes by metro
  • Vatican City: 30 minutes by metro and bus
  • Pantheon: 25 minutes by foot
  • Spanish Steps: 30 minutes by metro
  • Trevi Fountain: 25 minutes by metro

Jewish Ghetto

Area Sacra dell’ Argentina is ancient ruins in the Jewish Ghetto in Rome, Italy
Area Sacra dell’ Argentina - Jewish Ghetto In Rome

The Jewish Ghetto is one of the oldest Jewish communities in Europe, featuring narrow streets and a blend of ancient Roman history and Jewish culture. The area is known for its incredible restaurants offering Jewish-Roman cuisine and proximity to significant historical sites.

Area Sacra dell' Argentina is the remains of the four 3rd-century-BC temples that were only discovered and excavated in the 1920s. This area gives some impression of the scale of ancient Roman buildings and the level of the original streets. 

Stay here if: You want a cultural experience that includes both historical significance and authentic Roman dining.

Highlights:

  • Vibe: Historic, charming, culinary-focused
  • Good for: History buffs, foodies, cultural travelers
  • Transport: Tram and bus access
  • Colosseum: 20 minutes by foot
  • Vatican City: 25 minutes by bus
  • Pantheon: 15 minutes by foot
  • Spanish Steps: 20 minutes by bus
  • Trevi Fountain: 15 minutes by foot

Celio

sunset at the Colosseum in Rome
Colosseum is located in Celio and Monti

Celio, located near the Colosseum, is a quiet residential area that offers proximity to Rome’s most famous ruins but without the bustling crowds. This neighborhood boasts green parks, ancient churches, and residential charm.

Although a residential area, Celio is rich in historical and religious landmarks. As one of the city’s famed seven hills, Celio is known for its impressive churches, such as the Basilica of Santi Giovanni e Paolo, Santi Quattro Coronati, San Clemente, and San Giovanni in Laterano. The area seamlessly blends ancient archaeological sites with lush green spaces, offering a mix of cultural and natural beauty.

On the Caelian Hill you will find beautiful churches, stunning mosaics, ancient streets, parks and ancient Roman houses.

Case Romane del Celio - Museum in Rome Credit: Roger Pierce

Stay here if: You want to be close to ancient Roman ruins but prefer a more residential, peaceful setting.

Highlights:

  • Vibe: Quiet, suburban, ancient
  • Good for: History lovers, families, peace
  • Transport: Metro Line B (Colosseo Station)
  • 1 of 7 Hills: Caelian Hill
  • Colosseum: Walking distance
  • Vatican City: 30 minutes by metro
  • Pantheon: 25 minutes by foot
  • Spanish Steps: 30 minutes by metro
  • Trevi Fountain: 25 minutes by foot

Ostiense

Pyramid of Cestius in Ostiense
Piramide di Caio Cestio

Ostiense is an up-and-coming neighborhood filled with modern art, industrial spaces, and hip restaurants. It’s less touristy, offering a great blend of history and modern life, with the Piramide di Caio Cestio (Pyramid) as a historical anchor.

Stay here if: You enjoy a mix of modern and historical sights, and you prefer being slightly removed from the tourist crowds.

Highlights:

  • Vibe: Industrial, modern, trendy
  • Good for: Art lovers, young travelers, foodies
  • Transport: Metro Line B (Piramide Station)
  • Colosseum: 15 minutes by metro
  • Vatican City: 35 minutes by metro
  • Pantheon: 30 minutes by foot
  • Spanish Steps: 35 minutes by metro
  • Trevi Fountain: 30 minutes by metro

Flaminio

Rome's Flaminio Neighborhood buildings on a rainy day
Flaminio Neighborhood

Flaminio is located just north of the Villa Borghese and is home to some of Rome’s best modern art galleries, including the MAXXI. It's ideal for those who appreciate art, culture, and green spaces.

Stay here if: You’re an art lover looking to enjoy both modern and classical art, and prefer staying in a quieter, cultural district.

Highlights:

  • Vibe: Artistic, cultural, peaceful
  • Good for: Art enthusiasts, museum-goers, nature lovers
  • Transport: Metro Line A (Flaminio Station)
  • Colosseum: 25 minutes by metro
  • Vatican City: 20 minutes by metro
  • Pantheon: 25 minutes by foot
  • Spanish Steps: 15 minutes by foot
  • Trevi Fountain: 20 minutes by foot

Aventine Hill

view of the skyline of Rome from Aventine Hill
Aventine Hill

Aventine Hill is one of Rome’s seven hills, known for its peaceful atmosphere, lush gardens, and historical significance. Famous for the Orange Garden and the Keyhole of the Knights of Malta, it offers some of the best views of the city. It's a quiet, upscale neighborhood that's perfect for visitors seeking tranquility in the bustling city.

Stay here if: You want to experience a peaceful side of Rome, with beautiful views and lesser-known historical sites.

Highlights:

  • Vibe: Tranquil, green, historical
  • Good for: Peace seekers, families, photographers
  • Transport: Metro Line B (Circo Massimo Station), buses
  • Colosseum: 20 minutes by foot
  • Vatican City: 40 minutes by metro
  • Pantheon: 30 minutes by foot
  • Spanish Steps: 35 minutes by metro
  • Trevi Fountain: 30 minutes by foot

Whether you prefer being close to iconic landmarks, trendy nightlife spots, or quiet, local scenes, you'll find insights on what each neighborhood offers and which one suits your travel style.

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