The best areas to stay in Rome will depend on what you want to get out of your time in Rome. Here we will break it down by our top recommended neighborhoods, why you should stay there, and a bit about the area. There are 22 ‘rione’ in Rome. These are basically mini neighborhoods within larger neighborhoods. Think of these like districts, wards, or arrondissements. We’ll focus on the larger neighborhoods and name the main Rione within those neighborhoods. 

Deciding where to stay in Rome is less about proximity to a major site and more about the vibe you are looking for. The main center of Rome is well connected through public transportation, so don’t let proximity dictate where you stay. Read about getting around Rome in our Rome Travel Guide: Getting The Most Out Of The Eternal City. Once you’ve decided on a neighborhood that’s the right fit for you, read our recommendations for Best Hotels in Rome, Italy, By Neighborhood.

Skip to a neighborhood to stay in Rome, Italy

• Quick summary of the neighborhoods in Rome, Italy
  • First-time visitors: historic center & Monti
  • Shoppers & luxury seekers: Prati & Campo Marzio
  • Foodies: Trastevere & Testaccio
  • Honorable mentions:
    • Ostiense, EUR, & Quartiere Coppede for a different vibe
    • Posh: Parioli, Trieste/Salario, & Quartiere I Flaminio
    • Monteverde
• Centro Storico (historic center)- proximity to the major sites
• Ancient Rome- for Roman authenticity but close to the Colosseum and Termini Station
• Trastevere- for foodies, atmosphere, and nightlife
• Testaccio- gritty, authentic edge, foodie haven, less touristy 
• Prati & Borgo to be near Vatican City and shopping
• FAQ’s

Neighborhoods in Rome, Italy

Shoppers & Luxury Seekers

For those who like to travel in style, with 5-star luxury hotels and shopping areas to match, consider the northern part of Centro Storico (Campo Marzio) and Prati. Prati is north and northeast of Vatican City; shop on Via Cola di Rienzo. You’ll find higher-end boutique hotels and shopping in both of these areas. 

Testaccio is considered up-and-coming and is a working-class neighborhood. It’s a little less pretty and somewhat gritty but quite authentic. There are fewer accommodation options in Testaccio, but still some options. We prefer to stay where we want to be in the evening, not where we want to spend the day, which makes these two neighborhoods perfect. 

Honorable Mentions

On the Fringe

Honorable mentions that are ‘on the fringe’, meaning the edges of the center of Rome, include Ostiense and Pigneto. Both of these neighborhoods are truly local. Ostiense is largely residential with working-class Romans, but don’t let that fool you. This neighborhood has some unique museums, outdoor street art, and a sprawling Eataly superstore (4 floors of restaurants, bars, and gourmet grocery). In the evening, students and hipsters head to bars and all-night discos in the Garbatella area. The Ostiense neighborhood is truly the next ‘up-and-coming’ neighborhood, so if you want to get in before it’s on everyone’s social media, go soon. This is the Rome you see in many current TV shows. Find the best hotels in Rome’s Ostiense neighborhood here.

Metro stops in Ostiense: Basilica S. Paolo, Garbatella, & Piramide (Line B goes to major stops like the Colosseum and Roma Termini Stazione; transfer to Line A to go to places like the Spanish Steps or near the Vatican Museums)

The Pigneto neighborhood (close to Roma Termini and the University) is best for the youngsters, as it can be loud at night with nightlife; indie music venues & LGBTQ+ nightlife. It’s got a creative underground feel, and lots of street art as well. If you don’t stay in these neighborhoods, you might find them interesting to explore during the day. 

Metro Stops in Pigneto: Pigneto & Malatesta (Line C, which is generally used by locals as it doesn’t go to major monuments, but it connects to Line B at the Colosseo stop, which can be taken to Roma Termini)

Metro Stops in the Trieste neighborhood: S.Agnese Annibaliano (Line B, which goes towards the Colosseum and connects to Roma Termini, where you can transfer to Line A)

Metro Stops in the Flaminio neighborhood: Flaminio (Line A; the stop is just north of Piazza del Popolo, so there aren’t really any metro stops further into the Flaminio area). 

Architectural Interests

For a different perspective of Rome, you could choose a neighborhood for its architecture. The EUR (Esposizione Universale di Roma) offers a very different side of Rome. This area was developed by Mussolini and was meant to be the grounds for the 1942 World Fair. Due to a little war you may have heard of (not little- WWII), the fair did not take place. With fascist architecture lining wide streets, it was reimagined as a business district, with a completely different feel to the rest of Rome.

You may have seen the ‘square colosseum’ in the EUR featured on Emily in Paris; it is the actual Fendi headquarters today. Being that this is quite far from the center (although accessible via the metro), we recommend only staying here if you’ve been to Rome; otherwise, just visit to see some different architecture. See the bottom of the first map image for the EUR, outlined in black. Read about the best hotels in the EUR neighborhood here.

Metro Stops in the EUR neighborhood: EUR Palasport & Laurentina *technically just outside of the EUR (Line B goes to the Colosseum & Roma Termini, where you can connect to Line A). 

On the complete other side of Rome is the Quartiere Coppedè, which is a small part of the Trieste neighborhood. The Coppedè is a wonderful avant-garde architectural gem. This is a small neighborhood; you could stay here or just visit for a few hours. Like most of Rome, this neighborhood has some fun history to it. After The Beatles performed at the Piper Club, they jumped in the Fontana delle Rane (Fountain of the Frogs). This is not acceptable behavior today, but an interesting story. Walk this neighborhood to see really interesting architecture, a few villas, and palazzos. See the third map image for the Trieste neighborhood, outlined in green.

Metro Stops near Quartiere Coppedè: S.Agnese Annibaliano (Line B, which goes towards the Colosseum and connects to Roma Termini, where you can transfer to Line A).

Rome’s Best Areas To Stay In By Neighborhood

Centro Storico (Historic Center), Rome, Italy. For first-time visitors

The part of Rome that is considered old Rome and referred to as the historic center includes 9 smaller neighborhoods: Sant’Eustacchio, Regola, Ponte, Perione, Pigna, Sant’Angelo, Trevi, Colonna, and Campo Marzio. In truth, this area is heavily touristy, but it’s hard to stay away from because it is quite charming. The Centro Storico is a very walkable outdoor museum. Everywhere you turn is another monument, stunning piazza, and notable piece of history. You’ll quickly find yourself in a new neighborhood every few minutes because none of these neighborhoods are very expansive. 

The Campo Marzio and Colonna areas are where you’ll find elegance, 5-star hotels, high-end shopping, and pricier restaurants. You can walk to most of the sites in this area and use the metro to get from one end to the other. For outdoor market shopping, head to Magia a Campo de ‘ Fiori in the Regola neighborhood. 

[Fontana della Barcaccia, Campo Marzio, Rome]

The downside to Centro Storico is that it is quite touristy, prices are higher, and the food isn’t always authentic. Not to say you can’t find good food, but if you’ve ever heard someone say they weren’t impressed with the food, this is why. Pockets of Centro Storico can be loud at night, so be sure to read the reviews when selecting a place to stay. For a quieter side of Centro Storico, stay in Sant’Eustachio, Regola, Ponte, or Sant’Angelo (the remains of the Jewish ghetto are here). Parking is limited in the Centro Storico, and you honestly don’t need a car if you are staying in the center of Rome. Find Rome’s best hotels in the Centro Storico here.

Metro Stops in Centro Storico: There are a few stops on Line A in the Centro Storico, and they run on the East side from Repubblica & Roma Termini to Barberini & Spagna, and then to Flaminio before crossing to the west side of the river. For the most part, you won’t need these unless you are going from one side to the other, want to get closer to Vatican City, or need to connect to Line B to get to the Colosseum. 

Map of Rome with outline of the 9 rione within the historic center. Regola (pink), Sant’Angelo (orange), Pigna (blue), Trevi (light pink), Parione (gray), Ponte (green), Sant’Eustachio (teal), Colonna (black, Campo Marzio (purple).

Where to eat in Centro Storico, Rome, Italy

TBH, this is not our favorite area to eat in, so our recommendations are light, but we do have a few, and we would never gatekeep good food!

Alfredo Alla Scrofa– This used to be a hidden gem, but by now (thanks to social media) you’ve probably heard of it. This is the place that has laid claim to inventing the real alfredo pasta (made with butter and parmesan- not cream). Make a reservation if you want to go; choose from standard dinner reservations or an ‘alfredo experience’.

Elisa Gelateria Fontana di Trevi – Grab a gelato and look out over the fountain from the street above, while eating your gelato.

Rooftop Lounge Trevi– Drink an aperitivo with a little view of the Trevi Fountain. 

Brillo Restaurant for delicious traditional pasta dishes, global wines, and a divine millefoglie dessert. Reservations are recommended, but we’ve walked up and got a table for lunch more than once. Close to Piazza del Popolo without the price tag of sitting on the Piazza.

Ancient Rome, Italy. For Authenticity with Proximity

The part of Rome that is referred to as Ancient Rome includes 4 main neighborhoods: Monti, Campitelli, Celio, and Ripa. Monti borders the Colosseum & Roman Forum and is conveniently close (but not too close) to Rome’s main train station, Roma Termini. Stay here for access to the train station and metro stops (and of course the intoxicating views of the Colosseum). Monti can be busy and touristy during the day and potentially loud at night. While it is a bit touristy, it has more of a local feel than Centro Storico, and offers vintage shops and indie boutiques.

Much of Ancient Rome is in ruins (literally-it’s centuries-old ruins on top of ruins) and doesn’t have much lodging. For example, the Campitelli houses the Roman Forum, Capitoline Hill, and Palatine Hill- all historic sites to visit and not a lot in between. The Colosseum is in the Celio neighborhood, and there is some lodging nearby. The streets to the southeast of the Colosseum cater to tourism. There are two large green parks in this neighborhood and a playground in one. For families with young children who plan to go to the Colosseum, this could be a great neighborhood for proximity. And to the southwest of the Colosseum is an LGBTQ+-friendly area with shops, bars, and cafes (along Via di S. Giovanni in Laterano). 

[Looking back at the Colosseum and Arc of Constantine from Palatine Hill, Rome]

In Ripa, you will find the ruins of Circus Maximus (you might remember this being the main location in “For Those About To Die”, an Amazon Prime series on gladiator games at Circus Maximus). This is a nice neighborhood because it is close to the Forum and the more local neighborhood of Testaccio. Situated between Ripa and Testaccio is Aventine Hill (Aventino), a beautiful park with expansive views of Rome. If you’ve seen the viral photos of the Vatican through a keyhole, this is where it is. Ripa is also a short distance from the river and the bridge to the Trastevere neighborhood or the adjacent Centro Storico- Sant’Angelo neighborhood, with the ruins of the Jewish ghetto and amazing Roman-Jewish food. Find Ancient Rome’s best hotels here.

Metro Stops in Ancient Rome: Colosseo, Circo Massimo, & Cavour (Line B connects to Line A at Roma Termini and Line C at Colosseo). You’ll use this if you need the metro to get to the train station. 

[Map of Rome with outlines of neighborhoods within Ancient Rome: Ripa (purple), Celio (blue), Campitelli (pink), & Monti (green).]

Where we recommend eating when in Ancient Rome:

The Court Bar. Palazzo Manfredi for an evening cocktail with a breathtaking view of the Colosseum. This is a hotel lounge bar, and many of the guests will fill this lounge, so make a reservation. It’s worth noting that cocktails are expensive here, but if you go for aperitivo, your drink will come with delicious snacks, making the drink worth the price. 

La Prezzemolina – Pizza in Taglio, a great place for a quick bite, and it’s somewhat close to the Colosseum. Pizza in Taglio is pizza cut in rectangles and paid for by the weight. It’s usually already made and warmed to perfection when you order. Convenient if you need something to eat before you meet your tour group or if you are starving after! This is what Sbarro wishes it was…

Foodie Neighborhoods of Rome

Trastevere

Trastevere, Trastevere, Trastevere! This is our top recommendation. Ok to be fair, this neighborhood is no longer the hidden gem it once was (thanks social media). For a long time, this neighborhood was the secret foodie neighborhood to stay in. It was an escape from the busy tourist streets of Ancient Rome, the Historic Center, and Rione V Campo Marzio. After sightseeing, you would come back to these narrow streets draped in bougainvillea and wisteria, with strings of lights over the outdoor seating, and feel like you stepped into a hidden space. Find the perfect place to stay in Trastevere here.

The food in this neighborhood is still off the charts, and we still like to stay here, but know that you will not be alone. In addition to the charming atmosphere, there is a lively nightlife, and it can be loud in the evening and later. This highly pedestrian-friendly neighborhood is generally said to be limited in transportation. We disagree. Public transportation doesn’t come into this neighborhood per se, but it does come to the main streets that line the neighborhood (Viale di Trastevere & Lungotévere). There is no metro stop, but you will find trams, buses, and even Taxi stands. So just walk to the edge and boom, there is a bus or a tram that can get you to a metro or a train station. 

[Map of Rome with the foodie neighborhoods outlined. Trastevere (purple) & Testaccio (blue)]

Our Favorite Places To Eat In Trastevere

As I said, we love to eat here, so we have lots of recommendations. The What And Where To Eat section of our Rome City Guide has all the extra details you need to make you hungry. But mostly we hope it helps you find some great places to enjoy Roman cuisine.

Caffé

Checco er Cerettiere. This is really 3 establishments that are connected. The cafe is in between the restaurant and the gelato spot. They have great pastries and good, quick service. We go here nearly every morning when we are in Trastevere.

Street Food

Many of the social media posts you see about the rules of eating in Italy say that Italians don’t eat on the streets– this is not true! Especially in Rome. There are plenty of tiny places selling great bites to go. Where do you think people eat these? You guessed it. On the streets. The important thing to remember is that when you do eat on the streets, clean up and throw your trash where it goes, not on the street. And do not sit on monuments while you do it. Ok now that you know proper street food etiquette:

Sesamo Trastevere – Great spot for Pizza In Taglio. Pizza in Taglio is pizza cut from a large square, and you pay by the weight. This is a delicious and quick way to get some ‘Roman pizza’. This is probably what inspired Detroit-style or deep-dish-type pizza. 

Supplì Roma – one of the many great spots to get Supplì to-go. The traditional style Suppli has a delicious ragu sauce and mozzarella cheese inside a lightly fried risotto. They make a great snack throughout the day or for aperitivo and antipasti.

La Noceria di Locazzilli – Get porchetta panini here! It’s great with just the pork and the focaccia, but you can add a few things too. Ask for recommendations. This is more of a salumeria, so there are no tables; walk until you find somewhere to stop and let your taste buds have a party.

Trapizzino Trastevere – there are many Trapizzino locations around Rome; pick this chain for the best Trapizzino. Now, while this could be street food to-go, it’s also a place to get a table and enjoy it a little slower. The chicken cacciatore is probably most popular, and the tripe is something worth trying if you want something a Roman would order.

Sit Down Restaurants

Taverna Trilussa – go here for all the famous pasta (cacio e pepe was my favorite). Book a table in advance- at least a week or two. It’s close to Piazza Trilussa, where you can go enjoy the people after the meal. Maybe you’ll get a chance to dance off your pasta, too.

EVO Hosteria Trastevere – We stumbled into this when we couldn’t get a table at a restaurant up the street. We found a delightful modern take on Italian cuisine, and the staff was so friendly. You may need a reservation, but we got lucky with the last table available.

Spirito di Vino – This restaurant has a wine cellar underneath it. At this slow-food restaurant, we tried a beef stew that was so comforting and tender. It also paired nicely with a suggested wine.

Honorable Mention: Checco er Cerettiere (the restaurant). We haven’t been yet, but we’ve read splendid things about this restaurant, which has been a long-time staple for locals. 

There is so much good food in Trastevere; we recommend doing the Rome Twilight Evening Food Tour in Trastevere so you can try lots of things. Do this early in your trip so you know what to look for (and where you want to go back to). 

Testaccio

The Testaccio neighborhood is an authentic Roman neighborhood that is considered up-and-coming. Meaning that the tourists have begun to discover it. It is also known as a foodie neighborhood, particularly for street food. There aren’t a ton of accommodations in this neighborhood, so it hasn’t become flooded with tourism yet. Many come to Testaccio to visit the mercato di Testaccio during the day. 

All the best neighborhoods in Rome come alive during the dinner hour, though. Stay here for quieter evenings and some authentic Roman food that maybe hasn’t been plastered all over social media. There are a few fine dining restaurants and even a Michelin Star restaurant. The only public transportation in this neighborhood is buses; just on the edge of the neighborhood, you will find a train station and a metro stop (Pyramide). It’s also a very short walk to the Trastevere neighborhood across the river. We recommend this area to those who have been to Rome and want to try a different pace in Rome. Check out the best places to stay in the Testaccio neighborhood here.

Metro Stops near Testaccio: Piramide is not in Testaccio, but it’s close to the eastern tip of Testaccio (Line B goes to the Colosseo stop, which connects to Line C, and Roma Termini, where you can connect to Line A).

Where To Eat In Testaccio:

Mercato di Testaccio– pick up local ingredients and street food.

Ristorante La Villetta dal 1940– technically just outside of Testaccio, long-standing, family-run, traditional Roman cuisine.

L’Oasi della Birra—wine bar, great for aperitivo, tagliere, and dinner.

MASTO a Testaccio– really good Roman food and a large wine selection.

Near Vatican City

Two Neighborhoods Near Vatican City: Borgo & Prati

You may be aware that Vatican City is its own country, surrounded by Rome. Many visit Vatican City for the day to see the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica, but most don’t stay there, as there are very few accommodations. For close proximity to the Vatican (and a likely early morning Pristine Sistine Tour with WalksDevour), you’ll want to stay in the Prati or Borgo neighborhoods. Find the best hotels near Vatican City here.

Borgo is a small neighborhood, as half of it is taken up by Castel Sant’Angelo, a 2nd-century castle. Borgo borders St. Peter’s Square and the border with Vatican City. The streets are lined with relaxed cafes, sidewalk bistros, and bars, along with hotels and small shops. After the dinner hour, this area gets pretty quiet. The only public transportation in this area is buses; you need to walk to Prati to find a metro stop. The Borgo and Prati neighborhoods run along each other. Find great hotels in the Borgo neighborhood here.

Prati is a slightly upscale, Art Nouveau district with high-end boutiques and a mix of al fresco wine bars, cocktail lounges, and some gourmet restaurants. We like Prati for those al fresco wine bars, and its proximity to Vatican City, Castel Sant’Angelo, and Piazza del Popolo (across the river). For the best hotels in the Prati neighborhood you’ll want to read this.

Metro stops in the Prati neighborhood: Lepanto & Ottaviano (Line A, which runs over the river and along the east side of Centro Storico, and to Roma Termini, where you can connect to Line B, which goes to the Colosseum). 

[Map of Rome with neighborhoods near Vatican City outlined. Prati (purple) & Borgo (pink)]

Conclusion

We hope this guide to the best areas to stay in Rome, Italy, by neighborhood has helped you narrow down the neighborhoods you want to look for accommodations in. And maybe you’ve discovered some new neighborhoods you might want to explore (I know we started mentally planning our next trip while writing this). Next, read our Best Hotels In Rome, Italy for our top hotel recommendations by neighborhood. 

Don’t have the time to plan your trip? We can help. Have an expert (that’s us) do the research, offer you options, build your custom itinerary, and even save you time with secure bookings (on your behalf) with our custom travel planning services. Still want to plan your trip but need somewhere to start? Our rough itinerary services will help you organize your trip so you can book with confidence. Need some resources so you can plan your trip completely on your own? Check out our favorite resources to get started.

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What Neighborhoods are the safest in Rome? Monti, Prati, Trastevere, and Centro Storico. 

What neighborhoods should I not stay in while in Rome, Italy? Don’t stay in Esquilino, Castro Pretorio, Pigneto, and San Lorenzo. These neighborhoods surround the train station and are not the best places to be at night. 

What is the best neighborhood in Rome for foodies? Trastevere and the upcoming Testaccio neighborhood have some of the best food in Rome.

What are the best neighborhoods for shopping in Rome, Italy? Campo Marzio in Centro Storico and Via Cola di Rienzo in Prati. 

Where should I stay in Rome, Italy if it’s my first time? Centro Storico or Monti. These are closest to the major sites.

Where is the best place to stay in Rome? Most first-time visitors stay in the Centro Storico (the historic center) because it’s close to everything. 

Which Roman neighborhoods are touristy? Centro Storico & Monti. 

What parts of Rome are upscale or luxury? Campo Marzio, Prati, Parioli, Trieste/Salario, & Flaminio.. You’ll find 5-star luxury hotels and villas in these neighborhoods. 

Which neighborhoods in Rome are known for architecture? Well, really most of them, but for different reasons. If you are looking for something unique, then head to the EUR for fascist era architecture or Quartiere Coppede for avant-garde architecture. 

Which neighborhood is the Colosseum & Roman Forum in? The Colosseum is in Celio, and the Roman Forum is in Campitelli. 

Which neighborhoods in Rome have nightlife? Trastevere, much of Centro Storico, Pigneto, and Ostiense/Garbitella. 

Which neighborhoods in Rome are quieter? Monteverde, Prati, Borgo, Celio, and Parioli. 

Which neighborhoods have big parks in Rome, Italy? There are several big parks around the city. Monteverde has Parco di Villa Doria Pamphili and Parco di Villa Sciara. Parioli neighborhood encompasses Parco Villa Borghese. In Celio you’ll find Parco Celio and Parco Villa Celimontana. The Monti neighborhood has Parco Colle Oppio and Terme di Traiano Park. South of the Aurelian Wall of Rome is Parco Regionale dell’Appia Antica, which the Appian Way runs through. 

Which neighborhoods are closest to Vatican City and Vatican Museums? Borgo and Prati. 

What is the best 5-star hotel in Rome? Many would say Hotel de Russie, and it’s fabulous. We would add Bio Hotel Raphaël – Relais & Châteaux, Palazzo Dama, Villa Spaletti Trivelli Diora d’Epoca, Palazzo Manfredi, and The First Musica. Read more about the Best Hotels To Stay in Rome, Italy here. 

How do I choose a hotel in Rome? We recommend first narrowing down which neighborhood best suits you. Since Rome is well connected with public transportation and has many walkable neighborhoods, you don’t need to stay by the top sites you want to see. Then read our Best Hotels in Rome, Italy, by Neighborhood to find the perfect hotel.

Where to stay in Rome for 5-star accommodations? If you are looking for a 5-star hotel in Rome, you want to look in the Monti, Campo Marzio, Prati, and Celio neighborhoods. 

Is it better to stay in the historic center of Rome or Ancient Rome? The historic center will have more hotel and dining options, but it can be very touristy. Ancient Rome is touristy during the day but has a hip local vibe in the evening. 

What is the best neighborhood in Rome for Families? Celio has nearby parks; if you are looking for something more residential, look at Monteverde. Anywhere in the historic center will be accommodating to families. Trastevere is a great area if you are looking for a vacation rental to fit a family in.