The Best Neighbourhoods to Stay in Rome

Last Updated: Jun 29, 2023
Reading Time: 7 minutes
By: Shaun

Rome is one of the most popular destinations in the world for travellers who want to experience the Italian lifestyle. The Eternal City has something for everyone: history, culture, art, food, fashion, and romance. But where should you stay to enjoy the best of its local charm? How can you avoid the tourist traps and discover the hidden gems? How can you immerse yourself in the daily life of the Romans?

The answer is simple: choose the right neighbourhood. Rome is divided into several neighbourhoods (called quartieri in Italian), each with its own personality and atmosphere. Depending on your preferences, budget, and travel style, you can find the perfect place to stay in Rome that will make you feel like a local.

In this article, we will give you some tips on how to choose the best neighbourhoods to stay in Rome for an authentic Italian experience.

Let’s start with the most obvious choice: the historic centre of Rome.

The Historic Centre of Rome (Centro Storico)

Centro Storico di Roma | Image by Francesco Bandarin on Wikimedia Commons

If you want to be close to all the major attractions of Rome and feel the pulse of the city, then staying in the historic centre (Centro Storico) is a no-brainer. This is where you will find some of the most iconic landmarks of Rome, such as the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Campo de’ Fiori, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Piazza del Popolo, and many more. You will also be surrounded by beautiful architecture, museums, churches, monuments, and fountains that will take your breath away.

Staying in the historic centre of Rome has many benefits. You can walk to most of the sights without relying on public transport or taxis, and you can shop at some of the most famous boutiques or browse through some of the most charming markets.

Last but not least, you will have easy access to other areas of Rome by metro or bus, together with the Termini Station that connects by train many other Italian cities, making it ideal for day tours to neighbouring towns and cities.

However, staying in the historic centre of Rome also has some drawbacks. You might find it crowded, noisy, and expensive, especially during the peak season. You might also encounter some scams, pickpockets, or touts that target tourists. You might also miss some of the more authentic and less touristy aspects of Rome that are found in other neighbourhoods.

Therefore, if you decide to stay in the historic centre of Rome, you should choose your hotel or Airbnb carefully. You should look for a place that is well-located, clean, comfortable, and safe. As always, we strongly suggest that you check the reviews and ratings that other guests have left for the accommodation.

Trastevere

Trastevere | Image by user32212 on Pixabay

If you want to stay in a neighbourhood that has a bohemian vibe and a thriving restaurant scene, then Trastevere is the place for you. Trastevere means “across the Tiber” and it is located on the west bank of the river, opposite the historic centre of Rome. It is one of the oldest and most charming neighbourhoods of Rome, where you can find narrow cobblestone streets, colourful buildings, mediaeval churches, hidden courtyards, and lively piazzas.

Staying in Trastevere, you get to enjoy the authentic atmosphere of a Roman neighbourhood that has preserved its character and traditions. You can taste some of the best food and wine in Rome at some of the many restaurants, trattorias, pizzerias, gelaterias, and bars that line the streets. You can also explore some of the lesser-known attractions of Rome, such as the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, the Villa Farnesina, the Botanical Garden, and the Janiculum Hill.

The Trastevere neighbourhood, like the Historic Centre, can get noisy and crowded at night, especially on weekends when it becomes a popular spot for nightlife. You might also have to walk or take public transport to reach some of the major sights of Rome that are located on the other side of the river. If you decide to rent a car, then you might also have to deal with some traffic and parking issues.

Prati

Prati | Image by Lalupa on Wikimedia Commons

If you are looking for something a bit more upstyle, then Prati is the place for you. Prati means “meadows” and it is located on the west bank of the Tiber, north of the historic centre of Rome. It is one of the most affluent and well-kept neighbourhoods of Rome, where you can find wide avenues, stately buildings, green parks, and chic shops.

Staying in Prati has many benefits, mainly its close proximity to the Vatican and its many attractions, such as the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Castel Sant’Angelo. You get to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of a residential area that is away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre and also has the opportunity to shop at some of the most upscale boutiques or dine at some of the most refined restaurants in town.

However, some might find Prati boring, expensive, and far from the nightlife of Rome, as well as too far to reach some of the other sights of Rome that are located on the other side of the river.

Monti

Monti | Image by Jorge Franganillo on Wikimedia Commons

Monti is a trendy and eclectic neighbourhood close to the Colosseum. Monti means “mountains” and it is located on the east bank of the Tiber, south of the historic centre of Rome. It is one of the oldest and most fashionable neighbourhoods of Rome, where you can find a mix of ancient sites and modern boutiques.

Staying in Monti gives you easy access not just to the Colosseum but also to the Roman Forum, the Palatine Hill, the Circus Maximus, and the Domus Aurea. You can also enjoy the hip atmosphere of a neighbourhood that has a lot of character and diversity. You can also shop at some of the most original and creative shops or eat at some of the most delicious and innovative restaurants in town.

However, as you can expect in an area with these well-known monuments, staying in Monti also has some challenges. You might find it noisy and crowded during the day with the many tourists, and also during the night when the open space of the Circus Maximus is often used to host concerts or similar mass events.

Testaccio

Testaccio | Image by Nicola on Wikimedia Commons

The last neighbourhood we will cover is Testaccio. Testaccio, meaning “mound” in Italian, is a lively and authentic Roman neighbourhood located on the east bank of the Tiber, south of the historic centre of Rome. It is one of the most traditional and vibrant neighbourhoods of Rome, where you can find an ancient artificial hill made of broken pottery, a former slaughterhouse turned into a cultural centre, and a famous food market.

Staying in Testaccio, you can experience the genuine atmosphere of a working-class neighbourhood that has a strong sense of community and identity. You can taste some of the best food and drink in Rome at some of the many restaurants, trattorias, pizzerias, gelaterias, and bars that offer local specialties. You can also discover some of the more off-the-beaten-path attractions of Rome, such as the Pyramid of Cestius, the Protestant Cemetery, the Monte dei Cocci, and the MACRO Museum.

Conclusion

Rome is a city that offers a variety of neighbourhoods to stay in, each with its own charm and personality. Depending on your preferences, budget, and travel style, you can find the perfect place to stay in Rome that will make you feel like a local.

To summarise, here are some of the best neighbourhoods to stay in for an authentic Roman experience:

• **The historic centre of Rome (Centro Storico) is for travellers who want to be close to all the major attractions and feel the pulse of the city.
• Trastevere: for travellers who want to enjoy the bohemian vibe and the thriving restaurant scene.
• Prati: for travellers who want to be near the Vatican and the Castel Sant’Angelo.
• Monti: for travellers who want to be near the Colosseum and the Roman Forum.
• Testaccio: for travellers who want to experience the lively and authentic food scene.

We hope this article has helped you choose the best neighbourhood to stay in Rome. We also hope you have a wonderful time in the Eternal City and enjoy all it has to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to get around Rome?

The best way to get around Rome is by walking or using public transport. Rome has a metro system that covers most of the city centre and some of the suburbs. It also has buses, trams, and taxis that can take you to different areas of the city. You can buy tickets at metro stations, newsstands, or vending machines. You can also use apps like Google Maps or Moovit to plan your routes and check timetables.

What to pack for Rome?

The weather in Rome varies depending on the season. In general, you should pack light and comfortable clothes that can be layered. You should also pack some shoes that are suitable for walking on cobblestone streets. You should also bring some sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, an umbrella, and a reusable water bottle to fill up at the many water fountains you can find across the city.

What should I be attentive to when in Rome?

Be aware of people who offer you free gifts, tours, tickets, or services that are actually not free or legitimate; if it sounds too good to be true, then it's probably a scam. Be careful of your belongings when you are in crowded places or on public transport, and be careful when you cross the street or drive in Rome, as the traffic can be chaotic and unpredictable.