Where to Stay in Rome, Italy (Best Areas & Hotels)
Rome might be an ancient city, but figuring out where to stay in Rome doesn’t have to feel like a history lesson.
Here’s a guide to the best areas to plant your feet for first-time visitors to this iconic Italian city.
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Centro Storico (Historic Center)
The Centro Storico puts you right in the middle of Rome’s most famous landmarks. Walking to the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Piazza Navona takes minutes, not hours.
Ancient cobblestone streets lead you past centuries-old churches and charming piazzas. It’s a classic base for exploring Rome’s top attractions—especially if you want to feel the city’s pulse from the start.
Best For: History buffs and first-time visitors wanting easy access to Rome’s iconic monuments and landmarks.
Where to Stay: The CitizenM Isola Tiberina offers modern rooms in a central location.
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Trastevere
Medieval and a bit scruffy in the best way, Trastevere sits across the Tiber from the historic center.
Its cobblestone streets wind between colorful buildings and ivy-draped walls that look straight out of a movie.
Trastevere offers great restaurants, shops, and vibrant nightlife that keeps the area buzzing after dark.
Authentic Roman trattorias sit next to trendy cocktail bars, so you can go from classic to contemporary in a few steps.
Best For: Travelers after authentic Roman culture, plus excellent dining and nightlife right outside their door.
Where to Stay: Hotel Santa Maria offers a garden oasis in the heart of Trastevere with super friendly staff.
Horti 14 is another fantastic choice, located in a quieter part of the neighborhood but still walkable to major sights.
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Monti
Monti stands as Rome’s most charming district with pastel-hued streets made for wandering.
The Colosseum is just a short stroll away, but the real draw is the laid-back, creative energy that artists and musicians brought here.
The neighborhood buzzes with browse-worthy boutiques and cozy cafes where people-watching is basically a sport.
Via Urbana offers excellent shopping with independent stores and quirky plant shops.
What makes Monti special is how it balances being close to major sights while feeling like a place where actual Romans hang out.
Best For: Young travelers into trendy cafes, indie shopping, and a nightlife scene that’s lively but never overwhelming.
Where to Stay: Nerva Boutique Hotel puts you steps from ancient sites. For style on a budget, Salotto Monti combines cool design with a perfect location.
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Prati/Vatican Area
Prati offers a more relaxed, residential feel while keeping you close to Vatican City.
This elegant neighborhood has wide, tree-lined streets (a nice break from the narrow alleys elsewhere) and sits just across the river from the historic center.
If you’re traveling with family or prefer quieter evenings, Prati makes a great home base.
You’ll be steps from St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums, plus you can easily walk to Trastevere for dinner or cross the river to reach other major sights.
The neighborhood also has excellent shopping along Via Cola di Rienzo, where you’ll find better prices than in the tourist zones.
Best For: Vatican visitors looking for upscale stays, easy museum access, and a refined vibe that doesn’t feel stuffy.
Where to Stay: Hotel La Rovere sits on the Tiber River promenade, just a short walk from St. Peter’s Square.
Alternatively, Hotel Prati offers comfortable rooms in an elegant area with easy access to both the Vatican and central Rome.
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Campo Marzio (Spanish Steps Area)
The Spanish Steps are right in Rome’s heart, which means you’re minutes from pretty much everything.
Central location near the Spanish Steps makes sightseeing a breeze, and you’re surrounded by some of the city’s best shopping.
Luxury boutiques and designer stores are just around the corner, and the whole area mixes high-end shopping with a heavy dose of Roman history.
Hotels at the top of the steps have killer city views, and you can wander to the Trevi Fountain in about five minutes if you don’t get sidetracked by a gelato stop.
Best For: Shoppers after luxury brands and anyone who wants a central jump-off point for Rome’s top sights.
Where to Stay: Hotel Fellini sits just a short walk from both the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps.
For a luxury option, Condotti Boutique Hotel offers elegant rooms in a prime location near designer shopping streets.
Testaccio
Testaccio keeps it real while other neighborhoods chase tourists. This former working-class area clings to its food traditions, making it Rome’s go-to for genuinely good eats.
The covered market buzzes with locals buying fresh ingredients every morning. Vendors sell everything from seasonal veggies to Roman specialties families have been making for generations.
Felice a Testaccio serves legendary dishes like cacio e pepe—you’ll want seconds. The restaurant’s been perfecting these recipes for decades, and people come from all over the city just for a taste.
Best For: Food travelers craving traditional Roman cuisine and a break from the tourist crowds.
Where to Stay: Hotel San Anselmo is a charming boutique hotel set in a converted 19th-century villa, just a short walk from Testaccio’s lively food and nightlife scene.
Roma Termini / Esquilino
The Roma Termini / Esquilino area stands out for anyone watching their wallet and needing to zip around the city or hop on a train out of town.
Affordable hotels cluster near Rome’s main train station, which makes early departures and late arrivals a breeze.
Esquilino pulls its weight with solid value—think places like Gemme Di Roma and La Casa Di Amy. You’re close enough to wander to the big sights, but you won’t have to empty your pockets to do it.
Best For: Travelers on a budget who want a central spot and super easy train and metro access.
Where to Stay: The Beehive keeps things eco-friendly and artsy, with a vibe that feels more like a creative hangout than a typical hotel.
