Where to stay in Rome

Campo Marzio, located in the heart of Rome, is a bustling and historical area known for its narrow streets filled with boutiques, art galleries, and eateries. While it offers immediate access to Rome's iconic locations, such as the Spanish Steps and the Pantheon, it can be quite noisy and crowded, with premium pricing on accommodations. Great for those willing to be in the center of it all, but may not be the best for travelers looking for peace and quiet.

Trastevere is famous for its lively nightlife, cobblestone streets, and rustic charm. It attracts a mix of tourists and locals to its many bars and restaurants. While undeniably atmospheric, it can be loud well into the night, which may not be suitable for light sleepers or those in search of relaxation.

Monti, with its bohemian vibe, is popular among the young and creative crowd. This trendy neighborhood is filled with vintage shops, quirky boutiques, and a lively aperitivo scene, but it can feel a bit hipsterish for some. The area remains fairly quiet at night, offering a respite from the day's bustle.

Prati is an upscale neighborhood known for its elegance, just beside Vatican City. It offers stylish shopping experiences along Via Cola di Rienzo and is characterized by its Art Nouveau buildings. Dining is diverse, with quality restaurants and chic bars. It's an excellent area for those wanting to be close to the Vatican and enjoy a more local vibe, but at the expense of possibly higher accommodation costs and fewer historic sites within immediate walking distance.

Trevi is synonymous with the majestic Trevi Fountain, one of Rome’s most famous sights. This neighborhood is constantly teeming with tourists, which contributes to its vibrant but congested atmosphere. Expect an array of souvenir shops, gelaterias, and diverse dining options. Accommodations range from luxury to mid-range, but the noise and crowds can be a downside for those seeking peace and quiet.

The Colonna district's elegance comes from its upscale shopping streets like Via del Corso and iconic landmarks including the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain. The area is quite crowded and touristy, but it offers the quintessential Roman atmosphere. For those who enjoy being right in the midst of Rome's retail and historical heart, Colonna could be the perfect fit, though accommodation and dining can come with a hefty price tag.

Parione lies in the heart of Rome and is known for its vibrant atmosphere. Home to Piazza Navona, this neighborhood is bustling with tourists, street performers, and a plethora of dining options. It's a prime spot for those seeking a lively area with nightlife and shopping opportunities. Accommodation here may lean towards the pricier side, and the hustle and bustle can be overwhelming for those seeking tranquility.

Esquilino is a multicultural district featuring diversity in its food offerings and local markets, such as the famous Mercato Esquilino. While it provides a more authentic slice of Roman life and relatively lower accommodation costs, some travelers might find certain parts less polished and more chaotic than the typical postcard areas of Rome.

Monteverde Vecchio offers a residential retreat from the urban rush. It's home to the spacious Villa Pamphili Park, providing a green oasis in the city. Its hilltop location offers great views but can make access to Rome's center more physically challenging. The calm and upscale neighborhood is perfect for those seeking tranquility and a taste of local life, without the same level of amenities and convenience as more central areas. However, the north-eastern part is close to the very bustling area Trastevere.

Pigna is home to the Pantheon and a maze of picturesque streets and piazzas. It captures the essence of Rome's historic center, with a blend of tourists and locals mingling in its cafes and trattorias. Its central location means that many sights are just a short walk away, but this convenience might come with a premium on accommodation costs. While quite safe, Pigna can be noisy and overwhelming to those not accustomed to the city center's buzz.

Ponte is characterized by its winding streets and proximity to landmarks such as Castel Sant'Angelo and Piazza Navona. This central location means you're at the heart of the action, but also in the midst of tourist flows, leading to higher prices for accommodation and dining. It offers a quintessential Roman experience, albeit at a premium.

Campitelli is a historic quarter featuring some of Rome's most ancient buildings, such as the Colosseum and Capitoline Hill. This area is predominantly touristic, with a high concentration of landmarks. It benefits from a more relaxed pace than the most frenetic tourist areas but is still crowded during the day. Accommodation options are limited and toward the higher end, with fewer nightlife and shopping opportunities.

Castro Pretorio is a diverse and unassuming neighborhood that is home to the main Termini train station, making it a convenient hub for travelers. Its eclectic mix of budget accommodations, ethnic eateries, and proximity to transportation appeal to backpackers and those on a tight travel budget. However, the area can feel busy and lacks the charm of other Roman neighborhoods. Some parts may feel less safe at night, so it's wise to stay aware of your surroundings.

Nestled right next to the Vatican, Borgo has an undeniable religious and historical significance. It's an area steeped in history but can be overcrowded with tourists, especially during high season. The proximity to Vatican City makes it ideal for those interested in an immersive experience of this independent state.

Regola is a district that exudes old-world charm and elegance, known for its antique shops and art galleries. While its central location is perfect for sightseeing, it can also be quite crowded, and the noise level might be high for those seeking a peaceful retreat. Accommodation here can be on the pricier side, reflecting the upscale nature of the neighbourhood.

Celio is steeped in ancient history, nestled beside the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Though centrally located, it can be less crowded than other tourist-heavy areas, providing a mix of serenity and convenience. Nightlife here is modest, with a few local bars and restaurants that offer authentic experiences. However, the area is not known for its shopping or modern amenities, and accommodation can vary from budget-friendly to top-tier prices.

Ripa is part of the traditional heart of Rome and includes the Aventine Hill, known for its gardens and elegant residences. It's quieter compared to the more hectic central districts, and it's a great area if you're looking for a calm atmosphere. However, its beautiful tranquility comes at the cost of being further away from the main attractions.

Once the blue-collar quarter of Rome, Testaccio retains a strong local identity and is famed for its food scene, particularly its traditional Roman cuisine. It's an excellent location for foodies but might not be as picturesque as other parts of the city. Nightlife here is also vibrant, centered around the former slaughterhouse turned cultural center, MACRO.

Home to the iconic Pantheon, San Eustachio is a bustling hub in the heart of Rome. Though the area brims with tourist activity and has a plethora of cafes and restaurants, it can feel a bit touristy and lacks a genuine local atmosphere. Stay here if you wish to be in the thick of things, but be aware that it may not offer an authentic Roman neighbourhood experience.

Pinciano is a sophisticated residential district known for Villa Borghese gardens and its art museums. It's perfect for those who want a more relaxed visit with the chance to mingle with local life and enjoy green spaces. Keep in mind though, that dining and shopping spots in Pinciano can be more spread out and may not provide the constant pulse of some more central areas.

Parioli is one of Rome's most affluent neighborhoods, featuring lush surroundings and high-end restaurants. It's quiet and residential, ideal for luxury travelers and those seeking a polished side of Rome. Its remoteness from the historic center means less foot traffic but also a potential feeling of isolation from the city's main pulse.

Sallustiano is centrally located, just north of Termini Station, making it convenient for transportation links. It offers a mix of affordable and mid-range accommodation options. The proximity to the station is a double-edged sword, offering easy connections but also a bustling and at times chaotic atmosphere, which might not be everyone's cup of tea.

Ludovisi is an upscale area boasting elegant hotels and fine dining, catering to travelers with a preference for luxury and quieter surroundings. It borders the famous Via Veneto, known from Fellini's 'La Dolce Vita'. However, the posh atmosphere comes with higher prices and a distance from the typical Roman vibrancy, possibly giving off an exclusive feel that might not appeal to everyone.

Salario is known for its local atmosphere, Art Nouveau buildings, and the artistic vibe thanks to the presence of MACRO, Rome's Museum of Contemporary Art. It offers a break from the typical tourist trails, providing a charming and quieter neighborhood experience, but requires a bit more travel to get to the major historic attractions.

Trieste is a tranquil suburban area, adorned with beautiful parks and piazzas, offering a slower pace of life. This residential neighborhood is great for travelers looking for an authentic Roman experience away from the tourist spots. However, because it's not centrally located, visitors may need to rely on public transportation more frequently.

Nomentano is a residential area that offers a glimpse into the daily lives of Romans, dotted with Art Nouveau architecture and a good selection of local restaurants. It is farther from the tourist center, providing a more authentic and less expensive stay, but may require more use of public transport to visit the main attractions.

San Saba is a quieter, residential area of Rome often overlooked by tourists, offering a peaceful retreat from the bustling city. This hidden gem boasts beautiful architecture with the notable Basilica of San Saba and the nearby Aventine Hill, which presents stunning city views. Affordable accommodation options compared to Rome's centre make it attractive, though dining and nightlife options are limited. It's relatively close to major sites but requires a bit of a walk or public transport to reach the heart of the action.

San Angelo, incorporating the Jewish Ghetto, is a district rich in history and culture. It's a quieter part of Rome with a captivating charm, offering visitors a glimpse into the city's Jewish heritage and ancient ruins. Food lovers can rejoice in traditional Jewish-Roman cuisine. However, while the area is picturesque and serene, it may lack the nightlife some travelers seek, and staying within its confines might mean a longer walk to other attractions.

Ostiense strikes a balance between the gritty and the trendy, known for its street art and the unique Gasometro structure. This is an up-and-coming area that remains somewhat off the beaten path and provides a less conventional tourist experience. However, its distance from the city center could be a drawback for those wanting to be closer to the major sights.

Tiburtino is a dynamic area that's popular with students thanks to its proximity to La Sapienza University. Full of budget-friendly options, it's vibrant with great nightlife spots and cultural diversity. However, it's a trek to the city's main tourist sites and can be a bit rough around the edges, which may not suit every traveler.