Figuring out the neighborhoods of Rome can be a little confusing. Even though it’s a big city, most tourists spend most of their time in the centro storico — and that’s where most hotels are, too.
But simply looking for accommodation in Rome’s “historic center” isn’t enough. That’s because the center is divided by neighborhoods, some of which feel pretty different from the next.
So you’ll need to know not only that you want to stay in the historic center… but which neighborhood to stay in in the centro storico, too.
What is the centro storico?
If you want to stay in the centro storico, you first need to know… what is the centro storico.
Technically, the centro storico is the area of Rome that’s bordered by the 3rd-century Aurelian walls and by the mura gianicolensi, which include the Vatican walls. There aren’t many good maps online that have the walls clearly delineated. This is one of the best I could find.
The thin, black line running around the entire center is the Aurelian walls. (You can find it by looking at the square marked “Castro Pretorio” in the upper right-hand part of the city). Although the neighborhood and monuments are all ancient Roman, you can get some perspective by looking for the Colosseum (a little ring almost right in the center), Circus Maximus (to the southwest of the Colosseum), and the Tiber.
This area—which includes not only the Colosseum and forum, but the Spanish Steps, Piazza del Popolo, Piazza Navona, Pantheon, and Vatican — is the historic center. And if you’re staying in Rome, this is where you’ll probably want to stay. (Nota bene: There are, of course, many other, perfectly pleasant neighborhoods in Rome outside of the historic center. But I’m sticking to the centro storico here just because it tends to be most conveneint for most people).
Now, for the neighborhoods. (I recommend opening a tab with Google maps and keeping it handy so you can refer back and forth!).
The neighborhood where… everyone stays: the heart of the centro storico
This isn’t technically a neighborhood, but I’m using it as shorthand for the central area that most people think of when they think “Rome”—the triangle with Piazza del Popolo in the north, the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain to the east, and the Pantheon and Piazza Navona to the west.
This stunning area is home to cobb where most people want to stay. Of course, it’s also where hotels are the most expensive, where the streets crowd with tourists and shoppers, and where 99% of restaurants are overpriced and mediocre. On the other hand, every corner looks like a postcard. Hey, you win some, you lose some!
The neighborhood where… it feels most big-city: Via Veneto, Piazza Barberini and Repubblica
This northeastern corner of the historic center is home to the winding Via Veneto. The street is famous for its hotels—although most seem, at least to me, to be huge and overpriced. Meanwhile, the rest of the area, especially near the Barberini and Repubblica metro stops, feels like a big city.
For the most part, forget cobblestones and quaint churches. This is where the buildings are tall, the streets wide, and the passersby businesslike.
Termini and the Esquiline
Although some hoteliers diplomatically call this neighborhood “Monti,” anything from Piazza Vittorio Emanuele to Santa Maria Maggiore and northeast to the Termini train station is, more properly, the Esquiline hill. In general, the neighborhood here tends to feel gritty and look grungy. This is where you’ll see immigrants hawking counterfeited purses, homeless people huddling in corners, and garbage littering the street.
It’s also home to many of Rome’s cheapest hotels, hostels and B&Bs.
The area tends to be perfectly safe. Rome is, as a whole, much safer when it comes to muggings and violent crimes than pretty much any city in America, as well as Dublin, London and Paris. But it may not be what you imagined when you first pictured Rome. Also keep in mind that, while it may seem very convenient to stay near the train station, and while that means this area is well-connected by metro and bus, it’s not within easy walking distance of most of the major sights, like the Pantheon and Piazza Navona.
Monti
In ancient times, this rione was the red-light district, home to gladiators and prostitutes (Julius Caesar even moved there to show he was “one of the people”). Today, it’s a gorgeous little neighborhood filled with medieval palazzi, cobblestoned streets, and an eclectic mix of traditional trattorie and hip boutiques.
If you want to stay here, look at the area bordered by Via Nazionale (to the west), Santa Maria Maggiore (to the north), the Colle Oppio park (to the east), and the Roman forum and Colosseum (to the south).
Celio
Further southwest of Monti is Celio, another rione with a strong history. The couple of blocks right around the Colosseum tend to be touristy and busy during the day, but the rest of this area, which stretches southeast to the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, feels quiet and residential. I lived here for four years, and I still think it’s one of the most underrated areas of the city.
Aventine
This hill, just south of the Circus Maximus, is home to some of the loveliest streets and homes in Rome. Its small size and exclusivity mean there are few hotels and B&Bs here. It also doesn’t feel like it’s “in the middle” of anything, thanks to its greenery and the fact that it’s at least a 15-minute walk to most of the major sights.
Forum Boarium
This neighborhood is really a sliver, tucked just to the south and west of Circus Maximus. The neighborhood has some wonderful sights — including the Church of San Giorgio in Velabro, the Arch of Janus, and the Church of San Nicola in Carcere — and it’s just a three-minute walk to the Jewish Ghetto and Piazza Venezia. It’s also tranquil, lovely and off the beaten path.
Campo dei Fiori and the Jewish Ghetto
From Piazza Venezia to the Tiber, you’ve got beautiful ancient ruins, the Jewish Ghetto, lively Campo dei Fiori, and my favorite piazza in Rome, Piazza Farnese. This district has the atmosphere (and history) of the area around Piazza Navona and the Pantheon, with half of the people.
Trastevere
Just over the Tiber from Campo dei Fiori and the Ghetto is Trastevere, an atmospheric district that, today, is as likely to be home to American study-abroad students, expats and wealthy Italians as the working-class and bohemian Romans who once lived here. Still, the neighborhood remains charming. There are plenty of corners and tiny streets where life is still lived much as it would have been decades ago.
Prati
If you find the center of Rome’s centro storico too confusing and chaotic, consider Prati. This area around the Vatican, just over the river from sights like Piazza Navona and Piazza del Popolo, was laid out in the 19th century, so its grid system and wide boulevards look more continental and, well, organized than the rest of Rome.
The area right around the Vatican museums and St. Peter’s is extremely touristy. But once you get a little farther away, authentic restaurants and the rhythm of daily life in Rome abound. It’s also easier to find cheaper accommodation here.
Testaccio
Just south of the Aventine, the Testaccio quarter is one of the least touristy in Rome — and has some of the best restaurants and bakeries in the city. The ancient area, which gets its name from “Monte Testaccio,” a hill that literally was created because it was a dump for ancient Roman amphorae, can feel more modern and gritty than the center of the city. But it’s perfectly safe, cheaper than the center, and convenient: Thanks to the metro and lots of buses here, you’re just 5 to 15 minutes away from Trastevere, the Colosseum, and the heart of the historic center.
Also: six of the best trattorias in Rome, how to act like a local and where to find that perfect souvenir or gift in the city.
If you liked this post, you’ll love The Revealed Rome Handbook: Tips and Tricks for Exploring the Eternal City, available for purchase on Amazon or through my site here! I’m also free for one-on-one consulting sessions to help plan your Italy trip.
27 comments
Hello. I am trying to work out what neighbourhood Via Archimede, 69, Rome is in? Its the Duke Hotel. A reply ASAP would be greatly appreciated…since we are looking at staying there from 15 December!
Hi there,
The Duke Hotel is outside of the centro storico; it’s in the Parioli neighborhood, which I haven’t included here (maybe I’ll add it!). This neighborhood is upmarket and exclusive, with nice 19th-century European-feeling streets. It’s also close to the lovely Villa Borghese park. The downside is there’s no metro and bus connections aren’t always so hot depending on where you are, and it’s not within walking distance of Rome’s major sights. I hope that helps!
Thank you! The hotel runs a shuttle bus every half hour, so I think it might be a good place for us to stay (we need a hotel that can accommodate a family i.e. larger room with sofa bed for our two children to share; also at a budget and Expedia has a good price for this place). Some people on Expedia were complaining it was in a residential neighbourhood & having previously read your blog/website post, I thought I’d check up on its location with a local. Unless you can suggest a hotel?!
If what you’re looking for is enough space for a family without breaking the bank, you might want to consider looking into renting an apartment. Airbnb.com, housetrip.com and wimdu.com are all great, trustworthy sites. Definitely recommended.
I hope that helps!
Hi!
Just wondering, where was the first picture of the post taken?
It was taken just off Via dei Coronari, at the Gelateria del Teatro. Sadly, I no longer recommend the gelateria, but I do recommend the view! 🙂
Hi it’s my wife’s 30th coming up and the hotel Boscolo Exedra Roma, Autograph Collection 5.0 out of 5.0
Piazza Della Repubblica, 47 Rome RM looks good but I’m worried the republics area of Rome will feel like a financial district of a city.
We love Paris and cobbled back streets with traditional restaurants so don’t normally need a 5 star place to stay but it’s a special birthday and we have found really resonance flight/hotel package.
Thanks for any help regards, Tim
Hi Tim, what a lovely trip for a birthday! Being right on Piazza della Repubblica, my concern wouldn’t be that it feels too much like a financial district, but rather that it might be a bit too busy: the piazza is very glamorous looking, but it’s also a major traffic circle and a stone’s throw from the Termini train station. Still, it’s very convenient to get around from there on the metro and buses, and the Boscolo Exedra is a fantastic hotel — so if you’ve gotten a good price, then go for it. Let me know if I can answer anything else!
We are looking to stay in a area where everything is walking distance. Can you help me to where (what hotel is goos) for this?
Hi there! Thanks for stopping by. Of course, as you know, in a city — even a relatively compact city — it will be impossible to stay in one place where “everything” is in walking distance 🙂 But for an area where most of the main sites for tourists will be, I’d suggest the area around Piazza Navona and the Spanish Steps (touristic, but near many of the main sights), or — better if you want something a little more authentic — the neighborhood of Monti, close to the Forum and Colosseum. I hope that helps!
Hi,i have a trip planned with my girlfriends(30-35years old) in October this year. I am looking to rent an apartment for the 6days we are there..we wanna have a tour of the historic sites but also be near good restaurants have looked at your recommeded areas.. I need more help..Do you have suggested affordable area we can stay in?
Hi Hellen,
That sounds like a very fun trip! My top choice for you probably would be Monti — it’s hip, fun, full of great restaurants and bars, but still very close to the sights. It can be a little pricey (though less so than the Spanish Steps/Piazza Navona area), though, so if you want to pay less, I’m afraid you’ll probably have to sacrifice being QUITE so close to all the historic sights. (Rome is very compact though and public transport is relatively convenient, so that’s not the worst thing). You might want to look at Testaccio, another hip area which is a little bit further south and has great restaurants, or Trastevere. I hope that helps, and have a great time!
Thank you for the excellent post! We only have one night in Rome and are looking for restaurant recommendations for a traditional Roman restaurant (preferably with outside seating) near the Spanish Steps/Eden Hotel for an authentic, romantic evening. Thank you so much!
Hi Katy, you’re very welcome! Because it’s the heart of the touristic center, the Spanish Steps is a little bit of a tricky area for having a great meal at a traditional, authentic spot with outside seating. (There are lots of restaurants with outdoor seating near the Spanish Steps, they just tend to be touristy and overpriced). I’d encourage you to walk just slightly further afield to perhaps La Matricianella, near Parliament (just a 10 or 15 min walk from the Spanish Steps), instead. (Ask for an outdoor table when you book!). I hope that helps, and have a great time!
Thanks for an excellent overview. Quick question: I don’t know if you’re at all familiar with it, but we’re staying at the Caesar House Residenze Romane for three nights this fall, and it’s supposed to be very near the Colosseum. Based on your neighborhood descriptions, I’m guessing this will be in Celio. I’m wondering what you think of this area as a place to stay, i.e. will it be walkable to the major sites, restaurants, and the like? You describe it as more quiet and residential, so just trying to get a picture of what it will be like to stay in that area. Thanks again!
looking for a safe area to stay first trip out of the country want something near a fresh food market. near walkable sites.
Hello,
I am joining Sapienza University.Can you help me out with the places I can choose to rent.
Hi I’ll be staying in Laurentina mear the station. Is that a good place to stay for a 2 day visit?
You’ll be quite far from the historic sites, but as long as you’re prepared to jump on the metro every day, you’ll be fine! Enjoy your stay!
Hi Amanda,
I hope that you can help.
I have never been to Rome. I am planning on bringing my mother over for two weeks, late September to early October. She is a fit & healthy lady in her 70’s. We will be travelling to Rome, via Milan, by train from London.
We both love our peace and quiet, so we are looking to stay in a relatively quiet neighbourhood in Rome. I notice that you have mentioned Aventine, Forum Boarium, Trastevere, Prati & Testaccio. Would you be able to recommend any great hotels in any of these areas please? We don’t mind a 15 minute or 30 minute metro/bus ride into central Rome.
I very much look forward to hearing from you.
Ciao!
This extremely helpful post is very much appreciated!
We have 3 days in Rome and want to stay somewhere nearby the sites that also has a bit of night life. We’d prefer somewhere less touristy and more “authentic feeling. Does such a place exist?
Thank you!
Hi Amanda – Thanks for the great info here! I am taking my 70-year old mother and 4-yo daughter to Italy the first week of September. Both are fairly good travelers and in good shape. We will land in Rome and spend two days there in Centro Storico, then Florence, then Amalfi. We fly back out of Rome and will be there for one more day. Where would you recommend we stay for that last night in Rome? I was thinking Trastevere or staying at the Gran Melia which seems geared towards kids. Last night we will want to stroll some neighborhoods, dip into shops and eat one last great meal. So, which areas to stay in and where to eat?
Hi,
Thank you for the great info you post!
We are staying in Rome for 7 days starting on December 24Th.
My question is, I’m thinking about renting a apartment and I’m trying to decided between something close to piazza del Popolo or plaza Navona?What do you recommend?
Thank you!
Headed to Rome in August for 5 nights. I recently read some very positive reviews about Hotel Canada, which I booked. However, I’ve now discovered that this hotel is in the Termini neighborhood. Have I made a mistake in booking a hotel in the area? Should I be concerned.
Thanks
Dan
Hey there, yes it’s just behind the Termini train station. It’s not your most postcard-worthy Roman neighborhood around, and yes parts can feel a little seedy, but almost anywhere in Rome is really very safe. There are lots of hotels in the area, particularly budget hotels. To decide if you should keep the reservation I’d think more about whether you want to be closer to the sights and/or in one of those atmospheric cobblestoned-street areas that you’ve probably been imagining! Let me know what you decide.
Will be staying in Rome for 4 days . Seeking an apartment / condo that has service to receive luggage from 9am- 4pm. We are walking the Via Francigena and luggage will be transported by transport company and they cannot give a specific time luggage will arrive in Rome . Also need assistance in where to stay . Like to stay in an area that is centrally located .
hi there we r traveling 1st time to Rome(family of four)..got accidentally your blog and found it really very interesting and helpful..never used airbnb but got some really nice apartments all near San Giovanni areain good prices consider hotels….what would you say about that area..?..near/far to city center,transport to sightseeing,restaurants,shopping etc..regards