Looking for the best place to stay in Rome? The Eternal City, with its myriad accommodation options, can be both exciting and overwhelming.
But the key to a memorable Roman holiday lies in selecting the right neighborhood. So I’m here to guide you through Rome’s best districts while sharing my hand-picked selection of the best accommodations in each area.
Remember—while Rome’s charm is boundless, its public transportation can be less reliable. To avoid reliance on taxis, consider staying in one of these central locations!
Where to Stay in Rome: Best Central Neighbourhoods and Hotels
Here’s a brief overview of the best neighborhoods to stay in Rome:
1. Spanish Steps
2. Piazza del Popolo
3. Ludovisi/Via Veneto
4. Trastevere
5. Pantheon
6. Piazza Navona
7. Campo de Fiori
8. Vatican/Prati
9. Jewish Quarter
10. Colosseum/Monti
11. Circo Massimo
Spanish Steps
Pros: Central location, high-end shopping
Cons: Higher prices, can be crowded
Budget: High-end
Perfect for: Shoppers, history and architecture lovers
The area around the Spanish Steps is the heart of Roman elegance and sophistication. Famous for its designer boutiques and iconic stairway, it’s a bustling hub of activity. Key attractions like Trevi Fountain, Piazza del Popolo and Via del Corso are a stone’s throw away. Villa Borghese is nearby, offering a green escape from the city, and beautiful galleries like Galleria Colonna, Galleria Doria Pamphilj and Villa Medici are walking distance. The Spagna metro station on Line A provides excellent connectivity, making it easy to venture to other parts of Rome. As for the restaurant scene, you’ll find everything from Italian, Roman and international dining spots.
This new, 4-star hotel boasts a prime location atop Trinità dei Monti and a spa. Close to the Trevi Fountain and shopping streets, it offers easy metro access.
A charming hotel situated near the Spanish Steps, offering a comfortable and stylish stay in a prime location.
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Piazza del Popolo
Pros: Central, stunning architecture
Cons: Busy tourist spot
Budget: High-end
Perfect for: Shoppers, photographers
Piazza del Popolo, a grand square at the northern gate of the Aurelian Walls, is a blend of historic architecture and lively ambiance. It’s footsteps from the Spanish Steps, the Pincio terrace, where you can get one of the best views of Rome, and the shopping streets of Via del Corso, Via del Babuino and Via di Ripetta. The nearby Flaminio and Spagna metro stations on Line A offer convenient access to the rest of the city, making it a perfect spot for those who want to explore Rome. There’s a good restaurant scene as well as some great rooftop bars in the area.
A cozy boutique hotel providing a personalized and intimate experience in the heart of Rome.
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Ludovisi/Via Veneto
Pros: Central, tranquil, upscale ambiance
Cons: High-end pricing
Budget: Luxury
Perfect for: Upscale travelers, business travelers, those seeking a quiet yet central location
Ludovisi, a serene and sophisticated enclave in Rome, epitomizes luxury and exclusivity. This district, which includes the famous Via Veneto, is nestled in a tranquil yet central location, offering a peaceful retreat with its elegant streets and historic villas. Public transportation is easily accessible from the Barberini and Spagna metro stations, making exploration effortless. The area boasts some of Rome’s most refined restaurants and cafes and there’s a decent nightlife nearby. It’s an ideal spot for travelers seeking tranquility near central Rome and high-end hotels. For something less touristy, don’t forget to go on a guided tour of the spooky Crypt of the Capuchin Friars and visit the stunning Barberini Palace.
A charming hotel offering a serene and comfortable stay near the Trevi Fountain.
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Pantheon
Pros: Central, Rich in history
Cons: Crowded
Budget: Mid-range/high-end
Perfect for: Piazza culture, exploration
The Pantheon area, centered around the ancient Roman temple, is a charming mix of history and modern city life. Nearby attractions include Piazza Navona and Campo de’ Fiori but you can walk to pretty much all of Rome’s major sites from here. Although there’s no direct metro station, several bus routes service the area, making it accessible and a great choice for those wanting to be immersed in Rome’s ancient past. If you want to experience the piazza culture, you have the beautiful Piazza di Pietra a stone’s throw from here, where you can grab aperitivo or late-night drinks at Salotto 42. In terms of food, the area is packed with restaurants from traditional trattorias to modern dining spots. There’s also a lovely shopping and artisanal shopping scene.
Luxury accommodations
The Pantheon Iconic Rome Hotel, Autograph Collection
Perfect for: Art lovers, those seeking a lively atmosphere
Piazza Navona, famous for its stunning Baroque architecture and fountains by Bernini, is a picturesque and lively spot. It’s near the Pantheon and Campo de’ Fiori. The area is primarily served by buses as there’s no nearby metro station, making it a fantastic choice for those who enjoy being surrounded by art and history. The nearby La Pace and Campo de’ Fiori areas are perfect for Roman nightlife, and nearby you’ll also find great speakeasy bars. Restaurants are a mix between traditional trattorias to contemporary twists on Italian cuisine and more healthy options. Don’t forget to visit the beautiful Palazzo Altemps just a stone’s throw and to have happy hour at Terrazza Borromini.
Cozy and stylish, this hotel provides a comfortable stay in the heart of Rome’s historic center.
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Campo de' Fiori
Pros: Central, Lively market, great nightlife
Cons: Can be noisy at night
Budget: Mid-range
Perfect for: Foodies, party-goers
Campo de’ Fiori is known for its daily market and vibrant nightlife. This lively neighborhood is within walking distance of the Pantheon, Trastevere and Piazza Navona. While there’s no metro station directly in Campo de’ Fiori, it’s well-connected by buses, making it a favored spot for both locals and visitors who enjoy bustling city life. Don’t forget to visit the outdoor market from Mondays to Saturdays; visit the stunning Palazzo Farnese in Piazza Farnese; grab aperitivo at Camponeschi and enjoy Italian contemporary cuisine at Pianostrada.
An affordable hotel set in a historic building, offering a comfortable stay near Campo de’ Fiori.
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Vatican/Prati
Pros: Central, Elegant, near the Vatican
Budget: Mid-range
Perfect for: Vatican visitors, less touristy neighborhood
Prati, near the Vatican, is an upscale area known for its shopping streets and proximity to St. Peter’s Basilica. It’s an easy walk to Piazza del Popolo but an over 30-minute walk to the Colosseum. However, the Ottaviano and Lepanto metro stations on Line A provide excellent connectivity, making it convenient for those interested in visiting other areas of Rome with public transportation. Prati has a nice and very local restaurant scene, don’t forget to stroll through Via Cola di Rienzo, grab aperitivo at Il Sorpasso, have drinks at Les Etoiles rooftop terrace and grab lunch in one of the cute restaurants of the adjacent Borgo neighborhood.
A budget-friendly hotel known for its strategic location and comfortable accommodations near the Vatican.
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Trastevere
Pros: Roman atmosphere, great traditional food
Cons: noisy
Budget: Mid-range
Perfect for: Nightlife, Roman trattorias
Trastevere, one of the city’s nightlife hubs, is known for its cobblestone streets and vibrant atmosphere. Situated across the Tiber River, it’s close to the Vatican and historic center. While there’s no metro, the Trastevere train station and several tram lines make it easily accessible, perfect for those seeking a lively, authentic Roman experience. While there, don’t forget to go on a food tour, dine at one of the many trattorias (my favorite being Trattoria Da Teo); walk up to the Fontanone dell’Acquapaola for a beautiful view of the city; grab gelato at my all-time favorite Otaleg; grab drinks at Coffee Pot, Culto or Carmen for a more trendy experience or head to Enoteca l’Antidoto for a wine bar.
A charming hotel in Trastevere, offering a tranquil ambiance with its lovely courtyard and garden.
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Jewish Quarter
Pros: Unique history, excellent food
Cons: Smaller area
Budget: Mid-range
Perfect for: Cultural explorers, foodies
The Jewish Quarter, rich in history and culinary delights, offers a unique experience with its narrow lanes and traditional Roman-Jewish eateries. Close to major sights like the Capitoline Hill and Roman Forum, it’s easily accessible by numerous bus lines, providing a tranquil yet immersive city experience. While there, stop by Beppe e i Suoi Formaggi for the most delicious selection of cheese, cured meats and natural wines and reserve your spot at Hey Guey at Chapter Hotel for a wonderful rooftop experience.
Perfect for: vintage shopping, young couples, nightlife
Monti, a charming neighborhood with a bohemian flair, is known for its artisanal shops, vintage shopping and ancient ruins. The Colosseum, the Roman Forum and Piazza Venezia are just a stone’s throw, and most of Rome’s major sights can be reached by foot. Unless you’re an avid walker, the Vatican is probably a bit too far to reach. But the area is accessible by the Cavour and Colosseo metro stations on Line B, ideal for those seeking a blend of history and modern city life. While the area bustles with tourists in peak season, Monti also offers some quieter corners in comparison to other central neighborhoods. For an upscale experience, don’t forget to grab drinks at The Court. Monti also has some great restaurants like La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali and, if you’re a wine lover, you can’t go wrong with Fafiuchè.
A cute hotel in the Monti district, offering a blend of style and comfort on Via dei Serpenti, near the Colosseum.
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Circo Massimo
Pros: Rich in history, spacious green areas
Cons: Limited dining and nightlife options
Budget: Luxury
Perfect for: History buffs, leisure seekers, families
Circo Massimo, once the grand stadium of ancient Rome, now serves as a large public park, offering a vast open space that’s perfect for leisurely strolls. The neighborhood is peaceful, with easy access to the Aventine Hill, Tiber River, Trastevere and Jewish Quarter. While it is quieter in the evenings due to fewer nightlife venues, it compensates with stunning historical ambiance. The Circo Massimo metro stop provides direct access to other parts of the city. Head to the Giardino degli Aranci to enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets in Rome, grab drinks at Rhinoceros Terrace and dinner at 47 Circus Roof Garden. Don’t forget to visit the stunning Baths of Caracalla, where the Caracalla Festival is held in the summer.
A modern hotel near the Roman Forum, known for its contemporary design, rooftop dining, and panoramic city views.
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Not Termini
Most of you will probably know Termini: the name of Rome’s central train station. But, I’m not really a big fan of the area. Sure, the Termini area has lots of cheap accommodations, but it’s also in a part of Rome that doesn’t exactly scream la dolce vita. Lots of websites recommend this area for accommodation but I think it’s not very inviting. Of course it has its pros, like cheap accommodation, proximity to the train station for early trains and good public transportation (for Roman standards). But honestly, to have the great experience in Rome, I wouldn’t stay here. Also,if you’re just a group of girls, I wouldn’t stay here at all. It’s not safe at night.
Ciao, I'm Federica—an italiana born in NYC and raised in 6 countries around the world, with the privilege of calling NYC, Tehran, Rome, Houston, Istanbul, London, and Budapest my home. I'm a foodie who loves to discover the world's hidden gems, blending luxury stays with authentic experiences. As a blogger and content creator, I share my adventures and tips to inspire others to explore and savor the beauty of our diverse world.
