Where to stay in Rome: an area by area guide

Where to stay in Rome? Florence might top our list of most beautiful places in Italy, but Rome is without compare. However, accommodation in the city can be expensive, so use our area-by-area guide to find tucked-away hotels, affordable B&Bs and great-value hostels.

Where to stay in Rome – Areas explained

Choosing where to stay in Rome can make a big difference to your trip. The city’s main attractions are spread across different neighbourhoods, and being well-located can save you both time and energy. While Rome is a very walkable city, knowing whether you’ll be strolling between sights or relying on buses makes a huge difference. From the convenience of the historic centre to the charm of areas like Trastevere, here’s a guide to help you decide.

• Around the Pantheon: Staying near the Pantheon puts you right in the heart of Rome. Major landmarks—the Colosseum, Piazza Navona, the Spanish Steps—are all within walking distance. The trade-off? Accommodation here is pricey, with boutique hotels and high-end options dominating. But if you’re after convenience and want to maximise your time, this is the ideal spot.
• Trastevere and the Vatican: For a more local vibe, consider Trastevere or the Vatican area. Both are within easy reach of the main sights, although you might need to hop on a bus if you’re staying a bit further out. Trastevere, in particular, is known for its bohemian feel, buzzing nightlife, and charming cobbled streets. The Vatican neighbourhood, meanwhile, is quieter and more residential, ideal for easy access to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums.
• Termini Station: Though convenient for transport links, Termini Station isn’t the best area for an enjoyable stay. It can feel a bit grim, especially after dark, and lacks the character and charm you’d expect from Rome. It’s fine to pass through, but you’re better off staying somewhere with more atmosphere.
• Trastevere: Yes, Trastevere deserves a second mention. This neighbourhood has become a favourite for travellers looking to experience a more authentic side of Rome. It’s packed with excellent restaurants, local bars, and independent shops, and it’s only a short walk or bus ride from the main attractions. You’ll find a good range of budget and mid-range accommodation here, with a lively yet laid-back vibe that makes it a great base.

The best area to stay in Rome for first timers: Trastevere

Trastevere sits on the Tiber's west bank and is one of Rome's most authentic areas, and it is the best area to stay in Rome for first time visitors. This neighbourhood buzzes with restaurants and bars, in fact it's one of the districts where you'll find the best pizza in Rome.

Outside the city walls, Trastevere (the name means “across the Tiber”) was for centuries heavily populated by immigrants, and this separation lent the neighbourhood a strong identity that lasted well into the twentieth century. Nowadays it’s a long way from the working-class quarter it used to be, often thronged with tourists lured by the charm of its narrow streets and closeted squares.

However, it is among the most pleasant places to stroll in Rome, particularly peaceful in the morning, lively come the evening. Dozens of trattorias set tables out along the cobbled streets, and still buzzing late at night when its bars and clubs provide a focus for one of Rome’s most dynamic night-time scenes.

Trastevere is well liked for pretty streets, cobbled alleyways and squares which are as historic as they are lively. If you want to explore more authentic Italian history take a look at the 24 best things to do in Italy.

Best hotels in this area

• For a boutique stay: Loly Boutique Hotel Roma. This stylish boutique hotel offers a blend of modern design and Roman charm. With individually decorated rooms, personalised service, and a central location, Loly Boutique Hotel provides an intimate and luxurious experience for discerning travellers seeking a unique stay in Rome.
• For a local experience: Residenza San Calisto. Nestled in the heart of Trastevere, this charming guesthouse immerses visitors in Rome's most picturesque neighbourhood. Cosy rooms, friendly staff, and proximity to local restaurants and bars allow guests to experience authentic Roman life while enjoying comfortable accommodation.
• For Trastevere explorers: Hotel Trastevere. Located in Rome's vibrant Trastevere district, this hotel offers a perfect base for exploring the area's winding streets, lively piazzas, and local cuisine. Comfortable rooms and helpful staff ensure a pleasant stay while you discover the authentic charm of this beloved Roman neighbourhood.

Or browse hundreds of accommodation options in Trastevere for any budget

Where to stay in Rome on a budget: Termini & Esquilino

Immediately north of the Colosseum, the Esquiline Hill is the highest and largest of the city’s seven hills. Formerly one of the most fashionable residential quarters of ancient Rome, it’s nowadays a mixed area that together with the adjacent Viminale Hill makes up the district known as Monti. This area is an appealing and up-and-coming quarter of cobbled streets and neighbourhood bars and restaurants.

It’s also an area that most travellers to Rome encounter at some point – not just because of key sights like the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, but also because of its proximity to Termini station, whose environs shelter many of Rome’s budget hotels.

Termini really can work a budget, if you know where to look. It may be one of Rome's relatively run-down districts, but the city centre is only a walk away and Termini Station is Rome's main rail hub.

Thanks to the railway station the Termini district is well connected to the rest of the city, and to the rest of Italy. Should you want something more secret, then discover Rome off the beaten track or, if you need some sea air, a few of the 20 best beaches in Italy are just a train journey from Rome.

• For budget stays: YellowSquare hostel offers dorms and private rooms, it also has a restaurant as well as an outdoor lounge, and you can look forward to nightly DJ sets and free WI-FI.
• For charming stays: The Beehive is cheery, friendly, eco and economical. It offers doubles and dorms and features a cosy lounge as well as a peaceful garden, all close to Termini.
• For convenient stays: Alpi is one of the more peaceful yet convenient hotels close to Termini, with small and pleasant en-suite rooms and a flower-filled terrace.

Find more accommodation options in Termini & Esquilino

Rough Guides tip: Explore our detailed guide on how to get around Rome to feel more confident during your Rome holidays.

The best area to stay in Rome for bohemian charm: Monti

Between Via Cavour and Via Nazionale, and up as far as the church of Santa Maria Maggiore, is the small area that has come to be known as Monti. Once the ancient city’s slum district, it’s now an atmospheric, vibrant quarter focusing on lively Piazza Madonna dei Monti; Via dei Serpenti and Via del Boschetto lead north from the square, both crammed with appealing bars and restaurants.

Monti is the district to choose for boho chic. Local shops, bars and restaurants exude cool here, but the general vibe is laid-back and charming. You'll find Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in Monti, and both the Colosseum and the Forum are near neighbours.

Best hotels in this area

• For a boutique stay: Trevi Beau Boutique Hotel offers an elegant and intimate experience near the iconic Trevi Fountain. With stylish rooms, personalised service, and attention to detail, it provides a perfect blend of Roman charm and modern comfort for discerning travellers.
• For art lovers: 77 Seventy-Seven, part of the Maison D'Art Collection, combines luxury accommodation with a unique artistic atmosphere. Each room showcases curated artworks, offering guests an immersive cultural experience alongside top-notch amenities and services in central Rome.
• For upscale accommodation: Umiltà 36 presents a sophisticated urban retreat in the heart of Rome. With its refined design, luxurious rooms, and high-end facilities including a rooftop restaurant, it caters to travelers seeking an exclusive and contemporary stay experience.

Or browse hundreds of accommodation in Monti at any budget.

One of Rome's smartest district: Spanish Steps

Spanish Steps might be known for smart shops, hotels and restaurants, but it's also home to the magnificent Villa Borghese, one of Rome's largest parks. Right in Centro Storico, this is also an ideal district from which to explore the most beautiful city in the world – as voted by you.

The Spanish Steps (Scalinata di Spagna) sweep down in a cascade of balustrades and balconies to Piazza di Spagna. In the nineteenth century they were the hangout of young hopefuls waiting to be chosen as artists’ models. Nowadays the scene is not much changed, with the steps providing the venue for international posing and flirting late into the summer nights.

The only Spanish thing about them, incidentally, is the fact that they lead down to the Spanish Embassy, which also gave the piazza its name.

Best hotels in this area

• For a boutique stay: Boutique Suites della Croce. Nestled in the heart of Rome, Boutique Suites della Croce offers an intimate and stylish retreat. With individually designed rooms, personalised service, and attention to detail, this charming property provides a unique blend of modern comfort and classic Italian elegance.
• For luxury accommodation: Experience opulence at Escape Luxury Suite, part of the esteemed CA Domus Collection. This exclusive haven boasts lavish interiors, state-of-the-art amenities, and impeccable service. Indulge in spacious suites, gourmet dining options, and bespoke experiences tailored to discerning travellers.
• For a contemporary stay: U-Visionary Roma Hotel redefines modern hospitality with its cutting-edge design and innovative features. Embrace the future of accommodation through smart room technology, sustainable practices, and sleek aesthetics. Enjoy seamless connectivity and forward-thinking amenities in this urban sanctuary.

Or browse hundreds of accommodation options near the Spanish Steps at any budget.

To stay in the heart of medieval Rome: Campo de’ Fiori & the Ghetto

Campo de’ Fiori was medieval Rome's heart but today the district is best known for its lively street market, artisan workshops and quaint shops tucked into charming side streets. For more ancient history, take a look at which are the best Roman ruins: what to see and what to miss in Rome.

Campo de’ Fiori is in many ways Rome’s most appealing square, home to a lively fruit and vegetable market, and flanked by restaurants and cafés. No one really knows how the square came by its name, which means “field of flowers”, but one theory holds that it was derived from the Roman Campus Martius, which used to cover most of this part of town.

Another claims it is named after Flora, the mistress of Pompey, whose theatre used to stand on what is now the square’s northeast corner – a huge complex by all accounts, and the supposed location of Julius Caesar’s assassination. Later, Campo de’ Fiori was an important point on papal processions between the Vatican and the major basilicas of Rome, and a site of public executions.

Nearby, the atmospheric Jewish Ghetto has a more intimate neighbourhood vibe and it's a great area for food. Don't miss carciofi alla giudìa, deep-fried artichokes, they're a Ghetto specialty in spring. For more inspiration, you might like 20 things to do in Rome year round.

Best hotels in this area

• For a boutique stay: Boutique Hotel Campo de' Fiori.This charming boutique hotel offers an authentic Roman experience near the vibrant Campo de' Fiori square. With its elegant rooms, rooftop terrace boasting panoramic views, and personalised service, it provides a perfect blend of comfort and local flavour.
• For a central location: Campo De Fiori Relais. Situated in the heart of Rome, Campo De Fiori Relais offers stylish accommodation options steps away from the famous market square. Guests enjoy modern amenities, tastefully decorated rooms, and easy access to major attractions.
• For a comfortable stay: Hotel Damaso provides a welcoming retreat in central Rome. With its contemporary design, comfortable rooms, and attentive staff, it caters to both leisure and business travellers. Enjoy convenient amenities and a prime location near Piazza Navona and the Pantheon.

Or browse hundreds of accommodation near Campo de’Fiori at any budget.

Where to stay in Rome for food lovers: Testaccio

Testaccio sits southwest of Rome’s city centre and is the district known for edgy restaurants and pioneering new food trends. It is an earthy neighbourhood but it also boasts a wealth of ancient history and a distinctly arty side.

In recent years the area has become trendy. Property prices have soared, and some unlikely juxtapositions have emerged. Vegetarian restaurants are opening their doors in an area still known for the offal dishes served in its traditional trattorias, and gay and alternative clubs standing cheek-by-jowl with the car-repair shops gouged into Monte Testaccio.

Testaccio’s historic market (Mon–Sat 7am–3:30pm) occupies an airy space between Via Galvani and Via Alessandro Volta, and is a great place to pick up a picnic lunch.

MACRO contemporary art museum makes its home in Testaccio and if you want late-night drinks this is the place for those too. For more family-friendly treats, here's where to discover the best gelato in Rome.

Best hotels in this area

• For a boutique stay: Hotel San Francesco offers a charming boutique experience in the heart of Trastevere. With its elegant rooms, rooftop terrace offering panoramic views, and warm hospitality.
• For a contemporary option: UNAHOTELS Trastevere Roma combines modern design with a prime location in Rome. Featuring stylish rooms, a fitness centre, and excellent dining options.
• For an artistic stay: Hotel Abitart stands out with its unique artistic concept, blending contemporary design with creative flair. Located in the Ostiense district, it offers comfortable rooms, each a canvas of modern art, alongside convenient amenities and easy access to Rome's attractions.

Or browse hundreds of accommodation options in Testaccio at any budget.

Best area to stay in Rome for a local vibe: San Giovanni

Some of the animals that were destined to die in the Colosseum were kept in a zoo up on the Celian Hill, just behind the arena, the furthest south of Rome’s seven hills and probably still its most peaceful, with the park of Villa Celimontana at its heart. Just east, San Giovanni is named after the basilica complex at its centre, which was, before the creation of the separate Vatican city state, the headquarters of the Catholic Church.

At the summit of the Celian Hill, the church of Santi Giovanni e Paolo, marked by its colourful campanile, is dedicated to two government officials who were beheaded here in 316 AD after refusing military service. Around the corner are the remains of what is believed to be their house, the Case Romane.

The ten rooms are patchily frescoed with pagan and Christian subjects, including the Stanza dei Genii, with winged youths and cupids, and the courtyard or nymphaeum, which has a marvellous fresco of a goddess being attended on.

Best hotels in this area

• For budget-friendly comfort: Hotel Reyes .This affordable hotel offers clean, comfortable rooms in a convenient location. With friendly staff and basic amenities, it's an excellent choice for budget-conscious travellers looking to explore Rome without breaking the bank. Easy access to public transportation enhances its value.
• For a residential experience: Hotel Re Di Roma. Situated in the charming Re di Roma neighbourhood, this hotel provides a taste of authentic Roman life. Comfortable rooms, helpful staff, and proximity to local cafes and shops offer guests a more residential experience away from the tourist crowds.
• For music lovers: Jazz Style. This unique hotel celebrates Rome's jazz heritage with musically-themed decor and occasional live performances. Cosy rooms, a welcoming atmosphere, and a convenient location make it an ideal choice for music enthusiasts and those seeking a quirky, memorable stay.

Or browse hundreds of accommodation options in San Giovanni at any budget.

Where to stay for luxury and boutiques: Piazza di Spagna

Via del Babuino leads down from Piazza del Popolo to Piazza di Spagna, a long straggle of a square almost entirely enclosed by buildings and centred on the distinctive boatshaped Barcaccia fountain, the last work of Bernini’s father. It apparently remembers the great flood of Christmas Day 1598, when a barge from the Tiber was washed up on the slopes of Pincio Hill here.

Facing directly onto Piazza di Spagna, opposite the fountain, is the house where the poet John Keats died in 1821. It now serves as the Keats-Shelley House, an archive of English-language literary and historical works. The museum of manuscripts and literary memorabilia relating to the Keats circle of the early nineteenth century – namely the poet himself, Shelley and Mary Shelley, and Byron (who at one time lived across the square).

Best hotels in this area

• For a boutique stay: Charme Spagna Boutique Hotel. This elegant boutique hotel combines modern amenities with classic Roman charm. Located near the Spanish Steps, it offers stylishly decorated rooms, personalised service, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views. 
• For a central location: Trevi Rome Suite. Situated just steps from the iconic Trevi Fountain, this contemporary hotel provides a perfect base for exploring Rome's historic centre. Sleek, well-appointed rooms offer comfort and convenience.
• For a romantic kitsch getaway: SuiteSistina for Brave Lovers. This adults-only hotel caters to couples seeking a kitschy retreat. Featuring in-room hot tubs, and “mood lighting”, it provides an intimate atmosphere for romance. Located near the Spanish Steps, it offers a unique option.

Or browse hundreds of accommodation options near Piazza di Spagna at any budget.

To be close to the Vatican Museums: Prati & Vatican City

On the west bank of the Tiber, just across from the city centre, the Vatican City was established as a sovereign state in 1929. A tiny territory surrounded by high walls on its far western side and on the near side opening its doors to the rest of the city and its pilgrims in the form of St Peter’s and its collonnaded piazza.

The city-state’s one thousand inhabitants have their own radio station, daily newspaper, postal service and indeed security service in the colourfully dressed Swiss Guards. It’s believed that St Peter was buried in a pagan cemetery on Vatican hill, giving rise to the building of a basilica to venerate his name and the siting of the headquarters of the Catholic Church here.

Stretching north from St Peter’s, the Renaissance papal palaces are now home to the Vatican Museums – quite simply, the largest, most compelling and perhaps most exhausting museum complex in the world.

Best hotels in this area

• For a boutique stay: The Boutique Hotel offers an intimate and stylish retreat in Rome. With its carefully curated decor, personalised service, and attention to detail, it provides a unique and memorable stay experience for discerning travellers seeking authenticity and charm.
• For luxury: Hotel Horti 14 boasts elegant rooms, a tranquil garden, and top-notch amenities, it offers a sophisticated oasis. Guests enjoy refined comfort and easy access to Rome's cultural treasures.
• For budget friendly: Eccelso Hotel provides affordable accommodation without compromising on comfort or location. Offering clean, functional rooms and essential amenities, it's ideal for budget-conscious travellers. Its convenient position allows guests to explore Rome's attractions while maintaining value for money.

Or browse hundreds of accommodation options near the Vatican Museums at any budget.

Rome is one of the most beautiful places in Italy. To find more picturesque destinations for inspiration, explore our list of the most beautiful places in Italy.

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