If it’s your first time in Rome, staying in Centro Storico is a no-brainer. You’ll be surrounded by renaissance-era palaces, charming piazzas, and some of Italy’s most iconic landmarks – like the Pantheon, Piazza Navona and the Trevi Fountain – all within walking distance! This is where to stay in Rome if you really want to be amongst the main sights.

Pros: Walkable, central, atmospheric, full of cafés and shops

Things to consider: Expensive and can be noisy

Just across the Tiber River, Trastevere is a bohemian neighbourhood with cobbled streets, ivy-covered buildings, a buzzing food and nightlife scene, and an old-world charm. It’s where to stay in Rome is you’re looking for a more laid-back and local vibe. 

Pros: Authentic feel, excellent restaurants and bars, picturesque

Things to consider: Slightly farther from the main attractions, can be noisy at night

Nestled between the Colosseum and Via Nazionale, Monti blends ancient history with modern hipness. Think vintage shops, artisan boutiques, and Roman ruins – all in one neighbourhood! It’s a little quieter than Centro Storico, but still very central. 

Pros: Trendy, close to Colosseum and Roman Forum, walkable

Things to consider: There’s a smaller selection of big hotels

Northwest of the river, Prati is an elegant, orderly district near the Vatican museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, and Castel Sant’Angelo. It’s a great option for where to stay in Rome if you’re planning on visiting the Vatican, or if you prefer a more local, residential feel. 

Pros: Safe, clean, good shopping, excellent transport 

Things to consider: Less nightlife, further from some ancient landmarks

Rome’s main train station (Termini) sits in this neighbourhood, making it super convenient if you plan on taking train trips in Italy. While not quite as charming as other areas, it offers great value for money and excellent transport links. 

Pros: Affordable hotels, well-connected, good food scene

Things to consider: Less scenic, can feel gritty in spots

Close to the Tiber River and Centro Storico, this area offers a more intimate, off-the-beaten-path experience. You’ll find ancient synagogues, Roman ruins, and one of the oldest Jewish communities in Europe, alongside vibrant piazzas and local trattorias. 

Pros: Great location, rich history, fantastic food

Things to consider: Limited hotel options, can be noisy

Once a working-class district, Testaccio is now a culinary hotspot and a cultural undercurrent of modern Rome. With traditional trattorias, a great market, and fewer tourists, it’s perfect the perfect place to stay in Rome for those looking to delve a little deeper into Roman life. 

Pros: Authentic, excellent cuisine, fewer tourists

Things to consider: Further from most landmarks