Before you get all veni, vidi, vici in the Eternal City, you need to know the best areas to stay in Rome.
There are roughly 20 distinct areas within the center of Rome. In Ancient Rome, there were 14 regiones; in modern Rome, the city is divided into municipi, with each hosting a number of neighborhoods. The good news is that most of your Roman conquest will take place in Municipio I in the city center.
So where is the best area to stay in Rome? That depends on what you’re trying to see, spend, and do. Here are a few of the best areas to stay in Rome, Italy.
Image Credit: Getty Images, agsl10. Image Location: Campo de' Fiori, Rome, Italy
Identifying the best area to stay in Rome
The Eternal City is enormous, even by European standards.
Does Rome have a subway or metro system?
Yes, along with a number of train stations connecting Rome to other parts of Italy, the Rome metro covers a wide area of the city. A metro pass plus a little bit of walking will help you check off almost every item on your Roman itinerary.
What is the best area to stay in Rome?
Generally speaking, the best area to stay in Rome is Municipio I in the city center. The heart of Rome is where you’ll find all of those ruins that filled the pages of your elementary school history books.
Where is the best area to stay in Rome?
Bumping up next to the Colosseum and Roman Forum, Monti is a great city-center neighborhood in Rome to spend a few nights in. Trevi naturally puts you beside the Trevi Fountain and is likely as crowded as staying in the Parione neighborhood near the Pantheon. You’ll find us in Esquilino near Roma Termini, of course.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Julian Elliott Photography. Image Location: Ponte Sant'Angelo, Rome, Italy
Best areas to stay in Rome
Because “everywhere” is too obvious of an option.
Best area to stay in Rome first time
Stay as close to Ancient Rome as possible without a time machine.
Centro Storico
Centro Storico is Rome’s historic center, home to everything from the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain to the Colosseum and Spanish Steps. It’s exactly where you want to be if your traveler profile reads “trying to see everything ancient in Rome”. In all seriousness, it is quite humbling to wake up each morning and immediately be immersed in Rome’s legendary history.
Celio
The Colosseum neighbors Celio, making it an obvious best area to stay in Rome for first-time visitors. Many of the accommodations are B&Bs or rental apartments, which means a solid self-catered stay. Trading amenities like a hotel pool and turndown service for fast-access to Circus Maximus and Palatine Hill are well-worth it.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Photo Beto. Image Location: Via di San Giovanni in Laterano, Celio, Rome, Italy
Best area to stay in Rome for families
When in Rome (with kids)...
Prati
Northeast of Vatican City, Prati is a little more posh than other areas of Rome. Parents looking for an upscale neighborhood will love pushing a stroller up the Via Cola di Rienzo in search of boutique shops and cafes. While it’s not brimming with activities for children, the nearby metro line will take the little ones away from the “boring buildings” and over to the Oasi amusement park.
Villa Borghese/Municipio II
Just north of Municipio I, the Villa Borghese Gardens area is a lot quieter and relaxed than the bustling historic center. The greenspace has ample opportunity to tire out the little ones, though you can still get a culture fix in one of its many museums. Bike rentals, a children’s playroom, and the Bioparco di Roma zoo make this family-friendly area of Rome an easy choice.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Alberto Guglielmi. Image Location: Piazza Trilussa, Trastevere, Rome, Italy
Best areas to stay in Rome for pizza and the Pope
Because food and faith are two of Rome’s biggest draws.
San Lorenzo
Quartiere San Lorenzo sets its tables up between Roma Termini and the Quadriportico Verano Cemetery. It feels a little detached from the landmark sites, and perhaps that’s one reason why it’s a great place to dine. Trattorias, wine bars, and a few of the best pizza places in Rome line the streets of this cozy quarter.
Municipio XIII/Trastevere
Unless you’re clergy or a member of the Swiss Guard, you can’t exactly shack up in Vatican City, but you can sleep right next door. The southern end of this micronation touches both Municipio XIII and Trastevere. Residenza Paolo VI Hotel is directly across the street from St. Peter’s Square, giving you instant access to the head of the queue for a seat at mass or touring the Vatican Museum.
Find La Dolce Vita in Rome
All rails in Italy lead to Rome, as well as countless other European destinations. Download the Trainline app and purchase tickets to Roma Termini today. And no matter where you veni, vidi, vici, remember: semper ubi sub ubi.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Photo Beto. Image Location: Prati, Rome, Italy