With a story spanning over 2,700 years, Rome was first called the “Eternal City” by the poet Tibullus in the 1st century B.C. Rome has played a major political, cultural, and religious role in Western civilization for much of its existence. Known for its ancient, medieval, and baroque architecture, world-class museums, and famous cuisine, the Italian capital is one of the most visited cities in Europe.
Located in central Italy, some 30 kilometers from the Tyrrhenian Sea and on the Tiber River banks, Rome is Italy’s capital and most populated city. Its urban center also includes Vatican City, the smallest sovereign nation in the world. From a tourist point of view, Rome is famous for being home to the Colosseum and Imperial Forum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and Saint Peter’s Basilica. Considered one of the most romantic places in the world, Rome is home to a broad offer of luxury hotels. That said, the city also offers budget accommodation options.
It doesn’t matter whether it’s your first time visiting Rome or if you’re looking for that special area for a romantic trip, keep reading to find out more about our selection of the best areas to stay in Rome for every type of traveler.
Accommodation Options in Rome
If you don’t have the time or the patience to read the full post, here is a quick summary of our recommended quarters to stay in Rome. Keep reading to find out more information about each of these areas.
- Best area for sightseeing: Centro Storico (Historic City Centre)
- Best areas for nightlife: Trastevere | Testaccio-Aventino
- Most exclusive area in Rome: Spagna & Campo Marzio
- Best area in Rome for a honeymoon or romantic trip: Navona & Campo de’ Fiori
- Best area for shopping: Via Condotti (Spagna)
- Best area for a cultural trip: Colosseum
- Best area for a pilgrimage or religious trip: Vaticano & Prati
- Cheap area to stay in Rome: Stazione Termini
- Best area for business travelers: EUR Roma
- Best area for LGBTQ+ travelers: Rome’s Gay Street (Colosseum)
What’s the Best Area to Stay in Rome?
The best area to stay in Rome is Centro Storico, especially if you are a first-time visitor to the city. This area, located on both sides of the Tiber River, in the heart of the Italian capital, is divided into 22 attraction-packed Rioni (neighborhoods), each one with a different flavor. This World Heritage Site offers some of the most visited attractions in Rome, including the Roman-era Colosseum, Imperial Forums and Pantheon, the most beautiful medieval and renaissance churches and civil buildings, as well as some of the best-rated hotels in Rome.
Find Available Accommodation in Centro Storico.
Best Hotels in Rome’s Historic City Centre
- Best five-star hotel: Hotel Vilòn – Small Luxury Hotels of the World
- Best four-star hotel: Hotel Artemide
- Best three-star hotel: Hotel Santa Maria
- Best budget hotel: Hotel Domus Praetoria
- Best tourist apartments: Babuino 79
Where to Stay in Rome for Sightseeing
As we’ve already established, Centro Storico is the best location for tourists in Rome. However, the Italian capital’s Historic City Centre covers a massive area (roughly 20 km²), so we have divided it into smaller sections for your convenience:
- Located on the east bank of the Tiber, the area around Piazza Navona & Campo de’ Fiori is arguably the most charming area to stay in the center of Rome. Featuring a maze of narrow, centuries-old alleys, this quarter is known for its piazzas, markets, and upscale accommodation. Some great hotels around Navona are Hotel De’ Ricci and Hotel Martis Place.
- One of the oldest parts of the city, the Colosseum Quarter, is home to some of the top-rated historical sights in Rome. Other than the eponymous amphitheater, this ancient area includes landmarks like the Roman Forum, the Capitoline Museums, and the Altar of the Fatherland. Some of the best places to stay near the Colosseum include the 3-star Hotel Lancelot and the modern NH Collection Roma Fori Imperiali.
- Centered around Piazza della Rotonda, the Pantheon Quarter is also home to other important Roman attractions like the Obelisco della Minerva, Sant’ Ignazio di Loyola church, and the Roman-era Temple of Adriano. Some of the best hotels near the Pantheon are the Singer Palace Hotel and Albergo del Senato.
- The Trevi Rione, located between the city center and the elegant Piazza de Spagna, is home to the Trevi Fountain, Palazzo del Quirinale, and Via Quattro Fontane. This quarter is also known for its gorgeous boutique hotels like A World Aparts – Barberini Boutique Hotel and Palazzo Caruso.
- Another great district for tourists in Rome is Spagna & Campo Marzio, an upscale shopping area home to via Condotti and the Spanish Steps, where you’ll find the biggest names in Italian and international fashion. Some of the top hotels in this area are the Hotel Vilòn – Small Luxury Hotels of the World, and J.K. Place Roma – The Leading Hotels of the World.
The Best Areas for Tourists in Rome: District by District
1. Piazza Navona & Campo de’ Fiori
Most Romantic Area to Stay in Rome
Located in the heart of Rome’s Old Town and surrounded by gorgeous historical buildings, Piazza Navona is one of the most charming squares in the Italian capital.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Rome:
- Heart of the city
- Great area for sightseeing
- Fountains and statues
- Luxury & boutique hotels
- Campo de’ Fiori
- Old Jewish Quarter
- Charming streets and squares
Built between 1648 and 1651 on the site of a Roman-era stadium and commissioned by Pope Innocent X, Piazza Navona is one of Rome’s most famous monumental squares. Considered a symbol of Baroque architecture in the city, the piazza features Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s architectural and sculptural elements, including the Fountain of the Four Rivers, which represents the Danube, the Ganges, the Nile and the Río de la Plata, the four corners of the earth, as well as works by other masters such as Francesco Borromini and Girolamo Rainaldi.
One of the most visited squares in Rome, the piazza also hosts a market and has become a place for meeting and performing street artists.
A 5-minute walk from Navona, Campo de Fiori (Field of Flowers) is one of the most famous open markets in the Italian capital and the only historic square in Rome without a church. Popular among locals and tourists for its flowers, fresh produce, and delicatessen, the area is a buzzing meeting point after sunset thanks to its wealth of restaurants, cocktail bars, and terraces.
Piazza Navona and Campo de Fiori are famous for their narrow cobbled streets and charming atmosphere and are also the site of many palaces and museums. Some other attractions in this area include the Madama Palace, Museo di Roma – Palazzo Braschi, Spada Gallery, Palazzo Farnese, Palazzo della Cancelleria, Museo Napoleonico, Largo di Torre Argentina and the site of the former Jewish Ghetto of Rome.
Its perfect location, historical and cultural attractions, and charming ambiance make this district one of the most popular areas for tourists. Navona & Campo de’ Fiori also hosts a broad selection of luxury hotels and experiences, as well as tourist apartments, making it the best place to stay in Rome for couples or during a first trip to the city.
Best Hotels on Piazza Navona and Around
2. Colosseo & Imperial Forums
Best Location in Rome for Sightseeing
One of the most important archeological sites in the world, staying near the Colosseum allows you to see the symbol of ancient imperial Rome up close.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Rome:
- Colosseum
- Best area for sightseeing
- Imperial Forums
- Capitoline Museums
- Broad selection of accommodation
- Connected by metro
- LGBTQ+ area
Whether you’re an ancient history fan or want to check out the quintessential Roman landmark, the Colosseo Quarter is for you.
One of Earth’s most visited tourist attractions, Parco Archeologico del Colosseo, includes the Flavian Amphitheater, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, the Domus Aurea, and the Arch of Constantine. Together, they represent the most significant testaments to the political and religious history of the most powerful city in the ancient Western world.
On its northwestern end lies the Campidoglio or Monte Capitolino, the most important of Rome’s seven hills and home to the Capitoline Museums. Opened to the public in 1734, the Capitolini are considered the first museum in the world. The palazzi hosting the museums and the trapezoidal central piazza were part of a significant urban plan designed by Michelangelo. Not far, lies the neoclassical Monumento Nazionale. Built between 1885 and 1935, the immaculate white structure is humorously known by Romans as “The Typewriter” or “The Wedding Cake.”
Leading east from the Colosseum, Via San Giovanni in Laterano was officially designated in 2007 as Rome’s Gay Street, a gay and lesbian-friendly neighborhood home to many LGBT-oriented venues.
Other than its famous ancient Roman remains and the Capitoline Museums, the Colosseum Quarter hosts hidden gems like the Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli, home to Michelangelo’s Judas, the Vespa Museum, and the Colle Oppio Park.
The Colosseum area is also convenient to stay in Rome thanks to its public transport links. Colosseo metro station, located right next to the amphitheater, offers line B connections directly to Termini railway station. Furthermore, several tram lines cross the whole quarter, and Piazza Venezia features a busy bus interchange.
More importantly, this Roman district hosts the widest variety of places to stay in Rome, ranging from modest 2-star properties to the most luxurious hotels with breathtaking views of Rome.
Best Colosseum Hotels
3. Spagna & Campo Marzio
Best Location in Rome for Shopping
Situated north of the Historic City Centre, the Spagna quarter is home to the Spanish Steps and Via Condotti, one of the most important fashion shopping streets in Europe.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Rome:
- Piazza di Spagna
- Via Condotti
- Luxury fashion brands
- Upscale hotels
- Connected by metro
- Villa Borghese
Campo Marzio is an upscale shopping and residential district home to some of the biggest fashion names in Italy. Via del Babuino, and especially Via Dei Condotti, are synonymous with haute couture and luxury. You’ll find the latest Valentino, Dolce & Gabanna, and Gucci collections on these streets. Meanwhile, Via del Corso is slightly down-to-earth, featuring high-street brands like H&M, Zara, and Mango.
At the heart of this lovely section of town lies Piazza di Spagna and the Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti. Widely known in English as the “Spanish Steps,” these baroque-style public stairs were built in the 18th century to connect the piazza to the church above.
The Villa Borghese, an extensive lavish park home to several city museums, including the Borghese Gallery and Museum and Museo Carlo Bilotti, dominates the quarter’s eastern portion.
As a world-renowned luxury shopping destination, most of the hotel properties in Campo Marzio cater to an upscale clientele, especially around Piazza di Spagna and Via dei Condotti. Campo Marzio is the best location in Rome for a luxurious holiday.
Best Hotels Near Piazza di Spagna & Via Condotti
4. Trevi
Perfect Location Around the World’s Most Famous Fountain
The Trevi Quarter is a perfect location for sightseeing in Rome.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Rome:
- Trevi Fountain
- Boutique Hotels
- Near Spagna & Termini
- National Gallery of Ancient Art
- Modern Art Gallery
- Fontana del Tritone
- Boutique hotels
Located halfway between the Pantheon, Spagna, and Termini, the Trevi Quarter offers a perfect location in the heart of Centro Storico.
At its center lies the Fountain of Trevi. Designed by Nicola Salvi, this breathtakingly beautiful fontana is the largest Baroque fountain in Rome and one of the most famous fountains in the world. Legend has it that if you toss a coin over your shoulder directly into the fountain, you will return to the Eternal City.
Not far, near Barberini metro station, you’ll find the Fontana del Tritone, another famous fountain by the Baroque sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Connecting Piazza Barberini to Villa Borghese, Via Vittorio Veneto is, together with Via dei Condotti, one of the most luxurious streets in Rome.
Other attractions in this lovely area include the Modern Art Gallery, the Quirinal Palace, the Vicus Caprarius, the National Gallery of Ancient Art in Barberini Palace, and the Capuchin Crypt.
As can be expected from one of the most desirable quarters in Rome, Trevi is home to some of the most beautiful luxury and boutique hotels in town, especially around Barberini and Via Vittorio Veneto.
Best Hotels in the Trevi Quarter
5. Pantheon
Best Location for First-Time Visitors to Rome
Located between Trevi, Navona, Spagna & the Imperial Forum, the Pantheon Quarter is perfect for those who want to stay close to the best attractions in Rome.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Rome:
- Very central location
- Best area for a short visit
- Pantheon
- Sant’Ignazio di Loyola
- Great area for walking
Located around 1.3 km east of Piazza Navona, the Pantheon Quarter is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Rome.
Its most important monument, the Pantheon, is one of the most visited tourist sights in Rome. This former Roman temple, located on Piazza della Rotonda and originally dedicated to all the gods, was later turned into a Catholic church. It is one of the best-preserved examples of ancient Roman buildings and, almost two millennia after it was built, still has the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome.
Around the temple, you’ll find other Roman attractions, such as Sant’Ignazio di Loyola church, Basilica di Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, the National Roman Museum – Palazzo Altemps, Tempio di Adriano, and Piazza Colonna.
This quarter is a great starting point for those who like to discover the city on foot, as the ancient Imperial Forums, the Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps are easily accessible.
Best Hotels in the Pantheon Quarter
6. Prati & Borgo
Best Location for Saint Peter’s Basilica & the Vatican Museums
Located on the western bank of the Tiber, Borgo & Prati are excellent locations for a Roman holiday.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Rome:
- Saint Peter’s Basilica
- Vatican Museums
- Castel Sant’Angelo
- Quiet areas to stay
- Best districts for a pilgrimage
- Boutique hotels
Bordering Vatican City, Prati and Borgo are two of the most elegant districts in Rome.
North of the Vatican, Prati developed much later than the rest of Rome and is known for its wide streets and art nouveau buildings. With Via Cola di Rienzo as its main commercial thoroughfare, this quarter is known for its many upscale boutiques, restaurants, and bars.
Meanwhile, Borgo is home to the Castel Sant’Angelo, a 2nd-century castle with gardens and panoramic city views. Via della Conciliazione connects the castle to Michelangelo’s Saint Peter’s Square.
Best Hotels Near the Vatican
7. Monti & Stazione Termini
Cheapest area to stay in Rome
Termini railway station is a well-connected and centrally-located area packed with budget hotels.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Rome:
- Central railway station
- Cheap hotels
- Well-connected by metro
Termini is the main railway station in Italy.
Probably the cheapest area to stay in Rome, the main attractions near the station include Piazza della Repubblica, the Roman Baths of Diocletian, the Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore and the Palazzo Massimo alle Terme.
While convenient to move around thanks to its railway and metro connections, please note that this area can be a bit sketchy at night. It is best to keep your guard up if you are staying in the immediate vicinity of the train station.
Best Hotels Near Termini Railway Station
8. Trastevere
Best Location for Nightlife in Rome
Located on the west bank of the Tiber, Trastevere is a lively young area with an alternative vibe and lots of restaurants.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Rome:
- Alternative, bohemian vibe
- Excelent nighlife & food scene
- Boutique hotels and budget accommodation
Trastevere, literally “beyond the Tiber”, is one of the most vibrant places in Rome.
This area is just gorgeous; narrow, cobbled streets bordered by colourful buildings lead to shady piazzas and ancient churches. Restaurants, bars, cafes and pubs abound in this area. The nightlife is vibrant, and you will have the opportunity to see the locals exercising their bella figura (the Italian philosophy of dressing well to make a good impression).
Because it is not as central as other districts on this list, Trastevere is far from the most touristy place in Rome. And we like it that way. In reality, Campo de’ Fiori and the Pantheon are only a 20-25 minute walk away, and there are plenty of buses, trams and taxis.
Best Hotels in Trastevere
9. Testaccio & Aventino
Best Location for Foodies in Rome
With a great nightlife and food scene, Testaccio is a great alternative area to stay in Rome.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Rome:
- Alternative, bohemian vibe
- Testaccio Market
- Best area for restaurants
- Excellent nightlife
Mainly off the beaten path, Testaccio is located south of the City Centre. If yummy Italian food is a priority when visiting Rome, do yourself a favour and stay in Testaccio!
This modest district grew around a former slaughterhouse and is now known for its authentic and wonderful trattorias and for being home to Rome’s best gourmet food market. Testaccio Market offers 100+ gourmet & fresh food stalls and is a great place to find local delicatessen.
A few streets north, but not far, is the quiet Aventine Hill, one of the most exclusive enclaves in Rome. Largely residential, it houses a few accommodations offering peace and tranquillity while being only a few steps from the ancient Roman monuments. Here, you can enjoy excellent views of Rome.
Where to stay in Rome: My favorite neighborhood is Trastavere – a lively walkable area with great restaurants, nightlife, and close to everything. At first sight, Rome can seem chaotic and confusing. But once you’ve found your feet, you’ll find it has a surprisingly compact center and you’ll be able to do much of your exploring on foot.