Wondering where to stay in Rome? Choosing the location of holiday accommodation can truly make or break a trip. While social butterflies often flourish in a lively part of town, those who plan for a more peaceful retreat might not enjoy staying in a party hotspot. It’s personal. Figure out which Rome neighborhood is right for you with this handy guide.
Though Trastevere has now been well and truly discovered by tourists – don’t trust guidebooks that still describe it as ‘off the beaten path’ – this ivy-clad neighborhood remains one of Rome’s most charming places to stay. Spend some time people watching in the piazzas and getting lost among the maze of vicoli. Wandering these narrow streets without a care is a great way to get a feel for local life and discover the area’s shops, cafes, and markets at your own pace. Don’t miss the intricate Byzantine mosaics at the Basilica of Santa Maria or Raphael’s frescoes at Villa Farnesina. Plenty of bars and restaurants make this an excellent location for drinks, dinner, or both.
See more of our favorite places in Trastevere here.
Heaps of serious cash is dropped every day in Piazza di Spagna and beyond, as brands like Gucci, Prada, and Bulgari have all opened luxurious boutiques here. The undisputed focal point of the area though, is the grandiose Spanish Steps. The 174-step monumental staircase takes its name from the nearby Spanish Embassy to the Holy See but is more famous for its starring role alongside Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday. Close proximity and easy access to almost all of Rome’s main attractions make it a convenient neighborhood to stay in while the views can be really special here if you find the right spot (like at our *New for 2022* Spanish Steps Dream Penthouse Apartment). If shopping ‘til you drop isn’t your thing, cultural institutions the Keats-Shelley House and Babington’s Tea Room might just appeal.
This busy part of town is popular with those who want to be in the heart of the action and within walking distance of the city’s most famous attractions. Crowds inevitably gather at the beautifully Baroque Trevi Fountain but choosing an apartment nearby (like our luxurious Grand Bohome Home) means you can easily stop by early morning or late at night when the hordes have left. A recent addition to the area is the multi-storey Rinascente department store, offering designer goods, a gourmet food court, rooftop bar, and, most interestingly, an ancient aqueduct in the basement.
Side street in Monti © Fiammetta Bruni/Flickr
Monti is a small but perfectly formed neighborhood next to the Colosseum. Once a red-light district, it now occupies prime real estate and is frequented by the bohemian crowd who love its cocktail bars, alternative fashion boutiques, and range of dining options. It’s often referred to as hipster, but Monti has both style and substance, and has retained its village-like feel in the face of gentrification. Two of our favorite spots are Urbana47, for contemporary dishes made with local ingredients, and Fatamorgana, for inventive and artisanal gelato. Our Daphne Terrace Suite is the ideal jumping-off point to explore everything on offer here.
Fontana del Tritone © Rodney/Flickr
Much of Piazza Barberini’s appeal as a place to stay lies in its tourist-friendly location in close proximity to Termini station and the historic center – plus, it has its own metro stop so heading further afield is a cinch – but the area itself has a lot going for it too. (For starters, there’s our stunning Quattro Fontane Luxury Apartment.) Bernini’s Fontana del Tritone, which depicts the powerful sea god Triton, is an arresting centerpiece for a neighborhood known for its 1960’s dolce vita vibes. At the end of Via Veneto (the setting of Fellini’s classic movie) Villa Borghese is a verdant refuge from the chaos of the city while art buffs should book tickets to the park’s galleria to see more of Bernini’s mastery of marble.
