Where to Stay in Rome: A Guide to the Best Neighborhoods & Hotels

After several visits to this part of Italy, we’ve shared our insider tips on where to stay in Rome and composed this guide on how to choose the best hotels in each of the top neighborhoods.

A historical city with seemingly endless opportunities for world-class food, art, shopping, and accommodations, Rome is a destination in which to indulge. Whether you plan on sightseeing ancient ruins, visiting art museums, trying out wines, or people watching in one of the many squares, there is a branch of Roman decadence for every taste.

Whether you’re interested in staying as close to the city center as possible, or if you’re more into a laid back, artsy atmosphere, there is a neighborhood in Rome for you. Here are our top picks for where to stay in our favorite Roman neighborhoods!

Where to Stay in Rome: A Guide to the Best Neighborhoods & Hotels

Trastevere

Located in the 13th rione (neighborhood) on the west bank of the Tiber river, the picturesque quarter of Trastevere is home to cobblestone streets, winding alleys, gorgeous basilicas, and a great selection of cool bars and shops.

In Trastevere, marvel at the medieval Basilica di Santa Maria, people watch from one of the many café’s or wine bars, and do some shopping for authentic Italian handcrafted goods.

Where to Stay in Trastevere

For luxury accommodations, consider Gran Melia Rome.

For a good mid-range option, try out Hotel Ripa Roma.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly experience, check out Radio Hotel.

San Lorenzo

Home to Rome’s bohemian subculture and student population, San Lorenzo is the place to go for great nightlife, food, atmosphere, and street art.

While the neighborhood isn’t necessarily a sightseeing hotspot and is a little off the beaten trail, San Lorenzo is a great option for those looking for a more artsy, affordable place to stay.

Where to Stay in San Lorenzo

For a good mid-range option, try out Hotel Laurentia.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly experience, check out Hotel Vibel.

Monti

Monti, meaning mountains in Italian, is located in the very center of Rome and is one of the city’s oldest residential neighborhoods.

While Monti is mere steps from the Colosseum, this cool little neighborhood is also known for being full of great cafes, bars, vintage shops, and the beautiful Piazza della Madonna dei Monti.

Where to Stay in Monti

For luxury accommodations, consider Villa Spalletti Trivelli.

For a good mid-range option, try out Vibe Giolli Nazionale.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly experience, check out 4 Coronati.

Testaccio

Known for its small town charm, rustic atmosphere, and laid-back attitude, what Testaccio lacks in aesthetics it makes up for in authenticity.

A neighborhood where fun trumps fashion and family experiences are more common than wine bars, Testaccio is a great place to go for anybody looking for great cultural events and a real Italian culinary experience.

Where to Stay in Testaccio

For excellent mid-range options, try out Seven Suites or Hotel Re Testa.

Pigneto

Located east of the city center, and dubbed Rome’s answer to Brooklyn, Pigneto is an awesome neighborhood for those looking to escape the crowds while still experiencing great eclectic restaurants and music venues.

While a little off the beaten path, Pigneto is about 25 minutes from the city center and is well connected to the main sites by public transportation. While there, visit Via del Pigneto, a pedestrian street lined with cute cafes and shops, go on a self-guided street art tour, and try out some of the craft cocktails at one of Pigneto’s many bars.

Where to Stay in Pigneto

For a good mid-range option, try out Pigneto Luxury Rooms.

For a budget-friendly B&B, check out Bed & Breakfast Pigneto.

Prati

An elegant, historic neighborhood, Prati is Rome’s white-collar business hub and is the place to go if you want to be close to the iconic sites (including Vatican City) while staying in a quieter neighborhood.

While mostly frequented by locals, the area also boasts Vatican museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, Hadrian’s Tomb, as well as plenty of wine bars, spacious cafe-lined streets, and the excellent shopping street of Cola di Rienzo.

Where to Stay in Prati

For a mid-range option, consider Twentyone Hotel.

For a budget-friendly hotel, check out Hotel Paradise.

Tridente

Named after the three straight streets that start from Piazza del Popolo and head south, thus taking the shape of a trident, Tridente is in a central area of Rome and is known for being glamorous yet touristy.

The elegant neighborhood is also the home of the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Villa Medici, and designer boutiques.

Where to Stay in Tridente

For a good mid-range option, try out Tridente Suites.

For a great apartment option, try out Locappart Tridente.

Ludovisi

One of the most elegant neighborhoods in Rome, Ludovisi is where to go if you’re keen on staying in luxury hotels and strolling the famous high-end shopping street of Via Veneto, made famous by Federico Fellini’s La Dolce Vita.

Ludovisi is also a very central location. Not only is it within walking distance of many of Rome’s attractions, it is well connected to other areas of the city by public transportation.

Where to Stay in Ludovisi

For luxury accommodations, consider Baglioni Hotel Regina.

For a good mid-range option, try out Hotel Ranieri.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly experience, check out Hotel Katty.

Rome Packing Essentials

Comfortable, Fashion-Forward Clothing: Italians value a well put together wardrobe, but that’s not to say you should sacrifice your comfort while sightseeing. Breezy dresses will keep you fashionable and cool in the summertime, pashminas are great for covering up at religious sites, and a cross-body bag will help to keep your stuff safe.

Walkable Shoes: The core of Rome is a very walkable place to be, so you’re going to want to pack comfortable shoes like these flats.