Where to stay in Rome

In Rome, there are 22 districts (rioni), each unique in its own way. However, for tourists visiting Rome for 2-3 days, it’s best to choose the more tourist-friendly areas, making it easier to reach the city’s most famous landmarks.

Let’s explore the key districts of Rome where you can stay in great hotels or apartments without wasting time commuting from the outskirts.

Staying in Rome

Rome is one of the most expensive cities in Italy. The districts listed below offer some relatively affordable accommodation options. To get an idea of available lodging and current room or apartment prices, check out the accommodation map below:

If you’re a tourist visiting Rome for a few days, look for accommodation in the historic center. The historic center of Rome (Italian: Centro Storico) refers to the area within the city walls, covering just over 5 square miles (about 14 square kilometers). Most of Rome’s famous attractions are located here: the Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, Campo de’ Fiori, Trastevere, the Vatican and Villa Borghese, the Colosseum, and Termini.

Termini

The most budget-friendly option is staying in hotels near Termini Station. This area, located south of Termini Station, is named after the ancient Roman baths that once stood there. If you’re arriving by train, you’ll likely stop at Termini, though other stations exist.

The immediate vicinity of the station can be a bit rough, with some homeless individuals around. However, just a short walk away, you’ll find the real Rome—a bustling Italian capital. Expect lots of noise from rolling suitcases as travelers rush through the streets.

Near Termini Station, there is a wide selection of decent 3-4-star hotels with good service. Additionally, the area has excellent transport connections: airport buses, trains, metro, and city bus stops are all conveniently located right in front of the station.

What to See in the Termini Area

Right next to Termini Station is the impressive complex of the Baths of Diocletian (Museo Nazionale Romano, Terme di Diocleziano). This museum, featuring ruins of ancient Roman baths, is truly fascinating.
Adjacent to the baths is the Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore, which offers free entry.
Almost opposite, on Via Nazionale, is the Rome Opera House (Teatro dell’Opera di Roma). If you buy tickets for a show, your hotel will be conveniently close afterward.
The Colosseum is a 20-minute walk from Termini, but remember, Rome was built on hills. If you have mobility issues, it’s better to take the metro for a couple of stops.

Hotels Near Termini Station

Aelius≫ – Located on Via Volturno, near the metro and Termini Station, with many cafés and restaurants nearby. A small but comfortable hotel. Despite being near the station, it is quiet and cozy, just a 15-minute walk from Rome’s main attractions. Great service at an affordable price.
Napoleone Suite≫ – A fantastic location, just a 5-minute walk from the train station, bus station, and metro. It’s also only a 10-minute walk to the Colosseum. The spacious and quiet rooms, along with a helpful host providing great travel tips, make it a perfect stay in Rome.Relais Cavour Inn≫ – Conveniently located near all major attractions, clean rooms, and a great breakfast included in the price. Excellent communication with the owners and easy check-in with clear instructions. Friendly staff who fulfilled every request with respect. In-room coffee machine with delicious coffee.

Prati and Aurelio

North of the Vatican lies the northwestern district of Prati. Surrounding the Vatican to the west is the neighboring area of Aurelio. These two districts have excellent metro service and are considered convenient places to stay. In fact, during our first visit to Rome, we stayed in this area at a lovely small hotel for a lower price than a hotel room in central Rome. If you’re planning to visit the Vatican and do some shopping, this is the perfect location for you.

Our hotel was located near Via Cola di Rienzo—a favorite shopping street among Romans. A very convenient choice: great infrastructure, close to the Ottaviano metro station and the airport shuttle stop.

What to See in Prati

Prati is located near the Vatican. If you plan to visit St. Peter’s Basilica, leave your hotel as early as possible to avoid standing in long queues under the sun. Also, purchase tickets for the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel in advance, as they have limited availability and attract large crowds.
It’s also just a 15-minute walk from here to Castel Sant’Angelo and the Tiber River promenade, which is a lovely place to stroll at sunset.

Hotels in Prati:

The Center Of Rome B&B≫ – We stayed at this hotel during our first visit to Rome. It is located very close to the Vatican and other landmarks. Despite being in the center, it is a peaceful and quiet place. The rooms are small but very clean, with air conditioning. Highly recommended.
Domus Terenzio≫ – A clean hotel located near public transportation stops, away from the hustle and bustle of the city center. This is a very safe area of Rome. There is a charming garden behind the building where you can enjoy breakfast.
Eighty Four Luxury Rooms≫ – A very clean hotel near the Vatican, in a peaceful and quiet neighborhood of Rome.

Monti

Monti, which is developing today, is the largest district of Rome. It is named after three hills: Quirinal, Viminal, and Esquiline. To the south, it is bordered by the Colosseum and San Giovanni in Laterano (Basilica of St. John Lateran), the cathedral of the Roman diocese and one of the finest churches in Rome.

The presence of a landmark like the Colosseum is a significant argument in favor of choosing accommodation here. Hotels near the Colosseum are a great choice for those who love historic buildings. Many hotels in this area have been preserved from past centuries, allowing visitors to experience the culture of the ancient city.

The district can be described as noisy and lively, with transport hubs, cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops. It is easy to reach other museums and monuments. The Colosseum is rightfully considered a treasure of Italy, making its visit an essential part of many travelers’ itineraries.

What to See in Monti

Of course, if you are in Rome, visit the Colosseum. It is so monumental that it still amazes the imagination. Buy tickets in advance—it’s more advantageous to purchase a combined ticket for Colosseum + Roman Forum. This ticket can be used over two days—one day for the Colosseum, the other for the Roman Forum.
Pinacoteca Museum, where you can see artworks from different periods and eras.
Circus Maximus — on the other side of Palatine Hill is a huge field where Roman horse races were once held.

Hotels in Monti

Hotel Martino Ai Monti≫ – A hotel located in Monti, between the Colosseum and Termini Station. Very convenient location on a quiet street, excellent service—daily cleaning, many restaurants and historical sites nearby. The Colosseum is a 20-minute walk down a beautiful green street. The rooms are small but well-equipped with everything necessary—extra pillows, toiletries, tea, coffee, sugar, and white towels.
B&B Santi Quattro Al Colosseo≫ – Located next to the Colosseum, offering the opportunity to enjoy the view daily. The rooms are nearly perfect, with hot showers, good Wi-Fi, cleanliness, and a small balcony with a view of the Colosseum.
Domus Diana≫ – Excellent location, just a 10-minute walk from the Colosseum and Termini Station. Traditional Roman breakfasts—morning coffee and croissants—are highly praised. The rooms are clean, mattresses are comfortable, and towels are soft and bright white. Daily cleaning service is provided.

Trastevere

On my second visit to Rome, I stayed in the Trastevere district. Because I fell in love with it from the first time. I recommend staying here or in the Campo dei Fiori area to experience authentic Rome with quiet courtyards, cozy narrow streets.

Trastevere is located on the west bank of the Tiber, and there are many small restaurants, pizzerias and bakeries. As well as small museums and many interesting churches. Trastevere is crisscrossed by narrow cobblestone streets around the Museo di Roma in Trastevere. In the evening it is especially beautiful here – walking, looking into small courtyards, drinking wine on street terraces – this is all Trastevere.

What to see in Trastevere

This is where the church of Santa Maria in Trastevere is located, one of the oldest in Rome.
There is also a popular botanical garden here.
If you want to get some exercise and want to see the magnificent views of the city you are in, climb Il Gianicolo – Janiculum Hill. In the evening, it offers an incredibly beautiful view of Rome at sunset.
Trattorias, restaurants, pizzerias Trastevere is something you will definitely enjoy day and night.

Hotels in Trastevere

Attico con terrazza Santa Cecilia≫ – wonderful apartment with a terrace in a quiet part of Trastevere – near the church of Santa Sicilia. I lived in the neighboring building last year, there are no crowds here like in the center of Trastevere, very cozy and at the same time close to restaurants.
Flatinrome Rooms in Trastevere≫ – Great location in Trestavere and 20 minutes walk from Trestavere train station. Easy to find and within walking distance of various amenities such as pharmacy, clothing stores, bars and restaurants.
Roma Trasteverina≫ – Great location in the heart of Trastevere. There are many restaurants near the hotel and all the famous places are within walking distance. Very clean, quiet and comfortable room.

Sant’Angelo, Pigna and Regolo

These three riones, bounded on the southwest by the Tiber River, are effectively the heart of Old Rome. They are located opposite the Castel Sant’Angelo, between Trastevere and Monti. They are very charming neighborhoods, especially around Piazza Farnese and Campo de’ Fiori, and Piazza Navona nearby.

Piazza Farnese is much quieter than Campo de’ Fiori, so I prefer to look for accommodation near Palazzo Farnese, the French Embassy.

What to see in Pinha and Regolo

Thanks to its waterfront, this is another great place to stroll along the Tiber. Walk along the quiet and elegant Via Giulia, across the Ponte Sant’Angelo to Castel Sant’Angelo.
The most important parts of the Sant’Angelo district are the Roman Ghetto and the Great Synagogue of Rome (Tempio Maggiore di Roma), which is the largest synagogue in Rome. There are also many kosher restaurants and bakeries that bake delicious pies.
Near the ghetto is La Fontana delle Tartaruge. It is a small fountain in a small square where there are a few bars. It is a very nice place – you should definitely find it.
In the Regola district, there is a long list of historical monuments, such as: Palazzo Farnese, Arco Farnese, and the church of San Giovanni dei Fiorentini.
Piazza della Rotonda is home to the Pantheon. Get there early as the line can get long, and take an audio guide for all the details.
Monument to Victor Emmanuel II in Piazza Venezia is a monumental historical building in the Pigna district near the Capitoline Hill. It is a must see!
The Teatro de Marcello is another Colosseum that is now inhabited by people.

Hotels in Pigna and Regolo

Jb Relais Luxury≫ – Great location near Piazza Navona, close to everything but quiet. Small hotel (only 5-6 rooms), comfortable bed and friendly staff.
Navona Sky Palace≫ – great location in the center of Old Rome, incredibly clean rooms, good service.
Migliori Collection Piazza Navona≫ – Great hotel, very nice rooms, great bed and extremely clean place. The staff is great and always very helpful. Just keep in mind that this is not a hotel, it is a bed and breakfast (no 24 hour reception).

Campo Marzio

The northern district includes the Piazza del Popolo, the Ara Pacis, an altar built during the reign of Augustus, and the famous Spanish Steps. There are also fashionable shopping streets with clothing boutiques. As well as streets with ancient shops selling everyday goods such as wine and olive oil. This area, which includes Via del Corso, Via dei Condotti and Via Margutta, has fantastic views, shops and art galleries that are not to be missed.

Of course, there are many historical sites to see. The square is a great place to rest for the weary traveler, and there are some fantastic places to grab a coffee if you need a little pick-me-up.

What to see in the Campo Marzio area

Villa Borghese is a huge park on a hill overlooking Piazza del Popolo. It is very cozy and beautiful, and the observation decks offer a wonderful view of Rome.
The Spanish Steps are a very popular place, it is better to come here in the morning to avoid the crowds of tourists.
So is the Trevi Fountain, which is located not far from the stairs. Some people get up before dawn to see the fountain without people. But it is also wonderful at night with night lighting. During the day, you can’t push your way through here – keep that in mind.
If you are interested in skeletons, go to the Roman Catacombs, Museum and Crypt of the Capuchin Friars. They are located near Piazza Barberini with its magnificent fountain with Tritons.

Hotels in Campo Marzio

Martina House≫ – Great location, not far from the busy tourist area but within easy walking distance of most attractions. Large spacious apartment in a beautiful quiet building.
D.R.Rome Spanish Luxury Suites≫ – The location of the apartment is perfect, close to all the main attractions, high-end shops and restaurants. The interior is nice, the rooms are a good size and there are free soft drinks in the mini fridge.

Aventine Hill and Testaccio

Aventine is a quiet, wealthy residential area with wonderful churches and views. If you value peace and quiet and being able to walk to the center, this is the hotel for you. You won’t be too far from the more bustling historic center, but you’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy Roman cucina povera in Testaccio in restaurants without queues. I recommend the Flavio al Velavevodetto restaurant for this – we really liked it.

What to see in the Aventine and Testaccio area

The famous keyhole of the Knights of Malta is located right here – on the territory of the Buco della serratura dell’Ordine di Malta. Looking out of the keyhole of the entrance door, you can see two states in perfect perspective: the Aventine – in the Italian State, and further on the Vatican City State with the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica.
At the intersection of Aventine and Testaccio streets, there is a free museum inside the Porta San Paolo, the southern gate of the 3rd-century Aurelian Walls of Rome. The Museo Ostiense, housed in the building, offers some information about the importance of the road to the Roman port of Ostia, and also has a good view of the Roman-era Pyramid of Cestius from the crenellated podium.
From here you can take an interesting walk to Trastevere and St. Paul’s Basilica.

Hotels in Aventine and Testaccio

Le Tre Sorelle a Testaccio≫ – Family apartment, perfect for a relaxing stay in Rome for a few days. At the same time, it is located close to the main attractions – 5 minutes to Trastevere, 15 minutes to the Colosseum. There is a great cafe right downstairs and great local restaurants nearby. The beds were comfortable and the apartment has a beautiful view of the courtyard.
Attico Aventino≫ – beautiful cozy apartment on the Aventine Hill on a quiet street.
MIGDAL Luxury Suites Roma Testaccio≫ – Modern stylish hotel, very clean and comfortable rooms. Walking distance to the main attractions of Rome.

Useful links for travelers:

Car rental – cheap car rental options in Ukraine Rentalcars.com
Hotels – traditionally booked through Booking
Insurance can be purchased on the website Hotline.Finance
Train tickets in Europe – on Trainline

Seven districts of Rome – where it is best for tourists to stay

Staying in Rome