The diversity of Rome’s neighborhoods offers a variety of places to stay, whether you are seeking convenient access to historic sites, a quiet neighborhood feel, or lively local nightlife.

The Centro Storico, or historic center, encompasses most of the famous sites, while bordering neighborhoods offer a more local Roman experience. Browse through our Guide to the Top 8 Neighborhoods in the center of Rome to find the best places to stay in Rome.

Colosseo

Once the center of ancient Rome, the area around the Colosseum is now the most popular for tourists. Bordering neighborhood Monti has been making a name for itself as Rome’s most hipster area. With small boutiques and unique bars and cafes, the cobblestone streets provide a picturesque Roman neighborhood. Monti has grown to become Rome’s largest rione, and is surrounded by beautiful historic cathedrals and churches. The area around the Colosseum includes the Palatine Hill, Roman and Imperial Forums, and the Circus Maximus. Places to stay near the Colosseum offer easy access to all of the sites, while nearby Monti offers more of a neighborhood feel and lively nightlife.

Piazza Navona – Campo de’ Fiori

In ancient times, Piazza Navona was a stadium arena where ancient Romans would go to watch competition and sporting events. The square is now famous for it’s beautiful architecture, fountains, and numerous restaurants. South of Piazza Navona you’ll find Campo de’ Fiori, a rectangular square that lies between the two neighborhoods of Parione and Regola. The name originates from the area’s medieval origins as a meadow, meaning field of flowers. The area is convenient to all of the sights in the historic center. Campo de’Fiori is also known for its typical Roman open-air market, full of colorful fruits, vegetables, flowers, and of course, pizza. At night, the area comes alive with entertainment for the young crowds. Famous for its restaurants, cafes, nightclubs, and theaters, a vacation rental near Campo de’ Fiori is an ideal place to stay to experience the heartbeat of Rome.

Trastevere

Trastevere is a lively neighborhood to the west of the Tiber river, centered around the ancient churches of Santa Cecilia and Santa Maria. It’s name originates from the Latin phrase meaning across the Tiber. Large piazzas surrounded by a web of cobblestone side streets offer excellent pizzerias, restaurants, cafes, hipster bars, pubs, street performers and vendors. This historically working-class district began its transformation since the 1970s into a neighborhood that appeals to locals and foreigners alike for its distinct rough charm. Wander through the side streets, admire the view along the Tiber, and enjoy the colorful locales in the neighborhood afforded by a stay in Trastevere.

Piazza di Spagna & Spanish Steps

Below the Spanish Steps lies one of Rome’s most famous squares, Piazza di Spagna. You will find both Romans and tourists sitting on the steps, enjoying the piazza’s Roman charm and view of the famous Fontana della Barcaccia. The area is one of Rome’s most upscale, including shopping boutiques and elegant restaurants. Nearby sites include the famous Column of the Immaculate Conception, and the house of English poet John Keats, who resided at the corner of the Spanish Steps until his death. The large 135-step staircase was built to connect the Spanish Embassy to the Church of Trinità dei Monti, and represents typical Baroque architecture. A holiday apartment in Piazza di Spagna are convenient and beautiful, and the area is popular for both locals and tourists.

Testaccio

A former working class neighborhood and ancient port, Testaccio has developed a reputation for its authentic restaurants and nightlife. The mound that forms the center of the neighborhood was created in 55 A.D. when Rome’s emperor Nero ordered that thousands of broken terra-cotta roof tiles to be stacked in a pile, which grew and was compacted and then built over. During the day you will find many local small business and a large market, while at night the streets come alive with busy restaurants and nightclubs. The area is home to the celebrated local cuisine called cucina povera, served by many restaurants. On the border between neighborhoods Testaccio and Aventine, one of Rome’s seven hills, is the southern gate of Rome’s third century walls, Porta San Paolo. A unique site in Testaccio is the Pyramid of Cesitius, the result of a craze for all things Egyptian in ancient times. As one of the most historically rich areas, Testaccio accommodations offer activities for both night and day.

Esquilino – Termini

Esquilino is one of Rome’s oldest neighborhoods and is located on one of the city’s seven hills. The area provides a bit of a contrast to the historic center, with a livelier local feel. Liberty Style architecture, large boulevards, ancient archways, and smaller side streets surround the wide piazzas. The area is home to the famous church Santa Maria Maggiore, along with many other equally beautiful smaller churches. Nearby Stazione Termini is Rome’s main train and metro station. Accommodations near Termini offer a convenient location with easy access to transportation, and is close to other sights such as the Pallazzo Massimo alle Terme and the Baths of Diocletian.

Vaticano

The Vatican City is a small sovereign state to the west of the Tiber. The grandeur of St. Peter’s Square, the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican Museums and Gardens is hard to imagine. The Vatican has been home to the Pope for 6 centuries, along with many famous treasures and masterpieces including Raphael’s “School of Athens” and Michelangelo’s “Creation of Adam.” In the Borgo, or surrounding neighborhood, you will find priests, tour guides, souvenir shops, Swiss guards, and pilgrims from all over the world. At night, the Vatican is a quiet and beautiful seemingly medieval town. Staying in the Vatican is a great way to explore the area more closely.

Flaminio

As the first outskirt of Rome, Flaminio showcases a more modern part of the city while still hosting historic wonders like the Milvian Bridge. Just north of Piazza del Popolo, Flaminio is home to a growing contemporary art and architecture scene. The sprawling neighborhood features the contemporary art museum MAXXI, the beautifully modern Ponte della Musica, and the futuristic music complex Parco della Musica. In Rome’s recent history, Flaminio has become an important center for sports, and is across a bridge from the famous 1960 Stadio Olimpico of the Fascist style sports complex Foro Mussolini. If you’re looking to experience a newer Rome during your stay alongside the Ancient city, check out places to stay in Flaminio.

Where to stay in the center of Rome

ROMAC manages nearly 50 apartments in all 8 of the neighborhoods in the center of Rome. You can learn more about each of the neighborhoods, including the monuments located in each one (from the most famous to the hidden gems), by using Our Guide to Rome! Search by neighborhood or by monument and quickly find the nearest ROMAC vacation rental!

Share with us your favorite neighborhood in Rome in the comments below!