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Wondering where the best areas to stay in Rome are? Choosing the right district for your travel style can be daunting, especially if this is your first time visiting the City of Seven Hills. Whether you prefer to be right in the action next to the top attractions or nestled among the nightlife, this guide on where to stay in Rome will explain everything you need to know including why you’d choose that specific area.
Due to the age of the buildings, many of the hotels in Rome don’t have reliable escalators so consider this before you pack for your trip.
You may also like our guide, how to spend one day in Rome, and what to do at night.
Best Areas To Stay and Why
Piazza Navona, Pantheon and Trevi For Attractions
If you want to get out of bed and roll into Rome’s most sought after attractions, this is the best area for you.
Piazza Navona is less than five minutes walk from Piazza della Rotonda and both are surrounded by restaurants and shops.
Both squares are super central, you can dine with the Pantheon over your shoulder at Piazza della Rotonda and walk to the Trevi Fountain in under 10 minutes.
The Trevi Fountain needs no introduction!
Traditionally, visitors come to throw a coin in the water.
Piazza Navona, Pantheon and Trevi are the best locations to stay in Rome for those on a restricted schedule.
For example if you only have a day in Rome because it is part of a bigger trip or restricted in relation to walking long distances.
Naturally, the downside of staying next to these attractions is dealing with the crowds.
Overall, this is the best place to stay in Rome for attractions.
Piazza Navona and the Pantheon Hotels
Consider the following hotels on the piazza and near the attractions.
- Palazzo Navona Hotel with stunning terrace
- Well appointed Charme & Chic Luxury
- Very modern V-Accommodation IV Fontane
Spanish Steps at Piazza di Spagna For 5 Star Hotels
The Spanish Steps are the famous stairs which feature in the Audrey Hepburn movie, Roman Holiday.
The building at the top of the 135 steps is Trinità dei Monti.
Above that is Terrazza del Pincio, a popular viewpoint in Rome, especially a sunset.
Find out all about the best places to watch the sunset and things to do at night in Rome.
This is also a busy area, so much so security hang around and stop tourists from sitting on the steps.
Visitors are encouraged to sit near The Fontana della Barcaccia instead which is located at Piazza di Spagna.
You’ll find lots of shops around Piazza di Spagna.
This is one area where you’ll can stay in 5 star hotels so if you are visiting Rome for a special occasion, check out the options below.
There is a metro stop called Spagna in this district.
Overall, this is the best place to stay in Rome for location and luxury.
Hotels Near Spanish Steps and Piazza di Spagna
From 5-start to affordable, consider the following.
- 5 start Rocco Forte Hotel De La Ville – this is one of the best hotels in Rome
- Amazing balconies at Inn at the Spanish Steps
Monti For Nightlife
Monti is a fun area, full of hip people and places to drink.
It is very close to the Colosseum which you can walk to within 10 minutes, ideal if you want to visit the amphitheatre for a tour and then again at night to see it all lit up.
Monti used to be a slum and the red light district but now it is buzzing with locals listening to live music and picking up vintage items at the market on the weekend.
It’s also common for young Italians to enjoy a beer with friends at Piazza Della Madonna.
The Cavour metro station is located in Monti.
Overall, this is the best neighborhood to stay in Rome if you plan to enjoy the social life of the city but still want to get up and see the sights.
Monti Hotels
Quiet rooms for party people.
Areas Near The Vatican
If you want to wake up early to take a ‘before general public’ tour of the Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica, you might want to consider staying close by.
Prati, in the north of the city and Aurelio next to the Vatican are good options for this.
Avoid restaurants and shops very close to the Vatican to avoid ridiculous prices!
Castel Sant’Angelo is also close to the Vatican.
Overall, this is the best place to stay in Rome for the Vatican.
Prati Hotels Near Vatican
Consider the following some of the best hotels to stay in Rome if you are planning to spend most of your time at the Vatican.
Quiet rooms in residential areas.
Trastevere For Bars
About Trastevere
If you don’t mind a 30 minute walk to the main attractions such as the Trevi Fountain and like to be among the hustle of the nightlife, Trastevere is a great choice for you.
This district is very pretty.
Streets have cobbled stones, high buildings are painted in soft shades and bar tables line the streets.
There are piazzas where locals and visitors dine and drink the day and night away in traditional and contemporary bars.
Trastevere is definitely one of the best places to stay in Rome if you want a mix of nightlife but don’t mind a bit of scenic walking to tourism sites.
There is a train station in Trastevere which has a direct train to Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci International Airport.
Bear in mind there are two main airports, Ciampino is the other.
Overall, this is the best place to stay in Rome for social first time visitors.
Hotels in Trastevere
For a quiet night’s sleep in a lively area consider the following options.
Testaccio and Ostiense – Best For Avoiding Tourist Traps
Wondering where to stay in Rome while avoiding looking like a tourist?
If your travel style is to avoid the tourist traps and live as the locals do consider Testaccio and Ostiense.
Testaccio is where you will find the Pyramid of Caius Cestius and foodie heaven, Testaccio Market where as Ostiense is home to street art murals and St. Paul Outside the Walls which has images of every pope as part of its lavish decor.
This area is known for its clubs and party scene.
Metro stop, Piramide.
Testaccio and Ostiense Accommodation
Cool spaces in an edgy area.
Final Words
The great thing about accommodation in Rome is that you can find something to meet every budget and style of travel.
If you need to keep costs down, books hotels outside of the summer months, Easter and during big football matches.
Go for family run bed and breakfasts over chain hotels and consider the districts that are little further away from the likes of the Trevi Fountain.
If you are visiting for a special occasion and want to splurge on accommodation, there are many wonderful options with stunning terraces and rooftops such as the Rocco Forte Hotel De La Ville featured above.
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