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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.

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.

• Roman owned Roma Central Guest House
• Guest house Black Rooms Colosseo 

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.

• Spacious rooms at XXIV Domus Luxury Suites
• Very clean Winkler Suites

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.

• Comfortable stay at Trastevere’s Friends
• Family-run Paola A Trastevere 

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.

• Spacious rooms at Seven Suites
• New apartment Efeso 19

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.

You May Also Like Our Other Rome Travel Guides

• How to spend one day in Rome
• Things to do at Rome in night
• Europe’s most romantic places

Wondering how to pack everything into Rome in a day? Some will say 24 hours is never enough in Italy’s capital but we appreciate that some trips are time restricted so we’ve created this jam-packed one-day Rome itinerary that ticks all the traditional bucket list items around the popular districts.

If you’re looking for historical monuments, insightful tours that save time, perfect photo spots and hidden gems, keep reading.

We’ve also featured restaurants and, if you plan to stretch your one day in Rome into the wee hours, nighttime entertainment!

You may also like our guide on things to do at night in Rome.

So whether you are planning a fly visit or have built a day into a bigger trip you’ll find our 24 hours in Rome guide exactly what you need to get a taster of what the Eternal City has to offer.

Find out the best place to stay for one night in Rome here.

Getting Around Rome

Money can’t buy you love but it can buy you time and time is what you need to get the most out of your day in Rome.

You can easily walk between some of Rome’s top attractions while others are a little out of the way.

If you want to see it all and save your feet consider the Rome hop on and off bus where you get off at the stops that take your fancy and then hop on the next bus.

This tour also includes an audio guide so you can learn while you are in motion.

If it’s sunny, sit on the open top deck.

If it’s not dry, the sightseeing bus is a recommended thing to do in Rome when it rains, especially if you only have a day.

Here’s an overview of how far apart points of interest are to help you get your bearings.

Rome Attractions Walking Times

• Pantheon to the Trevi Fountain: 8 minutes
• Trevi Fountain to the Spanish Steps: 8 minutes
• Spanish Steps to Castel Sant’Angelo: 20 minutes
• Castel Sant’Angelo to St Peter’s Square at the Vatican: 11 minutes
• Trevi Fountain to Colosseum: 20 minutes
• Trevi Fountain to Trastevere: 30 minutes

Rome in One Day – Morning at The Vatican

If you plan to visit the Vatican to see The Creation of Adam by Michelangelo at the Sistine Chapel AND St Peter’s Basilica consider this very early morning tour.

If you’re arriving late morning, read through the Vatican review and then check out the other entrance options below.

For this early morning tour, you meet your guide and enter the Sistine Chapel a whole hour before the general public, giving you time to see the intricate art in a smaller crowd.

Did you know that the Vatican is its own country with its own rules?

It is the smallest country in the world with a population of just over 800.

Remember to take ID with you as you will need it for this tour.

There’s a dress code which involves ensuring your shoulders and down to your knees are covered so keep this in mind when you are packing for your day in Rome.

Food wise, the meeting point is outside a piazza cafe which sells coffee and sandwiches and there is a cafe inside the Vatican for a morning comfort break.

The early access Vatican tour is laden with insight and backstory so best have a coffee before it kicks off!

As you wait to pass through security, your guide shares a map with a key of the epic Michelangelo fresco which was created between 1508 and 1512.

You can’t take any pictures of the famous roof painting but there’s plenty of other fascinating art and decor to capture as a souvenir.

The tour also includes access to St. Peter’s Basilica which is overwhelmingly beautiful.

Its Renaissance style is a work of art itself never mind the religious importance it holds in the city.

The early access Vatican tour is four hours long which may seem like a long time when you only have 24 hours in Rome but it does get you up and out of bed really early and on your way to explore the rest of the city by 11am.

Next up is an additional option that photography fans will want to take advantage of.

If you can handle the adventurous stairs to St Peter’s Dome Climb, you will be rewarded with vast views of St Peter’s Square and beyond.

Please take note of this warning, the steps are not for those who suffer from vertigo or fear tight spaces as you can see in the images below.

There are two options, you can take elevator and climb the remaining 320 steps or climb the full 551 steps.

The first option will obviously save you some time which is the goal since you only have one day in Rome to see all of the highlights.

Other Vatican Tours and Entrance Options

You can easily spend half a day at the Vatican but if you just want in and out here are some options.

• Vatican entrance ticket – choose from two times
• Tour of St Peter’s Basilica and dome climb

Afternoon – Whistle Stop Tour of Rome’s Monuments

There’s a take out pizza shop called Scialla The Original Street Food (Vicolo del Farinone, 27) five minutes walk from St Peter’s Square where you can get a cheap slice.

There are a couple of tables inside or benches on the street outside.

Castel Sant’Angelo

Castel Sant’Angelo (Lungotevere Castello, 50) is a very popular photo spot in Rome.

The cylindrical building was once home to the Roman Emperor Hadrian and then it was the pope’s fortress.

Today it is a museum with seven floors.

It takes around 10 minutes to walk between the pizza take out shop and this historic building.

Pantheon

Next we head over St. Angelo Bridge, one of Rome’s many bridges which connect districts separated by the River Tiber.

The Pantheon is the only remaining nearly intact ancient Roman building and it really does look in great shape considering it was built between 25 and 27 B.C.

Just imagine that for a minute, 25 and 27 B.C.

It really is incredible when you think how old Rome is.

This Rome attraction used to be a pagan temple and later became a Christian church.

You can do an audio tour of the church and mausoleum and it only takes around 35 minutes if you want to budget that into your 24 hour Rome itinerary.

Looking for a pit stop? Enjoy a drink or meal at a restaurant on Piazza della Rotonda.

Alternatively, go for pizza or pasta at Origano Campo De’ Fiori (Largo dei Chiavari, 84) which is a modern Italian restaurant on a street close to the Pantheon.

Trevi Fountain

There’s no denying that the star of the show for many is the Trevi Fountain (Piazza di Trevi) and the crowds around it indicate just how many Rome bucket lists this water piece features in!

Squeeze in to get a picture, throw a coin then be on your way to your next stop, the Spanish Steps.

The Spanish Steps

These are the famous steps that feature in the Audrey Hepburn movie, Roman Holiday.

You can do you best impression where this wall ends just avoid sitting on the steps as the tourism police are forever blowing whistles and telling people to stand up.

The building at the top of the 135 steps is Trinità dei Monti.

If you are in need of some green space, climb the steps and make your way to Villa Borghese where you will find one of the most popular viewpoints, Terrazza del Pincio.

Depending on the time of day, this is a decent sunset spot.

Check out our guide to things to do at night in Rome for more sunset locations.

Evening – Colosseum and Monti

Rome’s Colosseum

If you have a hop on hop off pass use it to save your feet and some time because the next stop on this Rome in a day itinerary is the Colosseum.

Alternatively, enjoy the 40 minute walk from Terrazza del Pincio or the 30 minute walk Spanish Steps.

The Colosseum (Flavian Amphitheatre) is an oval shaped structure with a crumbling side and sordid past.

This amphitheatre is where the emperor put on gladiator fights and animal hunts for entertainment.

Construction started between between A.D. 70-72 making it the oldest amphitheatre and the largest standing in the world.

Colosseum Tours

If a tour of the Colosseum is something you would really be interested in while visiting Rome, skip the Vatican tour and check out the following options.

• Underground Colosseum tour, includes Forum
• Colosseum, Forum and Palatine Hill tour

Monti

Monti is a hip area close to the Colosseum where locals enjoy beers at Piazza Della Madonna, chat over slow dinners and listen to live music.

In the past it was known for being one of the poorer districts but now it is bohemian and arty.

Dine on pasta at a restaurant such as Alle Carrette, gelato at Fatamorgana Monti then a drink at one of the cool bars.

Monti also has a popular weekend vintage market.

Alternative Night in Rome – Trasteverse

Head back over the Tiber River to Trasteverse which means ‘beyond the Tiber’.

Plan for an evening of al fresco dining, drinks at Piazza di San Calisto or Piazza Santa Maria and live music at Alcazar Live (Via Cardinale Merry del Val, 14b).

Save for later!

You May Also Like Our Other Rome Travel Guides

• Best area to stay in Rome
• Things to do at Rome in night
• Europe’s most romantic places

Looking for things to do at night in Rome? This historic capital city is arguably even more spectacular when dark falls. So whether you are enjoying a warm summer’s evening, escaping the rain, or are looking for a romantic night – our guide details popular indoor and outdoor activities you can do all year round.

We’ve also included where to enjoy sunsets in the eternal city, or should we say, nocturnal city!

You may also like our one day in Rome itinerary and best areas to stay in Rome.

Things to do in Rome at Night All Year Round

Enjoy the Buzz of Trastevere at Night

The number of districts in Rome appears to be disputed with anything between 21 and 25 being identified.

What is undisputed is the popularity of the district Trastevere at night.

Trastevere means ‘beyond the Tiber’ which is the river that runs through Rome and it can be reached by foot in 30 minutes from the Trevi Fountain.

The walk takes you over the Ponte Garibaldi bridge with unique Tiber Island/Isola Tiberina to your left.

Immerse yourself in a Trastevere evening where locals chitter chatter the night away over slow dinners and drinks.

There is no shortage of cafes and restaurants serving traditional Roman recipes and international cuisine around Piazza di San Calisto, Piazza Santa Maria and the cobbled streets that surround them.

Sit indoors away from the crowds or outdoors, clinging on to the last of a balmy summer evening or crisp autumn night.

Craft Beer in Rome

Just out for a few beers?

Check out Delirium Cafè (Via di S. Francesco a Rip) for a craft beer menu featuring international options.

Note: Trastevere is a very popular area to stay in.

Check out these hotels and apartments before you book your stay so that you you can stagger home safely or read our where to stay in Rome guide for the lowdown on other areas.

Live Music at Trastevere

Alcazar Live (Via Cardinale Merry del Val, 14b) is a bar, restaurant and music venue.

DJs, local artists and cover bands take to the stage at this Trastevere late night spot.

There’s also an outdoor patio.

Fun things to do in Rome don’t have to involve history, reserve a table for dinner at Alcazar Live to avoid disappointment.

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Dine, Drink and Soak Up the Atmosphere of Monti at Night

Historically, Monti was where the poorest of citizens lived, debauchery and prostitution was common.

Today, Monti is cool area of Rome where you’ll find beautiful bohemian buildings, dining opportunities, wine bars, live music, galleries and its weekend vintage market.

Monti is a magnet for artists and creatives.

Grab a gelato at Fatamorgana Monti, dine on pasta at a restaurant such as Alle Carrette or grab a beer and drink it a square like Piazza Della Madonna.

The word Monti means mountain in English and this area of Rome is set over some of the city’s hills.

Keep reading to find out a cool Monti sunset spot.

Colosseum at Night

Within walking distance of Monti is the Colosseum.

Catch the oval amphitheatre lights shine through its windows with the inky night sky as a backdrop.

Via Nicola Salvi is a raised road which gives you a decent angle for taking photos of the Colosseum.

Gay Bars in Rome

Next door to the Colosseum you’ll find Coming Out and My Bar, friendly LGBTQ+ bars on Via San Giovanni.

Dine, drink, sing karaoke and get involved in the themed nights at these popular bars.

Visit the Trevi Fountain

Visiting the Trevi Fountain (Piazza di Trevi) at night means fewer crowds as the day tour groups have left the city.

However, since this is one of the most visited attractions in Rome, it’s likely you’ll still be rubbing shoulders with fellow tourists as you throw a coin into the water.

The Trevi’s travertine stone bounces off the flood flights, contrasting against the dark skies at night.

Lights illuminate the turquoise water creating a little bit of magic for photos.

The Trevi is one of the oldest water sources in Rome but there are hundreds of free water fountains which are safe for you fill up your water bottle with.

Do an Audio Tour of the Pantheon

The Pantheon is a striking structure which used to be a pagan temple and later became a Christian church.

It is the only remaining nearly intact ancient Roman building thought to have been built between 25 and 27 B.C.

The 35-minute audio tour takes you through 15 listening points inside of the basilica and teaches you about the history of the church and mausoleum.

The Pantheon is located at Piazza della Rotonda which is very busy during the day with tourists taking a minute by the water fountain to listen to street performers and enjoy some gelato.

At night, you can still expect to see couples and groups dining al fresco at the restaurants with Pantheon views which is another thing you can do at night in Rome.

Castel Sant’Angelo

Reserve tickets for the last session at the Castel Sant’Angelo museum to skip the large crowds in the afternoon.

Explore the seven levels of Roman Emperor Hadrian’s old home which later became the pope’s fortress with castle.

Castel Sant’Angelo is a very popular photo spot in Rome.

Dine at the Central Station

Why would you have dinner at a train station you might be thinking!

Rome’s Mercato Centrale is actually a cool spot to enjoy food and a drink, especially for couples and groups who can’t agree on the same kind of food.

There are a number of food stalls around the market so you can go for noodles while your partner eats a burger.

There’s plenty of wine and beer to choose from too.

Spend a Night at the Lesser-Known Ostiense and Testaccio

Looking for something different to the cobbled streets of Trastevere and Monti?

Meet the Testaccio and Ostiense districts.

Tourists come for the Rome points of interests, St. Paul Outside the Walls and the Pyramid of Caius Cestius then leave amazed at the intricate street art work.

Entire buildings are covered in bright murals, many of which were completed during Rome’s Outdoor Festival proving that Rome is more than just traditional art such as The Creation of Adam by Michelangelo at the Sistine Chapel.

Here’s an overview of what street art you can see in Ostiense and where.

Sam3, Via Ostiense 193b

Spanish artist, Sam3 is known for the use of black silhouettes which is exactly what you can see in Opera Onirica, painted on to a building across from St. Paul Outside the Walls.

This work was created in 2012 for the Outdoor Urban Art Festival.

JB Rock, Via dei Magazzini Generali

You’ll recognise quite a few faces on JB Rock’s 60 meters Wall of Fame.

Next to this wall is the Roman headquarter of the Cartoon Network and a mural celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Kid Acne, Via del Commercio Ostiense

Paint over the Cracks was painted in 2011 as part of the Outdoor Festival.

The 100 meter long slogan, in Kid Acne’s recognisable font, was completed in under two days.

Searching for that street art is thirsty work.

Enjoy dinner and a drink at one of the many Ostiense bars such as the friendly and chic, Porto Fluviale (Via del Porto Fluviale, 22).

Content that we’ve done most of the touristy things in Rome, we would consider staying in Ostiense the next time we visit.

Watch the Sunset at Giardino Degli Aranci

Did you know that like Edinburgh, Rome is built on seven hills?

Located on one of them, Aventine Hill, is Giardino Degli Aranci which means The Orange Trees Garden.

This beauty spot was designed by Raffaele De Vico in 1932.

Terrazza del Pincio at Dusk

Another popular sunset spot is Terrazza del Pincio (Salita del Pincio), a short walk up from the Piazza de Popolo.

The 19th century terrace has fountains, views of the piazza and St. Peter’s Basilica.

Local buskers add some ambiance so be sure to tip them.

The well manicured Villa Borghese is close by.

Be Seen and Sip Cocktails at a Rooftop Bar

While the majority of Rome’s social energy takes place in tight bars on busy piazzas, there’s a handful of rooftop bars that serve sundown drinks.

Tiziano Terrace for Monti views, Minerva Roof Garden for stylish spritz and Up Sunset Bar for panoramic views.

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Dine on a Floating Restaurant

The River Tiber runs throughout Rome creating an excuse for its many marvellous bridges.

It also gives reason for floating restaurants and bars such as Baja (Lungotevere Arnaldo da Brescia).

Baja is a barge moored on the banks which boasts of an ‘elegant and functional Art Nouveau structure’.

As night falls, Baja’s lights give the barge restaurant a certain vibe, a romantic thing to do in Rome.

Baja is a little pricier than other dining experiences in Rome, you are paying for the ambience after all.

Hop On and Off Bus

Watch the city change from day to night from the comfort of the Rome hop on and off bus.

See St. Peter’s Basilica, the Colosseum, Forum, and Circus Maximus from the top deck and learn about their history via audio guide.

If a stop takes your fancy, like the Spanish Steps, get off and hop back on the next bus.

An ideal thing to do at night in Rome if you’re feeling tired but don’t want to miss out.

If it’s raining, stay dry on the bottom deck which is fully covered.

See a Movie

If you’re bored of boozing, your feet need a rest, it’s raining outside or you just really fancy catching a movie, check out what’s on at Cinema Adriano (Piazza Cavour, 22) or Cinema Admiral (Piazza Verbano, 5).

Watch a Soccer (Football) Game in Rome

Italians are known for their love of football and Rome is home to two teams, AS Roma and Lazio.

Purchase tickets to see AS Roma play at Stadio Olimpico here and Lazio here.

If you can’t get stadium tickets, watch the game on a screen at Highlander’s.

Auditorium Parco Della Musica

Book tickets to see a large international acts play music at the Parco della Musica.

With three music halls and a theatre, this live music venue hosts a busy calendar of events all year round.

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Go Bowling

Strike it lucky at the late night Brunswick Bowling (Lungotevere dell’Acqua Acetosa, 10).

Dine, bowl, play games or mini-golf at this family friendly attraction.

Things to do a Night in Rome in Winter

See the Christmas Trees in Rome

Check out the huge Christmas trees all lit up at the Colosseum, Piazza Venezia and Galleria Alberto Sordi.

Enjoy the festive lights at Via del Corso.

Pick Up Festive Souvenirs

Head to the Piazza Navona Christmas Market for festive gifts, Christmas snacks, candy or just enjoy a glass of vino while you people watch from a restaurant on the sidelines.

Listen to a Christmas Choir

Attend mass or an organised choir event at one of the churches in Rome.

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You May Also Like Our Other Rome Travel Guides

• How to spend one day in Rome
• Best places to stay in Rome
• Europe’s most romantic places