Image: Trinità dei Monti one of the famous churches in Rome

Where to Stay in Rome in 2024 – Top 12 Rome Neighborhoods

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Angela Corrias

So huge and diverse, deciding where to stay in Rome can truly be overwhelming. With so much to see and do, if you are not familiar with the city, booking a hotel in Rome can definitely take you more time than you expect.

Some of the best neighborhoods to book your hotel in Rome are Prati because it’s close to the Vatican, it’s well served by metro and buses, and the city center is easy to reach, Monti because it’s a cool area next to all the relics of Ancient Rome, and obviously the Centro Storico to be in the pulsing heart of all the vibe!

As one of Europe’s most popular and cherished mainstream tourism destinations, all Rome neighborhoods have their own appeal. There are several factors that can impact your hotel booking decision.

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How to choose where to stay in Rome

Is it your first time in Rome? Do you want to enjoy the city’s nightlife? Is it your 2nd/3rd/4th trip and you are more into going offbeat and discovering hidden gems? Can you afford a longer vacation and you are looking for some budget options to stretch your stay further? You don’t mind using public transport?

Depending on what Rome holiday you plan, you might prefer one area instead of the other. With our guide, we hope to help you make a more informed decision about what’s the best neighborhood in Rome for your stay.

To do this, we will give you essential tools such as what to expect in each area, what are the best hotels, and also some options for local restaurants.

What is the best location to stay in Rome? Deciding what are the best neighborhoods in Rome to book your room is pretty personal and depends on the reasons for your trip and on your budget. Of course, deciding where to stay during a short holiday can be completely different than where you want to move to as an expat in Rome.

If you want to visit its historical landmarks, you might want to check out the hotels in Rome’s city center or near the Vatican. If you are on a short layover and need to catch a train, coach, or plane, you might want to stay near Termini station.

Below, I cover the most convenient areas for sightseeing and some of the best hotels in Rome’s city center, while in my eBook I suggest five itineraries to eat your way around five different Rome neighborhoods. For each of them, I mention the best restaurants and what to see and do. This can be very inspiring if you are still deciding where to stay in Rome.

Find out here what is the best area to stay in Rome for you and your family.

Centro Storico (Historic Centre) – The best place to stay in Rome for first-time visitors

If you are wondering where to stay in Rome, keep in mind that the Centro Storico is where most major attractions are. Including two of Rome’s most famous squares, Piazza Navona with its baroque charm and fountains, and Campo de’ Fiori, the piazza symbol of the florist profession as it was in the past. This is considered the very heart of Rome and quite predictably, it’s always packed with tourists.

This Rome neighborhood is very safe as all around are the government and Parliament palaces, making it always full of police, Carabinieri and Army.

This is definitely the best area to stay in Rome for first-time visitors as all landmarks are within easy walking reach. Impossible to miss a visit to the Pantheon, a walk along Via del Corso, a stop in the Capitoline Museums and a visit to Campo de’ Fiori and the Jewish Quarter.

I would probably avoid the restaurants offering tourist deal menus right in Piazza Navona and the Pantheon, but even here you can find some nice eateries and gelaterias. Some restaurants that always deliver good quality in this Rome neighborhood are Da Armando al Pantheon (Salita de’ Crescenzi 31), Da Gino al Parlamento (Via Rosini), Ginger Sapori e Salute (Piazza Sant’Eustachio), Emma Pizzeria con Cucina (Via di Monte della Farina 28).

If you are looking for a good artisan gelato in the city center, a great one to try is Gunther Gelato Italiano in Piazza Sant’Eustachio.

If you are wondering where to stay in Rome with kids, this is a great option for all the landmarks to visit, the restaurants to try and the several pedestrian areas.

Image: piazza navona rome city center one of the best areas where to stay in Rome
Rome’s Piazza Navona

Rome’s Centro Storico Map

Staying in Rome’s city center is for you if:

  • You want a holiday of sightseeing but also trendy nightlife
  • You don’t mind paying a little more for accommodation and restaurants as long as you are in the city center
  • You don’t mind the traffic
  • You want to be surrounded by ancient art and history
  • You don’t mind stumbling on your stilettos as long as you can walk around Rome’s cobbled alleys

Top hotels in the city center for every budget:

What to see in Rome’s city center:

  • Campo de’ Fiori
  • Piazza Navona
  • Sant’Agnese in Agone Church
  • Pantheon
  • Piazza Farnese
  • Largo Argentina
  • The Jewish Quarter and Piazza Mattei

Where to eat: Restaurants Rome’s Centro Storico

  • Da Armando al Pantheon (Salita de’ Crescenzi 31) – Traditional Roman
  • Ginger (Piazza Sant’Eustachio) – Casual bistro
  • Pirò (Vicolo della Cancelleria 36) – Seafood
  • Supplizio (Via dei Banchi Vecchi 143) – Street food

The Spanish Steps – The best location to stay in Rome near famous attractions

Check out the hotels near the Spanish Steps if you are looking for one of the most luxurious areas to stay in Rome. The Spanish Steps are extremely touristy and Via Veneto is the historical street where celebrities liked to hang out in Rome’s golden era, namely the ’50s and ’60s. Via Veneto is in the quarter called Rione Ludovisi and it borders the historical Rome area Campo Marzio.

Just to be clear, the vibe here is largely exclusive boutiques, opulent hotels, semi-hidden gems for the in-the-know traveler, and elegant restaurants. With all the main landmarks within a pleasant strolling reach and well connected via public transport, this is definitely one of the most exclusive places to stay in Rome.

Very close to the city center, here too, it might not be easy to find good quality restaurants. For a tasty and casual meal with a wide menu, head to Ginger Sapori e Saluti (Via Borgognona), for a delicious vegetarian dinner or buffet lunch, don’t miss Il Margutta (Via Margutta 118). For a great gelato near the Spanish Steps, head to Gelateria dei Gracchi (Via di Ripetta) or Fata Morgana (Via Laurina).

rome spanish steps
The Spanish Steps in Rome

Spanish Steps/Piazza di Spagna area map

Staying near the Spanish Steps is for you if:

  • You enjoy luxury in all its forms
  • You like to feel like a celebrity
  • You want to explore lesser-known Roman landmarks
  • You want to go on a shopping spree
  • You are not much into public transport
  • You like to walk everywhere

Top hotels near the Spanish Steps and Piazza di Spagna

Landmarks near the Spanish Steps

Where to eat near the Spanish Steps

  • Il Margutta (Via Margutta) – Vegetarian
  • Ginger (Via Borgognona) – Casual bistro
  • DonnaE Bistrot (Via delle Colonnette 35) – Gourmet restaurant of Elizabeth Unique Hotel

Trastevere – Best neighborhood to stay in Rome for tourists and nightlife

Famous for its nightlife, Trastevere is a bustling neighborhood at any time of the day. Popular among American students for the presence of John Cabbott University, this is a young area of Rome.

The charm of this gentrified district stems from its old buildings, narrow alleys, and traditional shops and restaurants. Its quaint alleys and trendy nightlife are what make it one of the best Rome neighborhoods for first-time visitors. And the wide range of Trastevere accommodation makes it easy to stay here overnight.

Trastevere has it all. Here, you can lead the typical tourist life in the heart of the city as well as witness the local life of residents working and going about their daily life and chores.

Among the landmarks to visit, don’t miss Santa Maria in Trastevere Basilica, Raphael’s frescoes in Villa Farnesina, Santa Cecilia in Trastevere Basilica and the Museum of Rome, and Santa Maria della Scala ancient pharmacy.

Trastevere is also one of the best places in Rome’s city center for eating out. Some of the best restaurants in Trastevere? Da Enzo al 29 (Via dei Vascellari 29), Seu Pizza Illuminati (Via Angelo Bargoni 10), Glass Hostaria (Vicolo de’ Cinque 58). Craving gelato? Try Otaleg (Via di San Cosimato 14a), Fiordiluna (Via della Lungaretta 96) and Fatamorgana (Via Roma Libera 11).

trastevere rome tourist neighborhood
The main piazza in Trastevere neighborhood

READ MORE: The ultimate guide to the best gelato in Rome

Trastevere neighborhood easy map

Staying in Trastevere is for you if:

  • You don’t mind daily crowds
  • You like to walk and don’t need much public transport
  • You want a vibrant nightlife
  • You like quaint cobbled alleys
  • You want a historical/traditional feel

Top hotels in Trastevere:

READ MORE: For affordable accommodation in the city center and other neighborhoods, check out our guide to the cheaper hotels in Rome.

What to do in Trastevere:

  • Trastevere neighborhood itself
  • The Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica
  • Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere
  • Basilica di Santa Cecilia in Trastevere
  • Villa Farnesina and Raphael’s frescoes
  • Botanical Gardens
  • Galleria Corsini Museum of Ancient Art

Where to eat in Trastevere

  • Enzo al 29 (Via dei Vascellari 29) – Roman traditional
  • Seu Pizza Illuminati (Via Angelo Bargoni 10) – Pizza
  • Trapizzino (Piazza Trilussa) – Street food
  • Zia Restaurant (Via Goffredo Mameli 45) – Gourmet fine-dining

Don’t miss our extensive guide to the best restaurants in Trastevere.

Trevi – The best area to stay in Rome close to most attractions

Trevi neighborhood is all about tourist places. This small quarter turns around its claim to fame, the gorgeous Baroque Trevi Fountain.

A central historical hub, this quarter was ruled by the Colonna family during the Middle Ages. In the Renaissance, it was dominated by the presence of the papal “royal mansion” that today is the Quirinale presidential palace. A notable resident of this upscale Rome neighborhood was Michelangelo Buonarroti, who died here very old and alone.

With some great hotels, this is probably the best location to stay in Rome if you want to be in the heart of tourist life. Major attractions, restaurants, shops, cafes and all you can think of are here. Plus, with an easy walk, you reach Via del Corso, one of the most store-packed streets in Rome, and from there you will easily reach the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, the Spanish Steps and the rest of the city’s attractions.

This is one of the best areas where to stay in Rome for 3 days if you are visiting for sightseeing and exploring the city center.

Many restaurants in this Rome neighborhood have probably tourist quality, but it’s not uncommon to find pretty good ones. For a delicious pizza a stone’s throw from the Trevi Fountain, I suggest Piccolo Buco (Via del Lavatore 91) which is also one of our favorite pizza places in Rome, Trattoria Al Moro (Vicolo delle Bollette 13), Piccolo Arancio (Vicolo Scanderbeg 112). For a good artisan gelato nearby, rely on San Crispino (Via della Panetteria 42) and you won’t be disappointed.

Trevi, one of the best neighborhoods in Rome
Trevi, one of the best neighborhoods in Rome

Map of the Trevi neighborhood in Rome

Staying near the Trevi Fountain is for you if:

  • You don’t mind crowds day and night
  • You like to get lost in narrow Roman alleys
  • You want to be the first one to photograph an empty Trevi Fountain in the morning
  • You like to be where all the excitement is

Top Hotels in the Trevi neighborhood:

For more options, check out our guide to the best hotels near the Trevi Fountain.

What to see in the Trevi area:

Where to eat near the Trevi Fountain

  • Piccolo Buco (Via del Lavatore 91) – Pizza + Roman traditional
  • Colline Emiliane (Via degli Avignonesi 22) – Emilia-Romagna specialties
  • Baccano (Via delle Muratte 23) – Fine dining traditional
  • La Sandwicheria (Via del Nazareno 16/17) – Street food

Monti and Celio – The best areas in Rome for nightlife and visiting Ancient Rome

Trendy and historic neighborhoods in Rome, Monti and Celio are a stone’s throw from Termini train station yet it has lost the shabby feel the station around the area still has.

Here, you will find good restaurants and pubs that managed to find a good balance between the touristy and the “authentic”, giving foreign visitors a perfect experience. Weekends are crowded, and if you have your own car, make sure you know you are bound to walk as finding parking nearby is pretty hard. Adding to that, much of this area is ZTL so watch out the signs “varco/ZTL attivo” or “non attivo”.

Is Monti a good area to stay in Rome?

This is a great neighborhood where to stay in Rome for first-time visitors who want to discover the relics of the imperial times such as the Coliseum, the Roman Forum, the Circus Maximus, and the Baths of Caracalla.

By booking one of the best hotels near the Colosseum, you won’t only be close to the main archaeological site in Rome, but you will also be able to enjoy great views from your own room.

READ MORE: Check out my best tips for visiting the Colosseum.

monti and celio best areas to stay in rome

Map of the Monti/Celio neighborhood of Rome

Staying in Monti/Celio is for you if:

  • You like trendy clubs and nightlife
  • You don’t mind traffic and noise
  • You have serious shopping intentions
  • You want to visit Rome’s archaeological sites

Top hotels in Rione Monti and Celio:

What to see in Monti and Celio neighborhood:

  • Via dei Fori Imperiali
  • The Colosseum
  • Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
  • The Baths of Caracalla
  • Museo Nazionale Romano and Baths of Diocletian
  • Piazza Repubblica
  • Fontana dei Catecumeni
  • San Pietro in Vincoli Basilica
  • Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica
  • Santa Pudenziana Basilica
  • Santa Prassede Basilica

Where to eat in Rione Monti

  • Trattoria Monti (Via di S. Vito 13) – Home-run trattoria
  • La Licata (Via dei Serpenti 165) – Bar, for breakfast and light lunch
  • Cuoco & Camicia (Via di Monte Polacco 2/4) – Modern trattoria with a rustic feel open only for dinner
  • Aromaticus (Via Urbana 134) – Green, healthy bistro
  • Grezzo (Via Urbana) – Raw vegan pastry shop

Aventine Hill – The Roman neighborhood to stay for history and great views

Close to the Celio area, Aventine Hill is the best place to stay in Rome for tourists who are not afraid of walking and want to explore ancient and medieval history. If you are wondering about the perks of this area of Rome, think romantic views and off-the-beaten-path landmarks.

Here, in fact, you will be close to plenty of historical sights and fascinating hidden gems like underground Mithra temples and ancient Roman houses. From the Aventine Hill’s Orange Garden, close to Santa Sabina Basilica, you can also enjoy a great view of Rome’s city center and landmarks.

This is definitely the best hotel location in Rome to be close to the city’s pulsing heart but not right among the crowds. This Roman quarter is all uphill and downhill and even though elegant and residential, you won’t really find opulent 5-start hotels. The Aventine Hill is more a place for cozy mid-range hotels and handy budget accommodation.

To eat, you will find something around the area but mainly in Testaccio, where you are going to find for sure a better selection of eateries of all types. You can also easily head to the city center, where there’s no lack of restaurants and coffee shops.

On the other hand, for your sweet tooth, there are quite a few delicious options. Try Torcé (Viale Aventino 59) and Biolee (Viale Aventino 30) for a fantastic gelato or Casa Manfredi (Viale Aventino 91) for scrumptious pastries.

A view from the Garden of the Oranges on the Aventine Hill, one of the most romantic neighborhoods in Rome
A view from the Garden of the Oranges on Aventine Hill, one of the most romantic views in Rome

Map of Aventine Hill in Rome

Staying in Aventine Hill is for you if:

  • You want to be close to the city center
  • You want to do historical sightseeing
  • You want a quiet neighborhood
  • You don’t mind uphill walks
  • You want to discover hidden gems

Where to stay in Aventine Hill:

What to see in Aventine Hill:

  • Santa Sabina Basilica
  • Knights of Malta Keyhole
  • Rome’s Rose Garden
  • Sant’Anselmo Basilica
  • The Orange Garden
  • Santa Prisca Basilica
  • Basilica of Saints Bonifacio and Alessio

Where to eat near Aventine Hill

  • Ristorante La Villetta dal 1940 (Viale della Piramide Cestia 53) – Roman traditional
  • Lo Scopettaro (Lungotevere Testaccio 7) – Roman traditional in Testaccio
  • 100% Bio (Piazza di Porta San Paolo 6/a) – Organic vegetarian
  • Il Grottino a Testaccio (Via Marmorata 165) – Pizza and Roman traditional

Prati and Trionfale – Where to stay in Rome near the Vatican

If you are still wondering what is the best area to stay in Rome, this is one of my favorites. Great restaurants, nice pubs and bistros, enticing shopping streets, and close to major tourist landmarks yet, it conveys a more residential type of vibe.

It’s well connected with public transport such as buses and the metro and has also a large daily market where you can do your own grocery shopping, Mercato Trionfale.

If you are looking for a hotel near the Vatican, this is the right area. You will definitely see a lot of tourists, but in the evening you can relax with a more “local” feel. This is one of the best neighborhoods in Rome for first-time visitors, sightseeing, and experiencing local life.

Image: vatican where to stay in rome
The beautiful Dome of Saint Peter’s Basilica

Prati and Trionfale easy map

Staying in Prati and Trionfale is for you if:

  • You like to get out of the crowd in the evening
  • You like to feel like a local
  • You prefer a residential area rather than a touristy one

Top hotels in Prati and Trionfale neighborhoods:

What to see in Prati and Trionfale:

  • The Vatican Museums
  • St. Peter’s Basilica
  • Hadrian Mausoleum
  • Piazza Cavour
  • Via Cola di Rienzo shopping street
  • Via Ottaviano shopping street

Where to eat in the Prati/Trionfale area

  • Porto (Via Crescenzio 56) – Inexpensive seafood osteria
  • L’Arcangelo (Via Giuseppe Gioachino Belli 59) – Gourmet traditional restaurant
  • Il Sorpasso (Via Properzio 31/33) – Roman traditional
  • Pizzarium (Via Meloria 43) – Pizza by the slice street food style
  • Romanè (Via Cipro 106) – Revisited Roman traditional

Don’t miss our guide to the best restaurants in Prati.

Testaccio – One of the best areas in Rome to mingle with locals

With the diverse range of things to do and places to eat it has, I love this district. If you ask me, this is one of the best places to stay in Rome. It’s well-connected with the other areas via public transport including tram, bus, train, and metro and has a lovely, traditional vibe.

Testaccio is one of the best neighborhoods in Rome to experience genuine, traditional life, perfect if you are staying longer, 3 or 4 days in Rome. Between the lively Mercato Testaccio selling fresh local produce as well as hearty sandwiches and tempting Sicilian pastries, and the non-Catholic cemetery, here you can totally spend half a day or even a whole day.

Thankfully, it doesn’t lack excellent places to eat. Do you want a casual, hearty pizza/sandwich? Head to Trapizzino (Via Giovanni Branca 88). Do you prefer to sit comfortably while enjoying a delicious traditional meal? Da Felice a Testaccio (Via Mastro Giorgio 29) is your best bet. While for a vegan organic buffet lunch, 100% Bio (Piazza di Porta S. Paolo 6a) is excellent and so is Brivido (Via Giovanni Battista Bodoni 62) for fantastic artisan gelato.

If you are wondering what are the best neighborhoods to stay in Rome, Testaccio is a good choice for an authentic experience close to the most touristy piazzas. In Testaccio, you are likely to find budget accommodation rather than sumptuous palace hotels, but the genuine traditional vibe is guaranteed.

non-catholic cemetery testaccio rome
The non-Catholic cemetery in Testaccio, one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Rome

Map of Testaccio

Staying in Testaccio is for you if:

  • You want to experience genuine Roman life
  • You want to eat great traditional Roman dishes
  • You like to explore lesser-known landmarks
  • You don’t mind using public transport to the city center
  • You want more affordable accommodation

Top hotels in Testaccio:

What to see in Testaccio:

Where to eat in Testaccio

  • Felice a Testaccio (Via di Mastro Giorgio 29) – Roman traditional
  • La Fraschetta di Mastro Giorgio (Via Alessandro Volta 36) – Roman traditional
  • Piatto Romano (Via Giovanni Battista Bodoni 62) Roman traditional
  • Lo Scopettaro (Lungotevere Testaccio 7) – Roman traditional in Testaccio
  • 100% Bio (Piazza di Porta San Paolo 6/a) – Organic vegetarian
  • Il Grottino a Testaccio (Via Marmorata 165) – Pizza and Roman traditional

Ostiense – Where to stay in Rome for modern history and street art

Former industrial district, in Ostiense you can see the relics of Rome’s industrial archaeology in the old Gasometer, the general warehouses, and the old power plant now turned into a fascinating museum, Centrale Montemartini. Even just a stroll around Ostiense will reveal its trendy and colorful side with a series of murals by international street artists along Via Ostiense, Via dei Magazzini Generali, and Via del Porto Fluviale.

With a short and pleasant walk, you can reach also the large and important Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls and the cobra-shaped bridge named after Settimia Spizzichino.

Once an entirely working-class district, now Ostiense is one of the cool Rome neighborhoods with plenty of restaurants and coffee shops. Some of the nicest restaurants in the area are Trattoria Pennestri (Via Giovanni da Empoli 5) for a blend of tradition and new age, Porto Fluviale open all day for every meal or casual snack (Via del Porto Fluviale 22) and Romeow Cat Bistrot (Via Francesco Negri 15). For a gelato, you can stop at La Romana (Via Ostiense 48) and for a great maritozzo for breakfast, you can try Andreotti (Via Ostiense 54).

gasometer in ostiense rome neighborhood
The main Gasometer not in use anymore in Rome’s cool neighborhood Ostiense

Map of Ostiense Rome neighborhood

Staying in Ostiense is for you if:

  • You like contemporary history
  • You are interested in Rome’s industrial archaeology
  • You like street art
  • You like local restaurants

Top hotels in Ostiense

What to see in Ostiense:

Where to eat in Ostiense

  • Trattoria Pennestri (Via Giovanni da Empoli 5) – Modern trattoria with traditional dishes
  • Romeow Cat Bistrot (Via Francesco Negri 15) – Vegan bistro
  • Marigold (Via Giovanni da Empoli 37) – Hip restaurant with its own micro-bakery
  • Porto Fluviale (Via del Porto Fluviale 22) – Large hip restaurant and pizza place in a former warehouse.

Castro Pretorio and Esquilino – Rome neighborhoods near Termini train station

Very busy and lively area, Castro Pretorio and Stazione Termini are well-connected to all other neighborhoods and are close to pretty much anything you will be looking for, from restaurants to landmarks to different nightlife options.

While the surroundings of Stazione Termini were once considered unsafe, especially at night, now it’s really not the case. Mind you, pretty much everywhere around train stations at night is not ideal, but Castro Pretorio is not an unsafe neighborhood.

Bordering the Sallustiano area, here you can find some of the best gelato (Come Il Latte) and pizza by the slice (Pinsere) in Rome. While on the other side of the Termini train station is the lively Esquilino neighborhood, Rome’s multicultural district. Here, you will find shops, goods, and ingredients literally from all over the world.

Between the Castro Pretorio and the Esquilino neighborhoods, you will be close to some of the most famous churches in Rome including Michelangelo’s Santa Maria degli Angeli and one of the four papal basilicas, Santa Maria Maggiore.

Image: mercato esquilino in one of the best areas to stay in Rome
Exotic flavors at Mercato Esquilino food market in Rome

Map of Castro Pretorio and Esquilino neighborhoods

Staying near Termini station is for you if:

  • You don’t mind the traffic
  • You want to be in the middle of the hectic Roman life
  • You want to be close to Rome’s main train station and bus hub
  • You enjoy a multicultural vibe

Top hotels in Castro Pretorio near Termini Station:

READ MORE: Are you on a short layover or on a business trip to Rome? Check out more hotels near Stazione Termini.

What to see in the Castro Pretorio neighborhood near Termini train station:

  • Piazza della Repubblica (Piazza Esedra)
  • Diocletian Baths
  • Santa Maria degli Angeli Basilica
  • Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica
  • Santa Prassede Basilica
  • Santa Pudenziana Basilica
  • Nuovo Mercato Esquilino

Where to eat near Termini station

  • Rifugio Romano (Via Volturno 39/41) – Traditional Roman and vegan restaurant
  • 50 Kalò (Via Flavia 3) – Pizza place
  • Matò (Via XX Settembre 41) – Street food

Parioli and Villa Borghese – Where to stay in Rome residential areas close to a park

The “posh” district in Rome, Parioli is very much a residential area and at night, apart from some bars and restaurants, pretty quiet.

The area includes two of the most important parks in Rome, Villa Borghese, and Villa Ada. So it’s ideal if you like to spend time in nature and you cherish your jogging/cycling routine.

There are also several lesser-known landmarks to visit if you are a fan of offbeat traveling. Parioli is one of Rome’s neighborhoods where you are more likely to find locals rather than tourists. This is the best area to stay in Rome if you like quiet nights, a residential area, and want to enjoy walks in the park.

villa borghese rome
Villa Borghese park in Rome

Map of Parioli/Villa Borghese areas

Staying near Villa Borghese is for you if:

  • You like to stay in nature
  • You prefer residential areas
  • You don’t mind higher prices
  • You don’t mind taking public transport to reach the city center

Top hotels near Villa Borghese

What to see near Villa Borghese

  • Villa Borghese
  • Villa Ada
  • Santa Ilaria Catacombs
  • Villa Grazioli
  • Mosque of Rome
  • San Valentino Church
  • San Roberto Bellarmino Church
  • San Luigi Gonzaga Church

Where to eat near Villa Borghese and Parioli areas

  • La Pariolina (Viale Parioli 93) – Pizza place
  • Ristorante Sughero (Via Eleonora Duse 1e) – Seafood restaurant

Nomentano/Trieste elegant neighborhood in Rome

This is hands-down one of my favorite neighborhoods in Rome. If you are still wondering where to stay in Rome, I suggest checking this out. Elegant and residential-style, it’s made of large streets such as Via Nomentana and Viale Regina Margherita, as well as more narrow alleys like Via Nizza or Via Mantova. Even though it’s not in the immediate city center, it’s very well connected via public transport through several buses and three metro stations of the B line.

Apart from being a residential neighborhood, this is a strong office area, so don’t worry about tourist menus, here you will only find good-quality restaurants. While it’s hardly included in any guided tour itinerary and is located out of the Aurelian Walls, the Trieste/Nomentano neighborhood doesn’t lack fascinating landmarks.

Between charming hidden gems to discover, great eateries, and quiet alleys, I think this is a fantastic neighborhood of Rome to book your hotel. You are not going to find much of 5-star flashy resorts but rather B&Bs, apartments, and smaller hotels, but I think here you can better decide your own pace.

Even though an office area, towards Piazza Bologna, you will also experience the vibrant nightlife. If you know you are going to rent a car in Rome, this is the perfect area because it’s out of the ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone).

Read our guide to know everything about driving in Rome.

Image: Villa Torlonia in the Nomentano neighborhood in Rome. Photo by Rome Actually

Trieste/Nomentano map

Staying in the Trieste/Nomentanto neighborhood is for you if:

  • You want to go offbeat
  • You want quality restaurants
  • You don’t mind using public transport
  • You want a more local Roman quarter
  • You don’t want to stay in the midst of tourist crowds
  • You are going to drive in Rome

Staying in the Trieste/Nomentanto neighborhood is NOT for you if:

  • Your idea of a Roman holiday is all about Colosseo and Spanish Steps
  • You want to stay in the pulsing heart of Rome’s Centro Storico
  • You don’t feel like using public transport
  • You want to reach all the landmarks by walking
  • You know you won’t be renting a car

Top hotels in the Trieste/Nomentano neighborhood of Rome

What to see and do in the Trieste/Nomentano neighborhood

  • Villa Torlonia
  • Casino Nobile
  • Sant’Agnese Fuori le Mura complex with early-Christian sites
  • Villa Ada
  • Quartiere Coppedè
  • Porta Pia gate
  • MACRO Museum of Contemporary Art

Where to eat in the Trieste/Nomentano neighborhood of Rome

  • Berberè (Via Mantova 5) – Delicious pizza place
  • Osteria Maré (Viale Regina Margherita 225) – High-quality and affordable seafood restaurant
  • Smor (Via Cesare Paoletti 23) – Scandi-style street food place
  • Santi Sebastiano e Valentino (Via Tirso 107) – Bakery with kitchen.
  • Perfecto (Viale Regina Margherita 103) – Great artisan gelato

What is the best part of Rome to stay in?

When deciding where to stay in Rome, you really need to consider your travel plans and how much time you can stay. If you are only planning to stay 2 days in Rome to visit the main central landmarks, I would probably suggest booking your hotel near the city center. By staying near the Centro Storico, you won’t need to use public transport because all landmarks will be within pleasant walking reach.

If you enjoy the traditional vibe, you can book your room in Trastevere, but knowing that most parts of the neighborhood are always busy with tourists, day and night. If you are a nightlife enthusiast, then this is the perfect spot so to go back to your hotel you won’t need a taxi.

For those who prefer to stay in a more quiet and residential area but still not far from the pulsing heart of the city and the main artistic, historical, and architectural masterpieces, quarters such as Monti and Prati are perfect.

If you don’t mind using buses, trains, and the metro, and also if you are staying longer, let’s say a week in Rome, then you can totally enjoy the authentic Roman spirit of neighborhoods such as Testaccio, Ostiense, and Garbatella.

Where should you NOT stay in Rome?

There is not really an area that is too dangerous to stay in Rome, but if it’s your first trip, I would probably avoid quarters like Tor Bella Monaca or San Basilio. They are far from the city so of little interest to tourists and probably at night they are not safe to go around. At night, I would avoid also the area around Stazione Termini, especially all along Via Giolitti.

I suggest staying near and around the city center even though it would probably cost a little more expensive, even though also in central neighborhoods there are budget accommodation options.

What is the safest area to stay in Rome?

Neighborhoods like Centro Storico, Prati, Monti, around the Vatican, Trastevere, and Testaccio are all very safe both day and night. With this, I’m not saying that you shouldn’t pay attention to your belongings, purse, camera, smartphone, and money.

Whatever the area, you never know who’s passing by at a certain moment in time, so always make sure your bag, purse, or backpack is tightly closed, especially if you are on a bus or on the metro.

Moving further north of Rome in areas like Flaminio, Monte Mario, and Ottavia you will certainly be surrounded by fewer landmarks to visit but also the traffic is less mental. These are mainly residential areas served with everything you might need from shops to pharmacies to the post office, and they are also well connected with public transport to the city center.

Monte Mario and Ottavia are near where I live and are served by the F3 railway line and several buses, while the lovely Flaminio neighborhood near Ponte Milvio and the Olympic Village is connected to Piazza del Popolo with tram n.2.

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About The Author: Angela Corrias

Hi, my name is Angela Corrias! I am an Italian journalist, photographer, and blogger living in Rome. After over ten years of living abroad, I finally came to the conclusion that in order to better organize my future adventures, I needed a base. Since I know and love Rome so much, I moved back to the Eternal City. This is how Rome Actually was born. Here, I cover everything about Rome, from the local food to the culture to Roman history.

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