You’re planning to visit the Eternal City in Italy and wondering where to stay in Rome ? Don’t panic, in this guide I’ve listed the best places for a first time visit. For each areas in the city, I’ve selected a list of hotels, apartments, and guesthouses categorized by budget.
Rome is the largest and most visited city in Italy, and therefore offers a wide range of accommodation options. The only requirement is to book well in advance to get the best rates and secure the best-located addresses. If possible, avoid the Easter and Christmas holidays, when a large number of pilgrims flock to the city.
What is the best area to stay in Rome ? Which one should you choose to be close to the main tourist sites and attractions ? Which neighborhood is best for nightlife and going out in the evening, or for a quieter stay ? I answer all your questions in this guide following our stay in the city. And for all information about monuments to visit, I recommend reading the article best things to do in Rome in 3 days.
Where to stay in Rome : neighborhood map
I’ve marked on the map below all the neighborhoods where I recommend staying in Rome. These are located in the city center, which is bounded by the Aurelian Walls. Even if distances may seem large on the map, everything is easily done on foot since you won’t visit all neighborhoods in the same day. In addition, public transportation (bus, tram, and metro) is well developed, making it easy to travel longer distances.
We did not find any accommodation in Rome with free parking (we came by car). If you know of an address, feel free to share it in the blog comments. For accommodations that offer parking, expect to pay between €10 and €20 per night. A vehicle is unnecessary for visiting the city, but if you are on a road trip in Italy, it can be convenient to leave your car safely parked.
If you’re in a hurry and don’t have time to read this guide in full, here is a summary of the different areas where to stay in Rome :
- Colosseum and Monti : a typical bohemian-chic area close to the main ancient sites to visit.
- Historic Center : the most central area and therefore the best location to be close to everything.
- Termini Station (Esquilino district) : near Rome’s main train station, this is where accommodation is the cheapest.
- Tridente and Trev i: the most upscale area of Rome with many luxury hotels. Quiet in the evening.
- Trastevere : the most picturesque neighborhood in Rome and also the liveliest, with many bars and restaurants. It can be noisy in the evening and at night.
- Borgo and Prati : these two neighborhoods are located next to Vatican City and the metro line. Many good restaurants but few nightlife spots.
- Aventine and Testaccio : a quiet, green area with many trattorias, one of the best areas to eat in Rome.
The Colosseum and Monti neighborhoods
The Colosseum area, known as “Ancient Rome,” brings together most of the city’s ancient sites that must be seen (the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill). It’s an area with many tourist restaurants but, at the same time, few accommodations. Most of them are also fairly expensive.
The Monti district is Rome’s bohemian-chic neighborhood, with cobbled streets, wine bars, artisan shops, and restaurants. It lies just northwest of the Colosseum, making it equally close to the ancient sites. It also has the advantage of being next to the Trevi district, where the famous fountain is located. Several metro stations provide easy access to Monti. Even though it is an upscale area, you can still find a wide range of accommodation for all budgets.
The Monti district is an excellent choice for staying in Rome if you’re looking for a typical neighborhood relatively close to the main monuments.
Why choose Monti ?
- Proximity to attractions : you’ll be just a few minutes’ walk from the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.
- Transportation : very well served by the metro line.
Recommended accommodations :
- 80 € : Colosseo’s door, this guesthouse is one of the cheapest places to stay in Rome in the Monti district. The room is on a mezzanine level and equipped with a fridge and microwave.
- 99 € : Coliseum top floor with terrace and view, a 35 m² apartment equipped with a full kitchen and washing machine. Its main asset is the beautiful top-floor terrace with a view.
- 127 € : Roma Suite Monti, this guesthouse offers large modern rooms with king-size beds. Some even feature a spa bathtub. A generous breakfast is included in the price.
- 149 € : Residenza Roma Imperiale, a lovely 4-star bed and breakfast with a large room, kitchenette area, and a beautiful modern bathroom. City views. Very well located 400 m from the Colosseum.
- 236 € : Princeps Boutique Hotel, this 3-star hotel offers lovely rooms and modern bathrooms with city views. It is located 400 meters from Rome Termini station and a 10-minute walk from the Colosseum. Breakfast included.
Where to stay in Rome in the historic center ?
This is the most central area for visiting Rome, here you are close to everything. The historic center is home to many of the capital’s main monuments, such as the Pantheon, the superb Piazza Navona, and the Church of St. Louis of the French. From the historic center, you can reach all neighborhoods on foot: by crossing the bridge you’ll be in Trastevere or at the Vatican, to the south are the monuments of Ancient Rome, and to the west the Trevi Fountain. In short, from the historic center you can easily do everything on foot. The area also offers many bars, restaurants, and shops.
The historic center is the best area to stay in Rome while being within short walking distance of all the city’s main attractions. However, it requires a slightly higher budget, as there are few low-cost options.
Why choose the historic center ?
- Proximity to attractions: the best location to be close to all major sites.
- Nightlife: a multitude of typical bars and restaurants.
- Elegance and tradition: a neighborhood that breathes history and grandeur.
Suggested accommodations :
- 89 € : Relais Palazzo Taverna, one of the cheapest places to stay in Rome in the historic center. This bed and breakfast occupies a 15th-century building. Ground-floor apartments are also available for rent.
- 107 € : Campo de’ Fiori apartment, this apartment accommodating 2 to 4 people is located very close to Campo de’ Fiori square. Ideal accommodation for large families with children who want to stay in the center.
- 138 € : Vanity Hotel Navona, for those who prefer hotel services, this 2-star property offers modern rooms, some with balconies. It is located 500 meters from Castel Sant’Angelo and the Pantheon.
- 158 € : Banco 19 B&B, large, beautifully decorated rooms with lovely bathrooms located in a historic building. Shared kitchen available for guests. A great place to stay in Rome.
- 318 € : Navona 49, the main highlight of this property is the view. The rooms and suites of this guesthouse feature terraces overlooking Piazza Navona, one of Rome’s most beautiful squares.
Accommodation in Rome near Termini Station
Termini Station, Rome’s main station, is located in the Esquilino district. This is where you’ll arrive if you come by train from Pisa or take the Leonardo Express from the airport. Around Termini Station you’ll find the cheapest accommodation, which will appeal to budget travelers looking for an affordable hotel. The Termini area has several metro stations, making it easy to reach the northern part of the city center as well as the Vatican. Some streets around the station are not very well frequented, so be sure to read reviews from other travelers if you choose a low-cost hotel (the establishments listed below all have excellent reviews).
Why choose Termini Station ?
- Transportation : very well served by the metro and trains to the airport and other cities.
- Price : the cheapest area in the city, ideal for tight budgets.
Recommended lodgings :
- 63 € : La Casa Simpatia, one of the cheapest places to stay in Rome in the city center, offering a room with a private bathroom and good reviews. Located 600 m from Termini station.
- 86 € : Pop Corn House, this large 70 m² apartment with an equipped kitchen and washing machine is perfect for long stays in Rome. It allows you to cook when you don’t feel like going to a restaurant.
- 87 € : La Terrazza di Evelina Guest House, the main highlight of this guesthouse is the sunny, flower-filled terrace where breakfast is served (included in the price). 1 km from the Colosseum and the station.
- 90 € : Appartamento a Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, this house in the city offers a well-equipped 30 m² apartment with a kitchen and washing machine. The nearest metro station is 300 m away.
- 97 € : Hotel Balilla, this 3-star establishment with excellent reviews is mainly aimed at travelers looking for a cheap hotel in Rome. It offers double or triple rooms.
The Tridente and Trevi neighborhoods
This is Rome’s most upscale area. It includes all the streets between the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps (where the Trinità dei Monti staircase is located). Here you’ll find major brand boutiques, trendy bars, and luxury hotels. However, the Tridente and Trevi neighborhoods also offer beautiful mid-range addresses. It is relatively quiet in the evening compared to other parts of the city. This is not where you go out partying at night.
Why choose Tridente and Trevi ?
- Elegance and tranquility: ideal for those seeking a calmer and more sophisticated setting.
- Shopping: a multitude of beautiful boutiques with major international brands.
- Proximity to attractions: perfect for visiting the Trevi Fountain early in the morning before the crowds arrive.
Accommodations options :
- 87 € : B&B Domus Piazza del Popolo, one of the cheapest places to stay in Rome in the Tridente district. It will particularly appeal to those who enjoy period-style decor. Breakfast included.
- 114 € : Tridente Suites, this guesthouse offers several categories of modern rooms, some with views, all equipped with beautiful bathrooms. Located 80 meters from Piazza del Popolo.
- 128 € : Premium Private Suites, this guesthouse offers beautifully decorated rooms, some with a spa bathtub. Very well located within walking distance of all monuments.
- 150 € : Vite Suites Guest House, the large and beautiful rooms in this guesthouse feature a small kitchenette, useful for preparing breakfast, for example. 400 m from the Spanish Steps.
- 206 € : Tree Charme Parliament Boutique Hotel, this 3-star accommodation in Rome offers very beautiful rooms with refined decor as well as superb suites. Book early to get the best rate.
Where to stay in Rome in the Trastevere district ?
This is Rome’s most picturesque neighborhood, with its small streets and houses. It is located on the right bank of the Tiber. It is mainly known for its many typical bars and restaurants. It is the liveliest district in Rome and therefore relatively noisy. But don’t worry, it is still possible to find accommodation on quiet streets in Trastevere. The metro does not serve this side of the river, so unless you stay close to the Tiber, it is more convenient to use the bus or tram to reach the historic center.
Why choose Trastevere ?
- Culinary scene: one of the places with the highest number of trattorias and authentic restaurants.
- Nightlife: many bars offering vibrant nightlife in one of the city’s liveliest districts.
- Typical atmosphere: ideal for those who enjoy unique places.
Suggested lodgings :
- 62 € : Flat in Trastevere, an address offering excellent value for money for staying in Rome. Suitable for large families, as this house can accommodate up to 4 people. Located in the heart of Trastevere.
- 93 € : Hanky Suite, this guesthouse offers beautiful modern rooms. It is located near good restaurants for going out in the evening and close to bus and tram stops.
- 115 € : Trastevere Royal Suite Trilussa, the rooms and suites of this bed and breakfast offer superb views of the Tiber River that runs through Rome. Air conditioning and double glazing ensure a quiet night’s sleep in summer.
- 151 € : Tolomeo B&b, the rooms of this unusual guesthouse are very well located in Trastevere, close to the two bridges crossing the Tiber to reach the city center. Public transportation nearby.
- 189 € : Grand Hotel Gianicolo, this 4-star hotel located on the border between the Trastevere and Gianicolo districts features a beautiful pool, ideal for cooling off after a long day of sightseeing. Breakfast included.
The Borgo and Prati neighborhoods near the Vatican
Borgo and Prati are the two neighborhoods adjacent to Vatican City. The main sites to see here are St. Peter’s Basilica and its immense square, the Vatican Museums with the Sistine Chapel, and Castel Sant’Angelo. One of the advantages of Borgo and Prati is that both neighborhoods are served by the metro, allowing you to reach the historic center or the Colosseum in just a few minutes. Party lovers may be disappointed, as there is not much nightlife. On the other hand, the Prati district has many restaurants.
Why choose Trastevere ?
- Culture and arts: you’ll be just a few minutes’ walk from St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums.
- Transportation: very well served by the metro for reaching other tourist sites.
- Tranquility: ideal for those looking for a quiet neighborhood without partygoers.
Recommended accommodations :
- 66 € : La Terrazza a San Pietro, this small room is one of the cheapest places to stay in Rome right next to Vatican City. The museum entrance is just a few minutes’ walk away. Metro stop 400 m away.
- 80 € : Winkler Suites, this guesthouse offers minimalist rooms in a Swedish-style design with city views. Well located between the Vatican and the historic center.
- 98 € : Scipioni Best Rooms, modern rooms for 2 to 4 people overlooking a small garden. The shared kitchen is equipped with a microwave, electric kettle, and coffee machine.
- 117 € : Vatican Palace Suites by Premium Suites Collection, this guesthouse offers clean, comfortable modern rooms. Close to many good restaurants in the Prati district.
- 188 € : Trianon Borgo Pio Aparthotel, for those who appreciate hotel services (gym, breakfast, terrace, etc.), this 4-star property offers apartments for 2 to 6 people.
Aventino and Testaccio district
This is where we chose to stay in Rome during our visit in January. We were looking for accommodation with parking (we had just been on a road trip in Tuscany), and this is where we found it. It’s not a neighborhood very popular with tourists (there are few sites to see), but I wanted to include it in this guide because we really liked our area.
The Aventino district, on its hill, is a small green oasis of calm in the center of Rome. It is a residential area with few hotels but far removed from the hustle and bustle of the historic center. It is located a 15-minute walk from the Colosseum and its metro station.
The Testaccio district just below Aventino (a few minutes’ walk away) is known for its many trattorias serving traditional Roman recipes. It is one of the best areas to eat in Rome, far from the tourist restaurants found elsewhere. If you’re looking for a less touristy neighborhood, this is where you should stay in Rome.
Why choose Trastevere ?
- Tranquility : ideal for those seeking a quieter setting without tourists.
- Culinary scene : many typical restaurants frequented by locals.
Lodgings options :
- 83 € : Roma suite Piramide, a guesthouse offering double rooms with or without a balcony. Breakfast included and metro stop 200 meters away. Rome-Ostiense station is right next door.
- 105 € : Aventino Guest House, this bed and breakfast offers double or triple rooms. Close to restaurants, supermarkets, bakeries, and pastry shops. The Colosseum and Roman Forum are less than 1 km away.
- 106 € : Circo Massimo Guest House, this guesthouse located a 10-minute walk from the Colosseum (5 minutes from the metro) features a small tree-filled courtyard where you can have breakfast. Also offers a studio for 3 people.
- 208 € : Hotel Villa San Pio, this is where we stayed, and in January we paid only €62 per night. We appreciated the lovely rooms and especially the excellent breakfast served in the garden. The property is located on a very quiet street. On-site parking.
- 234 € : Il Monastero Collection, if you want to stay somewhere exceptional, this is the place for you. Take a look at the presidential suites. Very well located less than 600 meters from the Roman Forum.
Where to stay in Rome on a budget ?
If you’re looking for cheap accommodation in Rome — hotel, guesthouse, or apartment — here are some good addresses with excellent reviews. All rooms have a private bathroom. These establishments are located in the city center of Rome, allowing you to easily visit monuments and museums. Note that you can find even cheaper options if you don’t mind sharing a bathroom.
I’ll say it again : to get the best rate, it’s important to book several months in advance. In hotels and guesthouses, prices increase as properties fill up. It is also possible to find excellent last-minute deals (the day before, for example), but during peak season there may not be much left.
- 28 € : Relais al Corso, this guesthouse with a private kitchen is located 200 m from Piazza del Popolo, near Villa Borghese.
- 62 € : Day by Day, located in the Prati district near the Vatican and good restaurants, this B&B offers rooms with breakfast included.
- 65 € : AppleMoon, this guesthouse in the Prati district offers double or triple rooms. Located 30 meters from the Ottaviano metro station.
- 65 € : DomusAmor Colosseo, located near Termini station and the Colosseum, this guesthouse offers double or triple rooms.
- 68 € : Lucky Home rooms, this accommodation with brightly colored rooms is located a 10-minute walk from Termini station.
The best hostels in Rome
Backpackers will be delighted to know that it is possible to stay in Rome on a tight budget. To do so, there’s really only one option: choose a hostel. Don’t worry — you don’t have to be young to stay there. Hostels are open to everyone with no age limit. They’re also a great option when traveling alone and wanting to meet people on site. If you plan to sleep in a dormitory and are a light sleeper, be sure to bring earplugs 🙂
To get the lowest rate, you need to book in advance and choose a bed in a dormitory (some hostels also offer double rooms for couples). Bathrooms are, of course, shared with other dorm guests. Most of the time, food is available in the shared kitchen for preparing breakfast.
- 32 € : The RomeHello, bed in a mixed or female-only dorm (4 to 10 beds). This hostel is located near Termini station and a metro stop.
- 33 € : YellowSquare Rome, this hostel is a 10-minute walk from Termini station and metro station. Bed in a mixed or female dorm.
- 40 € : Ostello Bello Roma Colosseo, located in the Monti district, this hostel features a rooftop terrace. Mixed or female dorms with 4 beds.
The most beautiful luxury hotels
To celebrate an anniversary, a honeymoon, or any other special occasion, Italy’s capital offers magnificent luxury hotels. We’re talking about 5-star palace hotels where comfort, quality, service, room decor, breakfast, high-end toiletries, location, and views are at their peak. Yes, you need a certain budget for this type of establishment, but when you want to treat your partner, you don’t count the cost ! 🙂
- 391 € : NH Collection Roma Fori Imperiali
- 439 € : Harry’s Bar Trevi Hotel & Restaurant
- 509 € : Hotel Locarno
- 603 € : Baglioni Hotel Regina – The Leading Hotels of the World
- 614 € : Singer Palace Hotel
How to get to the city center from the airport ?
Fiumicino International Airport (Leonardo da Vinci), the city’s main airport, is located 30 km west by the sea. To reach Rome’s city center, you can choose between:
The direct Leonardo Express train, which stops at Rome Termini station. Departures every 15 minutes (30 minutes during off-peak hours) between 6:08 am and 11:23 pm. This is the best and fastest option. Price: €14, duration 32 minutes. You can buy tickets on site or directly on the Trenitalia website (the official Italian train operator). To buy a ticket, select from “Fiumicino Aeroporto” to “Roma Termini.”
The bus to Termini station runs from 6:05 am to 12:40 am. It’s cheaper (€7) but slower (1 hour), and there’s no guarantee the journey won’t take longer if you get stuck in traffic. You can buy the ticket on this website.
Taxi : the fare to central Rome is €48 (fixed price).
With this guide you now know where to stay in Rome during your trip. If you have questions about accommodation in Rome or an address to recommend, feel free to leave a message in the blog comments.
My other articles on accommodation in Italy