Where to stay in Rome: A guide to neighborhoods and our experience in Trastevere

Choosing accommodation in Rome will fundamentally influence how you experience the city. The Italian capital is vast, and while it has a metro, its network isn’t as dense as in other European cities. If you choose the wrong location, you could easily spend hours a day on public transport or crowded buses. In Rome, we try to walk as much as possible because you’ll see the city’s most beautiful details in its hidden alleys, not in a metro tunnel. We break down what to see in Rome, and how to fit it all into your days, in a separate guide: what to see in Rome.

During our last stay, we looked for a balance between price, proximity to attractions, and an authentic atmosphere. We found that each neighbourhood has a specific character that suits a different type of traveller.

If you’re wondering where to stay in Rome, the most important thing is to choose the right neighbourhood. Each area offers a different atmosphere, price level, and accessibility to attractions. Below you’ll find an overview of locations that make sense according to your budget and travel style.

Quick overview: Where to stay in Rome

If you don’t have time to study the details of individual streets, here’s our selection by traveller type and budget:

Best luxury hotel in the centre of Rome

Hotel Hassler – an iconic hotel above the Spanish Steps, top-notch service, and a view you won’t easily experience elsewhere in Rome.

Check price and availability of Hotel Hassler

Best value for money / location in Rome

B&B Danilo (Trastevere) – simple but excellently located accommodation, from which you can walk to the Colosseum and the Vatican.

Check current price and availability of B&B Danilo

Cheap accommodation near Termini metro, Rome

IQ Hotel Roma (Termini) – a modern hotel near Termini station, ideal if you want to be near the metro and have easy airport transfers.

See prices and availability of IQ Hotel Roma

Trastevere: For food lovers and nightlife enthusiasts

In our opinion, Trastevere is one of the best neighbourhoods to stay in Rome if you want a combination of authenticity and a good location. Cobblestone streets, ivy-covered facades, small trattorias, bakeries, cafes, and evening buzz create an atmosphere completely different from the areas around the main avenues.

We stayed here at BB Danilo. It’s typical accommodation where the main advantage is the location. Trastevere is great because you can walk to all of Rome from here. It’s a pleasant 30-minute walk to the Colosseum and the Vatican. The neighbourhood is an interesting mix of daytime tranquility and a livelier evening atmosphere. You’ll meet plenty of locals here, which reduces the feeling of a ‘tourist open-air museum’.

It’s fair to mention the downsides too. Historic buildings mean smaller rooms and sometimes a separate bathroom. In our case, the bathroom was in the hallway, but it was reserved only for our room and could be locked. If you’re looking for cheap accommodation in Rome and will mainly use the room for sleeping, it’s a reasonable compromise.

View current accommodation offers in Trastevere

Our tips in Trastevere:

• Pasticceria Trastevere: A great place for morning coffee and fresh pastries.
• Supplì Roma: Ideal for a quick on-the-go lunch (fried rice balls). They cost a few euros and are filling.

Monti: For those who want to be in the centre of the action

Monti is located right next to the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. It used to be a poor neighbourhood, but today it’s one of the ‘coolest’ areas. It’s full of vintage shops, small galleries, and wine bars. It’s an ideal choice if you want the main ancient attractions within easy reach, but also want to avoid sterile hotel chains. Prices here are slightly higher than in Trastevere, but you’ll save a few minutes of walking or transport costs because you are essentially in the geographical centre of tourist Rome.

If you want to stay right in the historic centre and have the Colosseum literally around the corner, check out the current offers for hotels in the Monti area.

Browse hotels in the Monti area

Prati and Vatican: Accommodation in Rome with children

If you are travelling with family, the Prati neighbourhood north of the Vatican is probably the best choice. Unlike the narrow and noisy streets in the centre, here you’ll find wide boulevards, better-maintained pavements, and generally more peace and order.

You’ll find more spacious apartments here, which are more practical for accommodation in Rome with children than small hotel rooms. Additionally, there are plenty of quality restaurants that are not primarily tourist-oriented, so prices and food quality tend to be more stable. You can reach the historic centre from here in a few minutes via metro line A.

For families or a quieter stay, we recommend checking out the current offers for apartments and hotels in the Prati area.

View accommodation in the Prati area

Termini and Esquilino: Cheap accommodation in Rome near the metro

The area around Termini main station is often underestimated due to its reputation. It’s true that the immediate vicinity of the station is noisy and chaotic, but it has its logical advantages. If you’re looking for accommodation in Rome near the metro for easy access to the airport (via Leonardo Express train) or for trips outside the city, this is the most suitable point.

Prices here are the lowest in the entire wider centre. When choosing, however, carefully read guest reviews on Booking, as quality can vary significantly. We recommend choosing hotels towards the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, where the atmosphere quickly improves.

Browse hotels around Termini

Practical tips: How to choose a hotel in Rome

When booking accommodation in Italy, you need to account for several specifics that might surprise you on the bill or upon arrival.

City Tax (Tassa di soggiorno)

Rome has a tourist tax that is usually not included in the price on booking portals. It is paid on-site upon check-out. The amount of the tax depends on the type of accommodation and ranges approximately from €3.5 to €10 per person per night. Always check this information in the hotel’s terms and conditions before booking.

Air conditioning and noise

It gets hot in Rome in the summer. If you’re travelling between June and September, air conditioning is a must. Also, check if the room has windows facing the inner courtyard. Roman streets are noisy at night (scooters, garbage collectors, tourists), and historic windows rarely seal well and can disturb your sleep.

Breakfast

A typical Italian breakfast in cheaper B&Bs is usually sweet – a croissant (cornetto) and coffee. If you prefer eggs or ham, look for hotels with ‘international breakfast’ or choose between 3-star and higher hotels, where you’ll find a standard buffet with a wide selection. We prefer to have a smaller, cheaper breakfast included and go out for a proper breakfast at a local Pasticceria (bakery/pastry shop).

How to choose the right neighbourhood quickly?

If you’re visiting Rome for the first time and want to be able to walk everywhere, choose Trastevere or Monti.
If you’re travelling with children, look at Prati.
If you’re looking for the lowest price and proximity to the metro, focus on the Termini area.

Want to compare prices across Rome by date?

Browse current accommodation offers in Rome and filter by price, rating, and location with booking options.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about accommodation in Rome

An honest summary

If you’re wondering where to stay in Rome, the answer mainly depends on your travel style. If you want an authentic atmosphere and don’t mind a smaller room, Trastevere is the best choice in our opinion. If your priority is budget and metro accessibility, the Termini area makes sense.

We personally would return to Trastevere again – for the morning coffee in local establishments and evening walks without the hassle of dealing with transportation.

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Planning a longer trip around Italy? If you’re travelling by car, we’ve prepared a detailed article Italy by Car: Accommodation, where we share our experiences from our road trip and review individual locations based on practicality and price.

If you’re also interested in other European travel, check out our other guides to cities and tips for interesting places.