Where to stay in Rome [Best Places to Stay for 2024]

Aerial panoramic view of Rome in summer, Italy. Rome skyline. Old Rome in the sunlight. Beautiful scenic panorama of Rome on a sunny day. Vintage photo.

Rome is a beautiful city to visit, with a vibrant city center and some of the best restaurants in the world. It’s very high up on my recommended lists of where to go in Italy! However like most cities, it can be difficult to determine the best neighborhood to stay in Rome.

We’ve done our best to provide an overview of each neighborhood close to famous sites, depending on your budget. 

We have created a list of hotels in Rome close to famous sites, like the Colosseum, and lesser known sites like Santa Maria Maggiore or San Giovanni Basilica.

We will cover off all types of accommodation in Rome; options from Hostels to luxury Rome hotels as well as how to decide where to stay in Rome Italy 2024, the best Rome hotels, best places in Rome to visit, the best places to stay in Rome, hotels near Rome attractions, Rome neighborhood guide and many more.

Wondering where is the best place to stay in Rome? Below are 12 of the best neighborhoods in Rome to help you make the right decision when trying to work out best areas to stay in Rome for you. We have tried to make the guide as easy to follow as possible.

We have also included some things to do or places to visit as well as some eatery suggestions of either our favourite places or some funky places to eat at within the areas in Rome so you can use this as a go to guide.

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Where to stay near the Colosseum – Best area to stay in Rome

Rome’s most popular attraction is the Colosseum, an oval amphitheatre in the centre of Rome. It’s the largest amphitheatre ever built, and once held between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators.

It was used for gladiator contests and public spectacles executions, re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas based on Classical mythology.

Today you can tour the Colosseum either on your own or with a tour group/private tour. The advantage of going with a tour is that you can get access to the underground chambers and upper tier.

If you decide to take the tour on our own, purchase “skip the line” tickets so you aren’t wasting precious time in massive lines.

If you have only a short visit and need to know where to stay in Rome for one night, then the Colosseum area is the best place to stay in Rome.

Best places to stay near the Colosseum

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels near the Colosseum

Budget accommodation near the Colosseum

Mid range accommodation near the Colosseum

Family Friendly accommodation near the Colosseum

Affordable Luxury accommodation near the Colosseum

Colosseum at sunrise, Rome, Italy, Europe. Rome ancient arena of gladiator fights. Rome Colosseum is the best known landmark of Rome and Italy

Where to stay near the Spanish Steps – Where to stay with Family

The Spanish Steps are a set of 135 steps that you can climb up to a steep slope between the Piazza di Spagna at the base and Piazza Trinità dei Monti, dominated by the Trinità dei Monti church at the top.

One of Rome’s most famous squares is called Piazza di Spagna (Square of Spain). The Piazza di Spagna is located close to the main avenues Via dei Condotti, Via Frattina, and Via del Babuino in one of Rome’s most well-known neighbourhoods.

Via del Babuino is a popular street fashion lovers, a parade of Italian fashion designers such as Roberto Cavalli, Valentino, Dior, Chanel, Tiffany, Armani, Gucci and much much more.

Interesting fact…It’s forbidden to eat lunch on the steps,  by Roman urban regulations.

The Spanish Steps is the best area to stay in Rome with family, there are plenty of affordable family accommodation options. It’s also a super centralized location, making sightseeing and then putting to the kids to bed early – really easy!

Best places to stay near the Spanish Steps

Budget accommodation near the Spanish Steps

Mid range accommodation near the Spanish Steps

Family Friendly accommodation near the Spanish Steps

Affordable Luxury accommodation near the Spanish Steps

Rome. Cityscape image of Spanish Steps in Rome, Italy during sunrise.

Where to stay near the Pantheon – Where to stay in Rome for tourists

The Pantheon is a former Roman temple, which has now been converted into a church. It’s located on the site of an earlier temple commissioned by Marcus Agrippa during the reign of Augustus.

It’s one of the best-preserved of all Ancient Roman buildings in Rome and it is surrounded by delicious Italian cafes. Make sure to stop and enjoy the food and the view.

Just a four minute walk from the Pantheon is Piazza Navona, one of Rome’s most popular squares which houses three beautiful fountains.

The Pantheon is a popular place to stay for tourists due to it’s proximity not only to the Pantheon but the other famous Roman tourists attractions within easy walking distance. So if you’re looking for the best area to stay in Rome for sightseeing, this is it!

My favourite thing to do is grab a coffee at one of the local cafes near the Pantheon and listen to the local musicals and buskers who usually play just outside it.

Best places to stay near the Pantheon

Budget accommodation near the Pantheon

Mid range accommodation near the Pantheon

Family Friendly accommodation near the Pantheon

Affordable Luxury accommodation near the Pantheon

Pantheon in the morning, Rome, Italy, Europe. Rome ancient temple of all the gods. Rome Pantheon is one of the best known landmarks of Rome and Italy

Where to stay near the Trevi Fountain – Where to stay in Rome for first timers

The Trevi Fountain is a fountain in the Trevi district in Rome, originally designed by Italian architect Nicola Salvi and completed by Pietro Bracci.

It’s one of the most famous fountains in the world and it’s said if you throw a coin using the right hand over the left shoulder into the Trevi Fountain, it will ensure that you will return to Rome again in the future.

The Trevi district is a great place to stay for first timer visitors, its a short walk from the Trevi fountain, the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon and not too far away from the Colosseum.

Best places to stay near the Trevi Fountain

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels near the Trevi Fountain

Budget accommodation near the Trevi Fountain

Mid range accommodation near the Trevi Fountain

Family Friendly accommodation near the Trevi Fountain

Affordable Luxury accommodation near the Trevi Fountain

Trevi fountain at sunrise, Rome, Italy, Europe. Rome architecture and landmark. Trevi fountain is one of the most important turistic attractions in Rome

Where to stay near the Roman Forum – Where to stay with kids

While not as popular as the Trevi Fountain or the Colosseum, the Roman Forum is a rectangular forum surrounded by the ruins of several important ancient government buildings at the center of Rome.

Many of the oldest and most important structures of the ancient city were located on or near the Forum. You can get the best view of the Roman Forum Palatine Hill.

The Roman Forum is the best area in rome to stay when traveling with kids, it’s a quiter area so you don’t have to compete with the evening noise but it’s still close to most of the main attractions.

Best places to stay near the Roman Forum

Budget accommodation near the Roman Forum

Mid range accommodation near the Roman Forum

Family Friendly accommodation near the Roman Forum

Affordable Luxury accommodation near the Roman Forum

Rome sunrise city skyline at Rome Forum (Roman Forum) Rome Italy

Where to stay near the Vatican City – Where to stay in for 3 days

Vatican City is an independent city-state surrounded by Rome. It’s the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church and home of the Pope.

Within the Vatican City are religious and cultural sites such as St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums. The attractions feature some of the world’s most famous paintings and sculptures.

If you would like to visit Vatican City, I’d recommend putting a whole day aside as there is a lot to see, don’t rush yourself and once again if you decide to do a self tour I’d recommend purchasing “skip the line” tickets as the lines to get in can be very long!

If you’re travelling to rome for 2 or 3 days, staying near the Vatican City is one of the best areas to stay in Rome to be able to enjoy both the top attractions in Rome as well as the Vatican City.

Best places to stay near the Vatican City

Budget accommodation near the Vatican City

Mid range accommodation near the Vatican City

Family Friendly accommodation near the Vatican City

Affordable Luxury accommodation near the Vatican City

Vatican, Rome, Italy - View from above on the famous St. Peters Square, Piazza San Pietro is a large plaza located directly in front of St. Peters Basilica in the Vatican City

Where to stay near St. Peter’s Basilica – Where to stay on a budget

St. Peter’s Basilica is an Italian Renaissance church in Vatican City. Catholic tradition holds that the Basilica is the burial site of St. Peter, one of Christ’s Apostles and supposedly, St. Peter’s tomb is directly below the high altar of the Basilica.

The large dome was designed by Michelangelo, and you can climb to the top of the Dome which is 551 steps.

A good way to work off all the delicious Italian food! Or you can take the easy way up and take the elevator; there is of course an admission fee. You have 360 degree views of St Peter’s Square and the city of Rome from the top.

This area is one of the best places to stay in Rome on a budget as it’s not right in the middle of the city, making it slightly cheaper than it would be within the city.

Best places to stay near St. Peter’s Basilica

Budget accommodation near St. Peter’s Basilica

Mid range accommodation near St. Peter’s Basilica

Family Friendly accommodation near St. Peter’s Basilica

Affordable Luxury accommodation near St. Peter’s Basilica

Rome, Vatican City. Cityscape image of illuminated Saint Peter`s Basilica and Street Via della Conciliazione, Vatican City, Rome, Italy.

Trastevere neighborhood – Where to stay in for foodies

For a more local experience in Rome, consider staying in the Trastevere neighborhood. Located along the River Tiber, south of Vatican City, the Roma Trastevere train station public transport offers easy access to other neighborhoods of Rome, including the airport.

This is the best place to stay in in Rome for those who’ve already done the tourists sites and are seeking a more laid-back, authentic Rome experience and of course all the delicious Italian food Rome has to offer.

Lose yourself amongst the winding, medieval cobblestone streets, shopping in boutiques along the way. If the famed shopping street of Via Veneto is too pricy for your shopping budget, check out the back streets of Trastevere and all the bars and restaurants.

If you plan to spend a lot of time visiting the main Roman sites, consider staying close to the Metro station. Just across the river from Trastevere is Rome’s Jewish Ghetto, a unique and historic destination in Rome.

Best places to stay in Trastevere

Budget accommodation in Trastevere

Mid range accommodation in Trastevere

Family Friendly accommodation in Trastevere

Affordable Luxury accommodation in Trastevere

Rome, Italy - : Typical Italian restaurant in the historic center of Rome.

Centro Storico neighborhood- Where to stay for one night

Rome’s Centro Storico area is the historic center of Rome, where you’ll find most of the major Rome attractions, and adjacent to Vatican City.

For first time visitors to Rome, this is the best area to stay in Rome, as you’ll be able to walk all over, and save time from commuting back and forth to Rome’s city center. Making it the perfect place to stay for just one night.

Stay in the Centro Storico, Rome’s historic center, and you’ll be within a few minutes walk to the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain. If you’re looking for stunning views, check out hotels near St. Peter’s Basilica or the Colosseum.

Expect to pay a premium for the convenience, and restaurants here will be more tourist-oriented, but you truly can’t beat the location for a first time visit to Rome.

Centro Storico is best area to stay in Rome for young adults due to it’s promixity to Roman nightlife.

Best places to stay in Centro Storico

Budget accommodation in Centro Storico

Mid range accommodation in Centro Storico

Family Friendly accommodation in Centro Storico

Affordable Luxury accommodation in Centro Storico

View onto rooftops of Rome skyline with domes of 16th-century church Santa Maria di Loreto across from the Trajan's Column near the Monument of Vittorio Emanuele at Piazza Venezia in Rome Italy

Piazza del Popolo – Where to stay for shopping

Just north of Centro Historico is the area of Piazza del Popolo, named for the nearby church of Santa Maria del Popolo.

During the Roman Empire, this plaza was how most visitors entered Rome, and it remains one of Rome’s most popular plazas today. Shoppers will enjoy Rome’s high street, Via del Corso, which radiates out from Piazza del Popolo.

Given the proximity to Centro Storico, and easy access to Rome’s sites, Piazza del Popolo is a great place to stay in Rome for anyone wanting to be near the city center, with a bit more breathing room or budget-friendly hotel options.

Best places to stay in Piazza del Popolo

Budget accommodation in Piazza del Popolo

Mid range accommodation in Piazza del Popolo

Family Friendly accommodation in Piazza del Popolo

Affordable Luxury accommodation in Piazza del Popolo

Rome/Italy -Fountains around the Egyptian Obelisk and Churches of Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria di Montesantom in Piazza del Popolo on a cloudy day

Villa Borghese – best neighbourhood to stay in rome

Adjacent to the Piazza del Popolo is Villa Borghese, one of Rome’s largest public parks. The English gardens are home to a number of museums and attractions, including the Borghese gallery.

Commissioned in the 17th century by the Borghese family, the park also hosts horse races and festivals at the race course.

The Galleria Borghese is a 17th century villa of Cardinal Scipione Borghese, which now houses artwork that includes sculptures by Bernini, and the building itself is a piece of art to be admired.

The Villa Medici is a Renaissance Palace which houses the French Academy. If you are visiting Rome with children, the Bioparco di Roma is a great place to spend an afternoon, with a zoo that includes over 200 types of animals.

Many of Rome’s best hotels are situated just outside of Villa Borghese, making this a great place to stay in Rome!

Best places to stay in Villa Borghese

Budget accommodation in Villa Borghese

Mid range accommodation in Villa Borghese

Family Friendly accommodation in Villa Borghese

Affordable Luxury accommodation in Villa Borghese

Siena square inside the Villa Borghese gardens Villa Borghese gardens is a landscape garden in the naturalistic English manner in Rome.

Testaccio neighbourhood – Best neighborhoods to stay in Rome

For a unique place to stay in Rome, or for budget Rome accommodations, consider the working class neighborhood of Testaccio.

A defining feature of this area is the Monte dei Cocci, an ancient mound of over 50 million Roman clay vessels. As gentrification moves through Testaccio, more travelers begin to discover this Rome district.

The Mercato Testaccio has been open for over 100 years, and offers everything from shoes to fresh produce. The market is a great spot to grab some takeaway, too. The neighborhood is full of cafes and coffee bars, bakeries and butchers.

If you have visited Rome before, and prefer to have a more local, authentic experience, then Testaccio is a great place to stay in Rome.

Best places to stay in Testaccio

Budget accommodation in Testaccio

Mid range accommodation in Testaccio

Family Friendly accommodation in Testaccio

Affordable Luxury accommodation in Testaccio

Rome Italy Pyramid of Caius Cestius and San Paolo Gate in Rome Italy

Top 5 favorites accommodation options for Rome

❤️ Best Area first timersNear the Trevi Fountain
💸 Best Luxury HotelDOM Hotel Roma – Preferred Hotels & Resorts
👪 Best Hotel for For FamiliesTownHouse by the Spanish Steps
🏨 Best Mid-Range HotelMercure Roma Centro Colosseo
🛏️ Best Budget HotelLa Fabbrica di San Pietro B&B
✨ Best HostelThe RomeHello

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Author

  • Samantha King

    Sam, a seasoned traveler across four continents and 49 countries, is a leading authority in travel planning. Her website, Travelling King, offers tailored itineraries and expert guides for seamless trips. Sam's expertise in luxury travel, fast travel, and destination guides keeps her at the forefront of the travel community.

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