Location is everything
Rome is a walking city. Its metro network is limited because almost anywhere you dig, you hit ancient ruins, and buses can be slow in traffic. Staying in or near the historic centre therefore makes a huge difference: you can return to your room for a rest in the afternoon and walk to dinner without planning a journey.
The right area depends on your priorities, from atmosphere and nightlife to quiet streets and easy transport links.
Centro storico
The historic centre, in the bend of the Tiber, includes the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Campo de' Fiori and the Trevi Fountain. Staying here means stepping straight out into the postcard city. Hotels and apartments tend to be more expensive and rooms smaller, and some streets are lively late, but for a first visit the convenience is hard to beat.
The area around the Spanish Steps and Via del Corso is particularly smart, with designer shopping and elegant cafes.
Monti and Trastevere
Monti, tucked between the Colosseum and Termini station, is one of Rome's oldest districts and now one of its most fashionable. Its sloping streets are lined with vintage shops, wine bars and small restaurants, and it is within walking distance of the ancient sites.
Trastevere, across the river, offers medieval lanes and some of the city's liveliest evenings. It suits travellers who want atmosphere above all. It is less well connected by metro, though trams and buses help, and the main nightlife streets can be noisy.
Prati, Testaccio and Termini
Prati, near the Vatican, is an orderly district of broad avenues and handsome nineteenth-century buildings. It is calmer than the centre, has good shopping and a metro line, and is ideal if you plan to spend time at St Peter's and the Vatican Museums.
Testaccio, south of the Aventine Hill, is a traditional working neighbourhood famous for its food market and old-school trattorias, and appeals to food lovers who want local life. The area around Termini, Rome's main station, offers many budget hotels and excellent transport links, including trains to Fiumicino, but some streets can feel less pleasant at night, so choose carefully.
Booking your stay
With AeroVista flying to ROM Rome Fiumicino, a Flight + Hotel package lets you compare these areas and book everything in one place. Remember that Rome applies a city tax per person per night, typically payable at the property on arrival or departure.
Good to know
- Check whether your accommodation is inside the limited traffic zone, as taxis can still reach it but private rental cars generally cannot.
- Rooms facing internal courtyards are often much quieter in central Rome.
- The airport train connects Fiumicino with Termini and other city stations.