If you’re looking for the best neighborhoods in Rome, this is the place.
My love for Rome began on our honeymoon, when Will and I spent three days exploring the Eternal City. We fell in love with the friendly locals, colorful streets, and historic sites, and have been returning to Rome almost every year since.
We ended up visiting Rome a total of six times before deciding to move there for three months last summer. I base myself in a different part of Rome each time I visit, and here I’ve compiled a list of my favorite spots. Let’s take a look.
Visiting Rome? If you haven’t decided where to stay yet, check out our helpful guide on where to stay in Rome (+ 2 areas to avoid) for first-time visitors. Short on time? Here’s your guide. My favourite hotel in Rome,no doubt.
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Neighborhoods of Rome (table of contents)
Trastevere (the most charming district of Rome)
Ask any visitor to Rome what their favorite neighborhood is, and there’s an 80% chance that Trastevere will come out on top. With its winding cobblestone streets and ivy-covered facades, it’s the quintessential Roman neighborhood.
While Trastevere has kept to its working-class roots, it has retained a relaxed, bohemian vibe that attracts artists and talented musicians to the area, and its easy-going atmosphere also makes it popular with younger people, giving the neighborhood a youthful, fun feel. atmosphere (To get all the evidence you need, take a stroll through San Calixto Square at sunset).
The area is also known for its great nightlife, trendy bars and top-notch restaurants that are worth the trip. After all, no matter how many times I visit Rome, Trastevere always comes to mind. I frequent this area, especially when I feel like wandering around the neighborhood, and it never disappoints.
Hotels in Trastevere
What to do in Trastevere
Explore Santa Maria Square in TrastevereThis picturesque square in the district’s heart is home to one of Rome’s oldest churches, Santa Maria in Trastevere. According to legend, the church was built in 38 BC after oil miraculously gushed out of the ground here, which was interpreted as an indication of the birth of Jesus.
Walking along the Tiber at dusk: The Tiber River borders the Trastevere district, offering beautiful views for an evening stroll. The riverside paths are particularly charming at dusk, offering fantastic views of the city lit up in its golden glow. In summer, the riverside is lined with bars, restaurants and market stalls, making it the perfect place to enjoy Rome’s nightlife.
Enjoy the view from Janiculum Hill. Belvedere del Gianicolo (Gianicolo Hill) is the second highest hill in the Eternal City and offers some of the best views of Rome.
Campo Marzio (Near Spanish Steps)
Vibrant and upscale, Campo Marzio is known for its endless people-watching opportunities, iconic landmarks (like the Spanish Steps), and fashionable Italians frequenting its designer stores and luxury boutiques.
The area’s history dates back to ancient times, when it served as a base for the nobility, and today Campo Marzio is still considered one of Rome’s most luxurious districts, making it the perfect choice for lovers of the finer things in life.
The area is bustling with tourists and locals alike, and it’s not without reason: Campo Marzio’s blend of historical sites, cultural landmarks, and fantastic amenities make it a must-see neighborhood for first-time visitors to Rome.
Where to stay in Campo Marzio
What to do in Campo Marzio
Via del Corso and its surrounding shopping streetsCampo Marzio is a shopper’s paradise, with Via del Corso running through its centre, a bustling street lined with designer stores and cute boutiques.
Climb to the top of the (iconic) Spanish Steps. The Spanish Steps are a spectacular 135-step staircase that leads to the beautiful Trinità dei Monti church at the top. This iconic landmark is a popular meeting point and offers amazing views of the city (pictured above).
Check out Piazza del Popolo: People’s Square lies just inside the ancient Roman Aurelian Walls, and the area’s biggest attraction is the astonishing church of Santa Maria del Popolo, which houses masterpieces by Caravaggio, Raphael, and Bernini.
Villa BorgheseJust a short walk from the Spanish Steps, Villa Borghese offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. These beautiful gardens are perfect for a leisurely stroll and are home to the Borghese Gallery, which features magnificent works by Caravaggio, Raphael and Bernini.
Monti (near the Colosseum)
Rome’s first district (rione), Monti, is a charming and diverse neighborhood that combines old-world charm of historic buildings and cobbled streets with a modern vibe that makes it fun to explore.
Located between the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, the atmosphere of this district can best be described as bohemian and energetic, featuring art galleries, artisan shops, vintage boutiques, trendy restaurants and lively bars bustling with locals and tourists alike.
Whether you’re interested in history, shopping, dining, or simply want to wander through picturesque streets, Monti is one of Rome’s most interesting neighborhoods.
Places to stay in Monti
What to do in Rome’s Monti district
Explore the Roman Forum and the ColosseumBeing able to see the Colosseum every day is one of the main reasons why Monti is one of the most amazing neighborhoods in Rome.
Visit to the Church of San Pietro in VincoliHome to Michelangelo’s famous statue of Moses, the church is a must-see for art and history lovers and is also famous for housing the chains that supposedly bound St. Peter during his imprisonment in Jerusalem.
Stroll around Piazza Madonna dei Monti: This square in the heart of the district is perfect for people-watching, especially around the fountain, a popular gathering spot. The area is surrounded by cafés, bars and gelaterias, making it the ideal place to relax and soak up the energy of the city.
Trevi
Rome’s Trevi district is named after the famous Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi), one of the city’s most popular areas. Steeped in history, Trevi is a mix of cultural landmarks, shopping and dining.
This district embodies the essence of Rome, blending spectacular historical sites with the vibrancy of everyday Roman life. Whether you’re marveling at the Trevi Fountain, enjoying a leisurely meal or exploring the area’s cultural attractions, Trevi offers an unforgettable experience for all first-time visitors.
The only problem is that this popular area of Rome can get quite claustrophobic, so we recommend visiting around sunrise to avoid the crowds – the area is packed from morning to night, so it’s worth getting up early!
Best hotels in Trevi
What to do in Rome’s Trevi district
Trevi FountainThe district’s centerpiece, the Trevi Fountain, is an architectural marvel and one of the world’s most famous fountains. Designed by Nicola Salvi and completed in 1762, it is said that visitors who toss a coin over their shoulder into the fountain will be able to return to Rome (I left plenty of coins behind).
Quirinale Palace: This historic building is the official residence of the President of Italy and was once the palace of the Pope. The Quirinal Palace sits on one of Rome’s seven hills and offers stunning views of the city. The gardens and some of the rooms are open to the public and showcase incredible art and architecture.
Sant’Eustachio (near the Pantheon)
Sant’Eustachio is located between two of Rome’s most visited attractions, Piazza Navona and the Pantheon, so be prepared to encounter large groups of tourists travelling between the two sites.
The main attraction is the ancient architectural marvel, the Pantheon: a Roman temple dedicated to all the pagan Roman gods that is remarkably well preserved and a testament to the architectural ingenuity of the Romans.
Due to the inevitable crowds, I think this is one of the best parts of Rome to explore in the early morning.
Where to stay in Sant’Eustachio
What to do in Sant’Eustachio
Visit the PantheonAt the heart of the district, the Pantheon is a must-see attraction with its enormous dome and oculus. Its interior offers a fascinating play of light and architecture and is the final resting place of notable people, including the artist Raphael and several Italian kings.
Stroll around Piazza della RotondaThe square in front of the Pantheon is a lively area filled with cafés, gelaterias and restaurants, making it the perfect place to enjoy a coffee or meal al fresco while taking in the views of the Pantheon and the hustle and bustle of the square.
Visit to the Church of San Luigi dei FrancesiHome to three masterpieces by Caravaggio, the church is a pilgrimage site for art lovers. The painting in the Contarelli Chapel depicts the life of St. Matthew and is considered one of Caravaggio’s greatest works.
All Antico Vinaio: A far cry from the typical sandwich you’ll find stateside, All’Antico Vinaio sandwiches are works of art crafted by skilled artisans, with the simple combination of crisp veggies, flavorful meats and fresh cheeses that have made this sandwich shop famous.
Visit Piazza Navona: Rome has many squares, but few are as famous as Piazza Navona. Built on the ruins of an ancient Roman stadium, the square is huge and features three magnificent fountains.
Prati (near the Vatican)
Bounded by the Vatican to the east, the Tiber River to the west, and Castel Sant’Angelo to the south, Prati is one of Rome’s most underrated tourist destinations.
Prati is known for its elegant boulevards, beautiful Belle Époque buildings and a neater layout compared to the winding alleys of the historic centre. Developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Prati was one of the newer neighbourhoods of Rome planned after Italian Unification in 1870.
It was designed to meet the growing needs of an increasingly modernizing Italy, and its streets are named after old Italian cities and famous lawyers, reflecting its beginnings as an area for the middle and upper classes.
Located next to the Vatican, Prati enjoys a unique location near the heart of the Catholic world, allowing you to experience Rome less crowded, while still being within walking distance of major attractions such as St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums.
Places to stay in Prati
What to do in the Prati area
Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica: Though not in Prati, these iconic religious and cultural sites are on the edge of the neighbouring district, making Prati an ideal base for exploring without the crowds of the Vatican area.
Climb to the top of Castel Sant’Angelo: Also known as Hadrian’s Mausoleum, Castel Sant’Angelo is the final resting place of several Roman Emperors (including Marcus Aurelius). Besides being a museum, the top offers some of the most amazing views of Rome. Tickets cost Buy Online.
Shopping along Via Cola di Rienzo: This thoroughfare is perfect for those looking for some shopping away from the touristy parts of Rome, with a huge range of options from high street brands to local boutiques and gourmet food outlets.
Best neighborhoods in Rome (post summary)
For those who like simple lists, here are the best neighborhoods in Rome.
- Campo Marzio
- Trevi
- Platy
- Monty
- Trastevere
- Sant’Eustachio
Map of the best neighborhoods of Rome
When I came to Rome I thought I knew it all, but I quickly realized I had a lot to learn.
Edmonia Lewis
So that’s a quick summary of the 10 best neighborhoods for first-time visitors to Rome. I hope you enjoyed this article, and as always, if we missed your favorite neighborhood, let me know in the comments!
Until next time, cheers!
