Where To Stay In Rome First Time 2024 – 10 Best Areas

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The best areas to stay in Rome for the first time are Centro Storico, Trastevere, Prati & Borgo, Monti and Trevi.

These are the areas that are located in the historic heart of the city.

However, there are several other recommended areas that are considered a bit of an alternative option.

These include Ostia, Ripa & Testaccio, Termini and Via Veneto and have their own unique characteristics, such as being budget-friendly or having access to the beach.

As you can see, you have quite some options.

In this article, we cover what we believe are the best areas to stay in Rome for first-time travellers, regarding the type of traveller you are.

To make things easy, you can navigate straight to the recommendations, tap on the following button.

Or, when you want more useful information about your trip to Rome, simply continue reading.

Rome is a timeless and enchanting travel destination that captures the hearts of millions of visitors every year.

It is an ideal place to explore due to its rich history, breathtaking architecture, vibrant culture, and delectable cuisine.

As the capital of Italy, Rome is a treasure trove of ancient wonders and modern delights.

One of Rome’s most significant attractions is its historical heritage.

The city was once the epicenter of the powerful Roman Empire, and remnants of its glorious past can be seen in iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon.

You can immerse yourself in history and witness the grandeur of ancient civilizations.

Rome’s architectural marvels extend beyond antiquity.

The city is adorned with stunning Renaissance and Baroque buildings, including the awe-inspiring St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican City, a spiritual and cultural center of Catholicism.

Rome’s lively ambiance is palpable as locals and tourists mingle in the bustling streets, piazzas, and charming cafes.

The city offers a delightful fusion of traditional and contemporary, where historical monuments stand side-by-side with trendy boutiques and hip eateries.

Culinary enthusiasts will relish Rome’s world-renowned cuisine.

Indulge in authentic pasta dishes, delectable pizzas, and creamy gelato from family-run trattorias and gelaterias, ensuring an unforgettable gastronomic experience.

Whether strolling through ancient ruins or savoring Italian delicacies, Rome promises an unforgettable journey through time and a feast for the senses.

But with so many things to offer, it’s a bit challenging to pick the right area for you.

We’ve come up with a list of recommended areas to make things easier.

Each of the recommended areas comes with its own advantages and disadvantages, which are summarized after each paragraph.

With that being said, let’s jump straight to our recommendations.

Where to stay in Rome first time? Keep reading!

Overview of best areas to stay in Rome for the first time

Below, you find a table with an overview of all the recommended areas along with a short explanation of what makes that area so special.

You can tap on one of the green links to go immediately to that recommended area, or just continue reading the article.

Best areas to stay in Rome first time	What’s so special about the area?
1. Centro Storico	Tourist epicenter with many main attractions right at your doorstep, but also the busiest and hotel prices are considered expensive.
2. Trastevere	Picturesque neighborhood which is the alternative to Centro Storico with a great nightlife scene and a more authentic feeling.
3. Praty & Borgo	The most prestigious neighborhood in Rome with a great nightlife scene but is obviously a pricey part of Rome.
4. Monti	An upcoming, trendy neighborhood near the Colosseum, however, you’re located further away from the main attractions.
5. Trevi	Located near the historical center near the Trevi Fountain with access to the metro.
6. Ostia	The beach area of Rome with a train that connects Ostia with Rome, ideal for those who want to combine their visit with beach life.
7. Ripa & Testaccio	Quiet and alternative area with a great food scene, but located further away from the main attractions. Affordable hotels widely available.
8. Termini	Another budget-friendly area with direct access to the metro lines as well as Rome’s central station.
9. Via Veneto	Luxury area with direct access to Via Veneto and Villa Borghese, ideal for those who want to indulge themselves with luxury and comfort.

Note: The names of the areas are not always the official name of that specific neighbourhood.

As there are different layers of government involved within each area, each of them can have several names.

We use the same common names that are being used by several large booking platforms as well as Google Maps.

These names often reflect one of the nearby tourist attractions.

When asking for this specific name when you’re in Rome, every citizen knows exactly what you mean, though.

The article continues after the following impressions of this magnificent city.

The Colosseum

Castel Sant’Angelo

Pantheon

How to get around in Rome?

Rome’s historic center is very walkable, and exploring on foot allows you to soak in the city’s atmosphere and discover hidden gems.

Many of Rome’s famous landmarks are in close proximity to each other.

Once you’re in the historic heart of the city, you mainly explore it on foot.

But it’s good to know that Rome has a few useful forms of public transport.

First of all, Rome has a reliable metro system with two main lines, Line A (red) and Line B (blue), which intersect at Termini Station.

The metro is a fast way to travel between different areas of the city, including major attractions like the Colosseum and the Vatican.

Secondly, Rome has an extensive bus network that covers areas not served by the metro.

Buses are an excellent option for reaching destinations off the metro routes, and they operate until late at night.

Lastly, trams are available in certain areas of Rome and can be useful for reaching places such as Trastevere and Villa Borghese.

For tourists, there is a useful Hop-On Hop-Off Bus that stops at major attractions, providing an informative guided tour as you travel around the city.

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are widely available in Rome, but for sightseeing purposes, you won’t need them.

Rome has seen an increase in bike and electric scooter rentals, which can be a fun and eco-friendly way to explore the city.

Dining on the narrow streets.

Ride a Vespa.

What is the best time of the year to visit Rome?

The best time to visit Rome as a tourist largely depends on your preferences for weather, crowd levels, and special events.

Here are some considerations for each season:

Spring (March to May)

Spring is generally considered one of the best times to visit Rome.

The weather is pleasant with mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and longer daylight hours.

It’s an excellent time for sightseeing, and the city is less crowded compared to the summer months.

However, keep in mind that Easter brings in a significant number of tourists and pilgrims.

Fall (September to November)

Like spring, fall offers pleasant weather, making it another great time to visit Rome.

The summer heat starts to fade, and the city is adorned with beautiful autumn colors.

September is generally less crowded, while October may see a slight increase in tourists.

November is quieter, but some attractions may have shorter operating hours.

Summer (June to August)

Summer can be hot and crowded in Rome, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F).

Many locals take vacations in August, and some shops and restaurants may close during this period.

However, Rome’s vibrant atmosphere, outdoor events, and longer days can make it an enjoyable time to explore if you don’t mind the heat and crowds.

Winter (December to February)

Rome’s winters are mild compared to northern Europe, but it can still get chilly with occasional rainfall.

The advantage of visiting in winter is that tourist numbers are lower, and you can enjoy a more authentic experience as you interact with the locals.

Additionally, you might find better deals on accommodations and attractions.

The best areas to stay in Rome first time are:

1. Centro Storico – The main historical area in Rome

Simply put this way, when you’re visiting Rome for the first time and your sole purpose is sightseeing, then Centro Storico (the Historical Centre) is by far the best area in Rome for first-timers.

Many iconic and historical buildings are concentrated in this particular area.

However, not all of the city’s highlights are located here and the Old City Center comes with a hefty price tag and is by far the busiest area in Rome.

But staying in this particular area also gets you a lot in return. Rome is like an open-air museum.

And walking through the iconic streets with some of the most impressive historical buildings of the continent within walking distance is by far the best feature of this area.

None of the other areas can compete against that.

Also, when an area like Centro Storico attracts so many visitors, you can expect there to be an abundance of great restaurants and shops.

Some of the best hotels to stay in Rome for the first time in this particular area are visually listed below:

Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.

2. Trastevere – Picturesque sightseeing area in Rome

Rome is divided by the Tiber River. On the Eastside of the city, you find most of the historical buildings such as the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum and Piazza Navona.

On the Westside of the city, of which Trastevere is part, you can find the Vatican and Castel Sant’Angelo.

While still remaining a central location, this picturesque neighbourhood is often dubbed the alternative to Centro Storico.

There is one major difference between one and the other.

Trastevere is the nightlife area of Rome, which can be a good or a bad thing, depending on what type of traveller you are.

Also, you’re really close to the Vatican and this is such a busy area during the daytime that it might come in handy to stay right near this important part of Rome and avoid the masses.

Trastevere is more authentic than the somewhat touristy Centro Storico, however, popular touristic areas in major cities are popular for a very good reason: convenience.

Some of the best hotels to stay in Rome for the first time in this particular area are visually listed below:

3. Prati & Borgo – Prestigious, bustling area in Rome

We’ve combined these two neighbouring neighbourhoods because of the similarities and in order not to be repetitive.

Prati and Borgo are located on the west side of the river right next to the Vatican.

Prati is the most prestigious neighbourhood of Rome and is somewhat less visited by tourists, especially compared to the previous two recommended areas.

But Prati is far from boring as you can find many good restaurants, pubs and even nightclubs here.

There are not that many attractions to be found in this particular area, however, Borgo is the small area where you can find Castel Sant’Angelo, The Mausoleum of Hadrian.

Borgo is located even more central and by simply crossing the bridge, you’re already at the heart of the historic centre.

Prati on the other hand has access to the red metro line, which is a huge benefit when you want to explore the city.

In the evening, both areas are lively with street performances on each corner. Keep in mind that especially Prati is pricey.

Some of the best hotels to stay in Rome for the first time in this particular area are visually listed below:

4. Monti – Upcoming, vibrant area in Rome

Monti is a bit of an alternative area in Rome with trendy bars, restaurants and (vintage) shops and attracts the younger generation of Rome citizens.

Back in the old days, Monti was among the poorest neighbourhoods of Rome.

Nowadays, you still find working-class people here, but also artists and entrepreneurs.

While you’re almost at the historical epicentre and the Colosseum within walking distance from your hotel, you can also take advantage of the blue metro line which runs straight through Monti.

Location-wise, you would almost think that Monti is among the best areas in Rome for first-time visitors.

However, Rome’s main attractions are too far away to reach by foot, especially compared to Centro Storico and Trastevere. If you’re willing to travel by metro and would like to stay near the Colosseum, Monti is definitely a recommended area.

In return, you will enjoy a unique atmosphere that almost feels like a village while not being stuck in a tourist trap.

Some of the best hotels to stay in Rome for the first time in this particular area are visually listed below:

5. Trevi – Convenient, central area in Rome

As the name already suggests, this recommended area in Rome is where the famous Trevi Fountain is located.

It’s located slightly east of Centro Storico.

As you’re surrounded by the main attractions of Rome, it’s always a good area to stay for first-time visitors.

Although you do have to walk a bit to reach these attractions, one of the benefits of Trevi is that it has its own metro station, something that the older parts of the city don’t have.

Taking the metro from Barberini station will allow you to move around quickly and this metro line will go to the Vatican while two stops in the other direction further, you can hop on the other metro line that takes you to the Colosseum.

The intersection of metro lines takes place at Rome Terminal, which is the main train station of the city and is quite convenient for those who are travelling to their next destination by train.

So when you want to move around easily and stay near the touristic epicentre, Trevi is a highly recommended area to stay at.

Some of the best hotels to stay in Rome for the first time in this particular area are visually listed below:

6. Ostia – Beach area

During the summer, the temperature in Rome rises enormously and when there is no cool breeze, the city itself feels more like a sauna.

When it’s that hot, cooling down in the (ocean) water is not an unnecessary luxury.

Ostia is the port city of Rome during the Roman Empire.

Here, you can find well-preserved excavations as well as several recreational beaches, which makes it an ideal destination for a day trip.

You also have the possibility to stay here during your visit to Rome, however, most tourists prefer to stay in the city itself.

There is a train that connects Ostia with Rome. Those who are looking for a beach party should definitely check out Ostia as many are hosted during these warm nights.

Some of the best hotels to stay in Rome for the first time in this particular area are visually listed below:

7. Ripa & Testaccio – Alternative, quiet area in Rome

Location-wise there are better areas in Rome for first-time visitors, however, these two somewhat lesser-known neighbourhoods do offer some unique features that it is well worth considering staying here.

First of all, it is home to Monte Aventino, which is Aventine Hill, one of the seven hills in Rome that was built on.

During Ancient Rome, Aventine Hill was a residential area for the working class.

Secondly, there are many historic buildings to be found. Nowadays, you can climb this hill and go for a walk through this quiet area away from the noisiness of the modern city below.

The Orange Garden is surrounded by orange trees and is the eye-catcher of Savello Park.

Lastly, there are some very good, local Italian restaurants concentrated in this area.

If you’re looking for a relatively quiet area, staying around Ripa is highly recommended.

You can easily combine with visiting or staying near Testaccio, a neighbourhood known for those local eateries.

When you’re looking for an alternative, not too common area with access to a good view and good food, but still not too far from the main attractions, have a look at either Ripa or Testaccio.

Some of the best hotels to stay in Rome for the first time in this particular area are visually listed below:

8. Termini Central Station – A transportation hub

Staying near Termini Central Station, the main train station in Rome, comes with a few benefits.

First of all, can easily travel around the city as all major metro lines are connected to the central station.

Secondly, if you arrive in Rome by train or leave Rome by train, it can save you valuable travel time, especially when you’re only staying in Rome for just a short period of time.

Lastly, overall, you can find quite some budget-friendly hotels and like other major European cities, hotels in general, are cheaper than inside more popular areas such as the historic centre.

But the downside is that this part of Rome is less safe than others.

In general, Rome is a safe area, although you must be careful of pickpockets.

Around the central station, this happens more than in other parts of the city, so keep your valuables safe.

Some of the best hotels to stay in Rome for the first time in this particular area are visually listed below:

9. Via Veneto – Luxury area in Rome

Via Veneto is often dubbed the luxury area in Rome and is located right under Villa Borghese, a public park in the middle of Rome that’s home to museums, villas, sculptures and beautiful gardens.

An eye-catching park like this at your doorstep is usually only affordable for the wealthy ones.

Some of the top brands in the hotel industry have a hotel nearby this park and if your budget allows it, staying at Via Veneto or near Villa Borghese guarantees you a pleasant stay in Italy’s capital.

The nearest major attraction nearby is the Trevi Fountain, which is a small ten-minute walk.

At the end of the street, you can find Barberini Station, which is the red line that takes you to the Vatican.

So, not only will you be indulged in luxury, but for sightseeing purposes, Via Veneto is excellent too!

Some of the best hotels to stay in Rome for the first time in this particular area are visually listed below:

Map of the best areas in Rome for first-time visitors

The next image is a map of the best places to stay in Rome for first-time visitors including the city highlights. The image is in high resolution so you can easily zoom in to see all the details.

A map will follow soon.