In a nutshell
- It’s best to stay right in the center of Rome, since most of the main sights are there. Otherwise, you’ll spend a lot of time on buses and trains. We’ll show you four of the best neighborhoods in Rome to stay with our hotel tips.
- The historic center is the best area to stay in Rome for sightseeing. Most of the main attractions are located here. Our hotel tip: Palazzo Lupardi.
- Monti is right next to the center, a hip and creative area, and you’ll be close to the Colosseum. Our hotel tip: Doria Palace Boutique Hotel.
- Prati is elegant, quiet, and just steps from the Vatican. Our hotel tip: Hotel Isa.
- Trastevere is Rome’s nightlife district and one of the best places to stay in Rome for first-timers who want atmosphere. Our hotel tip: Tankara Suite.
The Best Areas to Stay in Rome (+ Map)
Where to stay in Rome? With almost 3 million residents, Italy’s capital is anything but small.
Still, most of the famous sights are packed into the historic center. That’s why it makes sense to stay as central as possible if you want to avoid spending too much time on buses or trains.
Rome only has three metro lines, so staying near the center will save you a lot of time. You can reach many places on foot, but since the center itself is quite large, you’ll sometimes need public transport too.
The following 4 central neighborhoods are among the best places to stay in Rome for tourists:
- Historic city center: Perfect if you want to see the main highlights quickly
- Monti: Great if you like vintage shops, small bars, and being close to the Colosseum
- Prati: Ideal if you prefer it elegant, quiet, and near the Vatican
- Trastevere: The answer to where to stay in Rome Trastevere if you want nightlife and an authentic atmosphere
You’ll find out what makes each area special in the next sections. We’ll also share our hotel tips in every price range.
The best neighborhoods to stay in Rome on a map
On this map, you’ll see all the central areas in Rome that we recommend for overnight stays.
To make it easier to get your bearings, we’ve also marked the most famous sights in Rome.
Where to Stay in the Historic City Center
If you’re wondering where to stay in Rome for the first time, the historic city center is the top choice—especially for first timers who want to see as much as possible in just a few days.
The old town is full of winding lanes, grand piazzas, cafés, and many of the city’s most important monuments.
Here you’ll find the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, and of course the Colosseum—to name just a few.
Of course, the center is also busy and accommodation tends to be more expensive.
But if you’re only in Rome for 3 days and want to experience as much as possible, it’s one of the best places to stay in Rome for sightseeing.
Pros of staying in the historic city center:
- Many of Rome’s museums and main sights are within walking distance
- You’re in a central location and well connected by public transport
- Endless restaurants, boutiques, and souvenir shops
Cons of accommodation in the historic city center:
- Hotels here often book out early
- Accommodation and dining are more expensive
- Streets are crowded almost all the time
The best places to stay in the historic city center
Most places to stay in the old town are small guesthouses or boutique hotels. Large hotel chains and hostels are rare here.
Our favorite is Palazzo Lupardi. This charming hotel has just six rooms with wooden beam ceilings and terracotta floors—very Italian. Best of all, the location couldn’t be more central, so you can explore the whole historic center on foot.
Dante’s Hell B&B (Bed & Breakfast)
Holiday Suites Navona
Palazzo Lupardi Relais (Bed & Breakfast)
Eitch Belsiana Relais
Where to Stay in Monti
A hotel in Monti is the right choice if you like browsing vintage shops, enjoying local wine bars, and want to be within walking distance of major sights.
Monti used to be Rome’s red-light district in ancient times. Today it’s a lively mix of independent boutiques, cozy wine bars, Asian markets, and small art galleries.
The location is also ideal. Monti lies between the historic center and Termini station, where many visitors first arrive from Rome’s airports.
Pros of staying in Monti:
- You’re in a central spot between the main train station and the old town
- Both metro lines A and B stop in Monti
- You can walk to the Colosseum and the Roman Forum
- Plenty of hotel options for different budgets
Cons of accommodation in Monti:
- Some streets can feel hectic and busy
- Bars and restaurants are often a bit more expensive
The best places to stay in Monti
Our top pick in Monti is the Doria Palace Boutique Hotel. The location is unbeatable: 15 minutes to the Colosseum, 5 minutes to Termini. Plus, breakfast is served on the roof terrace—a dream start to the day!
Where to Stay in Prati
Prati is one of the best places to stay in Rome for tourists who want to be close to the Vatican and prefer a quieter, more elegant neighborhood.
The neighborhood borders directly on Vatican City, so you’re within easy reach of the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, and Castel Sant’Angelo.
From Prati, you can also get to the historic center quickly by metro or on foot. Line A takes you to the Spanish Steps in just two stops and to Termini station in four. If you stay close to the river, you’re just a short bridge crossing from the old town.
Prati is considered one of the most elegant districts in Rome, known for its wide avenues, stylish cafés, and designer shops.
Pros of accommodation in Prati:
- A wide choice of quality hotels
- Well-kept, quiet, and less hectic than other parts of Rome
- Walking distance to the Vatican and Castel Sant’Angelo
- Good metro connections on line A
Cons of accommodation in Prati:
- Hotels here are often a little pricier
- As a mostly residential area, evenings can feel less lively
The best places to stay in Prati
Prati has more space than the historic center, so you’ll find larger hotels here, including some of the best boutique hotels in Rome.
We recommend the Eccelso Hotel. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and St. Peter’s Square is just a 10-minute walk away.
Dante’s in Vaticano (Bed & Breakfast)
Eccelso Hotel
Roman Suite Guest House (Bed & Breakfast)
The Boutique Hotel
Where to Stay in Trastevere
If you’re wondering where to stay in Rome for the first time and you enjoy evenings out, Trastevere is perfect — even if it means a slightly longer walk to the main sights.
Trastevere is lively, colorful, and full of charm. Think ivy-draped alleys, cobblestones, cozy trattorias, and plenty of atmosphere. Especially after sunset!
This is where locals meet for dinner, wine, and music, and it’s one of the best places to stay in Rome for tourists who want to experience real Roman evenings.
Trastevere borders the Vatican and the historic old town. The closer you are to the Tiber River, the easier it is to walk across into the center. Keep in mind that Trastevere has no metro station, so you’ll rely on buses or walking.
In summer, the riverbank transforms into a big night market, with food, drinks, and stalls open late into the evening.
Our tip: don’t miss the best grattachecca (shaved ice) in Rome at La Fonte d’Oro in Trastevere. A true local favorite! Want more hidden gems? Check out our insider tips in Rome.
Pros of staying in Trastevere:
- There’s always something happening, day and night
- Lots of good and affordable restaurants
- Hotels and guesthouses are usually cheaper than in other central districts
Cons of staying in Trastevere:
- No metro station, so you’ll need to take the bus
- It can be noisy at night due to bars and clubs
- Fewer classic hotels, mostly small guesthouses and B&Bs
- The main Rome highlights are a bit further away
The best places to stay in Trastevere
We particularly recommend the Xenia Guest House. Great location near the river in the heart of Trastevere. Super welcoming hosts with excellent local tips for sightseeing in Rome.
Insider Tip: Spend the Night in a Monastery in Rome
Since Rome is home to the Vatican, it’s no surprise there are many monasteries here — and some rent out rooms to visitors.
But don’t imagine spartan cells. The rooms are simple but clean, with everything you need: private bathroom, TV, Wi-Fi, and breakfast.
And all at a fraction of the cost of regular hotels. A double room can be as little as 60 euros per night.
Of course, there are rules: no parties and you need to be back by a set time in the evening, usually 11 pm or midnight.
How to Find Good Hotels in Rome
Rome is the most visited city in Italy, and that means it’s almost always packed with tourists.
Hotels are in high demand, so prices aren’t cheap. In the old town, even in low season, expect to pay at least 130 euros per night for a double room. If you’re asking where is the best place to stay in Rome for sightseeing, the historic center is ideal — but it comes at a price.
Here are our best tips for finding accommodation in Rome that’s central, convenient, and still good value.
Staying at the central station
The area around Rome’s main train station is called Termini. It’s safe but not particularly charming — a typical station neighborhood.
The hotels here, however, are fine and usually cheaper than elsewhere. You can often find a double room in a good hotel from 150 euros.
Another plus: Termini makes it easy to get around. Both metro lines A and B stop here, and the airport train departs from the station.
Here are three affordable and well-rated hotels in Termini:
Hotel Domus Praetoria: simple rooms, very cheap. Book early!
La Casa di Amy: with a charming courtyard. No breakfast, but great value.
Bespoke Roma Suites: stylish design rooms, very good value for money.
Staying in guesthouses in Rome
Besides hotels, you’ll also find great guesthouses across the city, often at a lower price.
Guesthouses are especially popular in the historic center and in Trastevere. They’re perfect if you plan to spend most of your day sightseeing in Rome — offering breakfast in the morning and a comfortable bed at night, without paying extra for hotel services you might not need.
General Tips for Your Stay in Rome
Book early
There are countless places to stay in Rome, with over 6,000 listings in the city center alone.
But with around 40 million visitors a year, hotels fill up quickly.
That means good, central places are almost always fully booked months in advance. So if you’re looking for the best places to stay in Rome for sightseeing, book as early as possible!
Try to avoid peak travel times such as Easter, New Year’s Eve, or Christmas. No matter when you book, accommodation in Rome will always be more expensive during these holidays.
Attention: tourist tax
Rome also charges a tourist tax that you’ll need to add to the price of your stay.
The amount depends on the category of your accommodation:
1 to 2 star hotels: 5 euros
3 star hotels: 6 euros
4 star hotels: 7.50 euros
5 star hotels: 10 euros
The tax applies only to the first 10 nights. From the 11th night onward, you don’t pay it anymore.
On booking.com, this tax is not included in the price shown, but there’s always a note about additional fees.
You’ll pay the tourist tax directly at your accommodation, either in cash or by credit card. Most hotels ask at check-out, but some request it at check-in, especially vacation rentals.
Do you have a hotel tip for Rome?
Have you already been to Rome and discovered a great place to stay? Which neighborhood did you choose? Share your tips with us in the comments!