Where To Stay In Rome - Best Neighbourhoods Guide

Testaccio: Laidback and carefree

Testaccio is an edgy neighbourhood, popular among students and young working adults. Unlike most parts of Rome, Testaccio doesn’t bother with elegant Italian eateries and the romantic charm that comes with the picturesque old city. The only hint of ancient Rome you’ll find in this district is Monte dei Cocci, a mound of discarded ancient Roman jars. Located nearby the Colosseum and just across the Tiber River from the medieval Trastevere, it’s hard to believe this alternative neighbourhood is part of the rest of Rome. If you’re looking for good street food and nightclubs without pretence rather than postcard-worthy historical sites, Testaccio is the best neighbourhood to stay in. You’ll find yourself in the middle of Rome’s most up and coming area.

San Lorenzo: Bohemian paradise

Packed with thrift stores, spray-painted murals and bars that stay open until the early morning hours, San Lorenzo is the coolest neighbourhood in Rome if you’re looking for a lively nightlife. Known as Rome’s student district, nights in San Lorenzo are youthful, noisy and soulful. Like Testaccio, San Lorenzo isn’t particularly occupied with historical Italian culture. You’ll find street art rather than art galleries and museums. If you’re traveling in on a budget and don’t know where to stay in Rome, San Lorenzo is a good choice since it’s mostly aimed at the student community. That being said, if you prefer a laid-back, quieter area to stay in, San Lorenzo may not be the best neighbourhood to base yourself in Rome. Even so, it’s worth spending a night or two in San Lorenzo and the neighbouring Pigneto to experience the typical night out for Rome’s young creatives!

Roma Centro: Shopping and sightseeing

If you’re only staying in Rome for a few days, the city centre is probably the best area to stay. Forming the heart of the city, Roma Centro is jam-packed with Rome’s most famous attractions and must visit sites. Protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this area perfectly embodies the contrast between old and new that makes Rome so unique. The very core of Roma Centro, known as Baroque Rome, is home to some of the city’s oldest architecture. From here, you’ll be within walking distance from landmarks like the Colosseum, the Vatican, Piazza Navona and Trevi Fountain. At the same time, you’ll be right in the middle of Rome’s best shopping district. Via del Corso is the most popular shopping street in Rome, lined with international luxury brands and one of a kind designer boutiques. Roma Centro is the best neighbourhood to stay in Rome if you want to experience a bit of everything the city offers – the best way to make the most out of a limited time in Rome.

Ostiense: Family-friendly

If you’re traveling with kids, Ostiense is the best place to stay in Rome. Located south of the city centre, this neighbourhood is still relatively undiscovered even though it has undergone a lot of renovations in recent years. Deserted buildings have been revamped to house trendy new bars, cafes and contemporary art galleries. Local street artists have slowly started moving into the streets of Ostiense, bringing life in full colour to this industrial area. Ostiense is the perfect place to stay in Rome for families – quieter and more peaceful than its neighbouring districts of Roma Centro, Testaccio and Portuense, Ostiense is still well-connected to all the city’s points of interest. The massive Ostiense train station makes it very easy and convenient to get around Rome and to return to a serene home undisturbed by the noise of the city’s lively nights.