Where to Stay in Rome

Where to Stay on a Budget (And Is It Safe?)

If you want to save money and still be well-connected, the Esquilino district is a smart choice. It’s close to Termini station, so connections are easy whether you’re arriving by train or heading to the airport. Esquilino is a lively, multicultural area, home to historic markets, churches, and a dynamic local life.

Is it safe? Rome’s Esquilino and Termini area get a lot of attention for pick-pocketing and rowdy late-night crowds, but you’re unlikely to encounter real danger. Exercise the same awareness you’d have in any big city. By day, Esquilino is buzzing and safe. At night, stick to the main streets, go with friends, and keep your valuables close.

Where to Stay for the Best Nightlife

If you want to experience Rome’s nocturnal energy, to stroll, people-watch, and bar-hop under twinkling lights, a few districts should be on your map.

Trastevere

The old core of Trastevere is Rome’s undisputed nightlife heart. As the sun goes down, the area fills with music, laughter, and the clink of Aperol spritz glasses. Enjoy a craft beer at Luppolo Station (Via Parini 4) or a creative cocktail at Mr Brown (Vicolo del Cinque 29). The mood is relaxed, and the atmosphere is friendly for all kinds of night owls, whether you’re in your 20s or 70s.

Where to Stay for a Short Trip

If you only have a day or two and want maximum flexibility, staying near Termini (Rome’s main train station, straddling Esquilino and Castro Pretorio districts) is convenient, especially for early departures or heavy luggage. You’ll have excellent metro, bus, and airport links, plus straightforward access to most of the city.

The area is practical more than picturesque. Any concerns about safety are mostly about pickpockets at night. Again, normal city sense and sticking to well-lit routes works well. By day, the area is bustling and safe for sightseeing, markets, and shops.

Best Rome Neighborhoods for Families

Traveling with kids? Some areas lend themselves especially well to a quieter pace and easy access to sites.

Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna) / Trevi

This is one of Rome’s most central and visitor-friendly districts. While not immediately next door to Termini Station (they’re about two kilometers apart, a few metro stops), you’re surrounded by beautiful piazzas, fountains, and handy hotels. You’re also in walking distance to Via del Corso’s shops, the Borghese Gardens, and countless ice-cream parlors.

Via Veneto / Barberini

The winding street of Via Veneto became famous thanks to “La Dolce Vita.” Today, this area near Barberini Metro is calm, elegant, and still dotted with leafy parks, perfect for strollers or older kids who love a good gelato.

Where to Stay for Your First Visit

If it’s your first time in Rome and you want to walk to as many famous sights as possible, these neighborhoods will give you that classic Rome experience:

• Piazza Navona: Wake up surrounded by Baroque beauty, fountains, and lively squares. Most major attractions, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Castel Sant’Angelo, are reachable on foot within 15-20 minutes.
• Campo de’ Fiori: Characterful, compact, and overflowing with market energy by day. It’s easy to wander from here into different parts of the historic center.
• Jewish Ghetto (Sant’Angelo): You’ll be near the river and introduced to some of Rome’s less-famous (but equally captivating) history and cuisine. Kosher bakeries, Roman-Jewish artichokes, and a quieter vibe.
• Piazza di Spagna/Trevi: Bustling, picture-perfect, great for shopping and people-watching. Choose a place near the Spanish Steps for timeless photos and quick access to the best of Rome’s boutiques.
• Via Veneto/Barberini: As mentioned above, stylish and family-friendly. Well-served by the metro for easy sightseeing.

Neighborhoods to Avoid (or Be Cautious At Night)

No area in central Rome is off-limits, but some districts near Termini, like Castro Pretorio and parts of Esquilino/Termini, are less charming after dark. You’ll find plenty of budget hostels and practical hotels here, but try not to walk alone on deserted side streets in the middle of the night. Main avenues and busy restaurant stretches are fine, and you’ll share them with other travelers and late-night Romans.

Where to Find the “Real” Rome

If you’re looking for a neighborhood with an authentic, local Roman mood, San Giovanni is a fantastic pick. The area is full of grand churches, ancient ruins, and bustling daily markets. You’ll see the blend of old and new as historic monuments sit alongside contemporary apartments. Here, visitors blend in easily and can enjoy a more relaxed, everyday pace, all while being just a short metro ride from the Colosseum or the heart of the old city.

Rome Neighborhoods for Longer Stays or Relocating

For digital nomads, students, expats, or anyone planning a medium to long-term stay, certain districts combine livability, amenities, and tranquility away from the whirlwind of tourists.

Nomentano/Bologna

This largely residential neighborhood north-east of the city center offers green parks, stately boulevards, and a calm, safe atmosphere. It’s perfect if you value privacy, a local vibe, and easy metro connections. There’s no shortage of family eateries, grocers, and leafy spaces.

Trieste & Quartiere Africano

On the northern side of Rome, the Trieste district is known for its Art Deco mansions, Liberty-style architecture, and leafy avenues. The eastern portion is unofficially named Quartiere Africano for its streets named after African countries and regions.

The area is mainly residential, and while much of the early 1900s social housing for railway workers is gone, you’ll find comfortable apartments, good schools, and top-rated gelaterie. Be sure to wander into Quartiere Coppedè, a hidden gem of whimsical and elaborate buildings that are unlike anything else in Rome.

Cinecittà Est

Slightly further out, Cinecittà Est is famous for its connection to Italian cinema, this is where you’ll find Cinecittà Studios, home to decades of movie magic and a genuine working studio open for tours. The zone has both budget lodgings and good public transportation, making it a favorite of students and long-term visitors.

Porta di Roma

Beware of confusion, some guides refer to this suburban district as “Porta di Nona,” but the correct name is Porta di Roma. It’s a large, planned neighborhood that sprang up in the 2000s. Here you’ll find one of Rome’s largest malls (Centro Commerciale Porta di Roma) and big city parks, such as Parco delle Sabine and Parco Talenti. This area is best for families or anyone seeking convenience, modern apartments, and open space.

Nuovo Salario

Nuovo Salario is a quiet, residential corner with lots of greenery, tucked northwest of the center. Once the domain of Roman high society, today it’s prized for peaceful living, safety, and leafy courtyards. If you prefer a neighborhood away from the main tourist flows, but still well-served by buses and local shops, it’s a solid option.

Rome’s Most Popular Neighborhoods (According to Travelers)

Tourism sites and travel forums consistently rank Trastevere and the Jewish Ghetto among Rome’s most beloved neighborhoods for their charisma and character. Trastevere’s winding lanes, orange-lit evenings, and eclectic eateries make it a favorite for both romantic trips and group adventures. The Ghetto charms with a quieter, historic vibe and unforgettable Jewish-Roman delicacies.

Keep in mind: “Best neighborhood” lists can change from year to year and across different websites, so always check recent reviews and crowdsourced rankings before you book.

Local Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Double-check addresses when hunting for restaurants, some beloved spots, like Hostaria da Enzo and Pecorino, are often listed with old or wrong street numbers.
• Don’t confuse “Porta di Nona” and “Porta di Roma”, the latter is the correct name for the district with the mega mall and green parks.
• The Termini area is convenient for arrival and departure, but not the most scenic for a Roman stroll. If you’re sensitive to street noise (or wary after dark), pick a quieter district and just use the train station for transport.
• If food is your priority, be adventurous and explore Testaccio, Monti, and Trastevere for the best mix of local vibes and great eats (with fewer “tourist menu” mishaps).
• Rome is a walking city. If you stay in the historical center, you can reach nearly all the famous sites within a 30-minute stroll. Otherwise, the metro system is easy to use, and cabs are everywhere.
• Wherever you stay, keep basic city-smarts in mind: watch your bags in crowds, use hotel safes, and keep an eye on your surroundings at night.

Choosing the Area that Fits You

The best way to enjoy Rome is to choose a district that matches your pace, your interests, and your travel companions. Foodies, focus on Testaccio, Monti, and Prati. Night owls, head to Trastevere. Families, consider Spanish Steps or Barberini. For romance and history, wander Piazza Navona or Campo de’ Fiori. And if you’re planning to linger, neighborhoods like Nomentano, Trieste, or Nuovo Salario offer a peaceful slice of local life.

Even with a few quirks and minor mistakes in some guides, most of Rome’s central neighborhoods are safe, beautiful, and brimming with life. Double-check addresses, take normal precautions, and get ready to make unforgettable memories in the Eternal City.