Where to Stay in Rome: A Local’s Ultimate Guide for First-Time Visitors

Planning your first trip to Italy and trying to figure out where to stay in Rome? You’re in the right place! 🥳 

As an “unofficial” local who has grown up visiting Rome regularly due to family, I know this city like the back of my hand. There are endless articles on where to stay in Rome, but I wanted to share my insights on the three best areas for tourists — because the more options there are, the more overwhelming planning can become.

This guide is specifically written for first-time visitors who want to stay central, safe, and well-connected — without overthinking Rome’s endless neighborhood options.

One important thing to know before we dive deep into the best neighborhoods in Rome, is that Rome is an immense city – hence the nickname “Eternal City“. It’s that type of destination you just have to keep visiting, because you’ll always find something new. Because of this, for first-time visitors, it’s crucial you stay in a central neighborhood..

Why? Because you want to make the most of your precious time in Italy — rather than waste it on public transportation or 45-minute walks to reach one attraction. The neighborhoods I share below are the 3 most central, most optimal, and safest picks.

Because of family, I haven’t stayed in hotels in Rome, but I’ve spent extensive time in each of these neighborhoods and took plenty of time to curate my top hotel picks in each area. I personally selected these hotels based on location, safety, my personal neighborhood knowledge, guest reviews across multiple booking platforms, and overall value.

I know how overwhelming it can be to plan a trip to a new country, so the purpose of this article is to help you feel confident and make your Rome travel planning as light and stress-free as possible.

Without further ado, here are the best areas to stay in Rome, for first time visitors and tourists.

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Best Areas to Stay in Rome for Tourists + Hotel Recommendations

Hi I’m Laura! 👋 I’m a born and raised Italian who grew part-time in Rome due to family and have known this city for 25+ years — which is exactly why I know all of the best neighborhoods for first-time visitors. 

If it were up to me I would stay in Piazza di Spagna 9  because as a celiac I personally love apartment-style stays but also for its incredible location, in the heart of the historic center with easy metro access.

Centro Storico – Historic Center

• Pros: Near all the main attractions and well-connected with transportation.
• Cons: Most expensive and very busy area

If you’re wondering where to stay in Rome for the first time, Centro Storico is hands-down the most convenient and walkable choice.

If you’re wondering where to stay in Rome for the first time, Centro Storico is hands-down the most convenient and walkable choice.

 The Centro Historico is where most first-time visitors end up staying, and for good reason: it’s the heart of Rome, and where you’ll find all of Rome’s main attractions and best things to do.

The Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Piazza di Spagna, Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, and more are all located in this central Roman neighborhood.

By staying in the historic center, you will be well-connected with transportation and a short(er) walk from all the main landmarks and attractions. This allows you to make the most of your time in Rome.

To get even more specific, I recommend staying in the center of the historic center – somewhere between Piazza Navona and the Trevi Fountain, or near the Spanish Steps.

Prati

• Pros: Beautiful and peaceful residential area, more affordable neighborhood to stay in.
• Cons: Once you’ve visited the Vatican, you remain more distant from the city center and Rome’s main attractions.

The second best area to stay in Rome is Prati, a stunning and quiet neighborhood that sits on the other side of the Tiber River – side by side with the Vatican.

When compared to the Centro Storico, Prati is a much younger neighborhood where you will find Liberty-style architecture (the Italian variant of Art Nouveau), along with some Neoclassical influence and Monumental Eclecticism.

In other words, Prati is home to some of Rome’s most beautiful architecture as well as several palaces, like the Palazzo della Giustizia and the Teatro Adriano.

Furthermore, thanks to its modern urban planning, Prati has large avenues and open spaces, such as Piazza Cavour – allowing you to enjoy peaceful strolls and atmosphere.

Not only is Prati right next to the Vatican, but also to one of my favorite hidden gems in Rome, Castel Sant’Angelo.

Prati is the perfect neighborhood for people who prioritize quiet and/or less crowded areas, or religious tourists who are planning to visit the Vatican – especially in the early morning.

This is a very safe neighborhood that is also well connected to public transportation, including multiple Metro stops and bus lines. In terms of costs, it is not a cheap neighborhood, but it is possible to find hotels for most budgets.

Oh and if you’re celiac, here you’ll find my favorite gluten free restaurant in Rome, La Soffitta Renovatio! 😉

Trastevere

• Pros: Enchanting neighborhood right outside Rome’s historic center, great nightlife
• Cons: Layout makes it feel very crowded, poorly connected with public transportation.

Trastevere is one of the most popular neighborhoods to stay in Rome, especially for travelers looking for charm and a lively local vibe.

This neighborhood is beloved by both locals and tourists for its charming atmosphere, restaurants, and nightlife.

Most people will say Trastevere is the best, or at least second best, neighborhood to stay in Rome. But here is why Trastevere isn’t my top choice – especially for first-time visitors:

• It is not connected to the Metro.
• It is small but extremely crowded due to its tight alleys, which can make walking stressful.
• The nightlife is either a pro or a con. If you love nightlife, you’ll love Trastevere – if not, it’s best to stay in Prati.

In other words, if you’re planning to mainly walk around Rome and don’t mind crowds and louder volume, Trastevere can be a beautiful neighborhood to experience. Just make sure you consider these factors along with your personal preferences.

Where to Stay in Rome FAQs

What is the best neighborhood in Rome? 

For first-time visitors, the best part of Rome to stay in is the Centro Storico (Historic Center). It’s the most central area, walkable to Rome’s main landmarks, and ideal for making the most of a short trip.

Repeat visitors or travelers who prefer quieter streets may enjoy staying in Prati, while Trastevere is best for those prioritizing nightlife and atmosphere.

Where do most tourists stay in Rome?

Most tourists stay in the Historic Center, followed by Trastevere due to its popularity. These areas offer proximity to attractions, restaurants, and sightseeing routes.

As mentioned earlier, Prati is a better option than Trastevere as it has the same proximity to main attractions and actually sits side by side with the Vatican. Furthermore, it’s connected to the Metro and public transportation – unlike Trastevere.

Is Rome sketchy at night?

Rome is generally a very safe city, especially in central neighborhoods like Centro Storico, Prati, and Trastevere. Pickpocketing is the main concern, rather than violent crime.

As with any destination, stay aware of your surroundings, avoid poorly lit streets late at night, and take extra precautions if traveling alone – especially if you’re a woman.

What area in Rome is most walkable?

Rome is completely walkable, and between these areas, there isn’t one specific location that is more walkable than the other. However, Trastevere is a neighborhood with many crowds (tourists & locals) and tight streets, and the historic center is always the busiest.

With that said, if you’re looking for an area to enjoy a relaxing walk, Prati is the most “walkable” area in that sense.

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