Where to Stay in Rome: A Complete Guide for First Timers

Wondering where to lodge in Rome? We have some good news – you`ve come to the right place! We`ve collectively spent a total of two weeks in Rome over the past couple years, and Alysha resided in Rome for six months when we were younger.

We really enjoy Rome – the history and culture, the food, the energy – and we’re here to help you figure out where to stay to make your trip an unforgettable experience.

There aren’t a whole lot of places in the world where you can walk past a column completed in 113 A.D on your way to a massive amphitheater built over a millennium ago.

The preserved history that exists in Rome is one reason why the Eternal City is consistently in the top 10 most visited cities globally.

Every time we visit Rome and elsewhere in Italy, we`re reminded of just how young the cities we call home truly are (Seattle, San Francisco, and now Portland, Oregon).

Despite each having visited Rome multiple times before, there’s something about it that is always drawing us back in.

Part of it is the novelty of only how old a portion of the things in Rome are, which consistently amazes us as we marvel at the achievements of a gathering of individuals who constructed things without the innovative intensity we have today.

But there is more beyond that. Rome offers romance. The people are warm. And arguably most importantly, the food is simple yet delicious. Which is why we opted to invest 10 full days in Rome last year.

Alysha dwelled in Rome for six moons, and Matt cherished his initial trip to Rome so much (nearly a decade past now, we’re getting aged!) he made the return trek just two years later.

Then, a couple years ago, we spent a full 10 days in Rome to immerse ourselves more deeply in the city (and we have another weeklong visit planned this year!).

Between the two of us, we`re certainly not locals, but have a solid working knowledge of Rome beyond what a typical tourist experiences over a couple days.

Our goal is to help you learn from our experiences to avoid staying somewhere average like Matt did on his first trip to Rome, and instead find an incredible place to stay.

In this guide to the best places to lodge in Rome, we’re going to cover five excellent areas to stay that would make a good home base for your trip to the Eternal City.

We’ll share our experience with living in the neighborhood, a list of advantages and disadvantages of staying in each region, our favorite discoveries in the locality (think coffee shops, bars, and parks), and some cool places to lodge.

Our goal is that, by the end, you’ll have the knowledge required to choose the perfect place to stay in Rome based on your unique style, budget, and preferences.

Sound good to you? Let’s get into it. 

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.

Trastevere: Our #1 Recommendation for Just About Everyone

Trastevere is without question our primary recommendation for the best area to stay in Rome. In fact, we’ve exclusively stayed in Trastevere every time we’ve visited Rome.

To us, it seemed like one of the most authentic places in Rome – with winding cobblestone roads opening to lively squares filled with markets and locals going about their daily routines.

Certainly, there are definitely tourists (I mean, it’s Rome), but it’s far less focused on tourism than an area like the Centro Storico or Monti.

Reaching all of the major attractions in Rome would take approximately a thirty minute walk from the location, and less time using the city`s metro system, meaning transportation to explore the capital`s highlights is quite convenient.

However, exploring the neighborhood itself is worthwhile, with small boutiques and markets as well as beautiful churches you`ll have nearly to yourself. While it`s becoming busier each day, it remains slightly removed from the major tourist traffic.

Here one will be among locals as they go about daily life. Making it the best area to stay in Rome if truly desiring to immerse in the authentic culture and lifestyle of the Eternal City.

Personally, this is our preferred neighborhood in Rome, and it provides a little bit of everything.

Pros and Cons of Staying in Trastevere

Pros of Staying in Trastevere:

• All of the charm.Cobblestone pathways. Greenery. Bars and restaurants with people spilling outside after dark. Trastevere is as charming as it gets, in our assessment.
• Lively night scene.Trastevere truly comes alive after dark as people flock to the many outdoor terraces and plazas to enjoy dinner and drinks long into the early morning hours.

Cons of Staying in Trastevere:

• Not ideally situated. While you’ll be able to walk to the old city center (particularly the southern end around Piazza Navona), it’s not within walking distance of much of the northeastern section of the city (like Spanish Steps and Villa Borghese).
• There is no easy connection from Termini (Rome’s main train station). Getting there from Termini is not that straightforward – we had to take a taxi.

Trastevere Highlights

Below are some spots in Trastevere that we especially enjoy and think you will too.

• Freni e Frizoni: The staff at Horti 14 recommended this spot to us when we inquired about where to go for an afternoon drink, as did Alysha’s friend who used to live in Rome. While the aperitivo buffet is a thing of the past, it’s still a nice place to go for an afternoon beverage before dinner. It’s a little more expensive, but that’s because their cocktails are genuinely good and novel.
• Les Vignerons: A cozy little beer and wine shop on a side street in Trastevere. Great selection and friendly staff. They even have numerous Italian ciders, which was a pleasant surprise for us (we LOVE cider).
• Enoteca L’antidoto: A tiny little natural wine bar / bistro in Trastevere.
• Panoramic Overlook of Gianicolo Hill: While this viewpoint above the neighborhood may not fully fall within the boundaries of Trastevere, I`ve chosen to include it here. Making the trek up in the morning or around dusk results in a lovely stroll ending at a vantage point with a breathtaking panorama of Rome and all its towers and places of worship visible from on high. Here is an excellent walking itinerary leading up to the vantage point, which includes an interesting history lesson about Italian independence along the route.

The Best Places to Stay in Trastevere

Here are a few places that caught our eye in Trastevere, including where we stayed and enjoyed.

Horti 14 Borgo: A Beautiful Modern Hotel with a Great Breakfast Buffet (Where We Stayed)

I had this boutique hotel bookmarked for my next trip to Rome for many years before we decided to stay there for the latter part of our last trip to Rome. The hotel can be found at this link.

My expectations were high – it receives stellar reviews, the appearance is beautiful, and it’s in one of my favorite parts of the city – and I would say that it lived up to or exceeded the expectations I held.

Situated on the northern edge of Trastevere, a short walk of approximately 10 minutes lies outside the core of this neighborhood district.

At first, I saw that as a negative, but then I realized that, given the nightlife scene in Trastevere and the fact that we need our sleep or we’re tired messes, the quiet location is actually nice.

It’s a small hotel with just 17 beautifully appointed rooms with modern features and floor-to-ceiling windows that bring in plenty of natural light. They also have a terrace on the top floor, where you can enjoy breakfast in the morning or drinks in the afternoon.

We procured a bottle of cider – yes, cider – from a beer and wine emporium in Trastevere (Les Vignerons) and enjoyed a pleasant sunset on the rooftop patio.

Another surprise, at minimum to us, was the incredible spread provided for breakfast, which is covered in the room rate.

I have Celiac Disease, and there were plenty of options for me, but Alysha was the real standout here. Pastries, fruit, toast and jams, cheese and cold cuts – you name it, they probably have it. Plus, made-to-order coffee. What a nice way to start the day.” .

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While the price is slightly higher than many alternative lodging options, the included breakfast, central location, and atmosphere create value and justify any additional cost, provided the budget permits a small luxury.

Donna Camilla Savelli: A Unique Stay in a Renovated Former Monastery

Looking for an unusual place to stay in Rome? You`ve found it! We resided in a renovated monastery during our Tuscany road trip and liked it, so when I observed this place, I instantly jotted the name down to add to this list.

While it may not be the most inexpensive lodging choice in Trastevere, we believe this accommodation stands out as one of the most unique options.

Donna Camilla Savelli is located in a former baroque monastery, which has been refurbished to maintain the original structure, but introduce modern amenities typical of a contemporary hotel. The rooms are fairly plain, and it’s a spacious property with gardens, an outdoor terrace, and staff able to assist with organizing various activities, from wine tasting to pilates.

Some rooms offer scenic city views, and some have a separated seating area providing more elbow room (which could be helpful for longer trips – living out of a cramped hotel room for an extended period can become draining).

The situation is desirable, at the foot of the hill that takes you up to Belvedere del Gianicolo (which we’d advocate for sundown). It’s a calmer corner of Trastevere, but is just a 5-10 minute walk to pretty much anywhere in the neighborhood.

There’s an onsite restaurant, where you’ll find a generous breakfast buffet in the morning – an excellent way to start a day of exploring Rome.

UNAHOTELS Trastevere: A Beautiful Luxury Hotel in Trastevere

UNAHOTELS Trastevere has recently opened in Trastevere in 2022 and rapidly become one of the city`s top luxury hotels.

It’s situated in a suitable location in Trastevere on the south end of the neighborhood, which is a bit more peaceful and residential compared to the winding narrow streets crammed with bars in the heart of it. Still, it’s just a short walk to Basilica di Santa Maria, which we consider to be the principal square in Trastevere.

Rooms are contemporary, clean (design-wise, we mean – lots of blank walls and empty space) and comfortable, with good soundproofing, luxury bath products, coffee machines and, crucially, air conditioning.

Choose from standard rooms, termed “superior” and around 180 square feet, larger “deluxe” and “premium” options, or roomier suites. There`s also the choice of two adjoining rooms called a “family” room.

The onsite cocktail bar has an appealing style with large arches and floral wallpaper that is enticing, though there are also many quality places to get a beverage within a brief distance of the hotel.

Sonder Trastevere: Modern Apartments in the Heart of Trastevere

Sonder operates akin to other short-term rental companies, but differs in owning the actual buildings and handling the entire process internally as opposed to just connecting guests and hosts. We see both benefits and drawbacks to this business model.

We’d stayed at properties offered by Sonder in our own country previously, and they generally provide a good option if you want to stay in an apartment but prefer not to rely solely on a single host.

They provide more of a serviced apartment experience than a typical vacation rental, and what they lack in personal amenities is more than made up for by conveniences like cleanliness, living standards (think modern appliances and comfy beds).

It’s a highly modern experience, from the contactless check-in to the design of the apartments.

This specific lodging, which is situated in the heart of Trastevere on its northern end (near Freni e Frizioni, a marvelous place to partake in aperitivo). It’s also a brief distance from both the waterway, and Ponte Sisto, the bridge to the historic center.

There are a variety of apartment configurations here, from one bedroom lofts to larger two bedroom apartments.

It’s a bit pricier than a hotel, but could be a good choice if you’re looking for a little more space, or if you’re traveling with a group.

The Centro Storico: The Best Place to Stay for First Time Visitors

When the sun went down on my first day in Rome almost a decade ago (I’m aging!), I found myself wandering the Centro Storico – Rome’s Historic Center – during blue hour, that wonderful period just after sunset where it’s almost dark, but not completely

As I wandered the occasionally narrow streets, the lampposts began to glow, immediately catching my notice as stylistically emulating torches meant to induce experiencing the Eternal City during Ancient Rome`s prime.

A soft golden light washes over the streets of the Centro Storico, transporting you thousands of years into the past.

Rome is exceedingly sentimental. Not in a “let’s smooch under the mistletoe” way, more so in the sense that you’ll feel immersed in the rich history and culture that Rome has cultivated over the progression of numerous years.

Until, of course, an inebriated tourist stumbles out of a bar on Campo de’ Fiori and disrupts your vibe, which is an actual possibility, unfortunately.

Still, if you want to be fully immersed in Rome, then this is the place.

For the objectives of this guide, these bounds incorporate all places situated east of the Tiber River, and to the west of Via del Teatro di Marcello and Via del Quirinale, which separate this locale from Monti. At the northern terminus, the border is Piazza del Popolo and Villa Borghese.

There are really two distinct areas here that we’re combining. 

At the north end, near Piazza del Popolo, it gets very upscale very quickly, with all sorts of shopping including The North Face, Vans, and more.

The southern end – between the Spanish Steps and Piazza Navona – has a much more “Ancient Rome” atmosphere (though, this area was truly developed to appear as it does today much, much later than that time period), and is our recommendation.

To reiterate, if you’re looking for that intensely romantic feeling of wandering the streets of Ancient Rome (with thousands of other tourists, it should be noted), then stay between the Spanish Steps and Piazza Navona.

We think the historic downtown is the best area for first time visitors to Rome to stay because of the convenient central location, variety of hotel options (many of Rome`s finest hotels are located here), and lively atmosphere.

Pros and Cons of Staying in the Centro Storico

Advantages of Remaining in the Centro Storico:

• More central is impossible.Directly in the heart of Rome, a brief walk to virtually anywhere desired.
• The most romantic version of Rome. Winding paths. Ambiance from torches. This is among the more romantic spots to stay in Rome.

Disadvantages of Staying in the Centro Storico:

• Where are the locals located? If you’re looking for local culture, this may not provide it. You’ll be surrounded by visitors, and the majority of words spoken will likely be in languages other than Italian.
• It’s pricey. You will pay for the convenience of staying in one of the most central parts of the city. If you are able to afford it, it’s a worthy splurge to be able to walk out your front door to the Pantheon or the Spanish Steps.
• It can be loud and bustling at times. Thousands of tourists pass through each day. Especially near the southern end of the neighborhood, around Campo de’ Fiori, it can be quite loud and busy after dark as many of the bars cater to visitors.

Centro Storico Highlights

Here are some of our preferred areas in the Centro Storico.

• Piazza Navona: Used to be the Stadium of Domitian, hence the elongated shape. The Fontana del Nettuno (Fountain of Neptune) at the northern end is a superb example of Baroque architecture.
• The Pantheon: Originally a pagan temple constructed in the 100’s AD now housing Raphael’s tomb, the bustling square outside offers people-watching (it`s ALWAYS crowded).
• Campo de’ Fiori: A normally shaped square, Campo de’ Fiori was actually constructed much later than other parts of this area – somewhere in the 1500’s AD. It’s boisterous and loud at night.
• The famous Trevi Fountain: Probably the most renowned fountain in the city (perhaps even globally) and another excellent example of Baroque architecture. It was constructed in the 1700s on the site of an earlier, less attractive fountain. It will be packed with people at all hours, all attempting to toss coins into the water for good fortune (avoid doing that – someone must recover them all!). Go extremely early in the morning for the best possibility at a quality photograph.
• The Spanish Steps: Another less ancient piece of Baroque architecture built in the 1700’s, the square at the foot of the steps provides some of the best people watching in all of Rome, for those interested.

One of my favorite activities to do in Rome – and a fundamental part of our 4 day Rome schedule– is a guided walking tour that transports you from one end to the other.

This web link offers a map

of what that route might look like

In addition to some of Rome’s main attractions, there are squares and fountains tucked away within the narrow, lamp-lit roads. It’s one of the best places to wander and become a little lost.

Generally, I would strongly advise avoiding most bars and restaurants in this part of Rome, especially if they have photographs on their menu. Here are a few exceptions:

• La Casa Del Caffè Tazza D’oro and Sant’ Eustachio Il Caffè: Two of the best coffee shops in Rome, just a short distance from each other!
• The Little Wine Bar: Our favorite wine bar in Rome! We sat down on the patio here on a nice fall evening, and the proprietor wandered up and inquired what we wanted. In broken Italian, I requested one glass of dry white wine, and one glass of sparkling wine. Rather than provide options, he simply walked away. Alysha and I were somewhat puzzled, but when he returned a few minutes later with two perfect glasses of wine, that puzzlement turned to delight.
• Open Baladin: One of the best beer bars in Rome, which is a city that is decidedly NOT centered around beer (though that is changing).
• Gelateria Fatamorgana,Fiocco di Neve (both 100% gluten free), and Frigidarium: Some of the finest gelato in Rome! Exploring Rome with gelato in hand is what we recommend.
• Risotteria Melotti Roma (100% gluten free): Focusing on risotto and all things rice, which originates from Northern Italy. Really, really solid cuisine.

The Best Places to Stay in the Centro Storico

This area contains numerous places to stay, ranging from upscale boutique hotels to charming mid-range guesthouses, and everything in between.

There aren’t a great amount of budget possibilities given the nature of the location, but Casa Pietra is a sound, affordable choice (more on that below).

Rome As You Feel – Grotta Pinta: Apartments in the Perfect Location (Where We Stayed)

We were searching for an apartment in the Centro Storico for part of our most recent trip to Rome, and we could not have been more pleased with the location, facilities, and basically everything else about the Grotta Pinta Apartments.

The properties are hidden away in an old building with a slow lift (classic) on a peaceful street inside walking distance of the entire Centro Storico, but Piazza Navona and Campo de’ Fiori specifically are literally a handful of blocks away.

Just around the corner are Fatamorgana, one of our favorite gelato shops in Rome, and Antico Forno Roscioli, which is essentially a mandatory visit location for food enthusiasts in Rome.

The apartments are surprisingly roomy, and they feature a range of floor plans that can accommodate between one and six people.

The kitchen, which is part of the reason we look for apartments when we travel, was perfect, and the view from the windows over the rooftops of Rome was a very pleasant thing to look at as I made my morning coffee.

If you’re interested in an apartment in central Rome, we’d recommend considering these.

Coronari Palace: Quiet Hotel in a Historic Building

I really like this place for two reasons. 

First, if you’re looking for a slightly quieter location that’s still in the middle of all the action, historic lodging is tucked away at the north end of the neighborhood.

It’s within a brief distance of the Pantheon and Piazza Navona, but it’s farther outside of the usually crowded destinations that it’s going to be at least slightly more peaceful.

Secondly, the rooms are beautiful. It was renovated in 2019, and everything looks and feels completely new. They do a fine job integrating the old with the new.

Some rooms have windows that open to a spectacular vista overlooking the rooftops of Rome, and some of their rooms have private terraces, where you’ll be able to enjoy your morning coffee in the warm sunlight.

On the other hand, for those sweltering summer days, they have air conditioning, which is important if you’re in Rome in July or August (speaking from personal experience, having traveled on an overnight train to Rome in 100+ degree weather…air conditioning is important).

Casa Pietra: A Beautiful + Charming Boutique Guesthouse

I also sincerely like Casa Pietra as a sleek, modern place to stay in the heart of the Centro Historico that is ALSO very budget-friendly.

Just northeast of the Pantheon, this small guesthouse is one of the better budget-friendly options in the area. With only five rooms, guests receive exceptional service.

It’s in a historic 18th century royal residence that they have done a great job restoring and bringing into the 21st century.

The first thing you’ll notice is that natural light floods the rooms. Sleek design features keep things modern and current, creating an interesting contrast with the exterior of the building and the surrounding neighborhood.

Three rooms face the square below with scenic views, whereas rooms to the rear offer a quieter setting without such vistas inside this refurbished building.

There’s no on-site eatery, but there IS a small communal kitchen, which I always value (ensure to examine if it’s accessible, given the present situation).

Little Queen Pantheon: A Beautiful Boutique Hotel

Little Queen is a small, charming guesthouse (or bed & breakfast) that is, as might have been expected from the name, a couple of minutes away from the Pantheon.

It balances budget and mid-range categories, normally providing really good value regarding location and amenities. It`s another restored historic building transformed to make the interior more contemporary.

Choose between standard lodgings averaging around 160 square feet in space or junior suites with marginally more room albeit still relatively compact. Accommodations exude modernity and color, with perks like Netflix access, air conditioning, and additional amenities.

PS: They have an additional location near Piazza Navona that may be worth checking if this one is booked.

Hotel Charme Spagna: Elegant Luxury Hotel near the Spanish Steps

Similar to Tree Charme in Trastevere, Charme Spagna is a truly excellent hotel with elegant design and a simply amazing location merely five minutes from both the famous Spanish Steps and renowned Trevi Fountain.

It’s a comparably little lodging, with just 23 rooms. Rooms run from tight to expansive, and all incorporate breakfast, A/C, and extraordinary administration from the helpful staff, who are called out in a large portion of the audits as being particularly extraordinary.

There is an outdoor terrace where one can enjoy breakfast and coffee or have it delivered directly to their room. Six of those rooms are located in a separate building which is just down the street.

Hotel Indigo: Mid-Range + Stylish

We have resided at Hotel Indigo locations before, and think that they generally provide good value and experience.

The Hotel Indigo Rome is situated at the western edge of the neighborhood, just a block or two from the river (and, by implication, Trastevere, one of our preferred places to stay and explore).

This hotel leans more towards luxury than other Hotel Indigo locations, and the price correctly reflects that elevated level.

Accommodations provide relatively expansive footprints, exceeding 200 square feet (a rarity for the city), and feature highly modern amenities expected of boutique properties – air conditioning, tea/coffee facilities, etc. – alongside welcoming personal touches like plush slippers.

Select from a variety of room dimensions and configurations, some of which have a seating area and slightly more space.

Plus, an incredible rooftop terrace with 360 degree views out over Rome!

Monti: A Hip Neighborhood Near the Colosseum (Good Nightlife)

Monti is the neighborhood immediately to the northeast of the Colosseum, which violates my rule of not staying right next to tourist attractions… but it’s legitimately a cool place to stay.

Located near famous landmarks like the Colosseum and Forum, this neighborhood is vibrant with numerous dining and nightlife spots lining the streets. Its energy and central position make it a convenient base for sightseeing.

Its connections to public transportation make exploring areas beyond the immediate vicinity straightforward if venturing farther into Rome.

While Monti is fun to explore during daylight hours, it really comes alive at night. Walking along the narrow cobblestone streets, you`ll pass countless patrons of different bars and restaurants spilling outside (as they do in Italy).

It can be energetic and lively, particularly on weekends, but it’s all part of the appeal.

If exploring central areas close to some of Rome’s best cuisine and drinks is a priority, Monti offers a sound choice.

Pros and Cons of Staying in Monti

Benefits of Staying in Monti:

• It’s central. Choosing Monti situates you conveniently between Rome`s main train station (Termini), the Centro Storico, and the Colosseum and Forum. It`s a well-connected location via metro if needing elsewhere.
• Eateries and watering holes in abundance. Monti, which has made the transition from up-and-coming / hipster to entirely trendy over the past decade, is replete with bars and restaurants of all kinds. In particular, look around the Chiesa di Santa Maria ai Monti along via Urbana and the surrounding area for some of the best cuisine and drinks in Rome.

Drawbacks of Staying in Monti:

• Expense. As a sought-after locale, ample demand drives higher costs. Residing here affords hip conveniences but expect to pay a price. Not ideal for travelers on a strict budget.
• It can be crowded with visitors. Given its proximity to the Colosseum, Forum, and train station, there will be many people here. Which is acceptable, but something you should be aware of going in.

The Best Places to Stay in Monti

Whether you prefer a charming hotel, an affordable hostel, or a nice rental property, Monti offers a suitable variety of selections conveniently located near many of Rome’s main attractions.

Fifteen Keys Hotel: Best Overall Hotel in Monti

15 artistically decorated rooms render this charming lodging a lovely place to situate oneself in Monti.

Unlike the huge hotels located just a few blocks away, you’ll receive personalized attention here, which will make your trip more enjoyable by offering insider knowledge only a local deeply concerned with your experience in Rome can provide.

The hotel occupies a renovated five-story building in the core of Monti.

Rooms are thoughtfully arranged, with everything needed for your trip including a desk, USB charging ports, and a kettle for coffee or tea.

Breakfast is provided in their aptly-titled `breakfast room` featuring floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking their interior courtyard, or outdoors in the courtyard itself whenever conditions allow (undoubtedly throughout the summer months!).

They also have complimentary bicycles available, and you can rent a Vespa (an option that may seem frightening to some but appealing to others).

Salotto Monti: Great Value in Monti

If you’re looking for a moderately priced, stylish lodging in Monti, Salotto Montiis a great choice.

Rooms are basic but stylish, with options ranging from small hotel-style rooms, to triple rooms, all the way up through the apartments, which have kitchens and sleep up to four owing to sofa beds in the living room – perfect for groups and families who want a bit of additional space.

Included breakfast can be enjoyed taking in views of Via Nazionale from the rooftop terrace on sunny days, or delivered directly to your room if the weather isn`t permitting outdoor seating.

It has a great location between important attractions like the Colosseum, Forum, and Trevi Fountain that are less than a kilometer away (just over half a mile for my American friends).

Prati: A Quieter Alternative Near the Vatican (Good for Families)

During a six-month Rome residence, Alysha lived in Prati. Northeast of the separate Vatican country, Prati serves as a practical home for visiting the Vatican Museums and St. Peter`s Basilica, situated in close proximity.

However, that’s not the only attribute that Prati has going for it.

It’s a more residential area, and as soon as you get a few blocks from the Vatican you’ll find yourself walking down streets lined with five story high living complexes.

While the main thoroughfare – Cola di Rienzo – contains many shops and commercial entities, venturing deeper into the neighborhood results in a more tranquil environment.

There are also some great places to eat and drink in Prati, from Venezuelan street food to traditional Italian trattorias. We’ll cover a few of our preferred places in the “highlights” section below.

Pros and Cons of Staying in Prati

Pros of Staying in Prati:

Claro: We visited this location twice and really enjoyed the experience both times. The back garden area should be reserved if visiting in the summer months. They now only offer a tasting menu where the most interesting items for us were the spicy strawberry aguachile, though everything we sampled was fantastic. Additionally, the whole menu is gluten free!

• It’s connected to Termini by means of the Metro. Rome’s metro doesn’t go to a great many places, but one place it does go is between Termini (Rome’s primary station, where you’ll arrive by train from other cities or the airport) and Prati. However, you do need to connect at Termini to reach the Colosseum by means of the metro.

Cons of Staying in Prati:

• It’s located farther than some other areas.Similar to Trastevere, which is on the southwestern edge of Rome`s main city center, Prati is up on the northwest edge. While it`s sufficiently near the Centro Storico, traveling to places like the Colosseum and Termini station requires more time (though Termini can be accessed via the Rome Metro).
• There aren’t many spots to remain. Due to the fact it will get a little extra residential here, there aren’t almost as many inn possibilities. And the proximity to the Vatican suggests that the ones that do exist are likely to be a small pricier than they almost certainly must be.

Prati Highlights

Here are some spots we enjoy in Prati / Vaticano. We’re not going to feature the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica here, because those are plainly top things to do in this area.

• Pergamino Caffè: For those interested in specialty coffee, this is a must-visit in Rome. They stock beans from various acclaimed Italian roasters like Gardelli and Garage (two of Matt’s favorite Italian specialty coffee sources). It provides a different cafe experience than most in Rome and isn`t the most budget-friendly coffee, but for those seeking a premium filter brew, this is the place to go.
• El Maìz: If you`re familiar with us, you know we have a passion for well-prepared Venezuelan-style arepas, which essentially consists of a sandwich between two corn cakes filled with meats, cheeses, plantains, and avocado (among other ingredients). We were not expecting to find this dish in Rome, but we did, and they were excellent. Highly recommended if you’re looking for something a little different than Italian cuisine.
• Castroni: A huge specialty grocery primarily stocking Italian products. A good place to browse for a gift or memento, but certainly not your typical supermarket.
• Castel Sant’Angelo: Part fortress, part mausoleum for Roman chief Hadrian, this provides engaging activity in Rome. The peak experience is likely the panoramic city views including St. Peter’s Basilica’s dome from the rooftop terrace, plus the neighboring Supreme Court building merits examination.
• Pizzarium: The most renowned spot in Rome to obtain pizza al taglio, Rome’s signature style of pizza that is sliced in squares or rectangles rather than a triangle. They’ve been crafting amazing pizza for well over a decade, and the chef is highly acclaimed (and now featured on Chef’s Table on Netflix). It’s extremely popular, and nearly always busy, so be prepared for a line (and to navigate said line alongside Italians, which is an experience unto itself).

The Best Places to Stay in Prati

Here are some lodging options in Prati that caught our attention.

Hotel Paolo II: A Straightforward Hotel Option Blocks Away from Vatican City

Hotel Paolo II isn’t located in the heart of Prati, which is on the northern side of Vatican City, but is in a nice location just off of the southern end of Piazza San Pietro. The upside is that it’s going to be a little quieter, the downside of the location is that it’s a further from some of the bars, restaurants, and shopping elsewhere in Prati.

Rooms here are straightforward, modern, and relatively modest. You’re not going to have a big seating area and space to spread out, but you will have a comfy place to sleep with air-conditioning and comfy beds.

Side note: I enjoy the wall of greenery in their Superior Rooms, and wonder whether they consist of real plants or not.

This is a stable mid-range hotel with contemporary rooms at an affordable price. If you’re amenable to a little supplementary walk, it would be a great home base for exploring Rome.

Alea Home Roma: A Design-Forward Guesthouse in a Quiet Location 

This design-focused guesthouse embraces the concept of minimalism through clean, white walls and limited wall hangings.

It’s on the northern side of Vatican city, around the corner from our most loved coffee shop in Rome (Pergamino Caffè) and a few blocks from the heart of Prati.

The lodging has a good location, being within two blocks of the Cipro metro station, which will take you to Termini and various other areas in Rome that are too far to walk to.

The downside of the location here is that it’s less accessible on foot to places like Trastevere and the Centro Storico, which is why all the other recommendations in this section are on the eastern end of Prati.

While not a dealbreaker on its own, it is something worth taking into account.

The rooms, as mentioned above, are beautifully designed, with ample natural light.

There are only five rooms, which usually means more personalized service from the staff (think tips for bars and eateries). Your room includes a self-serve breakfast, air conditioning, and coffee.

They have double rooms (that’s the standard), deluxe rooms which provide a little more space, and junior suites, which have a sitting area with a couch (that can be turned into a sofa bed to accommodate a third guest).

Saint Peter’s Keys: A Small + Affordable Bed & Breakfast

Saint Peter’s Keys is a small bed and breakfast located on the eastern end of Prati near the Tiber River. And we truly mean small – there are only three rooms here. Which typically results in better, more customized service in our experience.

Room sizes are average, and there are a few common areas including a dining room with a shared fridge and toaster. Breakfast is self-serve and included in the rate, as is coffee.

The room was simple yet comfortable, and given the central position in Prati (equal distance between the Vatican and Centro Storico, about), it provided great value. It was also a few blocks from the metro station, connecting you to Termini for your arrival and departure.

Hotel La Rovere: A Mid-Range Option in a Central Location

This charming hotel, located on the south end of Piazza San Pietro and the Vatican, provides the opportunity for more peaceful surroundings while still being conveniently situated for exploring popular attractions like Saint Peter`s Square, Trastevere, and downtown Rome. As noted earlier, this area is further from notable sites but offers a quieter environment. The distance to reach major landmarks like the Vatican, Trastevere, or central Rome would be approximately equal from here.”

It’s a hotel with 27 rooms that has undergone a complete overhaul from top to bottom, and the outcome is an elegant, modern accommodation in the heart of one of the city’s oldest areas.

They have a few various room varieties, like the deluxe rooms (which, as far as I can tell, are the most reduced on the hierarchy of room types), spaces with a city view, and spaces that have a personal terrace (which would be a flawless spot for an afternoon glass of prosecco).

For all rooms, guests can choose between one double bed or two twin beds.

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