Where to Stay in Rome

Our Favorite Hotels in Rome

• 5-Star: Hassler
• 4-Star: Artemide hotel. Singer Palace hotel • 3-Star: Palm GalleryHT6 Hotel

• Spanish Steps: An underlined internet lodging recommendation pins the Hassler
• Colosseum: Palazzo Manfredi
• Trevi Fountain: Accommodation by Trevi Fountain
• Piazza Navona: Bio Raphael
• A budget-friendly selection is Niriides hotel
• Vatican: Palazzo Cardinal Cesi
• For families: Internazionale Domus
• For couples: Inn at Roman Forum lodge

a series of photos showing different types of food 1. Palazzo Cardinal Cesi • 2. Santa Maria • 3. Internazionale Domus • 4. Hassler • 5. Bio Raphael • 6. Hub • 7. Singer Palace • 8. Relais Fontana • 9. Chapter Roma • 10. HT6 • 11. Inn at Roman Forum • 12. Palazzo Manfredi • 13. Artemide • 14. Palm Gallery

Best Areas to Stay in Rome

Hotel website: belvederehotel.com

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Good hotels near Roma Termini Train Station:
St Regis (5-star hotel) • Palazzo Montemartini (4-star hotel) • Des Artistes (3-star hotel)

The Best Rome Neighborhoods

For first-time visitors, Rome can seem chaotic and confusing. But once you’ve found your bearings, you’ll find it has a surprisingly compact center and you’ll be able to do much of your exploring on foot.

Most sightseeing in Rome is concentrated in the area between the city’s main transportation hub, Termini Train Station, in the east, and the Vatican City in the west. The Vatican, technically an independent country, is one of Rome’s most awe-inspiring areas and contains two must-see attractions: St Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums’ Sistine Chapel. Though there are no hotels within the papal enclave itself, the surrounding neighborhoods (especially Prati) offer plentiful lodging.

two men standing next to each other in a room

The Historic Center (Centro Storico) occupies the right bank protrusion on the River Tiber, opposite the Vatican. We’ve divided the area into two sections, the elegant northern half ( Tridente and Trevi Fountain) and the bustling southern region, which includes the old Jewish Quarter. Directly to the south, the Colosseum and the Forum anchor Ancient Rome, along with the village-like Monti neighborhood nearby. North of Center, the extensive park-like setting of Villa Borghese is ideal for recharging your energy levels. The more distant southern neighborhoods of Trastevere and Testaccio are a little removed from the main sightseeing route but are popular nightlife and foodie hubs.

a car is parked in front of a building

Rome is built upon seven sloping areas east of the Tiber River: Palatine, Aventine, Capitoline, Esquiline, Viminal, Quirinal, and Caelian. What were originally outside the borders of ancient Rome, like the Vatican, Pincian, Janiculum, and Sacred Mount, have since become incorporated into the modern city.

While foot travel can cover significant ground, you`ll likely need public transportation to see all the primary attractions. An underground metro system with three lines runs through the city (Termini and San Giovanni are its main interchange stations), but as these bypass the main Vatican and Historic Center neighborhoods, buses or taxis may be necessary at some point. The same tickets and passes can be used for the metro, buses, trams, and regional trains – single rides cost just €1.50, with one-day passes €7. See the transit website for schedule, route, and fare information.

The Best Places to Stay in Rome

people standing around a fountain in a city

a living room with a couch and a coffee table

More Notable Rome Hotels

a number of books on a bookshelfBlue SandOnarPerigiali Rooms & Apartments

Lonely Planet:
Argentina Residenza Style Hotel (Historic Center, $$$) – Centrally located former monastery with prime location • B&B Arco Del Lauro (Trastevere, $$) – Idyllic setting for couples and honeymooners.
Vatican Style (Prati, $$) – Near St Peter’s. Light-filled rooms with contemporary decor.

Frommer’s:
Babuino 181 is located near the Spanish Steps area. It has spacious rooms and apartment-size suites available.
Lodging near Vatican City ($$) – Opposite Vatican City. Morning meals served on rooftop terrace overlooking St Peter’s Square.

Rick Steves:
this hotel (Ancient Rome, $$$) – elegant 60-room establishment providing reasonable rates. 10-minute walk from the Colosseum.
Hotel Albergo Santa Chiara (Pantheon, $$) – Located steps from the Pantheon. Family rooms available, with air conditioning and an elevator.
Hotel Modigliani (Termini, $$) – Visitors will find this 23-room hotel has a clean, bright style and atmosphere.

Best Places in Rome for…

  • Best New Hotels in Rome
    Over the past few years Rome has seen many new luxury hotels open, such as the Four Seasons, Rosewood, and Nobu slated for 2024 and 2025 debuts. Here are some popular recent additions:
  • Top Santorini Vineyard Excursions: Santorini Small Group Wine ExperienceSantorini Private Wine ExperienceSantorini Sunset Wine Experience
  • Ideal Areas for First-Time Visitors to Stay: Historic Center and Trastevere
    Luxury apartments located in District 3 of the city. Offering contemporary studio and two-bedroom units, all equipped with kitchenettes, SILA is a wonderful selection for couples and families, as well as those seeking short or long term lodging. The one and two bedroom apartments provide washing machines. Nearby the dining establishment, bar, and sizeable 24 hour gym containing Technogym machines is the secluded outdoor pool with lounge chairs. There’s also a sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, and yoga studio. For those traveling for work purposes, a boardroom is available. It`s close proximity to the War Remnants Museum.

a crowded street filled with cars and people

    • Best Neighborhoods for Nightlife: Trastevere, Historic Center and Pigneto
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The area of Trastevere in Rome is one of the city`s most lively districts. Its colorful alleys are filled with bars and cafes that attract large crowds of both locals and visitors each night to enjoy the festive atmosphere. One of the area`s most charming places to stay is the Hotel Santa Maria.Bar San Calisto is a deservedly popular bar reminiscent of the 1960s, but we also enjoy Big Star Bar Diner for drinks and live music, the dive-style Mr. Brown Pub, and the no-frills craft beer specialist Ma Che Siete Venuti A Fà. Across the river, the Historic Center sees much revelry with everything from fashionable designer bars to relaxed neighborhood cafes and plaza-side hangouts, especially around Piazza Navona (try La Botticella) and Campo de’ Fiori ( Il Baretto is a good selection). For a more alternative scene, head to the studious area of San Lorenzo or to Pigneto, a trendy hub of bars and clubs east of Termini station – Club 55,Giove Live Music, and Spirito are entertaining places here

  • Most Romantic Neighborhood: Aventine Hill
    With a picturesque hilltop setting, memorable perspectives, and elegant Art Nouveau villas, the Aventine is a wonderful area for couples and honeymooners. It’s a little off the main tourist path and doesn’t offer much lodging (the San Anselmo and Villa San Pio are especially romantic and charming), but that just adds to its vibe of exclusivity. While there aren’t many must-see sights here, the Giardino degli Aranci (Orange Garden) is a divine spot to catch the sunset, and the Villa del Priorato di Malta boasts a fabulous keyhole perspective of St Peter’s Basilica.
  • Best District for Culinary Experiences & Dining: Testaccio
    To have an authentic culinary experience, one should head to Testaccio, the birthplace of Rome’s traditional nose-to-tail cuisine. The neighborhood is filled with exceptional, long-established trattorias to explore. Highly suggested establishments comprise Ristorante Pecorino,Osteria degli Amici,Taverna Volpetti, and Osteria San Giorgio, but you’ll find plenty of other delightful options as well. For lunch it’s hard to beat the Mercato di Testaccio, where stalls such as Casa Manco (pizza) and Mordi & E; Vai (panini sandwiches) knock out superb street food at low prices. For pizza and supplì (rice balls) one should head to Trapizzino. Rome is also famous for its Jewish cuisine, originally developed by cooks confined to the city’s Ghetto. To have a taste, try one of the excellent restaurants along Via del Portico d’Ottavia, in the old Jewish Quarter of the Historic Center

a large group of people are gathered around a bar

    • Best Neighborhoods for Local Atmosphere: Ostiense and Testaccio
      Located south of the city center but easily accessible via metro, the Testaccio and Ostiense neighborhoods provide a glimpse of authentic Rome. A handful of attractions can be found (the Mattatoio and Centrale Montemartini art galleries, the tombs of Shelley and Keats in the Non-Catholic Cemetery), but the area is just as notable for its shops, neighborhood markets, and popular eateries as for its tourist sights. In particular, the up-and-coming Ostiense neighborhood is known for its street art and murals by Italian artist Blu and others, the Basilica of St. Paul’s Outside the Walls said to be the supposed resting place of St Paul himself, vegan restaurants like Romeow Cat Bistrot, and Eataly Roma, the global Italian food emporium housed in the old Ostiense Station.
    • Best Neighborhoods for Sightseeing: Ancient Rome, Historic Center, and Vatican/Prati
      There are three primary sightseeing regions in Rome: Ancient Rome, the Historic Center, and the Vatican. Ancient Rome, focused on the Colosseum and Roman Forum, houses the city’s most celebrated ruins from antiquity. To the north, the Historic Center is scattered with artistic treasures and iconic attractions including the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain. Across the river, Vatican City spotlights St Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums, home to Michelangelo`s Sistine Chapel. All three areas offer a suitable selection of hotels.

a building with a clock on the side of it

  • Prime Locations for Retail Therapy: The Historic Center, Monti District, and Trastevere
    Rome`s designer boutiques are situated near the Spanish Steps and via dei Condotti. Mainstream and chain fashion stores can be discovered on Via del Corso a little farther west, as well as Via Coladi Rienzo (in Prati), while indie shops line Via del Governo Vecchio. The narrow Via dei Coronari and surrounding roads are renowned for antiques in addition to fashion. You`ll come across smaller alternative stores in Monti (for instance Flamingo Vintage,Radiation Records, and Pifebo Vintage Shop), as well as in Trastevere. The Almost Corner Bookshop in Trastevere is regarded as one of Rome`s finest English bookshops. If you`re around, don`t miss the Sunday flea market at the Porta Portese, with hundreds of stalls extending down Via Portuense to Trastevere train station (come at 7am to browse the best deals).
  • Rome Without a Car
    The movement of people within Rome can occur through different means other than by motor vehicle, which comes with hassles and expenses. The city`s public transportation network incorporates the underground railway system, buses, and trams, offering visitors ample choices for navigating locations. Often the finest approach to explore the city is by walking its scenic roads. Significant attractions similar to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps are within reachable distance of each other by foot. Rome`s historic core is compact and suited for pedestrians, allowing for relaxing strolls despite uneven cobblestone surfaces posing challenges for certain conveyances. For somewhat more distant places, options include hiring bicycles or employing electric scooters, both widely available all through the city. Taxis and ride-sharing services also present alternatives, yet be prepared for potentially slower transit amid peak traffic congestion.

a living room filled with furniture and a fireplace

  • Safest Areas of Rome
    Rome is generally a safe city, with no dangerous locations in the city center. For a calm, well-connected neighborhood, consider Prati. Readily accessible by subway and conveniently found for the Vatican, Prati offers an abundance of reasonably priced hotels and eating establishments. Another serene (at night) central area is the upscale district surrounding the Spanish Steps and Piazza del Popolo. Known as Rome’s designer shopping hub, this area becomes delightfully peaceful once the shops and boutiques close for the day.
  • Unsafe Areas of Rome
    The area around Termini station is often portrayed as a hazardous area at night, but with so many individuals around at all hours you are improbable to come across any problems (as always, be aware of pickpockets and phone thieves). The neighborhoods reporting the highest crime rates in Rome tend to be on the outskirts of the city to the east and south – but few tourists visit those regions.

The 8 Best Areas in Rome for Tourists

1. Historic Center (Centro Storico) and Jewish Quarter

a large group of people standing in front of a buildinga collage of photos showing a street sign

The heart of the action in Rome is found in its Historic Center. Though popular with tourists, locals also take advantage of its excellent restaurants and trattorias, fashionable boutiques, and busy bars and cafes. Those residing in Centro Storico will have top sights such as the Pantheon,Museo di Roma (Palazzo Braschi), Galleria Doria Pamphilj, Spada Gallery, and the Piazza Navona’s grand Neptune Fountain at their doorstep – as well as countless historic churches (like Borromini’s Sant’Ivo and the Gesù, mother church of the Jesuits) and meandering lanes to explore. Campo de’ Fiori is one of the city’s liveliest squares, home to a produce market and the famous monument to Renaissance thinker Giordano Bruno, while the Palazzo Altemps displays the Museo Nazionale Romano’s best statuary.

The southern portion of the historical center encompasses the old Jewish Quarter, formerly known as the “Ghetto,” home to the impressively expansive Tempio Maggiore synagogue and Jewish Museum. The zone likewise houses the Fondazione Museo della Shoah, a moving memorial to the Holocaust in Italy. Locals regularly patronize the Jewish-style eateries on Via del Portico D’Ottavia, known for dishes like artichokes prepared in the Jewish style and anchovy pies, while its ancient colonnade leads to the ruins of the Temples of Apollo Sosiano and Bellona as well as the Teatro di Marcello, a miniature version of the Colosseum established by Julius Caesar.

The area dividing the Historic Center and Ancient Rome is marked by the busy Piazza Venezia, dominated by the monumental Altare della Patria (or “Vittoriano”), built as a memorial for Italian unification.

The Historic Center is carpeted with accommodations, so travelers will find plenty of choices in Rome’s most central and lively district. However, be aware that there are also some downsides here: it’s the busiest part of the city and is often overwhelmed by visitors, rates often prove expensive (though we’ve listed some good affordable options below), and its narrow roads are quite far from the nearest metro stops (the closest public transportation alternatives are trams and buses at the edges).

a patio area with tables, chairs and umbrellas

2. Tridente and Trevi Fountain (Historic Center)

a large group of people standing in front of a fountaina collage of photos showing a sign on a cell phone The northern half of the historic center is characterized by an area known as the “Tridente”, named after three roads that extend south from Piazza del Popolo in the form of a trident: Via di Ripetta (to Piazza Cardelli), Via del Corso (to Piazza Venezia), and Via del Babuino (to Piazza di Spagna). Upmarket, elegant, and touristy, this area encompasses Rome’s top shopping strip, Via de’ Condotti – running east from Piazza di Spagna, home to the house dedicated to Keats and Shelley, and Babington’s 19th-century tea room. 600 meters south from Piazza di Spagna lies one of the city’s most popular attractions, the Trevi Fountain of La Dolce Vita fame – plan to visit very early if you want to avoid the crowds

Situated among designer boutiques and prestigious flagship stores you`ll find high-end cafes and bars in this historic part of town, including the iconic Antico Caffè Greco. Notable spots to see include the enormous Mausoleum of Augustus next to the Museo dell’Ara Pacis showcasing a Roman altar set in innovative architecture by Richard Meier. The Tempio di Adriano also has an original Roman temple facade. For superb Renaissance art, visit awe-inspiring Santa Maria del Popolo home to masterworks by Caravaggio and Raphael. While busy during the day, evening brings a calm atmosphere to this part of town.

There is a wide choice of hotels here, mostly high-priced, though a few reasonable options remain. While being in the center has its perks, note this area can be crammed with tourists during the day and that metro and most buses bypass it, meaning more walking (or taxis) for you.

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3. Ancient Rome (including Capitoline Hill and Monti)

a city street filled with lots of cars and buildingsa collage of photos showing a street sign

Exploring the sights is the primary activity in Ancient Rome, the region of the city centered around the Colosseum and ancient forums (Foro Romano is considered the most famous of these). There are several quality lodging options here, but fewer respectable dining establishments than in other areas. The main attractions begin on the Capitoline Hill, behind the immense Altare della Patria; the statue-lined Cordonata Capitolina staircase leads up to the Michelangelo-designed Campidoglio square, home to the Santa Maria in Aracoeli church (with frescoes by Pinturicchio) and Capitoline Museums, with their world-class collections of ancient sculpture and art. Ancient Rome stretches out to the southeast from here, the most densely packed section of Roman ruins in the city; the huge site of the Roman Forum (including Palatine Hill), the Imperial Forums, Trajan’s Markets, Domus Aurea (the remains of Emperor Nero’s palace), Arch of Constantine, and the Colosseum itself are all unmissable. Where possible, make online reservations and book time slots ahead of time, as the crowds here can be overwhelming.

A short trip away, Monti is a favorite locale of Rome’s bohemian set and exudes a relaxed village atmosphere from its trendy boutiques, well-liked bars, and excellent dining establishments. The center of activity is Piazza Madonna dei Monti, but there’s also plenty occurring around Via Leonina, Via Cavour, and Via Urbana. Make time for the church of San Pietro in Vincoli, home to Michelangelo’s statue of Moses, Leah, and Rachel (and the supposed chains of St Peter).

There are a few hotels near the forums, but these tend to be expensive and somewhat distant. In contrast, there are many inexpensive hotels in Monti (which is much livelier) and east of the Colosseum (in Celio), but often these are low in quality.

a row of windows in a building

NH Collection Fori Imperiali – Hotel phone: +39 06 6976 89911
Ripetta 25 Accommodation • Hotel phone: +39 06 3265 0574

For Couples: Bill & Coo
Zefiro Home B&B • Hotel phone: +39 335 694 8212

4. Trastevere

a train crossing a bridge over a rivera street sign with a picture of a dog on it

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” (Staying in ROLE)

During daytime hours, Trastevere is ideal for taking things easy and exploring at a leisurely pace. However, it truly comes alive at night, bustling with both visitors and locals. Trastevere features a varied dining scene, ranging from Michelin-starred restaurants to authentic neighborhood pizza places and cozy cafes. To reach Trastevere, one can stroll across the picturesque Isola Tiberina island in the center of the Tiber River, crossing the ancient Ponte Fabricio Roman bridge constructed in 62 BC.

Trastevere has significant charm but is less convenient for sightseeing than the Historic Center; it`s not connected to the subway lines, yet buses and trams link it. Since this is true, it`s usually less costly to reside in Trastevere than downtown, with more bed and breakfasts, rental apartments, and household-run guesthouses to choose from.

a garden filled with lots of plants next to a building

Residence Saint Calixtus � Hotel contact number: +39 393 973 5447
Ripense In Trastevere Hotel phone: +39 06 581 2870.
Hotel Santa Maria Hotel phone: +39 06 589 4626

    • Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels
    • Mykonos Soul – (Hotel phone: +30 22890 27694)

Domus Corsini – Hotel phone: +39 388 198 5023

The Residenza delle Arti can be contacted at +39 389 496 4608 The WRH Trastevere hotel contact number is +39 06 580 6344

5. Villa Borghese and Barberini

a city street filled with lots of parked carsa collage of photos showing a street sign The Hampton Inn Palm Beach Gardens,DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Palm Beach Gardens,SpringHill Suites by Marriott West Palm Beach I-95,Hampton Inn Juno Beach, and Holiday Inn Express North Palm Beach-Oceanview are all excellent lodging selections near Palm Beach Gardens.

Affordable Accommodations on Map: Alagoa ResortNanutel MargaoOm Sai Beach HutsHilias Retreat

Quiet at night, this area is well situated for exploring the city while also providing some relief from the crowds. You’ll find highly priced chain hotels (the W, Westin, etc) south of the park.

a large building with a clock on the front of it

Sofitel Villa Borghese • Hotel phone: +39 06 478021
The Splendide Royal hotel contact number is +39 06 421689

6. Termini Station and Around

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There’s nothing worse than arriving at a new destination with a dead phone. This has happened to me more than once! Now, I travel with a mobile power unit. Some French trains, planes, and buses have chargers. Others don’t. Don’t suppose!

To the western region, discover a collection of majestic baroque structures, including the Palazzo del Quirinale, Italy’s presidential residence (accessible solely by guided tour). Nightlife in the area centers around two zones east of Termini: youthful San Lorenzo and Pigneto, an unrefined yet stylish quarter brimming with bars and trendsetting eateries.

Despite being far from the Historic Center by foot or vehicle, this is a huge tourist center – and can be very convenient if traveling via subway or train. Though much of the lower cost lodging here is poor quality, we’ve listed some exceptions below; the best hostels in Rome are also here. There are also some premium five-stars in the area, notably the St Regis.

a row of wooden benches sitting on top of a beach

iQ Hotel Its phone number is +39 06 488 0465 A hyperlink was included for the Palazzo Montemartini hotel and its phone number.St. Regis — Hotel phone: +39 06 47091

7. Testaccio, Aventine Hill (Aventino), and Ostiense

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Located farther south of the city center and away from heavily visited areas, Testaccio is a once working-class neighborhood that is increasingly popular. It presents compelling attractions like the church of Santa Maria Liberatrice and the Mattatoio museum of art, housed in a converted slaughterhouse. Nearby is the Non-Catholic Cemetery, the final place of rest for Romantic poets Percy Bysshe Shelley and John Keats, as well as the striking Pyramid of Caius Cestius. Testaccio is best known as a culinary hotspot, featuring authentic eateries, customary Roman cuisine, and stalls within the indoor Mercato di Testaccio. The region is also home to well-liked clubs and discos that attract a youthful crowd on weekends.

While lodging alternatives are limited in Testaccio, the neighboring Aventine Hill offers several romantic retreats where guests can unwind. Here, one can take a stroll along Via Santa Sabina to glimpse the renowned “keyhole” view of St. Peter’s through the gateway of the Priory of the Knights of Malta, or visit the ancient Basilica di Santa Sabina all’Aventino, the Municipal Rose Garden blooming with colorful flora, or the Orange Garden, boasting stunning panoramas of the city. To the southeast, travelers can explore the expansive Roman Baths of Caracalla set amid picturesque green spaces.

Further south, the understated Ostiense neighborhood is home to Centrale Montemartini, a former power plant transformed into a showcase of classical art for the Capitoline Museums.

While public transportation connections are good here, lodging options are limited, providing a less tourist-oriented experience. The best hotels scatter around Aventine Hill, and Testaccio houses small guest lodgings and apartment rentals.

a building with a clock on the front of it

  • Best Hotels in Aventine Hill, Testaccio, and Ostiense
    Check prices for Katikies Mykonos at Katikies MykonosSan Anselmo – Hotel phone number: +39 06 570057
    Villa San Pio – Hotel in Rome Hotel phone: +39 06 570057

8. Vatican and Prati

a large group of people in a large rooma street sign with a picture of a dog on it

On the western bank of the Tiber River, Vatican City houses some of Rome’s most renowned destinations. Throughout each day, crowds flock to Saint Peter’s Basilica, Bernini’s Piazza San Pietro square, and the sprawling Vatican Museums, home to the Raphael Rooms, Sistine Chapel, and a jaw-dropping collection of artistic treasures. It is essential to book ahead for the museums and to arrive as early in the day as feasible at Saint Peter’s (which has no admission charge but has long lines for security screening).

While small in size, the Vatican attracts visitors with its profound history and cultural importance. Since there are no accommodations within its walls, most travelers opt to stay in the adjacent Prati region. Characterized by its contemporary, grid-arranged format and elegant Art Nouveau architecture, Prati developed as an upscale residential area in the early twentieth century. This neighborhood presents excellent shopping opportunities, especially along Via Cola di Rienzo, along with a wealth of dining selections that incorporate restaurants, trattorias, and takeout establishments. While Prati bustles with activity during the day, it settles into a more peaceful atmosphere at night. However, lively sections remain, like Rome`s oldest jazz club, Alexanderplatz. Other noteworthy attractions include the family-friendly Leonardo Da Vinci Experience and the imposing Castel Sant’Angelo, a grand, circular defensive fortification built atop Emperor Hadrian’s mausoleum by medieval popes, which now houses a fascinating museum.

There are many hotel options in Prati to the north and east of the Vatican; most provide good value with affordable rates comprising numerous bed and breakfasts and small lodging. Even cheaper selections can be found further south and to the west (Aurelio) – consider staying here if budget is a primary concern.

people playing in a pool on a sunny day

Other Rome Neighborhoods

We’ve discussed our preferred neighborhoods to visit and stay in more in the above section, but with extra time these other districts are also worth exploring:

  • Flaminio: North of the Historic Center and accessible via tram or bus, Flaminio is home to the futuristic Auditorium Parco della Musica, a concert hall designed by Renzo Piano that is unconventional in appearance, and the equally unusual MAXXI, the National Museum of Contemporary Art by Zaha Hadid. Just across the river you can watch some top-level European soccer at Stadio Olimpico, the home stadium of Italian Serie A teams AS Roma and Lazio. Excellent hotels in the area include Maison Flaminio,Guest House Vignola, and B&B Casa Cimabue.
  • Appio Latino (San Giovanni): Situated opposite the Sacred Steps and the Pope’s chapel, the imposing Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano, also known as Rome’s cathedral, dominates the northern section of this district. The area also includes the expansive Parco dell’Appia Antica, located along the historic Appian Way. This vast green space is perfect for hiking and biking while also housing the city’s renowned underground burial grounds that served as the final resting place for Rome’s early Christian communities – most notably at the churches of San Sebastiano and San Callisto. Other highlights involve the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella, the Villa of the Quintili, and the medieval Church of San Nicola (Castrum Caetani). You’ll find plenty of inexpensive guesthouses in the northern section, such as Domus Appia 154 and King Plaza B&B, both convenient for the metro (Re di Romastation).
  • EUR (Esposizione Universale Roma): Constructed under the authority of dictator Benito Mussolini in the 1930s and mostly accomplished for the 1960 Olympics, this southern business locale highlights an assortment of parks, lakes, and monumental architecture from the Fascist era. But the compilation of museums that captivate visitors is notable, such as the National Museum of the Middle Ages, National Museum of Prehistory and Ethnography, National Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions, and the city’s Planetarium. EUR is an easy day trip via metro from downtown and not worth staying overnight – the hotels down here have little distinction.
  • Tivoli: For those with extra time, a highly recommended day trip is to visit Tivoli, situated in the Simbruini Hills approximately 30 kilometers northeast of Rome and accessible by a 50-minute local train ride. Tivoli’s highlights include the ancient Roman Villa Adriana ruins of Emperor Hadrian’s grand palace and the Renaissance-era Villa d’Este, both of which are globally important heritage sites. In addition, Tivoli has an impressive collection of monuments, Roman ruins, palaces, and churches to explore. Those opting to spend the night will find Antica Villa di Bruto and B&B La Panoramica to be excellent, romantic options.
  • Remaining near Rome–Fiumicino International Airport has limited benefit unless a very early flight is scheduled. If an overnight stay is necessary near the airport, the most convenient option is the in-terminal HelloSky, but the upmarket property QC Termeroma just outside the airport provides substantially higher quality accommodations and the Sleep’n go Hotel offers significantly more affordable rates.

Rome Travel Tips

  • Rome`s international airport Fiumicino is approximately 35 kilometers southwest of the city center. Frequent trains run every 15 minutes connecting the airport and Termini Station in around 30 minutes; taxis have a fixed fee of €50 for the journey into central Rome. The smaller Ciampino Airport is 12 kilometers southeast handling low-cost carriers like Ryanair and Wizz Air. Travelers from Ciampino must take a taxi or combination of bus and train to reach the city center.
  • While few are exempt, virtually all that one may interact with in cosmopolitan Rome will have the ability to speak English (or at minimum comprehend some of it), but it is a smart idea to learn some basic words and numbers in Italian before going. Beyond the city, things change dramatically – very few inhabitants in rural Lazio speak English, specifically among the older generation.
  • A set of tourist discount cards for Rome was confusing with many options – as always, these are a worthwhile value only if plenty of sightseeing is planned in a brief period. (Given how busy Rome is, though, the ability to gain quick entry is definitely a bonus.) If full 8 hour days are expected for sightseeing, the 72-hour Omnia Card (€129) is the best choice – it covers the most sights, public transit, and a hop-on hop-off bus (but not transportation to Fiumicino airport). The Roma Pass is much cheaper and offers entry to two museums over 48 hours (€32) or 72 hours (€52); it includes free public transit (again, not to Fiumicino airport) and reduced admission to many other attractions. The Vatican Museums are not included. If the main focus is St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel, explore the Vatican City Pass.
  • Bike rental is accessible in Rome by means of bike share plans like Lime, Dott and Tier – e-scooters are also trendy. With its hills, crowded streets, and restricted bike lanes, Rome isn’t a great city for biking, but there are some wonderful trails to seek out, particularly the Lungotevere path along the Tiber.
  • Roadways in the city center are narrow, often one-way, and usually busy. Driving into Rome by vehicle isn’t recommended unless familiar with Italian roads and traffic laws, and know where parking can be found (which may incur costs).
  • Visitors travelling free using the wireless internet is available in both Rome`s airports, and in cafés and museums around the city. You can sign up for free access at thousands of spots offering complimentary wi-fi throughout Rome and Italy.

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Welcome to my travel website! I’m Mary Howard, an American who has been exploring the world full-time for 8 years.

Together with my husband, Intan, we often find ourselves in our second home, Bali, but our adventures take us to exciting destinations all over the globe.

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