Are you looking for the perfect neighborhood for your Roman holiday? Are you overwhelmed by the number of options? We’ve got you covered! There are things to consider, especially if you’re a first-time visitor:

Rome’s historic center is surprisingly compact. Staying in the historic center or close to major attractions like the Colosseum means you can walk to most must-see sites and soak in the city’s atmosphere along the way.

When choosing where to stay, however, you can (mostly!) forget about neighborhood names: Ponte, Regola, Parione… These are just names from the, well, “olden times”: they are the names of  “rioni,” the ancient Roman name for “district.” The stress is on “ancient”. Romans rarely use them anymore, to the point where they are rarely included in accommodation descriptions. Instead, Romans use the names of nearby landmarks for orientation. When you talk to a Roman, chances are they won’t know where the rione Pigna ends, or the exact borders of the rione Campo Marzio. However, they will be able to tell you the best restaurant near the Pantheon or where to park your car if you’re by Piazza Cavour.

With that in mind, if you’re browsing for a holiday rental, use the most important attractions in your search to see ranges of options and prices: Piazza Navona, Campo de’ Fiori, and the Portico d’Ottavia, among others.

There are some exceptions to this rule. Romans still use neighborhood names for Monti, Trastevere, and the Jewish Ghetto (it would be the “Jewish Quarter”, but Romans rarely use this name, with the former not having any negative connotations. In fact, it is one of the in the city!).

At From Home to Rome, we take pride in having that are mostly equipped with elevators. However, our percentage will never be 100%: the buildings in the city center are hundreds of years old and are part of a UNESCO heritage site. As such, no major modifications can be made to them—and this includes elevators. Keep this in mind when, say, booking a suite in a medieval palazzo and make sure you read the description carefully!

Looking for a park view or a morning jog in a wooded area? You won’t find these in the Centro Storico. The concept of parks is only somewhat recent, and given how old the city of Rome is, the more central setup have sacrificed public parks for buildings. There are, however, a few exceptions: a couple of examples are the Orto Botanico in Trastevere (there is an entrance fee here, however!) or the gardens in Castel Sant’Angelo. Another major outlier is Villa Borghese, but read on for that…

With all of the above in mind, we thought about some categories of travelers who may want to keep certain specifics in mind when thinking about visiting Rome: here’s how to match their travel style with the perfect Roman district!

Even with all the above caveats about elevators, go for proximity over everything else. The Centro Storico puts you within walking distance of the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona… The cobblestone streets can be challenging, but the trade-off is worth it – you’ll spend more time experiencing Rome and less time getting there. Booking accommodations near major sights also means you can return to rest between visits without long commutes.

Cruise passengers often dock at Civitavecchia, making train connections essential. While Termini is Rome’s main hub, the area around it can feel chaotic and less safe, especially with luggage. Instead, consider areas near Ostiense or San Pietro (for example, ). These neighborhoods offer excellent transport links while maintaining a more authentic Roman feel – with better dining options and fewer tourist traps too!

Prioritize green spaces and family-friendly activities. Flaminio is your goldmine – it’s walking distance to Villa Borghese, Rome’s largest park, complete with playgrounds, bike rentals, and the fantastic Bioparco zoo. You’re also close to the . The area feels less frenetic than central Rome while keeping major attractions accessible via metro.

Alternative for families: Consider more residential areas like Prati (near Vatican City) or Testaccio (for example,). These neighborhoods offer a slower pace that works better with nap schedules and early bedtimes.

Embrace the party atmosphere! Trastevere transforms after dark: some of its medieval streets fill with locals and visitors bar-hopping. Campo de’ Fiori is also similar in style, but regardless of what you choose, just be prepared for crowds.

Monti puts you steps from the Colosseum and Roman Forum while offering a village-like atmosphere with artisan shops and cozy trattorias. The neighborhood perfectly balances tourist access with local charm, and you’ll feel like you’re not staying in a tourist zone.

Splurge on location and style! The area around Via del Corso and the Spanish Steps offers accommodations near Rome’s fashion district. You’ll be walking distance from designer boutiques, elegant cafes, and some of Rome’s most photogenic spots. This area tends to be pricier but offers a more polished Roman experience.

First-time visitors often overthink location choice. Rome’s center is walkable, and the metro system connects some of the most important areas major areas efficiently. Choose based on what matters most to your travel style – whether that’s proximity to monuments, family amenities, nightlife access, or neighborhood authenticity – if you need more pointers, just browse through !