Rome’s 10 best tourist areas

Rome – the capital of Italy, the city where there are no borders. Its other name is “Eternal City”. It was built as early as 753 B.C.je.. Rome is a city of contrasts and possibilities. It is easy to find almost everything in it. At first glance, it seems like a historical center, but there’s much more hidden behind its walls. On the one hand, you can see the same Rome that you saw in the movies and on postcards. It is chic, pathos among the many sculptures of the great masters. On the other hand, it’s warm, cozy, homely, the place where your soul is at peace. On the third side, Rome is not very welcoming and hidden. In our rating we have picked the best neighborhoods for tourists. There are a lot of pleasant discoveries, tasty places. The main thing is not to swim in the fountains: fine 500 euros.

Rating of the best neighborhoods in Rome for tourists

Navona Pantheon

Rating: 5.0

Navona Pantheon is not the official name of the neighborhood. In our ranking, we’ve highlighted it separately for convenience, so you can do more sightseeing. Known as the cultural heart of the city, famous for its fountains and architectural treasures. Movie buffs may recognize most of the sights from the movie Angels and Demons. In the middle of the piazzas all the main tourist life boils, very rarely there are moments when there are not many people.

The area is convenient to live in. Because you will visit the center anyway, and living there you can save on travel costs and at the same time enjoy the atmosphere. Lodging prices are varied, it’s easy to find an expensive hotel as well as a cheap hostel. So if you don’t mind crowds of tourists and want to be always in the middle of the action, then we recommend staying in the Navona-Pantheon area. It’s also convenient for transportation.

Things are good with food because there are a lot of fast food cafes, small restaurants. Prefer Italian or European menu. The unchanging rule about coffee: it’s cheaper at the counter than ordering to the table.

Thanks to the sights of the central area you’ll find a fountain of emotions and lots of good photos. There are so many of them, you’d need a whole book to describe them. Piazza Navona is one of Rome’s central squares. It is decorated with fountains of various historical buildings and statues. It was built on the site of the ancient arena. So from a bird’s eye view the square looks like a stadium. Since 1400 it was used as a shopping area, a place for festivities. In December, Piazza Navona hosts a Christmas market.

The Pantheon was originally a pagan temple of all the gods. In the 7th century it was consecrated and became one of Rome’s Holy Places and escaped destruction. Raphael Santi is buried in the chapels. The dome draws tourists’ attention. It’s tall, windowless – except for one hole in the middle, there are no other sources of light.

The Palazio Pamphili, one of Rome’s most beautiful and luxurious buildings. Erected by Pope Innocent X for his daughter-in-law. Officially it belongs to the Brazilian government, their embassy is located there. To visit, you have to book a place in advance on the website, it is better to do it at least a month in advance.

The Neptune fountain is in the northern zone of Piazza Navona. It’s small, but the history is interesting. It took more than a century to assemble the fountain as it is now in Rome.

The Four Rivers Fountain, one of the major disputes between Barromini and Bernini. It has been called a major slap in the face by Bernini for Barromini’s work.

Advantages

• Very diverse attractions.
• Convenient transportation system.
• Culturally centered neighborhood.

Disadvantages

• There’s always a lot of tourists.

Prati, Vatican City

Rating: 4.9

Prati is Rome for Your Own. Despite its high place in our ranking, Prati is not well known among tourists. You won’t find famous statues and buildings. But this is the area where you can enjoy life, a break from the hustle and bustle not far from the historic center. On one side is the Vatican City, the center of the Catholic faith and a separate state. The main gate is in the Borogo district, so Prati is quieter. But it has access to the Vatican museums. Nearby is also the Castel Sant’Angelo, once Rome’s tallest building. Crossing the Tiber takes you to historic centers like Piazza Navona and not far from the Pantheon. So for those who are sad about good photos, you just need to take a few steps away from the area.

Prati, the city’s shopping and business center. Via Cola di Rienzo is a high street with boutiques and designer stores. So if you do not want to buy a copy from obscure dealers, now you know where to go. There are many small cafes and a couple of good restaurants in the area. Prices for food and lodging are lower than in historic areas. But, on the other hand, it’s easier to find accommodation at a good price close to the Vatican. In the area there are many small markets with fresh fruits and vegetables.

Pubs and bars open in the evenings. They have their own atmosphere, they are more relaxed, live music plays. So Prati will suit those who don’t want old Rome outside their window, who want average prices for lodging and food close to the sights.

Advantages

• Practically next to the cultural center of Rome.
• Compromise prices for food and lodging.

Disadvantages

• Few attractions.

Monty

Rating: 4.8

Informal Rome. It’s not far from the historic center, but it has a very different vibe. It used to be considered not very popular, but the place has evolved over the years. Like Prati, it’s virtually an area without any sights: there are a few interesting churches and statues, but they can’t compete with the Four Rivers Fountain or the Colosseum. Monti is a neighborhood of artists, galleries, wine, pubs, and nightlife. Monti combines trendy movements, Italian tradition, and new technology.

It’s worth noting that cars are a must. All of the roads in the area are made of cobblestones, like St. Peter’s Square. Some areas are closed to travel, so public transportation, biking, or hiking remains. Youth-oriented: themed cafes combined with boutiques, pubs, clubs and more. Piazza Modonna dei Monti is in the center. At first glance, there’s not much to see there: there aren’t those delightful fountains like in Piazza Navona. But locals like to use it as a meeting place and in the evening Modona dei Monti becomes a large outdoor café.

Food is taken seriously in the area. So it’s primarily a “slow food” area where you can sit and think and get away from the hustle and bustle. A lot of cafes are made with the expectation of visiting two people at one table. That’s why many pubs make a “grab a friend” sign. Good value for money on food and wine. There’s also a butcher’s shop in the middle of the streets that supplies the meat to the president. Monty is the place to buy original souvenirs because it is full of different artisans. If you’re a morning person, this isn’t the neighborhood for you, because you drink and party till the wee hours of the night.

Advantages

• Center of Rome’s nightlife.
• It’s quiet, calm, and measured during the day.

Disadvantages

• Larks won’t do, as it’s noisy at night.

Celio

Rating: 4.7

How to combine a pleasant rest, quietness and visiting the sights? The answer lies in the neighborhood of Celio. It is next to the Monti, where you can relax at night and spend time unusually. The advantage of Celio over others is that you live close to the best views in town and practically in silence. The presence of a tourist zone does not interfere with enjoyment. The neighborhood itself is narrow, so it has a lot of streets. And they all lead to famous Roman landmarks. Celio is a versatile opportunity to combine living in the center with a quiet life.

Prices range from average to slightly higher. It’s easy to find good value accommodations with a view of the Colosseum. The houses are mostly old-fashioned, with pots, balconies, and trees. The hero of the movie “The Great Beauty” lived in one such building. Transportation in the area is tight, but it’s easy to get around on foot. It’s better value because you can wait more than an hour for a bus. You’ll be amazed at how gay and lesbian-friendly Celio is.

As in the Navona neighborhood, you’ll find many of Rome’s treasures in Celio. The Colosseum is one of the main attractions. Virtually no one’s ever heard of it. It was built as far back as 72 B.C.je. The famous phrase “bread and circuses” is associated with it, because gladiatorial fights were held there and all spectators were given bread.

St. Clement’s Basilica – one of the hidden churches. It rarely gets mentioned in travel guides. It is located not far from the Colosseum. It consists of several levels and holds many of the secrets of old Rome.

The courtyard of the Church of Santi Quattro Coronati is a monastic complex of extraordinary history and beauty. It’s gorgeous on its own, but don’t forget to visit its courtyard and soak up the atmosphere.

Constantine’s Arch of Triumph – it won’t take much of your attention, but it’s a must-see. Because the history is unusual even for Rome: it’s the only arch built in honor of the victory in the civil war and not in the foreign war.

Advantages

• Quiet little neighborhood not far from the center.
• No prejudice to residents.
• Great prices on lodgings.

Disadvantages

• Little public transportation.

Via Veneto

Rating: 4.6

Via Veneto is for the beautiful and wealthy. In its history, its purpose has never changed. At first it was a luxurious vacation suburb. All the famous aristocrats have built houses in the street. By the 20th century, luxury villas were replaced by hotels. So it’s a great place to stay if you’re looking for five-star plus vacation rentals. Prices here are reasonable – you don’t need to look for a hostel. Preference is given to restaurants, not cafes. Embassies of many countries are located here. For a long time, the street was a meeting place for the stars. Although over the years there are fewer of them, Via Veneto is still considered one of the most exquisite and beautiful places.

Today, the area is quiet, it’s a place to relax beautifully and in silence. The fame of the street was brought by the movie “Sweet Life”. That’s why in the 50’s there was nowhere to fall. Success has passed, and Via Veneto has become just a luxury destination. But those who want to repeat the path of the hero of the movie can sign up for special tours.

Despite its small size, it’s easy to walk around and enjoy conversation. Not many attractions, but enough to take beautiful pictures and not bump into crowds of tourists.

The Capuchin Crypt is both terrifying and awe-inspiring. It shows that death should be treated with respect. Not for the faint-hearted, because the crypt is “decorated” with human remains.

Church of Santa Maria della Concezione – totally captures the atmosphere of the neighborhood: gorgeous, beautiful with unusual imagery.

Casino del Aurora is the former residence of one of the cardinals. Its ceiling deserves an article of its own, because once you go inside you may think it’s gone.

The Bee Fountain is the work of the famous Italian sculptor Bernini. Walk a little further and you’ll find his other creation, the Triton fountain.

Dignities

• Quiet, upscale neighborhood.
• Enough interesting sights to go around.

Flaws

• Everything is very expensive.

Trastevere

Rating: 4.5

Trastevere is called “Postcard Rome”. It’s a two-in-one neighborhood. Because on the one hand, this is the same Rome – vibrant, alive. On the other hand, it is a quiet place where you can relax. Trastevere is away from the main historical centers. So if squares are important to you, it’s not for you. Can be reached in 30 minutes or more. But this is not a problem for those who like to walk in the morning: just cross the bridge over the Tiber and you are in old Rome. It’s colorful, friendly, and famous for its food. There are many restaurants and cafes in different price ranges, so you can always find something to eat for breakfast. The same goes for places to stay: a wide variety from expensive hotels to home-style hostels. But beware, because the area is growing in popularity and so are the prices.

It’s important to choose your sleeping area carefully, because the nighttime part of the neighborhood can get loud until the early morning hours. Look carefully for places to eat because café owners like to pass off half-finished meals as homemade food. The neighborhood combines coziness, noise, ample opportunities and a few beautiful places. So if you are interested in the culture of the city, you will find something to see.

San Pietro in Montorio, the church legend says stands on the site of St. Peter’s crucifixion, and combines works from different eras.

Santa Maria in Trastevere Basilica, Rome’s first official church and a treasure of Trastevere. If you’re staying there, you won’t pass by it, and you’ll want to check it out as well.

The observation deck on Gianicolo Hill is a beautiful and conspicuous place. You can see most of the sights from here. Every day at 12 o’clock you can watch the ceremonial shooting.

Villa Farnesina is one of the best examples of Renaissance construction. Many famous artists have worked on the beauty of this villa, like Rafael.

Advantages

• A diverse neighborhood for those who like the unexpected.
• You can find lodging and food for every budget.

Disadvantages

• It can be noisy at night.

Termini

Rating: 4.4

Termini is the neighborhood for your onward travels. Mostly immigrants, students and tourists live here. Termini is in the area of the city’s central station, so it’s always crowded. We recommend it for those who need to travel a lot, need cheap accommodation or for those who are afraid to miss their flight. Termini is a neighborhood of all nationalities. It’s hard to call it the real Rome, because there’s a mix of cultures going on here. Here you can meet Russians, Arabs, Chinese and many others. There’s a wide variety of cuisines in the area. Prices are lower than elsewhere in Rome. But you can’t count on silence. Located between Castro Prettio and Esquilino, it’s better to be closer to the latter for a safer, more secure place to live. The first one has a lot of dark streets and noise. Termini is best for a quick one-night pass because you won’t spend a lot of money but you’ll easily get to wherever you want to go in the country or the world.

Be careful of the ticket vending machines. Decide right away if you want to pay by card or in cash and get in line. Better to use a card because the machine may not always have change. No special attractions, but for you we found the Basilica of St. Praxedes. One of Rome’s oldest churches. Claims to be home to the pillar to which Christ was tied.

Dignities

• Close to the train station, easy to get to any part of the city.
• Inexpensive housing and food.

Disadvantages

• Very noisy, meets a lot of different people.

Borgo

Rating: 4.3

The area lies between the Vatican and the Castel Sant’Angelo. It has a special atmosphere of sanctity. Borgo is the gateway to the Vatican. So it’s noisy and a lot of people walk through it every day. It’s an alternative to the quieter Prati neighborhood. Despite the abundance of tourists, its location is convenient: the historical centers are easily accessible on foot, and it immediately rests on the Vatican. So for those who come to visit this small state, Borgo is the best solution for accommodation.

In terms of prices, the area is pleasantly surprising: they are at an average level, so you can easily get into a good hostel. The large number of cafes will help satisfy any stomach. It’s also home to boutiques, markets, souvenirs, and more. So if you don’t mind the daytime noise, you’ll love Borgo. After a long walk around the Vatican, there’s nothing better than settling into a cafe with a glass of wine and relaxing. Borgo is close to the Vatican, but has plenty of attractions of its own.

The Castle of the Holy Angel – it is easily recognized from the movie “Angels and Demons”. It was built in the second century, so it hides a lot of secrets. In its history, the castle has been a shrine, a prison, the Pope’s residence.

Pasetto di Borgo is a wall that connects directly to the Vatican. It’s a secret passage, so the Pope could easily escape for his own safety.

Via Reconciliation has a more recent history, dating back to the fascist period of the 20th century. It symbolizes the union of religious and secular power. It’s the main street of the Borgo.

Palazzo Castellese is a grand building on the main avenue on the way to St. Peter’s Basilica. In its history, it has been a college, a nursing home, and an embassy.

Advantages

• Very close to the Vatican.
• Prices for food and lodging are reasonable.

Disadvantages

• Noisy both day and night.
• Not too many attractions.

Re Di Roma

Rating: 4.2

The neighborhood of Re Di Roma is quiet and family oriented. It’s perfect for those who want to be away from the hustle and bustle and the popular attractions. But at the same time wants them to be accessible. Everything is built around Piazza Re di Roma. It often hosts exhibitions, various competitions. So the area combines cultural activities with a family atmosphere. On the other hand, the subway is close by, making it easy to get to where you need to go. And a pleasant 30 minute stroll will allow you to reach the historic centers and visit Piazza Navona-Pantheon. The neighborhoods of Celio and Monty are close by. You’ll find many of Rome’s architectural treasures in the former. The second offers galleries, nightlife, and pubs.

For those who want to experience the daily life of Rome, we recommend this area. Suitable for those who come for a long time. Apartments for rent with pleasant prices. Famous fast food chains and “fast food” restaurants are close by.

For those who want to see something other than the famous symbols of Rome, we recommend the Lateran Basilica. It’s an ancient cathedral that holds the throne of the Pope. Also on the other side is Santa Croce in Jerusalem. Admission is free, and it holds Christian relics, such as the spikes from Christ’s wreath.

Advantages

• Ideal neighborhood for families.
• Subway is within walking distance.

Flaws

• Few sights.

Ghetto

Rating: 4.1

The Jewish Zone of Rome. Historically, in the 16th century, this piece of land was restricted to Jewish habitation. This continued during World War II. But despite its not-so-nice history, the Jewish center is located in the Ghetto. Also called the Holy Angel district, but not to be confused with the castle near the Vatican.

The neighborhood is noted for its luxury, slightly bohemian life and delicious food. Jewish-Roman cuisine from the Ghetto is known around the world. Artichoke dishes are a special treat. Fish soup is also popular. The area is rich, so it’s always tidy, lots of places to take pictures. The Ghetto is also as safe as possible. Expect higher-than-average prices. Mostly boutiques, hotels, art galleries, and restaurants. The best and tastiest food in the ghetto. Quiet on the Tiber riverfront.

Of the places to visit, we recommend several attractions. Rome’s Jewish museum is the pride of the community in Rome. It retains traces of a culture dating back two thousand years. The museum contains more than 400 works, 1,000 examples of pride from all over Europe.

Marcello Ancient Theatre – erected in the 1st century BC.je. It was planned by Caesar, but built by Augustus. Accommodated almost 15,000 spectators. Later used as a defense fortress and then as a home.

Octavia Portico, a structure built by Augustus. Today, only part of it survives and can be explored.

Market in Campo dei Fiori square – always fresh vegetables and fish. The cultural and food center of Rome.

Advantages

• Maximum safety for the tourist.
• Tasty food, a gourmet’s paradise.

Disadvantages

• High prices.