Have you heard about Ostiense? What about Parioli? You've probably never heard of Aurelio too, have you? These are just some of the main suburbs in
Rome. You may think of the Italian capital as this bustling metropolis where tourists crowd over the famous landmarks and locals just eat pasta all day. While this is truly a side of the “Eternal City,” there's another side too. Rome has its fair share of suburbs—peaceful districts that are most suitable for families. In these neighborhoods, there are great schools, cool shops, and oftentimes low crime rates.
Appio-Latino
Located in Rome's 9th quarter, Appio-Latino is among the many official suburbs in the city. This district, in particular, is best known for its Appian Way Regional Park, one of the biggest green spaces in the Italian capital. It's the sort of park to ride your bikes in, enjoy a picnic, and more. As the surrounding area, Appio-Latino is among the more peaceful
neighborhoods in Rome. While it may still get its fair share of tourists, specifically those who want to the beautiful Tombs of Via Latina, it remains a quiet suburb overall.
Source: Flickr.com/ Mikhail Malykh
Aurelio
Aurelio feels like it's a world away from the rest of Rome, which is ironic considering it's near the city center. It's a hilly suburb near
the Vatican and not too far from the iconic Trevi Fountain, but the district itself is considerably quieter than those tourist-heavy spots. Since it's practially above the rest of the Italian capital, Aurelio also has some of the most stunning city views. If you could rent an apartment here, there's a good chance that St. Peter's Basilica's famous dome would greet you every morning. How's that for breathtaking views?
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Markos90
Ostiense
With its colorful buildings and even an eye-catching pyramid nearby, Ostiense almost doesn't look like it's in Rome. The place is most famous for The Papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, but overall, the district remains largely residential. This is where most of Rome's working class live, surrounded by a few notable schools and several great places to eat. While it's not exactly heavy on iconic tourist landmarks, it's a treasure trove of traditional trattorias and pretty pizzerias. You could say that it's the foodie haven in the Italian capital, and that's saying something!
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Palickap
Parioli
Out of all the suburbs in Rome, Parioli is one of the more upscale in the bunch. Many regard it as Rome's most elegant area, complete with Renaissance buildings and Baroque churches amidst refined homes. It's the kind of neighborhood where you might end up in a vine-laden narrow alley and possibly meet the love of your life. There's romance in every corner here, making it a go-to area for newlyweds honeymooning or perhaps even
moving to Rome. Just don't forget to check out the famous Villa Borghese gardens too. It's a must-see!
Source: Flickr.com/ Erin Mc.
Ponte Milvio
You may know of Ponte Milvio as the famous bridge that was instrumental in Ancient Rome, but it's also a suburb of Rome. With practically no iconic landmark in sight (apart from the bridge, of course!), it's a quiet district that's ironically filled with great nightlife hotspots. It has plenty of
trattorias and
osterias, drawing in the more youthful parts of the city's population, but it rarely gets as crowded as other, more popular neighborhoods. If you're not staying here, you'll likely going here to eat out, drink wine, and chill at a bar.
Source: Flickr.com/ Alan Massey
Portuense
You'll find the Portuense suburb of Rome in the city's 11th quarter. It's a residential district that's only a stone's throw away from Rome's central and most popular neighborhoods like Trastevere and Garbatella. Out of all the areas on this list, this is perhaps the most
suburban in the bunch. There are prominent schools nearby, lots of great markets, and some of the finest
luxury apartments to rent in Rome. They're not exactly the most affordable, but they're far from the most expensive too. They're secure homes in one of the safest neighborhoods in the Italian capital.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Stefano Mara
Tiburtino
Famous for the ancient road of Via Tiburtina, Tiburtino is a fair distance away from the city center. Naturally, this makes it considerably more peaceful compared to the other suburbs in Rome, especially those that are right beside the most famous neighborhoods. In a way, Tiburtino is more similar to the Paris Suburbs, for example, which are separate residential districts along the outskirts of the city. There are even corners that practically feel like you're in the Italian countryside. Fortunately, however, Tiburtino still has its fair share of urban energy reminiscent of the Italian capital.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ LPLT
Tuscolano
While Rome is undoubtedly a historic city, Tuscolano is one of those neighborhoods where you can truly feel its ancient past. Some parts of the districts still evoke that ancient appeal, from cobbled streets to centuries-old bridges. The difference, however, is that the central areas boast iconic churches, fountains, and of course, the Colosseum. Here, the remnants of Ancient Rome are less defined. They're now muddled with the more commercial and urban structure of the district. Hence, Tuscolano remains a great place to stay for those who want to live quietly in the Italian capital.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ LPLT
The suburbs of Rome convey the true story of the “Eternal City.” Some have the iconic landmarks the Italian capital is known for, while others serve as home to the passionate Roman spirit, nestling the vibrant energy of the city.
