If there's one place that can truly evoke the heart of the “Eternal City,” it's Borgo in
Rome. Bordered by the Vatican on one side and the Tiber River, the neighborhood boasts the fascinating heritage of the Italian capital. Some parts have iconic landmarks like Castel Sant’Angelo, while others liven it up with their traditional trattorias, relaxed cafes, bustling bistros, and more. It offers the best of both worlds: a place for tourists to know more about Rome and a haven for locals to eat out, hang out, and have fun.
Where is Borgo in Rome
Borgo is a small but fascinating district right by the Tiber River. As it's only a hop and a skip away from Centro Storico, the area is right at the heart of the city. Even more so since it's surrounded by many of
Rome's central neighborhoods. Vatican City is famously right beside it while Prati, Centro Storico, Municipio XIII, and Regola are nearby. Borgo's proximity to these more famous districts makes it a coveted address for many, not to mention the fact that it's a widely underrated part of town. Despite how close it is to famous attractions, Borgo remains fairly quiet.
Is it Safe in Borgo, Rome?
Yes, it is! Don't forget that Borgo is right by Vatican City, which has the tightest security in the city and is well-known for its protection of the pope. Hence, that district's high-quality security spills over Borgo. It also helps that
Rome's crime rates are already just mid-range, making it one of the lesser-dangerous major capital cities. The fact that Borgo is an underrated area wedged between two famous neighborhoods results in a quieter atmosphere and fewer risks for dangerous crimes. Unfortunately, there's still a bit of petty thievery and pickpocketing here, but it's not as bad as in other parts of Rome.
What's The Vibe in Borgo in Rome?
Many consider Borgo a walk-through area and while that's not totally inaccurate, the neighborhood is more than that. Sure, it's a great place to pass through when going from Centro Storico to the Vatican, but don't miss out on what the area has to offer! Borgo is a typical Roman neighborhood with its romantic cobbled streets, lovely cafes, traditional trattorias, and more. Its lack of iconic landmarks and other top tourist attractions helps retain its local spirit, making it a great place to get to know the city more beyond its most famous sites.
Is Borgo, Rome Expensive?
Borgo is far from what many would consider an expensive neighborhood but it's still pretty pricey here. Its central location still lets people pass by here, allowing the nearby hotspots to raise their prices to get the better end of the deal. Hence, the average price for a meal in Borgo ranges from €25.00 to €30.00 per person in mid-range restaurants. Shopping in Borgo offers both worlds too. There are shopping arcades that feature designer brands and local boutiques that sell more affordable goodies. Overall, while the
living costs in Rome are high, they're not too high in Borgo.
What to See in Borgo, Rome
While Centro Storico and the Vatican boast some of the most famous sights to see in Rome, Borgo still has one: Castel Sant' Angelo. This towering rotunda is among the grandest sites in Rome, a proud symbol of the city's power over the years. Initially built as a mausoleum for the Roman Emperor Hadrian, it has also served as a fortress and castle for the many popes over the years. Today, Castel Sant' Angelo now stands as a museum for its past, a great place to learn more about Rome's tumultuous history.
What to Do in Borgo, Rome
If you were to
move to Rome, there's a good chance you'd pass by Borgo. Since it connects two of the city's most famous districts, it's virtually impossible not to stumble upon this small but fascinating neighborhood. Hence, this is one of the best places to slow down and take a breather. The vibe here is much quieter compared to its bustling neighbors, so it's perfect for relaxing in cafes, dining out in traditional trattorias, or simply sitting down on the bench by the small gardens. You'd also do well to do a bit of shopping as there are stores here that you won't find anywhere else.
Best Restaurants in Borgo, Rome
Here's one thing to truly note about Borgo in Rome: it has some of the best restaurants in the city. Or more specifically, it has some of the best pasta places in Rome. That's a wild claim considering that the entire city is known for its rich Roman and Italian cuisine, but the hotspots here have truly mastered the art of cooking and serving pasta. Pastasciutta on Via delle Grazie, Osteria Nuvolari on Via degli Ombrellari, and Il Segreto on Via Candia are just some that you simply shouldn't miss. While other neighborhoods may boast
Rome's best Michelin-starred restaurants, Borgo can rival many of them with its most notable pasta stops!
- Borgo & friends in Borgo Pio
- Rione XIV Bistrot in Borgo Pio
- Ristorante Arlù in Borgo Pio
- Borghiciana Pastificio Artigianale in Borgo Pio
- Pastamore in Borgo Pio
- Da Romolo alla Mole Adriana on Vicolo del Campanile
- Il Segreto on Via Candia
- Scialla The Original Street Food on Vicolo del Farinone
- Osteria Nuvolari on Via degli Ombrellari
- Pastasciutta on Via delle Grazie
What to Know About Borgo, Rome Apartments for Rent
Despite how small it is, Borgo still has a relatively diverse real estate market. Though they're mostly apartments, specifically some of the coziest
luxury apartments to rent in Rome, they're not all the same. A good many are small studio or one-bedroom flats while others are multi-bedroom properties perfect for sharing with roommates or for big families. It also helps that the average rent here isn't that high. It typically ranges from €676.25 to €1005.79 per month, depending on how big the apartment is and where it's located within the district. What more could you ask for?
If you want to truly discover the heart of the Italian capital, escape to Borgo in Rome. Not only is it near some of the city's best-known sites, but the local energy here conveys the true free and romantic spirit of Rome.
