People tend to see
Rome as the bustling Italian capital with historic landmarks, fashionable shopping, and amazing food. This is true to a certain extent, but that's not all that the Eternal City is. There are parts of the city that are calm and peaceful but still beautiful and lively as well. One of them is Balduina, one of the best residential neighborhoods in Rome. It's not exactly a suburb as it's right smack in the middle of the city, but it's the closest thing to one near the city center. Known for its mid-century modern appeal, it's a lovely trip to the fairly near past while still enjoying contemporary conveniences.
Where is Balduina in Rome?
Perched atop Monte Mario's southern slope, Balduina is the highest
central neighborhood in Rome. But don't let its mountaintop location fool you! This is not the countryside! Balduina is only 7.5 kilometers away from Centro Storico, the city center, and is surrounded by the other popular districts. The neighborhood is also within the Trionfale zone and part of Municipio XIV. Because of all of this, Balduina is widely regarded as one of the best places to live in Rome. Not only is it near other central districts, but it's also a fairly quiet residential area.
Is it Safe in Balduina, Rome?
Yes, it is. Thanks to the fact that
Rome's crime rates are only mid-range, Balduina is a largely safe neighborhood. Major capital cities tend to have high crime rates, but Rome is a different story. It's currently only about 51.37%, right smack in the middle of the scale, making Rome one of the safer capital cities. It also helps that Balduina is already one of the quieter areas in the city. While it remains an urban zone, the neighborhood is widely residential too, and is rarely as crowded as Centro Storico, Trastevere, Vatican City, and the like.
What is The Vibe in Balduina, Rome?
Balduina evokes a classic mid-20th-century vibe and a slightly suburban appeal. It's almost as if this Roman neighborhood never left its glorious “
La Dolce Vita” days and you can almost feel the Fellini-esque glamour here. While the rest of Rome has retained its historic Baroque, Renaissance, and even Gothic beauty, Balduina is distinctly vintage in its 1950s and 1960s vibes. You won't find any city district quite like it anywhere else, be it in Italy or other parts of Southern Europe. Paired with Mount Mario’s lush greenery, this is undoubtedly one of the dreamiest neighborhoods in Rome. It's perfect for anyone
moving to Rome and starting a new life here.
Is it Expensive in Balduina, Rome?
Despite how high
Rome's living costs are, Balduina is still relatively affordable. Are things pricey here? Yes, they are. But the prices here are still far lower compared to more affluent areas like Prati and Parioli. Take eating out, for example. The average price for a meal in Balduina is about €15.00 to €25.00 per person among mid-range restaurants. Shopping here isn't all that expensive either. With malls like Centro Commerciale Auta and Shopping Mall Porta di Roma, you can still get your hands on popular high-street brands without breaking the bank.
What to See in Balduina, Rome
As already mentioned, Balduina is a fairly quiet district since it doesn't have any of Rome's iconic landmarks. Does this mean that there's nothing to see here? Not necessarily! While they're far less famous, Balduina still has a few sights worth seeing. A good place to start is the neighborhood's churches. Places like Parrocchia di San Pio X and Chiesa Santa Maria del Rosario are a lot simpler than Rome's more ornate churches. The contrast is refreshing and matches Balduina's simpler vibes. Considering that
Vatican City is nearby, you can also explore the city-state's majestic museums and iconic churches and get back here before the day ends.
What to Do in Balduina in Rome
If you want to immerse yourself in Rome's scenic beauty and vintage charms, Balduina is a great place to start. As mentioned previously, the neighborhood is located on the southern slope of Mount Mario. Hence, many parts give some of the best city views. When you tire of such a feast for the eyes, you can then follow it up with an actual Italian feast. Much like the rest of the city, Balduina boasts an exciting culinary scene. You can let out your inner foodie here and it won't cost you as much as if you eat out in other central districts.
The Best Restaurants in Balduina, Rome
Speaking of Balduina's culinary scene, you simply have to check it out. What helps it stand out among the rest of the city is that there are more contemporary places to eat here. Traditional trattorias are all well and good, especially when they’re some of
Rome’s best Michelin-starred restaurants, but if you prefer more current and modern hotspots, Balduina has a lot of them. Dema Restaurant on Via Festo Avieno is a perfect example. It's a chic sushi place that offers a refreshing contrast to Rome's authentic Italian cuisine. This place and many other amazing restaurants in Balduina, Rome, are truly worth checking out.
- Ristorante Briseide on Piazzale delle Medaglie d'Oro
- Altrogiro on Via Attilio Friggeri
- Bolle Cicchetteria di Quartiere on Piazzale degli Eroi
- La Scala del Gusto Ristorante on Via Arnobio
- Carnezzeria di Kilo on Via della Balduina
- Da Luciano on Via Prisciano
- Dema Restaurant on Via Festo Avieno
- Ni - Hao Ristorante Roma on Piazza Attilio Friggeri
- ViVi - Le Serre on Via Decio Filipponi
- Chiodofisso LaB on Via della Balduina
What to Know About Balduina, Rome Apartments
Now, let's talk real estate! If you're looking for a
luxury apartment to rent in Rome, Balduina is truly one of the best places to start. Not only does it have a diverse real estate market, but the average rent here is relatively affordable too. The common rental fees you'll encounter in Balduina, Rome, will range from €1,300.00 to €2,800.00 per month. Sure, these are still a bit pricey, but they're far from the highest rental costs in the city. At the same time, it's easy enough to find a suitable place in Balduina that you can afford.
If you're looking for a lovely new hometown, consider settling down in Balduina in Rome. This largely residential district is a peaceful oasis in the middle of Rome, one of the busiest cities in the world.
