What Neighborhoods to Stay in Rome
Before anything else, what neighborhoods in Rome are the best for you to stay in? The answer depends on what you're looking for and even your current situation. If you're a tourist, for instance, you'll want to stay in the central districts like Centro Storico, Borgo, Monti, Prati, and Trastevere. Ostiense, Pigneto, Testaccio, and Aventino, on the other hand, are more suited for new residents in Rome. These neighborhoods are largely residential and comparatively more peaceful compared to the rest of the city.
Safest Neighborhoods in Rome
Unsurprisingly, the safest neighborhoods in Rome are also the same as the best ones to stay in. Monti, Trastevere, Centro Storico, Aventino, and Prati are where you want to be to avoid getting into trouble in the Italian capital. They have among the lowest crime rates in Rome and some are largely residential too. Those that aren't are popular tourist spots, which also guarantee that they're safe areas. You can include the famous Vatican City in this list too.
Rome Neighborhoods to Avoid
Inversely, the most dangerous areas in Rome include Tor Bella, Monaca, Romanina, San Basilio, and Corviale. They're notorious for being crime-riddled, so much so that you're not even safe in any of these places during the day.
Aventino, Roma
You could say that the Aventino neighborhood in Rome is the “green thumb” of the city. Perched atop the hill of the same name, this place is a botanical oasis. It's home to some of the most beautiful parks and gardens in Rome. Among the most famous is Giardini degli Aranci, also known as Parco Savello. Once a monastic orchard, its orange trees still grow and fill the air with a sweet, citrusy scent. There's also the Rose Garden, located on the eastern slope of the hill. As its name says, this place blossoms with all sorts of roses, 1,200 varieties to be exact!
Rome’s Aventine Hill
As already mentioned, Aventino is a neighborhood found on Rome's Aventine Hill. As one of the city's seven hills, it's among the most central parts of the Italian capital, especially when it comes to Christianity. Apart from the popular gardens and parks that have made Aventino famous, the hill is also known for its churches and former monasteries. Even today, these places of worship continue to play an important role in Rome's religious scene.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Borgo in Rome
With the Vatican City on one side and the Tiber River on the other, it's no surprise that Borgo is among the central neighborhoods in Rome. The place is a tourist haven with all the famous landmarks surrounding it. Though it has its own bustling local community, the district itself is full of buzzing cafes, popular restaurants, tourist hotels, and even luxury Roman apartments that visitors can rent. As for the neighborhood's centerpiece, there's the iconic Castel Sant’Angelo. Built in the 2nd century, it's one of the oldest structures still standing in Rome, a symbol of the city's awe-inspiring history.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Centro Storico in Rome
What do the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and the Colosseum all have in common? They're some of Rome's most famous landmarks? True, but there's something else too. These world-famous spots are also all in the Centro Storico district. Situated along the Tiber River, it's the most central neighborhood in Rome. It's the busiest part of the city, with a lively culinary scene, lots of busy markets, and of course, a ton of tourist attractions. There's Via del Pellegrino, for instance, lined with boutiques and cafes. Piazza di Spagna, on the other hand, is just as famous as all the other tourist spots.
Where is Centro Storico in Rome?
True to its name, Centro Storico is located at the center of Rome. It's right smack in the middle of all the districts, making it easier to get to via public transport.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Esquilino, Rome
No matter where you're staying in Rome, there's a good chance you'll pass by Esquilino. Why? Because this is where the city's main train station, Termini, is located. Though Termini also refers to the area where the station is precisely located, it's actually part of the bigger Esquilino district. As it's close to the city center, the area tends to be busy most of the time. Add to that the traditional trattorias and boutique hotels that make up the place. There's always something going on in Esquilino, Rome!
Is Esquilino, Rome Safe
Unfortunately, Esquilino is far from the safest neighborhood in Rome. Some would even go so far as to say that you should avoid it as best as you can. Though it's a fairly budget-friendly area, it's rife with pickpockets, theives, and the like. The bustling quality of the district makes it perfect for these sorts of deviants to go for unsuspecting victims, not the least of which are the tourists. Nevertheless, as long as you remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings, you'll still remain safe in Esquilino, Rome.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Monti in Rome
Monti is the hipster haven of Rome. Whereas Paris has Montmartre and Barcelona has El Raval, Monti offers the same vibe in the Italian capital. Cafes, boutiques, and vintage stores make up this district, which is fairly surprising considering that Monti once served as the slums and red-light district of Rome. The neighborhood today is far from what it was back then; it's a testament to the city's centuries-long transformations.
Is Monti, Rome Safe?
If you asked this question back then, the answer would've been no. Locals would even laugh at you for asking about something so obvious. As mentioned earlier, Monti was once the slums of the city, eventually becoming its red-light district before it became the trendy district it is now. The area had some of the highest crime rates in Rome. Today, however, Monti is a lot safer. As a fairly central neighborhood, the security here is commendable and crime rates have considerably decreased over the years.
Rome Monti Restaurants
Considering how trendy Monti is, it's no surprise that many great restaurants are here. You've heard that Rome is a foodie destination, right? Monti is one district that contributes to that reputation. Take note of L’Asino d’Oro on Via Giuseppe Verdi, for instance, where prominent chef Lucio Sforza brought his native Umbrian cuisine to the Italian capital. His contrasting flavors sprinkled over his gourmet meals never fail to satisfy customers. Especially since they only cost €13.00 per person. There's also La Carbonara on Via Panisperna that, true to its name, arguably serves the most delicious Carbonara pasta in all of Rome.
Where to Stay in Monti, Rome
This may sound a tad cliche but the area near the iconic Colosseum is arguably the best place to stay in Monti, Rome. Sure, it may get busy at times considering it's near a world-famous attraction, but that's only a small price to pay for the loads of other benefits you'd enjoy from here. The best of which is the best view of the iconic landmark. There are many luxury apartments near the Colosseum that you can rent. And they're only a hop and a skip away from Monti's best restaurants too.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Ostiense, Rome
Ostiense is perhaps the most transformational neighborhood in Rome. The area once served as the city's industrial hub, the center of Rome's workforce. Afterward, it became a residential district for middle-class Romans, the kind who'd work in the same industrial hub that once made up the area. And now, Ostiense has become the center of nightlife in Rome. Gone are the warehouses and office buildings. Today, Ostiense offers a treasure trove of hip bars, cool cafes, and even a few Michelin-starred restaurants to boot. If you ever want to go out at night in Rome, this is the place to be!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Parioli, Rome
If you think of Rome as a city of wealth and affluence, you have the Parioli neighborhood to thank for that. Far from the grittier and more urban parts of the Italian capital, Parioli is where you'll find luxury at its finest. Think grand homes that can rival the historic villas in Rome. Shopping districts are filled with the biggest designer brands in the world. And of course, high-class restaurants, bars, and cafes where the elite dine and socialize with pleasure. La Dolce Vita is alive and weill in Parioli, Rome!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Prati in Rome
Similar to Parioli, Prati is an upscale neighborhood in Rome. It's a luxurious district defined by designer shopping, haute cuisine, high-class homes, and more. Most famously, Prati is where you'll find Via Cola di Rienzo, among the most popular shopping streets in the Italian capital. Lined with high fashion flagship stores and refined boutiques, it's Rome's own answer to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.
Rome Prati Restaurants
Gourmet restaurants reign supreme in Prati. These are the kinds of places you'd take your clients and colleagues to for a business lunch in Rome. Most famously, there's La Pergola, a three-Michelin star restaurant where Head chef Heinz Beck serves up the most delectable taste menus this side of the “Eternal City.” There's also La Siciliana on Via Cipro, the ultimate patisserie in the district. It's one of the best shops to get Italian desserts in all of Rome.
Is Prati, Rome Safe?
Not only is Prati a safe part of Rome, but it's also widely considered the safest neighborhood in the Italian capital. It's no surprise, considering that it's among the most affluent areas in the city. But it also helps that places like the Pantheon and the Vatican are nearby.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
San Giovanni in Rome
It's understandable that you didn't know about San Giovanni prior to seeing this Rome neighborhood guide. It's hardly the most popular place in the city. In fact, San Giovanni is among the most quiet areas in Rome, making it the perfect neighborhood to raise a family and live a quiet life in the city. There's really only one tourist attraction here, Arcibasilica di San Giovanni in Laterano, the oldest church in the Western World. Built in the year 324, it has literally stood the test of time. Now, it serves as one of the four main papal churches in Rome.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Testaccio, Rome
Even though there are only seven hills in Rome, you might find eight. Why? There's also Monte dei Cocci, an artificial mound that has been around since the Ancient Roman Empire. They used it to discard amphorae (jars) after they've been used. Admittedly, it's not that worthwhile sight, not unless you're an archeologist or a history buff. What's notable about it, however, is that the area that surrounds it is the Testaccio, another hip district in Rome. From street art to nightclubs, this is the edgier part of time. The modern side of Rome where things get creative during the day and hot and heavy at night.
Testaccio, Rome Restaurants
Like many others on this list, Testaccio has a pretty noteworthy culinary scene. There's Da Felice on Via Mastro Giorgio and its famous carbonara and Cacio p Pepe and Pasticceria Barberini and its array of local and foreign desserts. Taverna Volpetti on Via Alessandro Volta is where you can indulge in some scrumptious salmon pasta while Trattoria Perilli is a must for anyone who wants to enjoy the richer dishes in Italian cuisine. What's not to love?
Source: Flickr.com/ Nicola
Trastevere, Rome
Trastevere is perhaps the most famous neighborhood in Rome. While others are known for their landmarks or their vibes, this district is a little bit of both. Trastevere has its fair share of famous attractions or near them (Piazza Santa Maria, Ponte Sisto, south of the Vatican, etc.) while it also maintains a local, bohemian vibe akin to the likes of Montmartre in Paris, Greenwich Village in New York, El Born in Barcelona, and more. This is the kind of place where you'll spend the afternoon socializing in a cafe and go wine-tasting at night. The neighborhood upholds a cosmopolitan energy without being too urban.
Is Trastevere, Rome Safe?
Trastevere is a safe area overall but it still pays to be aware of your surroundings. Since there are popular parts of the neighborhood, there are sure to be pickpockets just waiting for their next victims. If you ever go out here, especially at night, be vigilant and keep your things safe and secure.
Where to Stay in Trastevere, Rome
As great as the tourist spots in Trastevere are, you're better off staying a fair distance away from them. Don't worry! Trastevere is so big that there are a few areas that are quiet and largely residential. These are where you'll want to stay in the district, especially if you just moved to Rome. Though the popular hotspots are only a hop and a skip away, you can still enjoy a bit of peace and quiet in these parts of Trastevere.
Where to Eat in Trastevere, Rome
What separates Trastevere from the rest of the Rome neighborhoods, especially when it comes to its culinary cuisine, is that there are more wine bars here than traditional trattorias. Luckily, there are still hotspots like Le Mani in Pasta on Via dei Genovesi, a haven for Roman dishes. There's Peppo al Cosimato on Via Natale del Grande too, the place to check out if you're craving some authentic Neapolitan-style pizza. And don't overlook Glass Hostaria on Via Vicolo del Cinque too! Superstar chef Cristina Bowman leads the kitchen in this two-Michelin-star restaurant. Here, you can indulge in some red prawns, escargot, duck, and lobster paired with the finest red or white wines!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Vatican City in Rome
Whether you're a Roman Catholic or not, there's no way you haven't heard about the Vatican City in Rome. Widely regarded as the smallest independent city-state in the world, many don't even consider it as part of Rome. Geographically speaking, however, it is. And it's among the most fascinating parts of the Italian capital. As the seat of power of the Roman Catholic church, heaven only knows the depth of the area's history and heritage. It's a definite must-see for anyone who wants to uncover more about the “Eternal City” than history books would tell you.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Rome is more than just a treasure trove of historic hotspots. The Italian capital today is a lot more diverse and exciting! You'll realize it when you explore the different neighborhoods in Rome. Discover what each of them has to offer.
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