Jun 5, 2024
5 min read
The Best Neighborhoods to Visit in Rome
Whether you think about the Roman Empire regularly (iykyk) or only remember the bedsheet-toga you wore in college, don’t worry, we've got you covered. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and you can't explore it all in one either. There's a lot of information out there, so we've pulled together everything you need to know about Rome's best neighborhoods from the travel mavens we all know and trust.
Centro Storico
The upscale historical center of Rome, Centro Storico, encompassing the Tridente area, also has great shopping.
"When European travellers of old pitched up in Rome on their Grand Tour, this neat triangle of streets was their neighbourhood of choice. Where artists’ models waited on the Spanish Steps for the chance to grace a maestro’s canvas, latter-day tourists wield selfie-sticks." -
The Telegraph "[Tridente] splits away from the square [Piazza del Popolo] along three main roads (hence its “trident” name), including Via del Corso—Rome’s most popular avenue for shopping. The affluent area is filled with luxury hotels and bustling crowds heading towards the Spanish Steps but also has modern galleries and artisan workshops..." -
Time Out"The central area around Piazza di Spagna and Piazza del Popolo is one of the swankiest in Rome. Its denizens are well-heeled and its shops offer prices to match. Known for its designer boutiques and art galleries, the cobblestone alleyways echo with the sound of stilettos and the clink of prosecco glasses around aperitivo time." -
EaterMonti
Monti is a hip and upscale area near central landmarks, with great shopping, food, and nightlife.
"Monti is a residential district near the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Over the past two decades, it has evolved from a run-down zone into a trendy shopping district and nightlife destination." -
Conde Nast Traveler"...fashionable Monti has recently moved slightly higher end...While the traditional neighbourhood has taken on a slight hipster tinge, it’s only a short walk from the Colosseum and remains an ideal base for exploring the rest of the city. " -
Time Out"A seedy slum neighbourhood in ancient and Medieval times, Monti these days is Rome’s hippest hang-out: an intriguing warren of narrow streets packed with bars, eateries and the coolest of boutiques. The Imperial Fora border it to the south-west." -
The Telegraph 
Trastevere
Trastevere is a hip area with great nightlife.
"...Trastevere has established itself as one of Rome’s most charming quarters. The area is filled with small ivy-draped lanes that spiral away from a lively central square...Most of the pubs and bespoke boutiques are north of Viale Trastevere, while the area to the south boasts better restaurants and quiet bookshops." -
Time Out"...Trastevere is an area of two halves. West of Viale Trastevere, visitors flock in huge droves to its oh-so-picturesque alleys and gorgeous central square with ancient church by day, and to its oh-so-buzzing bars and restaurants by night...it’s a calmer version of picture-perfect Rome." -
The Telegraph"Bar aficionados come for the nightlife, others to admire its boho-pretty cobbled streets…Although this isn’t the proudly working-class area stuffed with earthy trattorias and workshops it once was, it’s not a soulless bar strip aimed solely at visitors, either." -
National GeographicPrati
Prati is an upscale and hip residential area near Vatican City, loved by locals for its stylish charm.
"...a quick walk from the city center and right next to Vatican City is the elegant district of Prati, where majestic buildings and wide boulevards create a sweeping destination that feels a world away. Composed mostly of lawyers, architects, and other well-to-do Romans, Prati is often ignored by travelers altogether..." -
Conde Nast Traveler"The Prati neighborhood offers a quieter and calmer alternative for tourists looking to be well-connected to the sights of Rome without being stuck in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city...Because of its close proximity to the Pope’s residence, it also happens to be one of the safest neighborhoods to be in." -
USA Today"...Prati is a mix of art nouveau cool and residential quiet that makes it an ideal location for a Roman holiday done the right way. If you’re looking to rub elbows with Romans who nail that mix of effortless cool and impeccable style, you’re in the right place..." -
Lonely Planet
Testaccio
Testaccio is a residential area of Rome with an amazing food and art scene nourished by locals, and close to city landmarks.
"If you’re looking for the kind of place where families sit outside until the wee hours and the sounds of a football match echo through the streets, this is it...Great food is just about everywhere in Rome but if your mind is led by your belly, plan to spend a lot of time in Testaccio." -
Lonely Planet"…Testaccio is where many of the city’s culinary traditions have their roots. While laundry flaps outside, foodies flock to the area’s abundant restaurants for platters of oxtail, sweetbread and tripe. The affordable enclave feels miles apart from tourist crowds even though the Colosseum lies two metro stops away." -
Time Out"Some of the biggest names in street art, like homegrown artist Alice Pasquini and Belgian artist ROA, have been commissioned to create monumental murals, but the beauty is in exploring the streets for unplanned works as well as sponsored murals..." -
Washington Post
Pigneto
Pigneto is a young and hip residential area, with a nightlife scene adored by locals.
"Pigneto is a regentrified working-class neighborhood home to young professionals, street artists, aging locals, hipsters, and perhaps the city's highest concentration of bars...If you've visited Rome before and want to explore a neighborhood that has a unique character, Pigneto is a good place to start. The place is also great for bar crawlers." -
Conde Nast Traveler"...none do aperitivo quite like Pigneto. Think of it as the fount from which hipster San Lorenzo bloomed. Tucked in the tangle of railway lines that crisscross through the heart of the city, Pigneto has been a bulwark of activism and inclusivity for generations." -
Lonely PlanetSan Lorenzo
San Lorenzo is a hipster neighborhood with an outstanding food and nightlife scene.
"Rome’s Best Food Neighborhood Is San Lorenzo...San Lorenzo has been one of Rome’s liveliest (and most delicious) districts for the past century and, unlike sleepier nearby hoods that feel like you’ve stepped into a museum, it’s still going strong, thanks to the abundance of natural wine bars, busy trattorias, and on-point pizzerias." -
bon appétit"Over the past few years it’s evolved from a rough-around-the-edges student hangout into a decidedly bohemian district, with street art, street food, lively bars, and cool fashion boutiques...San Lorenzo is Rome’s student area, which is reflected in the restaurant, bar, and market prices." -
Conde Nast Traveler"Over the last few years, the San Lorenzo district of Rome has been dubbed the city's up-and-coming neighborhood largely thanks to its bohemian vibe and the hip centro sociali (underground bars) sprinkled throughout the area. If you're tired of Centro or Testaccio's nightlife, give San Lorenzo a try." -
USA Today
Esquilino
Esquilino is a fresh, hip area with a notable food scene.
"Rome’s Esquilino neighborhood occupies the Esquiline Hill…In the Roman era, it served as a paupers’ cemetery... In 2018, Palazzo Merulana, which was built in 1900, was transformed into a contemporary arts and cultural center, exhibiting local 20th-century painters…In a city rich with monuments to the past, Esquilino is once again focused on the future." -
New York Times"…Esquilino...[which surrounds] Rome’s Termini train station — has never been much of a tourist draw…Now, that’s starting to change. The station shelters the buzziest food hall in the city. Boutique inns and design-oriented properties are offering a chic alternative to vacationers and business travelers alike." -
Travel + Leisure
