Perched on a beautiful hill of the same name, the Aventino neighborhood is more for homebody travelers. Do you know when you get to stay at such a beautiful place that you don't even want to leave it? Even though there's an entire major city that's waiting to be explored right outside? Well, that applies to the beautiful homes and hotels at Aventino. Think luscious gardens and a magnificent view of the Vatican. Though it's a good distance away from the most iconic tourist spots of Rome, it's still a fabulous area to stay in.
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Rome can arguably be summarized in two things: vast crowded plazas and small streets. The latter is what makes the Borgo neighborhood such a charming place. Narrow streets all lined with antique shops, artisanal stores, and beautiful cafes offer an exciting and slightly romantic adventure for the weary travelers. And since it's near the Vatican, expect this place to be one of the least-crowded areas on this list.
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What do the Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum, and the Spanish steps all have in common? Apart from being iconic Roman landmarks, they're all near one central neighborhood. Namely, Centro Storico. If you want to stay at a place where you're sure you'll see all of Rome's major tourist spots, there's no better area than this one. However, do note that you will have to walk (or hail a taxi which, oftentimes, is difficult to do in Rome) to get to those monuments.
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The largest of the city's seven hills, Esquilino is a neighborhood you must see when you're in Rome. Not only because of its historic significance—it was said to be one of the imperial neighborhoods during Ancient Rome—but also because of its diversity. What was once probably the seat of power in the biggest empire in the world is now a congregation of different cultures, all with their own unique Roman twists.
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Garbatella is unique in that, the facades here are old but not exactly centuries-old as most of Rome is. What makes this neighborhood interesting is that it still looks like how it did in the early 20th-century. Little townhouses—called 'lotte'—still line up the streets, looking as if it's still the 1920s and 30s. Nowadays, however, the area has become one of Rome's art districts, especially since many young locals and young travelers stay here.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Once you get to Monti, you'll feel like you're not even in Rome anymore. The charm of this neighborhood is that it almost feels like it is its own village. Narrow cobblestone streets lined with ivy-decorated houses offer a different yet similarly picturesque view of Rome. One where it's more of a community rather than a bustling major city. Though you'll still feel Rome's power via the Colosseum and the Via Nazionale, both of which are conveniently near this area!
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It seems like every major city has an ironic area. In Rome, this is definitely Ostiense! There's no other place in the Italian capital that houses both beautiful basilicas and cathedrals as well as a bustling nightlife and modern & street art centers. Just imagine the contrast of the big church bells ringing as the nightclubs beside them ring off their own dance-worthy beats. If you're one to embrace irony, call this neighborhood your home in Rome!
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Beyond the allure of the Vatican, Rome is still pretty much a glamorous city for the rich and wealthy. One neighborhood that stands testament to that is the beautiful Parioli area. Here, the city's high-class elite socialize in the swanky bars and sexy nightclubs, offering a different side of Rome. If you have money to spare and want to experience the most luxurious in Rome, this is your area right here!
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In many ways, Rome's Pigneto neighborhood has become a have for hipsters. Think cocktail bars that play alternative music and art galleries that show off modern art that you probably won't understand at first glance. Or charming cafes where you can read a book and hope to catch the attention of the beautiful Italian at the next table. Though it's spare of the major monuments that make Rome famous, it's still worth your time and energy to explore and possibly even stay a bit.
Source: Flickr.com/ Davide Costanzo
If your favorite place to visit in Rome is the Vatican City, then in terms of accommodation, you can't go wrong with the Prati neighborhood. A quiet area within the noisy Roman metropolitan, this place is more like a residential area rather than the country's capital. Even though it's near probably one of the most crowded tourist destinations in all of Rome, this nearby neighborhood is surprisingly homely and peaceful.
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Even though this used to be Rome's ghetto area, the Quartiere Ebraico still holds a lot of historic significance. This is most especially to Roman Jews and Jewish-Italians in general. Nowadays, however, the neighborhood is far from the sad enclosed area it once was. The Quartiere Ebraico is now filled with fine restaurants and beautiful cafes, charming the pants off of locals and tourists alike.
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If you want to stay at the least touristy cite in Rome, look no further than the San Giovanni neighborhood. Far from all the crowds and the hustles and bustles of the city's urban centers, this place is arguably the quietest and most peaceful on this list. It might even feel like Rome anymore and that's probably the best part about it. When you go home to your place in San Giovanni, it will actually feel like a suburban home.
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You have to be careful at San Lorenzo because it's no exactly the most family-friendly area in Rome. In fact, if you're traveling with kids, best to steer clear from this place. But, if you're a world explore and self-proclaimed nomad, this is absolutely your area! Referred to as the "bohemian center" of Rome, the place is full of diverse and exciting new ideas just waiting to be explored. As well as your standard pizza places and cafes where all the discussions happen.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Italian food is arguably the best in the world. And at one point in time, the Testaccio neighborhood played a huge role in doing that! The area was once the meat capital of the country, and at times, of Europe as well. Though now it's become a more artistic district with an art school in the place of what was once the biggest slaughterhouse in Italy. Still, the restaurants that you'll find here are as authentically and richly Italian as ever!
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What's the best thing to do in Rome's Trastevere neighborhood? Drink! During the early mornings or in the afternoon, drink a nice cup of coffee in one of their many novel cafes. And at night, go on a wine-tasting tour, drinking the finest in some of the best wineries and distilleries on offer. By the end of your trip, both your stomach and your heart will be so full!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Finally, there's no discussing Rome without mentioning its most famous area: The Vatican. Even though it's regarded as its own city-state, the place is still very much a Roman entity. And what an entity it is! The grandest churches, the most beautiful square, and the most important relics in world history. Not to mention the fact that, if you stay here, you have a better chance of seeing the Pope in person!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Rome is more than the famous landmarks and stunning monuments you've read about in books, seen in movies. and ogle at on social media. The major capital is actually made up of different neighborhoods, each worth checking out and probably staying at when you're in the city!
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