11 Best Neighborhoods in Rome, Italy

Step across the Tiber River into a painting, where cobblestone streets glisten under amber lanterns and cascades of ivy spill over the walls of ochre-hued palazzos. Trastevere, once a fiercely independent working-class district, has blossomed into Rome’s most enchanting bohemian quarter, while fiercely guarding its authentic spirit.

By day, its winding alleys lead to sun-drenched piazzas, artisanal boutiques, and the glittering medieval mosaics of the Basilica di Santa Maria. By night, the neighborhood transforms into a hub of sophisticated energy, as the murmur of conversation spills from intimate wine bars and the scent of authentic Roman cuisine wafts from world-class trattorias.

What to Expect

Prepare for an enchanting experience that captures the romantic soul of the city.

• Feel: The smooth, ancient cobblestones underfoot and the cool marble of a basilica’s interior.
• Taste: A perfect cacio e pepe at a family-run trattoria and the crisp notes of a Frascati Superiore.
• Hear: The gentle splash of hidden fountains and the distant melodies of a lone street musician.
• See: The dazzling 12th-century mosaics, hidden courtyards, and vibrant bougainvillea.
• Smell: The intoxicating aroma of night-blooming jasmine and fresh pasta being prepared.

Where to Enjoy Your Visit

• Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere: Arrange a private tour to fully appreciate the splendor of its golden mosaics.
• Villa Farnesina: Secure a guided viewing of the magnificent Renaissance frescoes by Raphael in this noble villa.
• Artisanal Shopping: Explore the workshops of local artisans for bespoke leather goods and handcrafted jewelry.
• Gourmet Food Tour: Embark on a private culinary tour, one of our top things to do in Rome, to discover the neighborhood's best-kept secrets, from historic bakeries to elite trattorias.
• Janiculum Hill: Take a sunset stroll up to this nearby hill for one of the most breathtaking panoramic views over the entire city of Rome.

Recommended length of stay: 2-3 nights

Immerse yourself in Rome's most romantic and artistic quarter, where every cobblestone alley tells a story. Ideal for a first-time immersion or a return visit focused on authentic charm, Trastevere is a cornerstone of our cultural and culinary journeys through Italy.

The magnificent heart of ancient and Baroque Rome, the Centro Storico is where history is not just seen, but felt on an epic scale. This is a world of breathtaking piazzas, Bernini fountains, and architectural marvels like the Pantheon, whose sublime oculus has greeted the heavens for two millennia.

Every corner reveals another layer of splendor, from Renaissance palazzos housing exclusive art collections to designer flagships along the famed Via Condotti. Days are for wandering between iconic landmarks, while evenings are for indulging in the high life. Enjoy an aperitivo in Piazza Navona, followed by an exquisite meal at a rooftop restaurant with magnificent views over the city’s domes and bell towers.

What to Expect

In Centro Storico, you will be surrounded by the monumental sensory experiences of an empire.

• Feel: The sun-warmed travertine of a historic piazza and the cool spray from a Bernini fountain.
• Taste: Refined Roman cuisine at a rooftop restaurant and the perfect espresso from a legendary café.
• Hear: The echo of footsteps in a quiet alley and the grand swell of an orchestra in a historic church.
• See: The awe-inspiring dome of the Pantheon and the elegant crowds around the Spanish Steps.
• Smell: The luxurious aroma of leather goods from high-end boutiques and the sweet scent of roasting chestnuts.

Where to Enjoy Your Visit

• The Pantheon: When taking Zicasso’s Rome to Venice: Immersive History and Culture Tour, arrange for a private, after-hours visit to experience the architectural genius of this temple in silence.
• Piazza Navona: Enjoy a private tour focusing on the Baroque rivalry between Bernini and Borromini, followed by a tasting at a historic gelateria.
• Palazzo Doria Pamphilj: Explore one of Rome's most opulent private art collections, housed in a magnificent family palace.
• Via Condotti and Spanish Steps: Indulge in a bespoke personal shopping experience, with access to the top Italian fashion houses.
• Exclusive Rooftop Dining: Secure a reservation at a coveted rooftop restaurant for an unforgettable dinner overlooking the cityscape.

Recommended length of stay: 3-4 nights

Position yourself at the center of Roman splendor for a journey steeped in history, art, and high fashion. A stay in the Centro Storico is perfect for a first-time visitor wanting to be within steps of the city’s most iconic sites.

Nestled in the shadow of the Colosseum, Monti is Rome’s first and most characterful ward. It’s an effortlessly cool urban village with a creative soul. This is where ancient history meets contemporary chic. Its steep, winding streets are a treasure trove of independent fashion designers, vintage boutiques, artisan workshops, and innovative cocktail bars tucked into medieval archways.

The neighborhood has a unique energy, attracting a discerning crowd of artists, designers, and locals. Its proximity to the Roman Forum is balanced by its hidden gems, making it the perfect base if you appreciate history, but crave a modern, stylish, and authentic neighborhood vibe.

What to Expect

This creative enclave offers a stylish and authentic sensory snapshot of modern Roman life.

• Feel: The creative energy in the air and the texture of vintage fabrics in a boutique.
• Taste: Innovative cocktails in a trendy speakeasy and artisanal gelato from a local favorite.
• Hear: Lively conversation from sidewalk cafés and the clinking of tools from an artisan’s workshop.
• See: Ivy-clad buildings, stylish locals, and stunning views of the Colosseum from hidden streets.
• Smell: The aroma of old books from a second-hand shop and the rich scent of coffee from a neighborhood bar.

Where to Enjoy Your Visit

• Artisan and Vintage Shopping: Engage a local stylist for a curated tour of Monti’s best independent boutiques and vintage stores.
• Colosseum and Roman Forum: Enjoy the convenience of walking to these ancient wonders for a privately guided archaeological tour.
• Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore: Take a private tour to admire the stunning 5th-century mosaics in one of Rome’s most important churches when you embark on an Antiquities of Italy Tour: Colosseum, Pompeii, Capri, and More.
• Gourmet Wine Tasting: Discover a sophisticated wine bar set within an ancient Roman cellar for a tasting of boutique Italian wines.
• Piazza della Madonna dei Monti: Soak in the local atmosphere with an evening aperitivo at this charming and lively central square.

Recommended length of stay: 2-3 nights

Discover Rome's most stylish urban village. It’s perfect if you are a fashion-forward traveler who wants to blend ancient history with contemporary cool. Let us place you in the heart of Monti for a uniquely creative Roman experience.

If you believe a city’s soul is found in its food, Testaccio is the ultimate destination. Built atop an ancient hill of discarded Roman amphorae, this fiercely authentic quarter is the undisputed culinary heart of Rome. The modernized Testaccio Market is a temple of gastronomy, where you can sample the finest local ingredients before dining at historic institutions that serve the most revered versions of Roman classics like cacio e pepe, one of our 6 Dishes to Try While on Vacation in Rome.

But Testaccio is more than just food; its industrial past has been reborn, with a former slaughterhouse now housing the MACRO Museum of contemporary art and the serene Non-Catholic Cemetery providing a beautiful final resting place for poets Keats and Shelley.

What to Expect

Prepare for a full-scale culinary immersion into the authentic flavours of Rome.

• Feel: The lively, authentic buzz of a true Roman neighborhood market.
• Taste: The definitive versions of classic Roman pasta dishes and artisanal street food.
• Hear: The passionate banter between vendors and locals at the market stalls.
• See: The striking contrast of ancient history, industrial architecture, and contemporary art.
• Smell: The incredible aromas of simmering sauces, fresh produce, and baked goods.

Where to Enjoy Your Visit

• Testaccio Market: Take a private culinary tour with a local chef to navigate the best vendors, followed by a hands-on cooking class.
• Historic Trattorias: Secure reservations at legendary restaurants for an unforgettable meal.
• MACRO Testaccio: Explore the cutting edge of contemporary art within the dramatic, repurposed industrial space of a former slaughterhouse.
• Non-Catholic Cemetery: Take a peaceful and poignant guided walk through this beautiful cemetery, a tranquil oasis of art and history.
• Monte Testaccio: Discover the history of this man-made hill of ancient pottery shards that gives the neighborhood its name and character.

Recommended length of stay: 2-3 nights

For a truly authentic and delicious immersion into Roman life, let us guide you through the culinary soul of the city. A Testaccio-based itinerary is a must if you are a serious food lover on a journey through Italy.

With its wide, elegant boulevards, grand turn-of-the-century architecture, and sophisticated atmosphere, Prati offers a glimpse of a more stately, residential Rome. Situated just across the river from the Centro Storico and bordering Vatican City, this neighborhood provides a calm and refined retreat from the city's more chaotic center.

Its streets, notably the renowned shopping artery of Via Cola di Rienzo, are lined with high-end boutiques, gourmet food shops, and elegant cafés. Prati is the ideal choice if you are seeking proximity to the splendors of St. Peter’s and the Vatican Museums, combined with a polished, upscale, and distinctly Roman residential environment.

What to Expect

A stay in Prati offers a refined and polished sensory experience away from the city’s bustle.

• Feel: The grand, orderly ambiance of its wide, tree-lined avenues.
• Taste: Exquisite pastries from an elegant pasticceria and fine cheeses from a gourmet delicatessen.
• Hear: The refined hum of a sophisticated shopping district and the distant chime of St. Peter's bells.
• See: Majestic Liberty-style architecture and the awe-inspiring dome of St. Peter's Basilica.
• Smell: The luxurious fragrance from designer boutiques and the rich aroma of coffee from historic bars.

Where to Enjoy Your Visit

• St. Peter’s Basilica and Vatican Museums: When embarking on Zicasso’s VIP Tour of Rome and Vatican City, be sure to arrange a private, "skip-the-line" tour with an expert art historian to experience these masterpieces in depth.
• Via Cola di Rienzo: Enjoy a high-end shopping experience along this elegant boulevard, a favorite of locals for its blend of famous brands and Italian boutiques.
• Castel Sant'Angelo: Take a private tour of this ancient fortress and papal residence, culminating in panoramic views of the Tiber River and St. Peter's.
• Mercato Trionfale: Explore one of Rome's largest and most authentic local food markets for a sensory feast of fresh, high-quality produce.
• Gourmet Delicatessens: Visit legendary shops for a curated tasting of the finest Italian and international gourmet products.

Recommended length of stay: 3-4 nights

Experience a more refined and elegant side of Rome, perfect if you wish to combine deep cultural exploration of the Vatican with upscale shopping and sophisticated living.

By morning, Campo de’ Fiori is a colorful spectacle with its bustling open-air market in which the scent of fresh flowers, fragrant spices, and ripe produce fills the air. By night, the square transforms into one of Rome’s most enchanting dining destinations. Its perimeter is lined with restaurants serving refined Roman cuisine under the watchful gaze of the philosopher Giordano Bruno’s statue.

The surrounding neighborhood is a maze of charming streets where Renaissance history is palpable. Majestic palaces house exclusive apartments and quiet alleys reveal the workshops of bespoke tailors and artisanal perfumers. This district provides a captivating duality, perfect if you love to be at the center of the action, transitioning seamlessly from daytime fun to evening elegance.

What to Expect

Experience the vibrant, dual personality of this historic square as its sensory profile transforms from day to night.

• Feel: The energy of the morning market and the romantic ambiance of evening dining.
• Taste: Farm-fresh produce by day and exquisite, creative Roman dishes by night.
• Hear: The lively calls of market vendors and the sophisticated clinking of wine glasses in the evening.
• See: The rich colours of market stalls and the grand facade of the nearby Palazzo Farnese.
• Smell: The intoxicating mix of fresh flowers and spices at the market, and the aroma of fine cooking at night.

Where to Enjoy Your Visit

• Morning Market Tour: Join a chef for a guided tour of the market to select fresh ingredients, followed by a private cooking class nearby.
• Palazzo Farnese: Admire the exterior of this magnificent High Renaissance palace, now the French Embassy. It’s a masterpiece of architecture.
• Bespoke Artisan Visits: Arrange for private appointments at the workshops of bespoke tailors or artisanal perfumers hidden in the surrounding streets. For more inspiration, take a look at our 10 Italian Arts and Crafts: How to See Them.
• Exclusive Evening Dining: Secure a table at a top restaurant on the piazza for an exceptional meal paired with a superb Italian wine list.
• Palazzo Spada: Discover this hidden gem and its famous forced perspective gallery by Borromini on a private art tour.

Recommended length of a stay: 2-3 nights

If you love to be at the heart of Roman life, from its daily markets to its elegant nightlife, Campo de' Fiori offers an endlessly captivating experience. Let us place you in this vibrant center of history and flavour.

Synonymous with elegance and exclusivity, Parioli is Rome’s most prestigious residential quarter. Its grand, tree-lined avenues are graced with stately villas, foreign embassies, and luxurious apartment buildings, creating an atmosphere of quiet, distinguished wealth. This is the Rome of manicured parks like the magnificent Villa Borghese, world-class cultural institutions like the Auditorium Parco della Musica, and contemporary art powerhouses like the MAXXI museum.

While it feels a world away from the city's tourist center, it offers a sophisticated glimpse into the life of Rome's elite, with upscale boutiques, innovative fine-dining restaurants, and exclusive clubs catering to a discerning clientele.

What to Expect

This exclusive quarter offers a sophisticated sensory experience defined by art, nature, and elegance.

• Feel: The serene, upscale ambiance of a distinguished residential neighborhood.
• Taste: Innovative, modern Italian cuisine at a highly-rated restaurant.
• Hear: The world-class acoustics of a concert at the Auditorium Parco della Musica.
• See: Stunning contemporary architecture, elegant villas, and lush, expansive parks.
• Smell: The clean scent of pine trees from Villa Borghese and the perfume of Rome's elite.

Where to Enjoy Your Visit

• Villa Borghese and Gallery: Enjoy a private tour of the magnificent art collection, followed by a leisurely stroll or bespoke picnic in the stunning gardens when on a Roman Villas and Renaissance Garden Tour of Italy.
• Auditorium Parco della Musica: Attend a world-class classical, jazz or contemporary music performance at this architectural masterpiece designed by Renzo Piano.
• MAXXI Museum: Take a guided tour of the National Museum of 21st Century Arts, designed by Zaha Hadid, to explore Italy’s contemporary creative scene.
• Exclusive Dining: Reserve a table at one of Parioli's acclaimed restaurants, known for their innovative cuisine and sophisticated atmosphere.
• Private Art Galleries: Arrange for private viewings at the neighborhood's exclusive contemporary art galleries, showcasing leading Italian and international artists.

Recommended length of stay: 2-3 nights

Escape to Rome’s most exclusive enclave, perfect for the discerning traveler interested in contemporary culture, tranquil green spaces, and a taste of sophisticated local life away from the crowds.

Rising serenely above the clamor of the city, the Aventine Hill is another of Rome’s exclusive and tranquil sanctuaries. This elegant, leafy neighborhood is an oasis of pristine orange groves, fragrant rose gardens, medieval churches, and luxurious private villas. It is a place of quiet contemplation and breathtaking surprises, most famously the Knights of Malta Keyhole, which offers a perfectly framed, secret view of St. Peter's dome.

A stay here feels like a retreat to a private country estate in the heart of the city. It offers stunning, elevated vistas over the Circus Maximus and the ruins of the Palatine Hill, and is the ultimate choice if you are looking for peace, romance, and aristocratic beauty.

What to Expect

Prepare for a serene and romantic sensory retreat high above the energy of Rome.

• Feel: The sense of peace and the gentle breeze rustling through orange groves.
• Taste: Exquisite cuisine at a sophisticated restaurant with panoramic city views.
• Hear: The serene silence of its gardens and the ancient chants from within a medieval basilica.
• See: The perfectly framed view of St. Peter's dome and stunning vistas over ancient Rome.
• Smell: The heady fragrance of roses in the Municipal Rose Garden and fresh oranges in the Giardino degli Aranci.

Where to Enjoy Your Visit

• Knights of Malta Keyhole: Arrange for a private, after-hours visit to the villa's gardens for an unhurried experience of this famous view.
• Basilica of Santa Sabina: Take a private tour of one of Rome's oldest and most beautiful basilicas, admiring its elegant simplicity and 5th-century wooden doors.
• Giardino degli Aranci: Enjoy a bespoke picnic or a quiet sunset moment in this beautiful public garden, offering one of the most romantic views in Rome.
• The Municipal Rose Garden: In late spring, take a privately guided tour of this stunning garden, home to over a thousand varieties of roses.
• Dining with a View: Secure a reservation at a fine-dining restaurant on the hill, pairing exceptional cuisine with spectacular nighttime views of the city.

Recommended length of stay: 2-3 nights

For an unparalleled experience of tranquil luxury and romance, retreat to the aristocratic serenity of the Aventine Hill on our Uncovering the Secrets of Rome Tour. This exclusive enclave offers a peaceful and privileged perspective on the Eternal City.

A dynamic and grand neighborhood, Esquilino is a vibrant crossroads of history and multicultural energy. It is anchored by one of Rome’s four major papal basilicas, the magnificent Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, whose 5th-century mosaics and spectacular golden ceiling are a testament to its historical importance.

The district is a treasure trove of hidden gems, from fascinating archaeological sites unearthed beneath its churches to the bustling, colorful stalls of the Mercato Esquilino, Rome’s most diverse food market. Its proximity to the main Termini station makes it incredibly convenient, while its grand 19th-century architecture and multicultural flair offer a different, more eclectic, and wonderfully authentic Roman experience.

What to Expect

This dynamic neighborhood provides a rich and diverse outpouring of global cultures and grand history.

• Feel: The vibrant, multicultural energy of the city's most diverse neighborhood.
• Taste: Exotic spices and ingredients from the market, alongside traditional Roman fare.
• Hear: A medley of different languages spoken in the streets and at the market.
• See: The breathtaking golden ceiling of a papal basilica and grand 19th-century palazzos.
• Smell: The enticing aromas of global cuisines wafting from restaurants and market stalls.

Where to Enjoy Your Visit

• Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore: Take a private, in-depth tour with an art historian to fully appreciate the splendor of its priceless mosaics and learn its rich history.
• Mercato Esquilino: Explore Rome's most colorful and multicultural market with a guide to discover its vast array of international foods and produce.
• Palazzo Massimo alle Terme: Discover one of the world's most important collections of classical art, including stunning Roman frescoes and mosaics, part of the National Roman Museum.
• Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II: Stroll through the neighborhood's grand central square, with its unique porticoed architecture and the mysterious "Alchemical Door."
• Hidden Archaeological Sites: Arrange for a special tour of underground Roman ruins, such as the Roman Houses of the Celio, when you take Zicasso’s Discover the Ancient History and Classic Scenery of Rome and the Amalfi Coast Tour.

Recommended length of stay: 2-3 nights

For the curious traveler who loves grand history blended with vibrant, multicultural energy, Esquilino offers a fascinating and convenient base from which to explore the treasures of Rome.

Once a powerhouse of Roman industry, Ostiense has transformed into the city's most compelling hub of post-industrial chic and contemporary creativity. This is the "Brooklyn of Rome," where dramatic street art murals adorn former warehouses and ancient Roman history collides with modern innovation.

The neighborhood's star attraction is the Centrale Montemartini, a former power plant where classical Greek and Roman statues are strikingly displayed amongst vintage turbines and diesel engines. This edgy, dynamic district attracts a sophisticated crowd to its cutting-edge art galleries, converted-factory gourmet restaurants, and trendy speakeasies, offering a fascinating look at the contemporary pulse of the Eternal City. Join them when you set out on our Essence of Italy: Private Vacation Package to Rome, Florence, and Venice.

What to Expect

Engage your senses in the edgy, post-industrial landscape where classical beauty meets contemporary art.

• Feel: The edgy, creative vibe of a neighborhood in the midst of an artistic renaissance.
• Taste: Inventive cuisine in a gourmet restaurant housed in a repurposed industrial building.
• Hear: The buzz from trendy bars and the rumble of trains, a reminder of its industrial past.
• See: Massive, world-class street art murals and the stunning juxtaposition of ancient sculpture and industrial machinery.
• Smell: The aroma of artisanal coffee from a hip café and the faint, metallic scent of the area's heritage.

Where to Enjoy Your Visit

• Centrale Montemartini Museum: Take a private tour of this incredibly unique museum for a surreal and unforgettable art experience.
• Curated Street Art Tour: Explore the neighborhood's massive, vibrant murals with a local art expert who can explain the stories behind the works.
• Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls: Visit this immense and stunning papal basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a beautiful cloister.
• Gourmet and Nightlife Scene: Secure reservations at a trendy restaurant, followed by a cocktail masterclass at a hidden speakeasy.
• Authentic Neighborhood Market: Dive into the heart of Roman culinary life at a bustling local food market. Sample regional specialties from artisanal vendors, from fresh pasta and cheeses to classic street food.

Recommended length of stay: 1-2 nights

To discover Rome’s contemporary, creative, and edgy side, pay a visit to Ostiense. It provides a compelling journey into the city's modern identity.

To wander through Garbatella is to step into an early 20th-century urban fairy tale, a neighborhood conceived as a utopian garden suburb that feels utterly unique in Rome. Its distinctive architecture is a whimsical mix of Baroque, medieval, and Art Nouveau styles, organized into charming housing lots called lotti that are centered around shared courtyards and lush gardens.

This is one of Rome’s most authentic and community-oriented neighborhoods. It will give you a fascinating glimpse into a different kind of Roman life, away from the grand monuments and tourist crowds. Exploring its unique architectural language and discovering its secret gardens provides a delightful and surprising off-the-beaten-path experience.

What to Expect

Discover a charming and whimsical sensory experience in Rome’s most unique architectural village.

• Feel: The strong sense of community and the unique, village-like atmosphere.
• Taste: Authentic, home-style Roman cooking at a cherished local osteria.
• Hear: The sounds of daily life; children playing in courtyards and neighbors chatting from balconies.
• See: Whimsical architectural details, charming communal gardens, and Art Deco theaters.
• Smell: The fragrance of flowers and climbing plants from the well-tended gardens on a Romantic Getaway to Rome and Tuscany.

Where to Enjoy Your Visit

• Architectural Photography Tour: Join a professional photographer for a private tour to capture the unique and eclectic architectural details of the neighborhood.
• Teatro Palladium: Attend a performance or take a guided tour of this historic theater, a cultural cornerstone of the community.
• Authentic Local Dining: Enjoy a meal at a traditional restaurant for a taste of genuine Roman home cooking.
• Explore the Communal Gardens: Wander through the area with a guide who can explain the social and architectural history of this unique urban experiment.
• Villa Torlonia: Though a short taxi ride away, a visit to this fantastical park with its eccentric villas complements the whimsical spirit of Garbatella.

Recommended length of stay: 1-2 days

For the architecturally curious and the traveler seeking a truly authentic glimpse into a unique corner of Roman life, Garbatella offers a charming and unforgettable journey off the beaten path.

From the bohemian romance of Trastevere to the serene exclusivity of the Aventine Hill, it's clear the Eternal City is a captivating mosaic of worlds waiting to be discovered. The "best" neighborhood is ultimately a personal choice, a reflection of whether you seek ancient grandeur, culinary authenticity, artistic edge, or quiet sophistication. This guide is your compass to the possibilities, but the true art lies in crafting a journey that perfectly aligns with your unique desires.

Now that you're inspired, allow our destination specialists to translate your vision into a perfectly tailored itinerary, ensuring your time in Rome is not just a visit, but the creation of your own personal narrative written on the city's historic streets. For more information and inspiration, take a look at our Rome travel guide or Rome vacations and tour packages.