The 5 Best Neighbourhoods in Rome
Rome doesn’t start with the Colosseum, but with its neighbourhoods. Each with its own atmosphere, architecture and rhythm, they create a unique landscape of the city. Some are perfect for long walks, others for great food or nights out. Some offer a rather quiet perspective on life, while others sit close to Rome’s most famous sights.
To help you find your way around the city, here’s a look at five of the most beautiful and interesting neighbourhoods in Rome – and why travellers and locals love them.
Practical information before your trip
• Getting there: Rome is easy to reach via Fiumicino or Ciampino. The Leonardo Express takes around 30 minutes to reach Termini, the transport hub from which many of the best neighbourhoods in Rome are just a short metro ride away.
• Getting around the city: Many central areas are great to explore on foot. For longer distances, the metro, buses and trams are reliable options. Metro lines A & B connect the Monti neighbourhood Rome, Prati and the historic centre.
• Best time to travel: Spring and autumn offer mild temperatures and a calmer pace. Summer might get hot, while winter is pleasantly quiet with less crowds.
The 5 best neighbourhoods in Rome – atmosphere, highlights & reasons to fall in love
1. Monti – Creative, charming & perfectly located
The Monti neighbourhood draws you in the moment you arrive. It sits between the most famous tourist sights, like the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, yet it still feels like a small, close-knit village. Cobbled lanes, vintage boutiques and tiny cafés make it one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Rome.
Vibe: creative, relaxed, stylish
Highlights:
• Piazza della Madonna dei Monti – the lively heart of the district
• Vintage and boutique shopping along Via del Boschetto
• Easy access to the Colosseum and Roman Forum
• A variety of cosy wine bars and excellent osterias
Why it’s so popular:
Monti works incredibly well for first-time visitors who want a central base that still feels authentic. Evenings are lively but never overwhelming. Many travellers consider it the best neighbourhood to stay in Rome if you want charm, safety and great food in one place.
Leonardo Boutique Hotel Rome Monti assures a perfect base for your trip!
2. Pigneto – Urban, artistic & alternative
The Pigneto neighbourhood brings out Rome’s modern side. It mixes street art with cafés, small art studios, literary bars and independent shops. It’s one of the most creative, alternative pockets of the city and becomes especially vibrant in the evening.
Vibe: alternative, young, urban
Highlights:
• Street art and urban culture
• Trendy cafés and informal bars
• Lively nightlife with music and open terraces
• Inventive restaurants and great street food
Why it’s worth exploring:
Pigneto is ideal for travellers who enjoy a more urban feel and want to experience contemporary Rome. Quiet and creative during the day, lively and full of energy at night. If you like modern, alternative areas, this is one of the cool neighbourhoods Rome offers.
3. Prati – Elegant, quiet & right next to the Vatican
The Prati neighbourhood Rome is full of wide boulevards, impressive buildings and lots of natural light. It is the tidy, polished side of Rome. Many visitors simply walk to St. Peter’s Basilica or Castel Sant’Angelo in the morning, since both are just a short stroll away. If you prefer quieter surroundings without being far from the main sights, Prati fits perfectly.
Vibe: elegant, polished, impressive
Highlights:
• Via Cola di Rienzo – great for shopping
• Close to St. Peter’s Basilica and Castel Sant’Angelo
• Excellent restaurants and artisan gelato
• Spacious streets that are ideal for walking
Why it works so well:
Prati feels calm and welcoming, which is why families and solo travellers enjoy staying here. It’s central but quiet, with an easy-going atmosphere.
4. Garbatella – Authentic, colourful & local
Garbatella has a charm that feels very different from the centre. The Garbatella neighborhood looks almost like a small village within the city: colourful façades, leafy courtyards and little gardens. It’s noticeably quieter here, with day-to-day Roman life unfolding at a slower rhythm.
Vibe: local, quiet, authentic
Highlights:
• Garden-city architecture from the 1920s
• Small, traditional trattorias
• Peaceful squares and local residential streets
• A naturally scenic neighbourhood, even without major sights
Why it’s special:
Garbatella suits anyone wanting to see Rome beyond the tourist routes. It feels friendly and unhurried, with a relaxed atmosphere that makes people linger. Families and travellers seeking peace often find it one of the best neighbourhoods in Rome to visit.
5. Trastevere – Romance & great food
The neighbourhood of Trastevere is the kind of area you return to over and over again. During the day, the narrow lanes are perfect for wandering. In the evenings, the squares fill with warm light, chattering voices and delicious smells. It’s easily one of the best neighbourhoods in Rome for food, offering everything from simple pizzerias to modern wine bars.
Vibe: romantic, lively, charming
Highlights:
• Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere – the heart of the district
• Beautiful views from Gianicolo Hill
• Countless trattorias and bars
• Ideal streets for relaxed, aimless strolls
Why everyone loves it:
Trastevere has an inviting, warm atmosphere. Couples love it, food lovers adore it, and first-time visitors almost always end up here. It’s a neighbourhood that captures the spirit of Rome in a very immediate way.
Rome reveals a different side of itself in its every neighbourhood – elegant, lively, traditional or creative – and exploring them is one of the best ways to experience the city.
Book your stay at Leonardo Hotels in Rome and discover Rome from your perfect base!
