6 Must- See Rome Neighborhoods and How to Visit

Rome’s historic center houses famous landmarks of Ancient Rome. Join a guided walking, biking, or bus tour to learn the history of attractions such as Piazza Navona, the Colosseum, Campo de’ Fiori, Villa Borghese, and more. In addition to ancient ruins, this district also boasts hotels, restaurants, markets, and cafés.

Cross the Tiber River to reach Trastevere, a neighborhood full of narrow cobbled streets, small pizzerias, wine bars, restaurants, and bakeries—making it an ideal area to explore by foot when hungry or thirsty. Several smaller landmarks include a botanical garden and the Basilica di Santa Maria, one of the oldest churches in Rome.

Dominated by St. Peter’s Square, the Vatican is home to some of Rome’s most popular attractions, including the Sistine Chapel with its famous ceiling painting by Michelangelo. Explore the Vatican Museums, visit St. Peter’s Basilica, and wander through the Vatican Gardens.

Rub shoulders with Romans in Testaccio, a neighborhood known for its food market. Join a guided food tour to see stalls full of fresh produce and taste street food snacks, including a range of sandwiches. This area is also home to the MACRO Modern Art Museum and many restaurants and bars.

After a visit to the Colosseum, explore one of Rome’s bohemian neighborhoods. Unique shops, small wine bars, and family-run restaurants make Monti an ideal area in which to wander and get lost. Historically this district had a seedy reputation, but it now attracts artists and students with galleries, bookshops, vintage stores, and cafés.

Venture north of the Vatican and into Prati to see a polished residential neighborhood with lots of options for shopping, restaurants serving traditional Roman fare, and bars with live music. Market lovers may also want to explore the many stalls of Mercato Trionfale.