The Best Area to Stay in Rome

By Go City Expert

You have booked your flight, but where is the best area to stay in Rome? Rome is a big place. The city centre is divided into smaller neighbourhoods that each has its own character. And even the locals don’t agree completely where one area starts and another finishes! So, a good starting point is to think about what you want to get out of your trip and what you are hoping to see. As well as consult this guide, brought to you by the OMNIA Vatican & Rome Pass team. Centro storico Think of Rome, and you probably picture the ancient centre: winding medieval streets, beautiful Baroque fountains, atmosphere and romance. Indeed, if you stay in this district, many of the main attractions (including the Pantheon and the Piazza Navona) are in walking distance. You can also stroll a little further to Campo de’ Fiori and the Ghetto, both particularly picturesque parts of this area - slightly quieter and further away from the big-ticket attractions. Being able to easily return to your hotel during the day to get changed or ‘re-charge’ is important, especially when the weather is very hot. So please note, the nearest metro station is around 20 minutes away and, because the area is so popular, it’s important to look carefully for a good deal on food or accommodation. Tridente and the Spanish steps Extending from the Piazza del Popolo, the area of Tridente is in the northern part of central Rome. With plenty of designer boutiques, chic hotels and luxury accommodation, this is one of the more exclusive parts of Rome to stay... and to shop. Many people come to visit the Piazza di Spagna just to sit on the famous Spanish steps and watch the world go by. The steps were built in the 1720s to connect the Piazza to the Trinità dei Monti church and have been a famous meeting point ever since. The Trevi fountain is also close by and legend has it that if you throw a coin into the fountain, you are sure to return to Rome in the future. Colosseum If you love history, archeology or dressing up, the area around the Colosseum is perfect for you. The most ancient part of the city, it’s also close to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. You’ll be walking in the footsteps of Romus and Remulus, the city’s founders - as well as Roman emperors (and lots of people in gladiator costumes). This neighbourhood is one of the busiest and, as you might guess, it can be quite noisy. It does however offer a great choice of accommodation. Termini Stazione Termini is a major transport hub, where railway, metro and most bus routes intersect. It’s super-convenient for early morning departures and hop-on hop-off bus tours, but not the most charming of Rome’s neighbourhoods. There are usually plenty of affordable hotel options here, but it’s too far from the main attractions to make a good base for exploring the city on foot. Prati Prati is perfect for visiting the sights of the Vatican, as it is just outside the enclave’s walls. A quieter area, away from the bustle of the main tourist thoroughfares, it is nevertheless well connected in terms of transport and its wide, tree-lined boulevards and fine eateries make for a pleasant stay. Since it’s not directly in the city centre, prices are often reasonable. Trastevere Trastevere could be considered the best area to stay in Rome – for people who enjoy nightlife. Located on the western river bank, it’s a working-class neighbourhood (up-and-coming), in easy walking distance of the Vatican and central attractions. You’ll find photo ops at the corner of pretty much every ivy-covered cobbled lane or tiny piazza. Trastevere is also known for its excellent restaurants, and good atmosphere that lasts well into the night. Regardless of where you decide to stay, bear in mind that Rome’s hotel prices fluctuate heavily. Booking well in advance and reading hotel reviews carefully are always a good idea in order to get value for money. Alternatively, why not rent an apartment and live like a local for a few days? With a bit of forethought you are sure to find the best area to stay in Rome - or rather, the best area for you. Wishing you a good trip!

Go City Expert
Rome Travel Expert

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Landmarks and Ruins in Rome

You can’t help but be awed by the famous landmarks and historical places you can see all over Rome. Thanks to its ancient Empire, the city has a wealth of history and culture to explore. You'll learn about everything from the Colosseum to the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon to the Roman Forum. It's not surprising, then, that the city is one of the most well known for landmarks and monuments. Get your fix of history and heritage at these famous Rome monuments and ruins and make the most of your time in the city with the Omnia Rome and Vatican Pass. Colosseum Packed with ancient history, the Colosseum is one of the most recognized landmarks and ruins in Rome. Dating back over 2,000 years it was once the ground for legendary gladiator contests that would entertain the masses. These brave gladiators would fight in the arena in front of thousands, often against wild animals and those with weapons far greater than theirs! Don't miss the opportunity to learn about the fascinating history of this ancient landmark during your stay in Rome. Address: Piazza del Colosseo, 00184 Rome Metro: Colosseo (Metro B) Roman Forum Did you know the word 'palace' comes from Palatine Hill after Emperor Augustus established the tradition of building palaces on the hill? The Roman Forum was the political epicenter of the evolution of ancient Rome and it played a crucial role in the growing trade and commerce of the city, including the historic ruins, arches, churches, and pillars still standing to give you a real feel of what the city was like 2,000 years ago. Address: Via di San Gregorio, 30 – 00184 Rome Metro: Colosseo (Metro B) St Peter's Basilica St Peter’s Basilica is one of the most famous churches in the world and is the site of many pilgrimages every year – so you know it’s a landmark worth visiting. The beautiful architecture is one of its most impressive features; with Bramante, Bernini, Michelangelo and Maderno all having left their mark on the building, both inside and out. See the huge dome, intricate décor, baroque Baldacchino and huge obelisk in the square. Address: Piazza San Pietro, Vatican City Metro: Ottaviano-S.Pietro-Musei Vaticano (Metro A line) Castel Sant'Angelo This famous Rome landmark and important historical site sits on the northern bank of the River Tiber overlooking the city as it has for the last 2,000 years as its role as a fortress. Protecting the city, Castel Sant’Angelo, or Hadrian’s Mausoleum as it’s also called, is the tomb of the former Emperor and has a rich history and a wealth of priceless historic artifacts within its museum. A visit to this historic landmark will uncover the Papal Apartments, Courtyard of the Angel and even the secret passageway into the Vatican… Address: Lungotevere Castello, 50 - 00186 Rome Metro: Lepanto (Metro A) or Ottaviano (Metro A) Trevi Fountain The Trevi Fountain is a must on everyone’s bucket list who visits Rome. Set within the winding cobbled streets of central Rome, this huge baroque fountain is considered one of the best in the world and has embellished the streets of Rome since 1726. The Trevi Fountain’s intricate sculpture and marble draw in over 3.5 million tourists a year thanks to the efforts of Bernini and Salvi who are credited with creating this baroque masterpiece. Address: Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Roma Metro: Barberini (Metro line A) Piazza Navona Piazza Navona is one of the most famous squares in Rome and has been a space of commerce and trade since the 15th century when the local market was moved there from Campidoglio. During this time the square underwent considerable improvements and a stunning baroque facelift, to what we still see today. In the square, you can see the baroque fountain by Bernini, the Obelisk of Domitian and many other churches surrounding it, as well as Pamphili Palace around the corner. Address: Piazza Navona, 00186 Roma Metro: Spagna (Metro line A) Altare Della Patria Just down from the Roman Forum and across from the Imperial Forum is the eclectic Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II, aka Altare Della Patria, aka the 'wedding cake' as the locals like to call it. Not to everyone’s taste, this grand building at the center of Piazza Venezia is an imposing landmark you can’t miss. The monument in Rome's very center is home to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with the eternal flame burning, as well as a stunning viewpoint right at the top of the landmark. Address: Piazza Venezia, 00186 Roma Bus: Piazza Venezia Pantheon Ever wondered what happens to the rain that falls through the large oculus in the roof of the Pantheon? Learn more about the history of the ancient – and one of the best-preserved – landmarks in Rome. The Pantheon dates back to 118 AD and is believed the building was completed by Emperor Hadrian. Now, it’s still a working church so whether you’re visiting for prayer or for pleasure, you most certainly won’t be disappointed by this impressive Rome landmark. Address: Piazza Della Rotonda, 00186 Roma Bus/Tram: Largo Argentina Spanish Steps The Spanish Steps are some of the most romantic steps in the world and are a site of many selfies and picture-perfect moments. Whether you sit and watch the world go by, or bring a picnic, these steps are a great location to rest and recover during a busy day of sightseeing. The 135 steps date back to 1725 and were designed by Francesco de Sanctis and have been an iconic landmark of Rome ever since. Address: Piazza di Spagna, 00187 Roma Metro: Spagna (Metro line A) St John in the Lateran St John in the Lateran is the official seat of the Pope and is home to the Scala Sancta, a site of pilgrimage throughout the year. The church is also one of the oldest churches in Western Europe, dating back to 324 AD, and has been decorated in a Cosmatesque style with a 14th-century Gothic Baldacchino. Don’t miss the stunning cloister, deemed one of the most beautiful in Rome, embellished with delicate mosaics and friezes. Address: Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano, 00184 Rome Metro: San Giovanni (Metro line A) Make sure to explore these treasures on your very own Roman holiday, and so much more, with an Omnia Rome and Vatican Pass.
Go City Expert
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Our Favourite Coliseum Facts

Gladiators, tournaments, Nero and more - here are some of the best Coliseum facts! This distinctive structure hearkens back to ancient Roman times, and more specifically to 72-80AD when Emperor Vespasian commissioned it to win favour with his subjects. With a colourful history spanning hundreds of years, it's racked up a few interesting stories and some great facts, check out our favourite coliseum facts below! The biggest events held at the Coliseum were free Major public events like big gladiatorial tournaments and performances were open to the public, subsidised by the emperor to gain favour with citizens. With a capacity of over 50,000 spectators, that was no small feat - especially when you consider food was often free too! The Coliseum derives its name from the statue that used to stand nearby A gigantic statue of Emperor Nero, named the Colossus of Nero, was a part of Nero's Park and stood beside the gigantic Flavian amphitheatre. Its name is an homage to that statue and to Nero's reign. Citizens used to be shaded by the Velarium, a retractable marquee Italy is notorious for its burning sunshine and back in ancient times, a retractable shade would cover spectators during performances and was held up by 240 brackets. Since then, its been eroded and modern day visitors will have to brave the summer sun to explore the coliseum. The Coliseum has become a symbol of resistance against capital punishment In an act of redemption for its bloody gladiatorial past, the coliseum's lights shift from white to gold for 48 hours whenever a death sentence is commuted or overturned. It has also become a site of protest against capital punishment and its golden lights were last lit in 2012, when Connecticut abolished the death penalty. Lions weren't the only animals killed in the Coliseum Hundreds of thousands of animals were slaughtered in the bloody games at the Coliseum, shipped in from every corner of the Roman empire. Aside from lions, other animals included jaguars, hippos, elephants, hyenas, rhinos also made appearances and were held underground in pens underneath the Coliseum. The Coliseum has a diverse range of flora and fauna, which has dwindled in recent years The Coliseum once had an important place in the plant kingdom, with hundreds of rare species of plant growing amongst its stones. It was a popular place for botanists and horticulturists to do research, however many plants have died out with the change in climate and in recent years the Coliseum is regularly cleared out of plantlife to make way for visitors. Materials from the Coliseum were used to construct monuments such as St. Peter's Basilica Rome has a tradition of recycling materials from structures to build new ones and the Coliseum wasn't impervious to this. As it fell into disrepair, its marble facade was repurposed for St. Peter's Basilica on the Pope's orders which is now also a famous Roman tourist attraction.
Megan Hills
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Can't-Miss Cultural Attractions in Rome

Bask in the glory of Roman creativity with the best cultural attractions in Rome below. With thousands of years of history, including being the centre of the Roman Empire, it's no surprise that Rome is full of incredible architectural structures, each with their own story to tell. We've scoured the city to find some of the capital's best landmarks you won't want to miss, from mausoleums and historical museums to ancient Roman sites and more, National Museum of Castel Sant'Angelo Castel Sant'Angelo has had many lives as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, a papal fortress, prison, and now finally as a historical museum open to the Roman public. This stark structure owes its name to a vision that Pope Gregory the Great had, in which the Archangel Michael appeared to him on top of Hadrian's tomb, sheathing his sword to signal the end of a plague. A sculpture of the Archangel now sits atop the museum. With an impressive permanent collection of medieval relics, paintings and sculptures, it's a great way to experience and learn about Rome's long tradition of culture and military excellence. Capitoline Museums Seen in films such as The Talented Mr. Ripley, these archeological museums are testament to the enduring power of ancient Roman art. Spread across three buildings and a piazza designed by Michelangelo, it has persisted as a significant site of Roman creativity since 1471. It features many beautiful works such as a symbolic bronze statue of The She-Wolf, who plays an important role in Rome's origin myth in which she raised the city's founders Romulus and Remus. The Coliseum This gigantic circular structure has captured the imaginations of people worldwide, with complex theatrical performances alongside violent gladiator battles taking place on its stage. At 2000 years old, the landmark continues to stand and remains a must-visit for visitors to Rome who can learn about its history and dive into its network of underground tunnels for more exhibits. MAXXI While Rome might be best known for its historical architecture and Renaissance works, the contemporary art museum MAXXI shines a light on the best in Italian contemporary art. Designed by famed architect Zaha Hadid, its exhibits showcase the best in modern art and architecture and is a refreshing break from centuries-old works. Sistine Chapel Venture into the Vatican City and make your way to one of Michelangelo's greatest artistic accomplishments - the Sistine Chapel. With breathtaking hand-painted ceiling frescoes depicting The Last Judgment and works by Botticelli lining its walls, it's not only a significant religious site but a cultural one worth seeing. Roman Forum See the legacy of ancient architecture at the Roman Forum, which was formerly a collection of buildings including a marketplace, the House of Augustus (home to Julius Caesar's heir) and the Temple of Romulus. While it's mainly in ruins, the remains of its frescoes, pillars and architecture still remains incredible to witness. Borghese Gallery See the works of artistic virtuosos Caravaggio, Botticelli and Raphael at the Borghese Gallery, a converted villa which now serves as one of Rome's most beautiful museums. Comprised mainly of the Borghese family's personal collection which includes hundreds of sculptures and paintings, it's an oasis of calm away from the hustle of Rome and its grounds boast stunning gardens. Vatican Museums Located just a stone's throw from the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican Museums are a site of great importance for the Catholic tradition as well as the art world. With exhibits dedicated to the history of the Vatican City as well as a 9 mile long collection of artwork dating all the way back to ancient Egypt, its most noted for its sublime Raphael rooms by the entrance with frescoes by Raphael and Michelangelo. Museum of Rome Discover the artistic history of Italy's capital at the Museum of Rome, located in the halls of the Palazzo Braschi. Not only is the structure a stunning example of Roman Baroque architecture, its exhibits chart the course of Rome's continually evolving creative scene from the Middle Ages to 20th Century. Keats-Shelley House Take a break from art history and dive into the world of literature. Rome was beloved by the famous Romantic poets Percy Bysshe Shelley and John Keats, the latter of whom made Rome his final resting place at the age of 25. Keats' modest dwellings have since been transformed into a museum with the most extensive collection of works, letters, paintings and memorabilia relating to the two literary greats in the world.
Megan Hills

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