If you’re planning a trip to Rome, it’s important to know which neighborhoods are the best to explore. Each area of the city has its own unique charm and personality, and you’ll want to make sure you see all that Rome has to offer! In this article, we’ll take a look at the top 5 neighborhoods in Rome that you should know about.
Ancient Rome District
Rome’s Ancient Heart is the best place to get a real feel for the city’s long and fascinating history. This is where you’ll find some of Rome’s most iconic ancient buildings and ruins, including the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, the Roman Forum and Capitoline Hill. It’s also one of the most popular tourist areas, so it can be quite busy during the day. But at night the Ancient Heart is much quieter, as most of the city’s after-hours attractions are elsewhere. So if you want to really soak up the atmosphere of Ancient Rome, this is definitely the place to do it.The first neighborhood on our list is the Ancient Rome District. This area is home to some of the most famous historical landmarks in the city, including the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon. If you’re interested in learning about the history of Rome, this is definitely the place to start!
Vatican City
The second neighborhood on our list is Vatican City. This small country is its own sovereign state, and it’s home to some of the most famous tourist attractions in Rome, including the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica. If you’re looking to see some of the city’s most iconic sights, Vatican City is the place to be!
Monti, Esquilino & San Lorenzo
Monti, Esquilino & San Lorenzo is a large and cosmopolitan area centred on transport hub Stazione Termini. Hidden behind its busy roads you’ll find some amazing churches, one of Rome’s best museums (Palazzo Massimo alle Terme), and any number of cool bars and restaurants, mostly in the Monti, San Lorenzo and Pigneto districts. Monti is the smallest of Rome’s seven hills and the most central, making it a great base from which to explore the city. The highlight of the neighborhood is definitely the church of Santa Maria Maggiore, one of Rome’s four patriarchal basilicas. But there are plenty of other interesting churches, including San Pietro in Vincoli, which houses Michelangelo’s famous statue of Moses, and Santa Pudenziana, whose 4th-century mosaics are some of the finest in Rome.
The Monti district is also home to Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, one of the city’s top museums. Housed in a former baths complex, it has an impressive collection of Roman art, from sculptures to mosaics to frescoes. If you’re looking for a bite to eat or a place to grab a drink, Monti is full of great bars and restaurants. For something truly unique, check out Arena Monti, a bar located in an ancient Roman arena! Just north of Monti is the Esquilino district, another diverse and vibrant area. Home to a large immigrant population, it’s full of ethnic restaurants and shops selling everything from African spices to Indian saris. Don’t miss a visit to the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, one of Rome’s most important churches. And be sure to stop by Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, the largest piazza in Rome!Last but not least is San Lorenzo, a neighbourhood just east of Monti that has long been associated with Roman university students. In recent years it has become increasingly gentrified, but it still retains its youthful energy. There are some great bars and restaurants here, as well as a couple of interesting churches: San Lorenzo fuori le Mura, which was built by Constantine in the 4th century but later destroyed by fire; and Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, which supposedly contains relics brought back from the Holy Land by Empress Helena
San Giovanni & Testaccio
San Giovanni & Testaccio is a sweeping, multifaceted area with something for everyone. By the river, Testaccio is an earthy, workaday district known for its nose-to-tail Roman cuisine, traditional trattorias and thumping nightlife. In the San Giovanni area, you’ll find medieval churches and monumental basilicas (Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano above all), towering ruins (Terme di Caracalla) and tranquil parkland (Villa Celimontana). Whether you’re looking to explore Rome’s rich history or just want to enjoy some good food and drink, San Giovanni & Testaccio is the perfect place for you.
Southern Rome
Southern Rome is home to a wealth of diversions, from ancient roads to futuristic ministries and cutting-edge clubs. The area extends to Rome’s southern limits, making it a great place to explore. Of particular interest are Via Appia Antica, home of the catacombs; post-industrial Ostiense, full of street art, clubs and popular eateries; and EUR, a modernistic suburb in the extreme south of the city. Southern Rome is a great place to visit for anyone interested in history, art, or nightlife. There’s something for everyone in this huge area of the city.
Centro Storico
The Centro Storico area of Rome is ideal for those who want to take their time exploring all that the city has to offer. This historic center is full of medieval lanes, Renaissance palaces, cafes, restaurants, and bars. The Pantheon and Piazza Navona are two of the most popular attractions in the area, but there are also many other monuments, museums, and churches worth visiting. Whether you’re interested in art, history, or simply want to soak up the local atmosphere, the Centro Storico is a great place to start your journey through Rome.
Villa Borghese
The final neighborhood on our list is Villa Borghese. This area is home to Rome’s largest park, as well as the city’s zoo. If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city for a bit, Villa Borghese is the place to be!
The Museum Villa Borghese is located inside the park of the same name and it offers a large number of art works from the 17th to 20th centuries. The main attraction is the collection of paintings by Bernini, as well as other sculptures and architectural works by the artist.
There you have it! These are the top five neighborhoods in Rome that you should know about. No matter what your interests are, there’s sure to be a neighborhood in Rome that’s perfect for you!
Rome is such a beautiful and historic city with plenty to do no matter what your interests are. I hope this article