Rome, the Eternal City is home to centuries of history, culture, and charm in every corner. For families planning an Italian adventure, choosing the best area to stay has a tremendous effect on how you experience Rome. From proximity to the most popular landmarks to family-friendly activities, Rome offers a variety of neighborhoods that will fit the needs of most families. In this guide, we’ll check out the best areas to stay in Rome for families.
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VATICAN CITY AND PRATI
Situated just west of the Tiber River, Vatican City and its neighboring district of Prati is a great mix of culture, history, and convenience for families. Staying in this area means that you will have easy access to landmarks such as St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel.
Prati has a more residential feel than most neighborhoods that are this close to the city center, with its tree-lined streets and abundance of family-friendly cafes and restaurants.
Families can enjoy walks along the Tiber River or explore the Vatican which is just a short walk away.
On our family’s last visit to Rome, we stayed in Prati and it was perfect. It’s close enough to the action so that it’s easy to reach either by foot, such as Vatican City, or was a short easy bus ride away.
The prices for food and accommodations were budget-friendly since it’s not in the historic center. Because of the location, we found a nice apartment to rent as well as great food for great prices.
TRASTEVERE
On the same side of the Tiber River as Vatican City and Prati, lies the charming neighborhood of Trastevere. It’s well known for its cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and electric vibes.
Trastevere has a bohemian feel, but it also offers a range of family-friendly accommodations which includes apartments and boutique hotels. You’ll be able to fully explore the area’s shops, markets, and traditional trattorias which serve some of the best food in Rome.
Even though it’s not in the city center and across the river, the location is ideal. You’re just a short bus ride or a long walk from the Colosseum and Palatine Hill.
Of course, being in Trastevere, you’ll be close to plenty of interesting sites such as the Basilica of Santa Maria, Janiculum Hill, and the Villa Doria Pamphili. Trastevere comes alive at night so expect some noise depending on where you’re staying.
MONTI
Situated between the Colosseum and via Nazionale is the hidden gem of Monti. This neighborhood provides a mix of history, character, and charm. Families will love the pedestrian-friendly streets lined with shops, cafes, and most importantly gelaterias.
All are within walking distance. There are several lesser-known but amazing sites here such as the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore and the overlook at the Piazza di Santa Maria ai Monti.
You’ll be right near the historic district of Rome, and can easily make use of public transportation to explore all of the sites that you want, but you’ll close enough that you can walk most places.
You’ll also be able to find accommodations at a more budget-friendly price in Monti compared to more popular areas.
PIAZZA NAVONA AND PANTHEON
If you want to be in the heart of Rome, this is where you want to be. It doesn’t get much more central than Piazza Navona and the Pantheon. You’ll be steps away from Piazza Navona and its elegant fountains as well as the fascinating Pantheon which is one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks.
You’ll also be within short walking distance of Trevi Fountain, Piazza di Spagna, and the charming streets off of Via del Corso which are filled with trendy cafes and shops.
One of the benefits of staying in this area is that you won’t need public transportation much as the majority of the sites that you’ll want to visit are within walking distance.
The downside is that you’ll have to pay for that convenience as accommodations in this area will come at a premium.
The best way to save money when staying in this area is to book your accommodations early, especially when using a home-sharing service like VRBO so you can get the best value.
TESTACCIO
For authentic flavors and a local feel, Testaccio is a great place for families to stay. Located just south of the historic center of Rome, Testaccio provides a more authentic glimpse of Roman life away from tourists.
Families will love the local food market, Mercato Testaccio where you’ll find vendors selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and other foods. Testaccio is also known for its nightlife with several bars and trattorias that serve traditional Roman food.
While the neighborhood is nice and peaceful during the day it can be a bit noisy at night depending on where you are. While it is located outside of the area where you’ll have most tourist attractions, you can take the metro or bus into the center of the city.
You will be close to the Colosseum, Baths of Caracalla, Palatine Hill, and Trastevere. Testaccio is a great place to stay for a less touristy feel and budget accommodations.
BOOKING TIPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Booking accommodations in Rome can be overwhelming, but with a bit of planning, it’s easy to find the perfect place for your family. Start by identifying neighborhoods that suit your needs—Prati is ideal for those seeking a quieter area near the Vatican, while Monti offers charming streets and proximity to ancient landmarks.
Booking early, especially during peak seasons like summer and spring, ensures the best selection and prices. For family stays, look for hotels or apartments with amenities like spacious rooms, cribs, and kitchen facilities.
Many platforms, like Booking.com or Plum Guide, allow you to filter for family-friendly options. Consider accommodations close to public transport for easier exploration.
Check cancellation policies carefully to avoid surprises, and always read reviews from other families to gauge suitability. By planning ahead and prioritizing your family’s needs, you can secure a comfortable, stress-free base for exploring the Eternal City.
FIND YOUR PERFECT AREA TO STAY IN ROME
Rome’s diverse neighborhoods ensure that you’ll find the ideal spot for your family to stay, whether you’re seeking culture, a great location, or budget friendly options. By choosing the best neighborhood to stay you‘ll increase your enjoyment of Rome. Once you’ve figured out where to stay, you have to figure out how long you should stay in Rome and what to pack. Check out our essential packing guide for Rome as well as this helpful article that tells you how many days in Rome you need.
