While not an official “rione,” the historic center is a popular choice for travelers visiting Rome. It sits on the east of the Tiber river, and is home to most of Rome’s ancient and Renaissance monuments, including the Colosseum, Piazza Navona, and the Pantheon. It’s a great place to soak up Rome’s vibrant street life.
Monti is good for first-time visitors because of its central location and proximity to Termini train station and the Colosseum. Its eclectic tangle of streets have a decidedly bohemian feel, with art galleries, family-run trattorias, and hole-in-the-wall wine bars. If you’re staying in Monti, Via Cavour is your main commercial shopping drag. Trastevere, meanwhile, draws a younger crowd with its nightlife, vintage shops, and cool local eateries. Prati, a short walk across the Tiber, is a good choice for visitors looking for an upmarket neighborhood feel, away from tourists and major sites but with good upscale restaurants and local shopping. Those wanting a peaceful retreat removed from the busy Rome streets will enjoy Rione XV Borgo, a tree-filled neighborhood with historic Roman villas, close to the Vatican.
