On a first visit to Rome, choose the Centro Storico (historic centre): most famous sights are walkable, but it's the busiest and most expensive area.
- Trastevere: charming streets and local restaurants, lively at night but can be noisy. Monti: trendy, with boutique hotels near the Colosseum.
- Near the Vatican: Prati is elegant, safe and calm. Borgo sits right by St. Peter's Basilica.
- Quiet and close to ancient sites: Celio, next to the Colosseum, has a local residential feel. Ripa is near the Aventine Hill and Circus Maximus.
- Testaccio: great for food lovers, with local markets and fewer tourists, but far from the main sights.
- Ludovisi: upscale hotels and shopping near Villa Borghese. Castro Pretorio: by Termini station, handy for transport but with few sights.