If you’re planning to visit the historical city of Rome, it can be overwhelming to decide where to stay. Rome is quite a large city with such a variety of neighborhoods. Since it's easiest to walk everywhere or use an Uber/taxi to get around, it's best to base yourself central to the city if you're looking where to stay in Rome for 3 days. Keep reading for all the best places to stay in Rome and the only guide you'll need for where to stay in Rome Italy.

If you’re planning to visit the historical city of Rome, it can be overwhelming to decide where to stay. Rome is a large city with many neighborhoods. Since it’s easiest to walk everywhere or use an Uber/Taxi to get around, it’s best to base yourself close to the city center. Depending on your budget, you can stay directly in Rome’s city center, or in my favorite neighborhood, a short walk away. Trastevere is where my husband and I love to stay because of its cobblestone streets, lush vegetation scaling the ancient building facades, and it has one of my favorite restaurants in the city! Keep reading for all my best recommendations for where to stay in Rome for 3 days and how to make the most of your short trip!

A Complete Guide on Where to Stay in Rome for 3 Days

What you Need to Know before Visiting Rome

What’s the best season to visit Rome?

The best season to visit Rome Italy, is in the spring and fall. Traveling during these shoulder seasons means fewer crowds and milder, tolerable temperatures. Keep in mind, September is viewed as an extension of summer and can also be very crowded. My husband and I traveled to Rome in mid-September, and it was still fairly crowded. October might be less crowded.

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Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Rome

There are four best areas to stay in Rome: Trastevere, Centro Storico, Monti, and Villa Borghese near the Spanish Steps. If you’re searching for where to stay in Rome for 3 days, all these neighborhoods are quite central and near Rome’s major tourist attractions and destinations. Because Rome is such a popular city to visit, it can be quite expensive. There is also a variation between 3, 4, and 5-star hotels, and they can vastly differ from each other. Keep reading for more details about all the best neighborhoods in Rome.

One of the best hotels in Rome is Hotel Campo de’ Fiori $$ because of its affordable price and central location. Feeling overwhelmed planning your trip to Rome? Contact me since I am a travel advisor and work with some of the best and most luxurious properties and networks around the world!

In this charming neighborhood of Trastevere you can find lush vegetation scaled the ancient building facades and cobblestone streets. The buildings that also line this street are usually beautiful colors of brown, orange, and yellow that is so classic of Roman architecture.

Where to Stay in Rome for 3 Days by Neighborhood

Trastevere: My #1 recommendation for staying in Rome

If you’re looking to stay in one of the best neighborhoods in Rome, and where to stay in Rome for 3 days, Trastevere is always a fan favorite and one of the best areas to stay in Rome. One of the most idyllic places to stay in Rome, this feels like such an authentic part of the city. With its cobblestone alleyways, luscious vegetation climbing traditional Roman facades, and some of the best restaurants in the city, it’s a no-brainer.

Here’s how to spend the perfect 3 days in Rome and how to make the most of the time you have!

Pros of staying in Trastevere

Trastevere is one of the most idyllic neighborhoods in Rome. If you’re looking for where to stay in Rome for 3 days, this would be a great location. You can experience the magic that Rome has to offer and eat to your heart’s content. It has some of the best restaurants in the city, including my favorite restaurant in Rome- Da Enzo. It also has a lively nightlife, with not only an assortment of restaurants but bars as well.

Cons of staying in Trastevere

Trastevere isn’t in central Rome but is around a half-hour walk away. It is quite far from the northern part of the city, near the Spanish Steps and Villa Borghese. It’s very easy to get an Uber in Rome, and we used the app a few times when we visited versus taking a bus. Since public transport doesn’t reach the ‘Centro Storico’ and central areas of Rome, it is best to walk or take a taxi or Uber.

Best Places to Stay in Trastevere

Luxury $$$$: Villa Agrippina

Mid $$-$$$: Donna Camilla Savelli • Unahotels • Ripagrande • Palazzo Baj • Hotel Ponte Sisto

Budget $: Hotel Santa Maria • Tree Charme

This is the Centro Storico area of Rome and specifically the Piazza della Rotonda where you can find the entrance to Rome's famous Pantheon! This main square is bustling with restaurants and bars and has a lovely fountain right in the middle.

Centro Storico: Near the Pantheon & Piazza Navona

Centro Storico is the most central area to stay in Rome. It is within a stone’s throw of the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and Monument to Vittorio Emanuele II, and is home to great museums and restaurants.

Pros of staying in Centro Storico

You can’t get much closer to central Rome than this location. You won’t be walking far to many of the best things to see and do in Rome.

Cons of staying in Centro Storico

Due to its central location and proximity, it’s usually crowded and quite noisy. If you’re a light sleeper, read the accomodations’ reviews before booking. It can also be quite expensive since it’s the most central location in Rome. If you’re traveling to Rome on a budget, it might be difficult to find accommodations in the Centro Storico.

Luxury $$$$: Singer Palace Hotel • Six Senses • Villa Spalletti Trivelli

Mid $$-$$$: Maalot Roma • Little Queen Pantheon • CitizenM • G-Rough Rome • Chapter Roma

Budget $: Rome as you Feel- Grotta Pinta apartments

Due to its location in Centro Storico and reasonable price, Hotel Campo de’ Fiori $$ is one of the best places to stay in Rome.

This is one of the best views of the Roman Colosseum, you can find it at Giardinetto del Monte Oppio. This will give you an elevated view of the back of the Colosseum with foliage in the foreground making it a lovely photo spot. If you stay in the Centro Storico area of Rome you'll be only a twenty minute walk from here. Whether you're spending 3 days in Rome Italy or even longer like 5 days in Rome, you have to add this to your itinerary!

Monti: Near the Colosseum

Many beautiful hotels you’ll find with views of the Colosseum are located in Monti. Some of these accommodations are even steps away from Rome’s Colosseum! Keep reading for some of the pros and cons of staying in this area. If you’re looking for where to stay in Rome for 3 days and want to spend an entire day at the Colosseum, this location may be good for you.

You can’t leave Rome without seeing the Colosseum. Here’s everything you need to know on how to visit Rome’s Colosseum!

Pros of staying in Monti

Monti is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Rome for of its hipster vibe and up-and-coming neighborhoods. Not only can you find hotel rooms with views of the Colosseum, but plenty of trendy restaurants and bars. It’s also very close to the Termini train station.

Cons of staying in Monti

Due to its central location, it can be expensive and quite crowded with tourists.

Luxury $$$$: Palazzo Manfredi • Palazzo Shedir

Mid $$-$$$: Salotto Monti • Hotel Capo d Africa • DoubleTree • The Fifteen Keys • Sentho Roma

Budget $: Hotel Ramano

Here are the famous Spanish Steps that descend from the white washed Trinita dei Monti church and end in the busy Piazza di Spagna. These steps are quite steep surrounded by Roman classic facades on either side. You will also find many tourists on these steps taking photos or in the piazza. The Steps are located in the area of Rome called Villa Borghese, which is where you can find all the most luxurious hotels in Rome.

Villa Borghese & Spanish Steps

Rome is such a beautiful city, but one of my favorite strolls in the city can be found in this area is Via Margutta. This is one of the more upscale areas in Rome, and you’ll find plenty of luxury hotels here.

Pros of staying in Villa Borghese

You’ll find some of the best and most beautiful hotels in Rome’s Villa Borghese. You can even stay in a hotel resembling some rooms of the Vatican, keep reading for its location!

Cons of staying in Villa Borghese

Many of these accommodations are quite luxurious and more upscale.

Luxury $$$$: Rocco Forto Hotel De Russie • Rocco Forte Hotel De La Ville • Palazzo Ripetta • The Rome Edition • Palazzo Shedir

Mid $$-$$$: Sofitel Roma • The First Musica • Hotel Locarno

Budget $: Stay Inn Via Del Corso

After doing quite a bit of research for this post, Palazzo Shedir is one of the most beautiful places to stay in Rome. It’s simply stunning, and if you’re looking for luxury when finding where to stay in Rome for 3 days, I recommend splurging on this hotel! If you want to VIP yourself for this booking, contact me since I am a travel advisor and work with some of the best and most luxurious properties and networks around the world!

If you're staying in Rome for your first time, I recommend staying in this beautiful neighborhood called Trastevere. You can see that this area has plenty of cobblestone streets and narrow streets that open up into beautiful piazzas or churches. You'll often find mopeds parked along the ancient facades and luscious vegetation scaling and climbing these Roman buildings.

Where to Stay in Rome for First Timers

If it’s your first time in Rome and you’re looking for where to stay in Rome for 3 days, I would recommend staying in a central area if you’re not up for walking. If you don’t mind being a bit further away from the crowds and in a more authentic area of the city, Trastevere is one of the best places to stay in Rome.

Is 3 days enough time in Rome?

3 days in Rome is enough time to see the famous historical points of interest in the city including the Colosseum and Vatican; and also enough time to enjoy the most delicious Roman cuisine, and wander the ancient neighborhoods. You can also then continue on to your next destination as Rome is popular base to explore Italy from.

My husband and I spent 5 days in Rome a few years ago, and to be honest, it was quite chaotic as our days were jam-packed. That being said I think we saw most of the city since we planned the best Rome itinerary, but it is a big city and crowded most times of the year!

This is the beautiful neighborhood of Trastevere with this narrow street lined with cobblestone and surrounded on either side by four story buildings with a Roman color red/orange hue, brown shutters, and foliage cascading down the side. It is one of the best areas to stay in Rome for 3 days.

Best Area to Stay in Rome for Sightseeing

Centro Storico is the best area to stay in Rome for sightseeing because of its close proximity to all of Rome’s historical sights. These historical sights include the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, Pantheon, and Monument to Vittorio Emanuele II which offers incredible views of Rome. This neighborhood also has incredible restaurants, and my favorite hidden gem the Galleria Doria Pamphilj and another gem most tourists don’t know about Giardini di Palazzo Venezia!

What areas to avoid when staying in Rome?

Areas in Rome to avoid would be any area outside the four best areas in Rome, Trastevere, Centro Storico, Monti, and Villa Borghese. Petty crime including pickpocketing is prevalent in these areas, but they are all still relatively safe for tourists. If you’re interested in learning how to avoid being pickpocketed in Rome, here’s my Rome itinerary that includes how to avoid being pickpocketed.

Where to Stay in Rome on a Budget

If you’re looking for the best places to stay in Rome and where to stay in Rome on a budget, look north towards the Villa Borghese and Spanish Steps in Ludovisi. You can also look at the outskirts of Trastevere, or book accommodations months in advance. Sometimes, when booking hotels far in advance, you’ll find a better rate than booking close to the dates you are traveling. You can also try your luck on Airbnb (but keep an eye out for any changing regulations). 

3 Days in Rome with Family

The best area to stay for 3 days in Rome with a family is Centro Storico. As I mentioned before, you won’t be too far of a walk from all the best things to do in Rome, as walking is the best way to get around Rome. It may be difficult to get an Uber or Taxi for a family, especially a large family, and staying here, you’ll be able to walk to all the sights you want to see. That being said, if you need to book multiple rooms or are trying to stay on a budget, I would recommend booking your trip at least 6 months in advance for better deals and to find accommodations that could accommodate your family.

Here are a few other posts you may enjoy:

3 Days in Rome Italy: The ONLY itinerary you need!

3 Days in Venice Italy: The ONLY itinerary you need

Paris in Three Days Itinerary: The ONLY one you’ll need!

3 Day Madrid Itinerary: A Complete Guide for First Timers

Barcelona Itinerary: The only Comprehensive Guide you’ll need!

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If you’re planning to visit the historical city of Rome, it can be overwhelming to decide where to stay. Rome is quite a large city with such a variety of neighborhoods. Since it's easiest to walk everywhere or use an Uber/taxi to get around, it's best to base yourself central to the city if you're looking where to stay in Rome for 3 days. Keep reading for all the best places to stay in Rome and the only guide you'll need for where to stay in Rome Italy.

Hey all! My name is Melissa, but everyone calls me Meliss. I’m originally from the States, and my husband and I moved to London from Boston at the end of 2022. I share my love of Boston and New England here, but living in London has also allowed us to see more of the world especially Europe, which I also love to share as well! Not only am I a blogger but travel advisor, so please contact me if you want help planning your next trip!

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