Piazza Navona, Campo de' Fiori and the Pantheon (historic centre)
Most of our Rome apartments are in or close to the historic centre. Piazza Navona, the Pantheon and the Campo de' Fiori morning market are a few minutes apart on foot, and the Trevi Fountain and the Forum are around 15 to 20 minutes' walk. There is no metro in this part of town, so you walk or take buses. Fiumicino is 45 minutes to an hour by taxi, traffic allowing.
Best for: First-timers who want to walk to most of the big sights
Not for you if: You need a lift or a quiet night: many buildings are old walk-ups and the squares are noisy late.
Vatican and Prati
Prati is a 19th-century grid of wide streets just north of the Vatican, with more ordinary shops and neighbourhood restaurants than Rome's old centre. Via Cola di Rienzo is the main shopping street, and Ottaviano and Lepanto metro stations on line A get you to the Spanish Steps and Termini quickly. St Peter's is a short walk. Book the Vatican Museums ahead, especially from Easter to October.
Best for: Early starts at St Peter's and the Vatican Museums
Not for you if: You want to be among the ancient sights: the Colosseum is a metro ride or a long walk away.
Spanish Steps and Via del Corso
Between the Spanish Steps and Piazza del Popolo, the straight streets of Rome's Tridente hold the designer shops of Via Condotti and the long shopping street of Via del Corso. The Villa Borghese park and the Borghese Gallery, which needs a timed ticket, are up the hill. Spagna station on metro line A is at the foot of the Steps. Choice here is small, so book early.
Best for: Shoppers and couples who want a smart central address
Not for you if: You want a local feel: the streets around Via Condotti are given over to designer shops and visitors.
Trastevere
Across the Tiber from central Rome, Trastevere is a tangle of ivy-covered lanes around the church of Santa Maria in Trastevere, with its gold mosaics. It fills with diners and students in the evening. Trams run to Largo Argentina, and Roma Trastevere station has direct trains from Fiumicino. The Gianicolo hill above has one of the best views over the city. Choice of apartments is limited.
Best for: Evenings out, cobbled lanes and trattorias across the river
Not for you if: You are a light sleeper: bars and restaurants stay busy until late, especially at weekends.
Colosseum and Monti
Ancient Rome is concentrated here: the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Palatine, all covered by one combined ticket. Monti, just north, is an old working district of small boutiques, wine bars and the church of Santa Maria Maggiore. Colosseo and Cavour stations on metro line B link to Termini in a few minutes, which helps for the Leonardo Express to Fiumicino.
Best for: The Colosseum and Forum on the doorstep, with a lived-in district next door
Not for you if: You want plenty of choice: we have very few apartments in this part of the city.
Aurelio, Primavalle and Casalotti (west Rome)
These are residential districts west of the Vatican, where apartments tend to be larger and parking is easier. Aurelio has Cornelia and Baldo degli Ubaldi stations on metro line A, and Battistini, the end of the line, serves Primavalle, with St Peter's around 15 to 20 minutes away. Casalotti is further out and better with a car. Fiumicino is around 30 to 40 minutes by car.
Best for: Families and longer stays that want more space at lower cost
Not for you if: You want to step out into the old city: from Casalotti in particular it is a bus ride of 45 minutes or more.
