The 9 best neighborhoods in Rome

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A heady mix of haunting ruins, awe-inspiring art and vibrant street life, Italy’s hot-blooded capital is one of the...

Villa BorgheseAlthough less packed with traditional sights than elsewhere, this large swath of northern Rome is rich in interest. The obvious starting point is Villa Borghese, an attractive park counting the city's zoo, its largest modern-art gallery, and a stunning Etruscan museum among its myriad attractions. But its great scene-stealing highlight is the Museo e Galleria Borghese, one of Rome’s top art museums.

Vatican CityThe Vatican, the world’s smallest sovereign state, sits over the river from Rome's historic center. Radiating out from the domed grandeur of St Peter’s Basilica, it boasts some of Italy’s most revered artworks, many housed in the vast Vatican Museums (home of the Sistine Chapel), as well as batteries of overpriced restaurants and souvenir shops.

Quirinal HillHome to multiple art galleries and an array of eateries that vary wildly in type and quality.

Janiculum HillEndlessly photogenic and largely car-free, its labyrinth of backstreet lanes heaves after dark as crowds swarm to its foodie and fashionable restaurants, cafes and bars. Rising behind all this, Gianicolo Hill offers a breath of fresh air and superb views of Rome, which is laid out at your feet.

TrastevereWith its old-world cobbled lanes, ochre palazzi, ivy-clad facades and boho vibe, ever-trendy Trastevere is one of Rome’s most vivacious and Roman neighborhoods – its very name, “across the Tiber” evokes both its geographical location and sense of difference.

Monte TestaccioEncompassing two of Rome's seven hills, this sweeping, multifaceted area offers everything from dramatic basilicas and medieval churches to ancient ruins, colorful markets and popular clubs. The district can easily be divided into two separate patches: San Giovanni and the Celio, and Aventino and Testaccio. A day in each is more than enough to cover the main sights.

MontiCentered on transport hub Stazione Termini, this is a large and cosmopolitan area that, upon first glance, can seem busy and overwhelming. But hidden among its traffic-noisy streets are some beautiful churches, Rome’s best unsung art museum at Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, and any number of trendy bars and restaurants in the fashionable Monti, student-loved San Lorenzo and bohemian Pigneto districts.

Centro StoricoA tightly-packed tangle of cobbled alleyways, Renaissance palaces, ancient ruins and baroque piazzas, the historic center is the Rome many come to see. Its theatrical streets teem with boutiques, cafes, trattorias and stylish bars, while market traders and street artists work its vibrant squares

ColosseumIn a city of extraordinary beauty, Rome’s ancient heart stands out. Located to the south of the city center, this area contains the great ruins of the ancient city, all within easy walking-distance of each other. They start to get crowded mid-morning and throng with tourists until mid-to late afternoon, although in peak season they can be busy all day.