Wondering where to Stay in Rome for 3 days? In this post, I will help you to find the best areas to stay in Rome for 3 days and best places to stay for your visit.
If you have three days in Rome, you can have a good introduction to Rome. You will be able to see iconic sites like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Vatican City, Spanish Steps, and explore neighborhoods like Trastevere.
To optimize your time, I recommend booking a hotel in the central areas and planning your itinerary carefully. Consider pre-booking skip-the-line tickets for popular attractions and taking advantage of guided tours to gain insights and skip queues.
Where to Stay in Rome for 3 days?
The best areas to stay in Rome for 3 days are Centro Storico, Trastevere, Spagna, Monti, Esquilino, and Prati. These are central neighborhoods with excellent connections to public transportations, making it a great base to explore the city in 3 days.
These areas also offer a wide range of accommodation options, ranging from budget backpacker hostels, to B&Bs, guesthouses, and luxury boutique hotels.
Below is a map of the popular areas in Rome for three days. You can scroll down to view the live map:
6 Best areas to Stay in Rome for 3 days are:
1. Centro Storico
Centro Storico is the historic heart of the city, and is located on the east bank of the River Tiber. It is the best overall area to stay in Rome for three days due to its close proximity to major attractions, as well as many choices in accommodations, restaurants, bars, and shops.
Staying here allows you to explore all important landmarks on foot. The Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Campo de’ Fiori, Trevi Fountain, Piazza di Spagna, the Colosseum, and Roman Forum are all located within walking distance of each other.
Additionally, Centro Storico is well-connected to public transportation with trams, buses, and metros. Roma Termini, the transport hub of the city, is only a short distance away, providing direct access to the Fiumicino Airport via Leonardo Express train, and other parts of the city.
The historic center has a rich history and culture and is packed with ancient ruins, stunning architecture, charming narrow streets, and beautiful piazzas. You’ll have the opportunity to experience the city’s vibrant atmosphere and feel its centuries-old heritage.
The Centro Storico is home to excellent restaurants, trattorias, and gelaterias where you can try authentic Italian cuisine. There are plenty of boutique shops, artisanal stores, and local markets where you can find unique souvenirs and traditional products.
The Centro Storico has a vibrant nightlife scene with a variety of bars, clubs, and wine bars where you can enjoy a drink and soak up the energetic atmosphere.
Due to its central location and popularity, it can be crowded and noisy. Accommodations, dining, and shopping options can be more expensive compared to other areas in Rome. It’s important to consider your budget when planning your stay.
Overall, despite a few drawbacks, the Centro Storico remains an excellent choice for a three-day stay in Rome. Its central location, historical significance, and abundance of attractions make it an ideal base for exploring the city and immersing yourself in its vibrant culture.
Best places to stay in Rome Centro Storico for 3 days:
- Luxury: The Pantheon Iconic Rome Hotel, Autograph Collection
- Mid-range: Eitch Borromini Palazzo Pamphilj
- Budget: Navona Theatre Hotel
2. Trastevere
Trastevere is a charming neighborhood situated on the west side of the Tiber River, south of Vatican City. It has a central location, authentic local atmosphere, vibrant nightlife, and excellent food scene, making it an ideal base in Rome for 3 days;.
Trastevere is within walking distance of many of Rome’s major attractions, including the Pantheon, Campo de’ Fiori, and Piazza Navona. It is also well-connected to public transportation by trams and buses, making it easy to explore other parts of the city.
Trastevere has managed to maintain its traditional Roman character, with its narrow cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and beautiful piazzas. It offers a more authentic experience compared to the more touristy areas of the city center.
Take a stroll along its narrow streets, you can find artisan shops, boutiques, and art galleries. You can experience daily local life at Porta Portese flea market selling vintage clothes and unique souvenirs.
The area is famous for its excellent dining options, ranging from traditional Roman trattorias to trendy cafés and gelaterias. You can enjoy delicious Italian cuisine and experience the local food culture.
Trastevere comes alive at night, with its many bars, pubs, and clubs offering a lively and energetic atmosphere. The neighborhood is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to enjoy drinks, live music, and socialize.
In addition to the attractions in the historic center, Trastevere itself has numerous tourist attractions to explore. Piazza di Santa Maria, for example, is a lively square in the heart of the area, filled with outdoor cafes and live music.
There are numerous churches to admire such as the 4th century Basilica of Santa Maria, the Basilica di Santa Cecilia in Trastevere, and the Basilica of St Chrysogonus with its beautiful architecture style.
You can climb up to the top of Gianicolo Hill and enjoy beautiful views over the river and the city; or visit Isola Tiberina (Tiber Island) by walking across the Ponte Cestio to enjoy its relaxing atmosphere.
Trastevere has a wide range of accommodation options including B&Bs, apartments, guest houses, and typical hotels. Accommodations and dining here are often cheaper than Rome’s historic center.
Overall, Trastevere is a great base for your 3 days in Rome if you prefer local character, vibrant nightlife, budget-friendly accommodations, and proximity to major attractions.
Best places to stay in Rome in Trastevere for 3 days:
- Luxury: Villa Agrippina Gran Meliá
- Mid-range: Giselda Home
- Budget: Sonnino Suite
3. Piazza di Spagna
Staying in the area around Piazza di Spagna, also known as the Spanish Steps, can be a convenient choice for exploring Rome for 3 days, as it is a very safe neighborhood and many attractions are within walking distance or a short train away.
You’ll have easy access to sites such as the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, Villa Borghese, Vatican City, and the Colosseum.
Additionally, Piazza di Spagna is well-connected by public transportation, including Spagna metro station, making it a great base to explore other parts of the city.
The area around Piazza di Spagna is known for its upscale shopping and dining options. Via dei Condotti, one of Rome’s most famous shopping streets, is just steps away from the Spanish Steps. You’ll find luxury brands, boutiques, and excellent restaurants in this area.
Piazza di Spagna and its iconic Spanish Steps are not only beautiful but also offer a romantic ambiance. It’s a popular spot for couples, and you can enjoy the scenic views, sit on the steps, and soak in the atmosphere.
While Piazza di Spagna is a great area to stay, keep in mind that it can be quite busy, especially during peak tourist season. It’s essential to book accommodations in advance and be prepared for crowds.
The prime location and popularity of Piazza di Spagna can also mean higher prices for accommodations, dining, and shopping. So, consider your budget when planning your stay.
Best places to stay in Rome in Piazza di Spagna for 3 days:
- Luxury: Hotel Splendide Royal
- Mid-range: Elysium Suites collection
- Budget: Hotel Modigliani
4. Monti
Monti is considered one of the best areas to stay in Rome, especially for a short visit of three days. It is a vibrant neighborhood located in the heart of the city, adjacent to the Roman Forum and within walking distance of major attractions such as the Colosseum, Piazza Venezia, and the Trevi Fountain.
Monti is known for its charming cobblestone streets, picturesque squares, and a lively nightlife with a mix of trendy boutiques, artisan shops, and traditional trattorias.
The area offers a blend of historic and contemporary vibes, making it popular among locals and tourists alike.
By staying in Monti, you’ll have easy access to various restaurants, cafes, bars, and gelaterias, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local culinary scene.
Additionally, the neighborhood is well-connected to public transportation, making it convenient to explore other parts of Rome. It is located within walking distance from Roma Termini, transport hub of the city, making it a great location to explore the city.
While Monti offers a central location and an authentic Roman experience, it’s important to note that Rome is a city with numerous appealing neighborhoods. Depending on your preferences and interests, other areas like Trastevere, Navona, or the Spanish Steps could also be great options.
Best places to stay in Rome in Monti for 3 days:
- Luxury: Hotel Palazzo Manfredi
- Mid-range: DRS- Roman’s Ruins Colosseum
- Budget: Hotel Centro Cavour Roma
5. Prati
Prati is an upscale district located in the northern part of Rome, close to the Vatican City. It is a popular area among visitors due to its central location and proximity to major attractions.
Staying here allows you to be located within easy access to the Vatican City, St. Peter’s Square, the Vatican Museums, and Castel Sant’Angelo.
Additionally, Prati is well-connected by public transportation, including buses and metro lines. This makes it convenient for exploring other parts of Rome during your stay.
Prati is a residential and commercial area, so you’ll find a wide range of shops, restaurants, cafes, and services. It has a more modern and less crowded feel compared to the historic center, which some visitors may prefer.
Prati is famous for its excellent shopping and dining options. The main street, Via Cola di Rienzo, is lined with numerous boutiques, department stores, offering a wide range of shopping opportunities
Prati is generally considered a safe neighborhood, and it tends to be quieter in the evenings compared to the more touristy areas in the center of Rome.
Best places to stay in Rome in Prati for 3 days:
- Luxury: The First Musica
- Mid-range: SM Vatican Relais B&B
- Budget: Ara Pacis Inn
6. Esquilino
Esquilino is one of the best areas in Rome for 3 days and on a budget. It is adjacent to Termini Station, Rome’s main transportation hub, making it a convenient base to explore the city by buses, metro lines, and trains.
Esquilino has a multicultural atmosphere and a diverse community. The area is home to a large immigrant population, resulting in a vibrant mix of cultures, cuisines, and shops.
The Mercato Centrale Roma is a great place to experience a wide variety of Italian and international foods. Additionally, the Mercato Esquilino near Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II also offers a diverse range of food products.
Esquilino provides a taste of authentic Roman life away from the heavily touristy areas. You can find local trattorias, cozy cafes, and neighborhood shops frequented by residents. It offers a more laid-back and authentic experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local culture.
Esquilino is close to the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano (Basilica of St. John Lateran), and Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II.
Esquilino tends to offer more affordable accommodation options compared to some other popular areas in Rome. There are numerous hotels, guesthouses, and hostels for various budgets.
Overall, Esquilino is a good choice if you’re looking for relatively budget-friendly places to stay while still being close to the city center.
Best places to stay in Rome in Termini Central Station:
- Luxury: NH Collection Palazzo Cinquecento
- Mid-range: Archi di Roma Guest House
- Budget: Hotel Marisa
See more:
- Where to stay in Rome first time
- Where to Stay in Rome on a budget
- Where to Stay in Rome for couples
- Where to Stay in Rome with Family
- How many days in Rome is enough?
- Where to stay in Rome without a car
In conclusion, Centro Storico, Trastevere, Spagna, Monti, Esquilino, and Prati are the best places to stay in Rome for 3 days. Centro Storico is perfect for first-time visitors, Trastevere offers an authentic Roman vibe with a vibrant nightlife, Spagna is ideal for luxury shopping and upscale dining.
Monti is great for bohemian charm near the Colosseum, Esquilino provides a multicultural experience with budget-friendly options, and Prati is suitable for those seeking a quiet area near Vatican City.
Choose the area that aligns with your interests and preferences to make the most of your Roman adventure.