petlover

We're looking at various locations to stay in Rome for one week. Some options seem to be Trastvere, Spanish Steps, Via Veneto, Piazza Navona. There's a weekly apartment available in Trastevere area but we're not all familiar with this area.

Is it a nice, SAFE, walkable location for shops and restaurants? The price is less than some of the other areas which concerns me a bit (we're looking at 4 star type places).

If not, what area would you recommend as a good central location. Thanks!

hunnym

There will probably be lots of differing opinions on this, but Trastevere was not my favorite Roman neighborhood. It was lively, yes, but a little grittier than other parts of Rome.

I'm much more partial to the Via Veneto area. In my opinion, it's more upscale than Trastevere.

I don't think safety is an issue in any of the neighborhoods you list; I think the difference is more in aesthetics and "feel."

Eloise

My vote for most central location goes to the area around Piazza Navona. Even the Vatican (at one end) and the Forum/Colosseum (at the other) are walkable; there are also busses.

The area is very safe, full of cafes and restaurants.

Personally, I find Spanish Steps and Via Veneto stuffy and not very Roman. It's fine for high-end shopping, but that's about it, in my opinion.

Barb

Personally, I love it. I stayed in an apartment there last fall and again in March. It's like returning to a real Italian neighborhood every evening after a day of sightseeing. It may be a little grittier than some areas, but for me, that's what gave it the charm. That's what I come to Italy for, an authentic experience. It's safe, and within walking distance to everything, but I like to walk.

I'm staying in the Campo dei Fiori area in September, but only because I could not find a place for six of us in Trastevere that was in our budget. We are staying in three apts in the same building = three bathrooms!!

Intrepid1

I personally think that the Via Veneto is just as "Roman" as any other part of the city since it is IN Rome...but Trastevere is not as upscale...a recent trip report referred to it as "scuzzy."

I've had some great meals in Trastevere and it usually isn't as tourist-clogged as the Navona area or the Spanish Steps.
It is not necessarily an area that would be featured in movie scenes crammed with Trevi fountains and forums.

You'll get plenty of opinions... a lot probably depends on what is most important to you....from what you've said so far you may be more comfortable in a more well-trodden part of the city.

mermaid_

Petlover, will you tell us what property you are looking at in Trastavere? As mentioned, there are nice parts of that neighborhood, and others that aren't. My husband and I stayed there and loved it but we were on the north side of the main street, Viale Trastavere, not far from the church. We had a marvelous time--great restaurants, lively atmosphere, not overrun with tourists, etc. Yes, it is safe and we didn't think it was inconvenient to walk over the bridge to the other side. It didn't take any time at all to get to Campo di Fiori or Piazza Navona by foot or bus. I don't know if I'd want to stay in the southern edge of Trastavere, though. We thought it a bit forlorn looking.

Leely

I'm with Barb--I love it in Trastevere. I don't find it scuzzy, and prefer it to Campo de Fiori, where I've stayed 2 times.

But why don't you tell us the exact location of the apartment? There are parts of Trastevere that are, I guess, less desirable than others, not in terms of safety but in terms of ambience.

petlover

Thanks, I'm still looking. How is the Campo di Fiori area?? (I also see availability there)

Eloise

Again, it depends on the exact location.
The Campo de Fiori market in the mornings is terrific, but in the evening, the Campo tends to be taken over by young and sometimes rowdy Romans and tourists.

Barb

As I said, I'm staying in the Campo dei Fiori area in Sept. It's very central, very lively with lots of shops and places to eat, but there are a lot more tourists/people there and I know it can be loud at night. I did not find the same crowds in Trastevere. I've stayed in an apt. on Via della Luce and one right on the Piazza Santa Maria, both areas were great. I walked all over Trastevere and I would never describe it as scuzzy, but that's my personal opinion. It just seems more relaxed and more like a "neighborhood" to me. I would just feel my body and mind relax as I walked over the bridge to Trastevere. I was there for 9 days and I got to know shop owners, waiters, the guy at the local bakery, I just loved it. But, if upscale is what you are looking for, this might not be the place for you.

bardo1

Regarding the Campo dei Fiori area:

It is much central than Trastevere. While the square itself can be busy at night, the surrounding small side streets are often very quiet. It's also a gorgeous area - with some Michelangelo designed buildings and other 15th and 16th century gems sprinkled throughout.

petlover

This is the website to one of the apartments in Trastevere (there's a map showing the exact location if you scroll down). Maybe too far South?? We don't want a seedy neighborhood. Thanks to all of you!
http://www.accomodationsrome.com/apa...ail.asp?ID=443

Eloise

I would perhaps not go so far as to call it seedy, but I would definitely prefer something on the other side of Viale Trastevere and closer to the Ponte Sisto.

Most shops and restaurants are on the other side of Viale Trstevere.

Being at Ponte Garibaldi also puts you further away from the main points of interest on the other side of the Tiber.

Leely

I looked at the map. It's not horrible (at all), but it doesn't sound like what you're looking for in terms of location. I would try to be closer to Santa Maria in Trastevere if you do decide on that side of the river.

I think someone who posts here frequently (tedgale, I believe) stayed at an apartment by Piazza Navona on Piazza San Salvatore in Lauro (someone help me with the name). I happened to enjoy a drink in that piazza a few weeks ago and it struck me as both very central and peaceful, even *upscale.*

In terms of Campo dei Fiori, there is one street, I want to say it's via dei Giubbonari, running south-ish from the Campo that I would say is a bit tacky.

And I'm not picky. What other apartments are you considering?

Eloise

I recently saw a post that said that the owner was selling the Piazza San Salvatore in Lauro apartment and that it was no longer available.

Leely

Eloise, that's too bad. I was really thinking it was an area even my mom would find "acceptable." Rome seems to be a block-by-block kind of town, if you're the choosy sort. I noticed those kinds of thing much more on my most recent trip--a function, I think, of reading disappointed posts here on Fodors.

Eloise

Leely: I agree with you 100% on the "block by block" thing in Rome; it makes it a bit difficult to advise people.

Marci_77

I just returned from my first visit to Rome. In my experience, I would not recommend staying in Trastevere on your first visit. Assuming that you want to do many of the typical tourist things I think that location puts you too far away to be really convenient.
I stayed in the Campo di Fiori area and really enjoyed it. We walked nearly everwhere and felt safe at night. Additionally we enjoyed sitting in the piazza at night watching the young crowd etc.

Barb

Trastevere is about a 5-7 min. walk across a bridge from Campo dei Fiori. Don't get me wrong, I love the Campo, P. Navona, Pantheon, areas, but come on people, Trastevere is within walking distance to everything and probably closer to some things. But, hey, don't stay there - more rooms for those who love it.

petlover

There are numerous short term apartment rental websites that I've been reviewing...it's mind boggling! An area that sounds nice is near the Spanish Steps and Palazzp Spagna....but none of you have recommended it. Am I missing something...maybe it's not that great or is it too much walking up hill to get home? Thanks!