StCirq

Friends of mine want to rent an apartment in Borgo Pio. I can see where it is on a map and it seems to me that it's probably a fairly upscale area of town, but I can't say I've actually ever heard anyone talk about it; nor can I "imagine" what it looks like in my head, though I've spent a fair amount of time in Rome.

Anyone care to provide any details, good or bad?

Tx in advance.

bardo1

Same issue here - I've been to Rome 4x and always stay somewhere between the Pantheon and the river. I'm sure I've walked through the Borgo Pio area many times on route back "home" from the Vatican area but can't for the life of me remember anything about it!

It's convenient and a new neighborhood to get to know - that alone makes it seem like an OK option...

Good luck, there are a few residents here who hopefully will see this.

StCirq

<<I'm sure I've walked through the Borgo Pio area many times on route back "home" from the Vatican area but can't for the life of me remember anything about it!>>

Me too, bardo1. Funny it's never specifically referred to as Borgo Pio. You'd think after all these years on Fodors, and all those trips to Italy, something would register about it, but I'm drawing a blank.

susanna

One of my favorite restauants is in this area and when I'm done having a senior moment I'll post the name. It's a fun place , there are tons of boxing pictures, the food is just ok, but the place is a blast...and the name is....
That's the only time I ever go here, sorry I can't add more.

kybourbon

I'm sure you remember old Dr. Mauro Abate, so I'm in no way endorsing his website (I wouldn't rent from him), but he does have some neighborhood info. Most other areas of Rome he has more info for, but this has a few pics and info about some markets.

http://www.romanhomes.com/your_roman...orgo-prati.htm

kybourbon

You can also find things in the area by using the tourism website. Use the advanced search button on the right, select center of Rome for Zone and then Borgo Pio for district. When you click on some of the things on the list, you will get a map on the right (for most things). Click expand and the little pic of the camera. You can zoom in or out. You can also click and drag to move to other areas of the map.
http://www.060608.it/en/cultura-e-svago

If you hit the reset button, you can then look under the hospitality part to find restaurants. Again use advanced search for zone/district.

charnees

Borgo Pio is considered a nice area, but it is a bit far from the central sights that most tourists go to see. (It is a short bus ride into the center, though).

StCirq

Thanks, all.

I can see that it's a bit of a schlep on the map, but these folks may be the type that would prefer taxis to walking or taking public transportation anyway. I'll mention it to them, though.

annhig

IMHO areas like that can be good for a long-term visit or perhaps for someone who knows the city well, but otherwise there is a reason why tourists tend to stay in touristy areas of cities like Rome - they are just so much more convenient for everything that tourists want to see and do.

for me there would have to be a really good reason to stay out of the centre - although such places can look cheaper, by the time you've factored in the time and money spent going backwards and forwards, they can be a false economy.

sure I'm not saying anything that you haven't thought of, St. Cirq.

StCirq

I understand, annhig, but these are not folks looking to save any money, a "friend" has recommended a particular apartment, and they're there for 2 weeks. I will expose them to some other options; we'll see what they decide.