Which area in or near the city of Rome would be closest to most of the major attractions?

Hi Alex, Staying in what's called in the "Historic Center" would put you in closest contact with "major attractions".

I'll suggest these areas: Piazza Navona, Campo Dei Fiori, Pantheon, Trevi and Spanish Steps.

Areas just outside the center and in my opinion pretty close are the Trastevere and the Prati, going further out is the area by the termini.

Hope this helps.

thank you ecat.

Sure thing Alex - take care

Conservatively speaking, if you consider the Vatican, Piazza di Popolo, Villa Borghese, Santa Maria Maggiore, the Baths of Caracalla, and Trastevere "major" attractions, then anything within a one mile radius of Piazza Venezia will put you in the center. All of Eileen's area suggestions will work.