A Rome area guide: where to book your Bed and Breakfast

Rome in recent years has become a much more hospitable place to visit in terms of the quality of where to stay. So much so B&B and apartment rentals are now considered a popular - and often preferred - alternative to traditional hotels, too. The list of places to visit in Rome can seem quite daunting and can leave some holiday-makers none-the-wiser when choosing where to book. That’s where the team at Bed & Breakfast Association of Rome come in, who are experts in helping you find the perfect home-away-from-home during your trip to Rome. For those unfamiliar with the city, it may seem an obvious choice to look for a B&B in one of the more popular, and touristy, areas such as Campo de 'Fiori, the Vatican or Trastevere, all of which undoubtedly hold a great appeal, immersed in the beautiful vestiges of the past. But Rome, in its 1285km2 entirety, offers so many other options and neighbourhoods to explore, not too far from the centre. Plus, you might even some money along the way! Not far from Termini Station is the ancient Monti district: only a short walk from some of the most famous Roman attractions like the Coliseum and the Roman Forum. This historic district with its winding, narrow streets offers countless food shops, small boutiques and restaurants to be discovered. One of the main streets, Via dei Serpenti, ends in a beautiful Renaissance square (Piazza Madonna dei Monti) one of the most popular places for an aperitif. Despite its central location, Monti has managed to remain true to its origins and its particular charm has attracted both film makers and actors, who have made this part of Rome their home. If you choose an accommodation in this area, you may bump into the former President of the Republic, Giorgio Napolitano, who lives just around the corner - so keep your eyes peeled! Another area that holds a strong appeal is San Lorenzo, preferred by young people for its proximity to the university. San Lorenzo has become an extremely popular area thanks to its unpretentious atmosphere (here everyone knows everyone and greets each other in the street!) with a very active nightlife. San Lorenzo is also a great place if you are into vintage, handicraft and art galleries, as well as independent eateries and delicatessens like SAID, Tram Tram and Pastificio Cerere. Plus it’s home to some of the cheapest pizzerias in Rome. On a cultural note, you can see the ancient Roman walls between San Lorenzo and Termini station, too. Across town, the Ostiense and Testaccio districts are foodie-havens and are separated by the Pyramid of Caius Cestius and the picturesque Non-Catholic Cemetery but united by a vibrant nightlife and high quality dining options. The Ostiense district is surrounded by colorful murals decorated by world famous street artists. Testaccio is a slightly more traditional neighbourhood, home to local-themed restaurants, where you’ll find offals frequently on the menu - a memory from when Testaccio was home to the city’s slaughterhouse, now the contemporary art gallery, Macro. In this district you’ll also find the best “Cacio e Pepe”, pasta with cheese and pepper as well as one of the best organic food markets in Rome. Rome is home to such diverse neighbourhoods, each unique in their own way, so if you choose to stay in one of these more local areas during your holiday in the eternal city you’ll be guaranteed a true Roman experience.