We'll be staying a week in Rome at the end of a 2 month trip to Europe (our first). I've found several nice airbnbs, reasonably priced, in both neighborhoods (probably the nicest one in Prati). We think we'll be dividing our sightseeing time pretty equally between the Vatican and ancient Rome. We do need quiet to sleep. Besides seeing the sights, we want to eat a lot of good Italian food! Prati appeals for being a little quieter and near the Vatican but Monti appeals for being more characteristically Roman and near ancient Rome sights. Both seem very convenient to transportation.
Would love to hear all your opinions on the pros and cons of each and your experiences. Thanks, Stacey
Posted by
seattle
2147 posts
I vote for Monti. It feels more characteristically Roman to me.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
I find Monti more interesting. You can find quiet places in Monti if you read reviews carefully. Confirm noise-proofing for all windows and make sure that bedroom windows do NOT open out onto the street. And take earplugs, just in case. Feel free to post links to the airbnb units you've found, if you want some more specific suggestions/comments.
Happy travels.
Posted by
Boston, MA
1829 posts
I prefer the even more characteristically ancient Roman feeling area north of Monti personally (Pantheon, Navona / Trevi areas ; less major roads and traffic in this area) but of the 2 options would definitely opt for Monti.
I felt the area near the Vatican is good for visiting the Vatican of course but did not have much appeal to me as a place to be based out of. Walks to everything else would be far.
Posted by
123 posts
Monti, for sure. I agree with all the other feedback supporting Monti. I picked an apartment rental for my first trip to Monti precisely because most of my sightseeing was aimed toward Ancient Rome (Colosseum, Forum, train to Ostia Antica, Baths of Caracalla, etc.). Being based in Monti made walking access to these sites very handy. Then, the day I toured the Vatican Museums, I just got an Uber to get to the VM, then after that tour, enjoyed lunch in Prati, then toured the Ara Pacis before moseying my way across Centro Storico back to my lodging.
Plus, Monti has THE BEST Fatamorgana shop where you can chill out with the locals all enjoying gelato together. So fun.
The noise factor for Monti... Yes, that is a factor to consider. My apartment rental was advertised as a quiet oasis in the noisy city. Not quite. The apartment was on the outside wall adjacent to one of the major staircase connections in Monti, with a restaurant playing live music on some evenings. Since it was my first trip to Rome, how could I have known? Aside from that live music, though, the apartment was ideally located.
Agreed with Michael... If you provide the Airbnb rental links, we can give you observations on potential noise levels.
Posted by
1064 posts
Monti certainly has more “windy back lane character” than Prati. Prati has a more workaday feel, with broadcstreets and traffic lights. However, I enjoyed Prati and felt like it had some advantages. It has a good mix of restaurants and nightlife without being chaotic and noisy. There’s plenty of great places to eat. My Airbnb host recommended several terrific ones nearby, one was so good I immediately made reservations for dinner the following night! Also, I did not check it out, but Prati is home to Rome’s largest indoor market.
Sightseeing-wise, you’re well situated to take on the daunting task of the Vatican Museums. The metro connection is quick and easy, connecting you to the Forum, Spanish Steps, Piazza de Popolo, etc. if you plan on getting the Roma Pass this is super convenient.
Posted by
OP
11 posts
Thanks for the replies!
Here are the links for the airbnbs we are considering in Monti:
The last 2 are closer to the train station so maybe less desirable neighborhood?
Thanks, Stacey
Posted by
123 posts
You found some outstanding options, Stacey! I recommend the 3rd or 2nd rentals. Reviews in rental postings can be sometimes hard to get a gauge, but I was seriously impressed with the gentleman who wrote about his month-long stay at the 3rd spot (Luca’s apartment). That review alone should help you in gauging the quality of lodging, neighborhood and experience.
The 2nd place is not actually in Monti but is equally centrally locates. Plus, you’d be close to Giardino degli Aranci at the 2nd place, and I loved experiencing that park for the first time back in February.
You can’t go wrong with any of the choices, and hopefully fellow forum feedback helps! Happy planning!
Posted by
OP
11 posts
Thanks Joanna, yes the choices in Rome on airbnb seem so much better and better priced than in London. I'm certainly leaning towards Monti (general area) with all the enthusiastic responses.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16206 posts
Mare!