I'm looking to book an apartment in Rome for me & hubby for 5 nights, I've got a few possibilities in 3 different areas and not sure which area to choose, or wondering if they are all so close that it doesn't matter, our mode of transportation is walking or bus. What we'd like in a neighborhood is some good budget food stores & restaurants, good people watching, and nearby by to sites, all these say they offer that, but having trouble deciding which area to choose. so, 1) Spanish Steps, 2) Piazza Navona, or 3) Trastevere, near the Botanical gardens on Via Corsini, I really like the looks of this one, but wonder if it's far walking from sites. Thanks in advance for input.
Posted by
OP
Oregon City,, OR
31 posts
And what about air conditioning, is it necessary in mid to late September? Thanks.
Posted by
Harlingen, TX, USA
21 posts
Hi, Marylee. Choose the Piazza Navona location. It is more central to the Vatican, Trastevere, and most of the historical sites in Rome. If you avoid the bus and walk everywhere, you will get a REALLY good idea of what everyday Rome is like. I think that the Spanish Steps location is too out-of-the-way. If YOU like the Trastevere location, go for it. I enjoyed my time over there and really felt like I should have spent more time on that side of the river. And yes, air conditioning is important in September. You will be VERY happy to return to your cool hotel room at the end of hot and humid Roman days. Hope this helps! ~Joseph~
Posted by
bergamo
401 posts
Both the spanish steps apartment and the Piazza Navona are centrally located, so it is your call, but I don't know how economical restaurants and stores will be near the Spanish Steps, that is the high class shopping district. Piazza Navona has some picturesque areas around it, but they are also a lot of high end vintage clothing stores, though there are some great pizzerias, restaurants, and bars. At night there are a lot of people out and about, so I don't know how relaxing it will be if the apartment is across from some night time hot spot. Find out.
Trastevere has its advantages in that it might feel more authentic, more like experiencing what Rome is like, rather than what the tourist hot spots are like, as there will be more actual Romans doing their shopping, running errands etc.
The weather in Rome in September is warm, but really quite dry. At night it cools off and there is usually a plesant breeze, so I would't say that having an AC is a must.
Posted by
The Hague, NL (AMS)
2207 posts
Claire is right on target... Trastevere is the "most local" of your three choices. We're looking at an apartment a few blocks off the main drag in Trastevere. If you're looking for budget food stores, then it's Trastevere, but you'll have to hike in or ride the #8 tram each day.
Piazza Navona and Spanish Steps are more tourist hot spots... Of the two, I'd rather be near Navona as Joseph recommends because I know that area more... eat there often, and like to browse the shops that Claire speaks of! Great people watching at Navona, or Spanish Steps, although the Steps tends to attract more younger people...
Spanish Steps has the metro system close by - more than the other two... but busses and trams make all three easily accessible!
Each of these choices is excellent and each will give you a different flavor of Rome!
BTW, Today seems to our first really HOT day. We are supposed to hit 85 today, which in Rome can feel like 95!!!!!
Ciao from Sunny Rome,
Ron