Trastevere vs. historic center for apartment..

mike,

I'd also recommend considering Trastevere. It's a wonderful area, and I although there is some public transit in that area (Trams), I didn't find it a problem to walk to Campo di Fiori, Piazza Navona or other locations.

Although most parts of Rome are "touristy" to some extent, I felt that Trastevere was a bit more "authentic". They sometimes hold a street market at Piazza Trilussa, and it's always interesting to browse through there.

Happy travels!

Without a doubt, we found Trastevere the place with the night life, restaurants, and people watching in Rome. Also, the prices are "right" since you are kind of off the tourist path after dark. Never had any concern for our safety walking to or from the area.
Never stayed near the Campo di Fiori, however, didn't see much in the way of clubs, and so forth near by. Suggest you also look at DK's "Rome Top 10" for a guide to the attractions in the area.

We stayed in Trastevere for a week in 2008 and it's definitely what you're looking for. In particular the square in front of SMT is hip and hopping in the evening. Don't forget to go inside the SMT church. The gold mosaics are jawdropping, especially when they turn on the lights.

Check out a map to see how close that area is to the major historic sights on the other side of the Tiber. Rome is very compact, especially if you're in halfway decent shape physically. Use Google Earth to compare distances in Rome to distances in Philadelphia. We walked easily from Trastever to Colisseum, Forum, Circo Massimo, Pantheon, Navona, Gianicolo, Vatican.

Have fun!

I love staying in Trastevere--the fact that it's maybe a little farther from some places than Campo di Fiori is for me more than made up for by the ambiance and good, inexpensive restaurants!

I "third" the Trastevere area....just far enough away from the REAL touristy sites, and you'll think you're back in the 15th century there. Lot of great little cafes nd restaurants to visit, too. If you don't want to walk it (and it's not really all that far) the #8 tram runs to Torre Argentina (just a couple of blocks from the Campo dei Fiore and the Piaza Navona,) while the #3 runs to the Colosseum.

Thanks for the replies, Trastevere it is!!!! We are in good shape (atleast I like to think so), so the walking won't be an issue. From your answer's it sounds like Trastevere is exactly what we want

Trastevere is a wonderful place to stay and the nightlife around the church is fantastic. Lots of locals milling about and street performers (watch your pockets!). I always stay in Trastevere and a very short ride on Tram 8 will take you smack into the center of town just blocks from the Pantheon and Piazza Navona.