"The Road Less Expensive" Newsletter
Why Staying Outside the 'Best' Neighborhoods is the Best Decision
Hello traveler,
So, you’re planning a trip to Rome (or any other major city), and naturally, you start researching where to stay.
You scroll through travel blogs, scan hotel booking sites, and before you know it, you’ve been convinced that you must stay in the “best” neighborhoods - places like the historic center, near the Trevi Fountain, or steps from the Colosseum.
But I hate to break it to you: staying smack in the middle of the action isn’t always the best idea. In fact, it might just be the worst.
Let’s talk about why.
1. You’re Overpaying for Less
Let’s be real - staying in the most sought-after areas means you’re paying a premium for... convenience? Sure, being close to major sights is nice, but is it €400-a-night nice? Probably not.
That same budget could get you a much better hotel, apartment, or even an extended stay in a slightly less hyped (but just as charming) area. If you’re trying to make your trip last longer or just want to avoid crying when you check your credit card statement, reconsider splurging on a hyper-touristy location.
2. The Food is... Not Great
You didn’t fly all the way to Italy to eat at overpriced, mediocre tourist-trap restaurants, did you? Because that’s exactly what you’ll find in places like the Trevi Fountain area.
Think overpriced pasta, sad gelato, and cappuccinos that cost more than your flight. These areas cater to tourists who are just passing through, not locals who know (and demand) the good stuff
And if you can’t get a decent caffè in Italy, something has gone terribly wrong.
3. You’re in a Tourist Bubble
Here’s the thing - travel should be about experiencing a place, not just looking at it through a snow globe of souvenir shops and selfie sticks.
Staying in a hyper-touristy area means you’re surrounded by other travelers rather than actual locals.
It’s like going to an international buffet and only eating the French fries. Sure, it’s familiar, but is that really why you came all this way?
The Fix: Stay Just Outside the Chaos
Instead of plopping yourself in the middle of tourist central, consider staying in a lesser-known neighborhood where real life happens.
In Rome, that might mean areas like Testaccio, San Giovanni, Appio-Latino, or Monteverde. These spots still have fantastic access to public transportation and major attractions but offer something invaluable: authenticity.
Here’s why this approach wins:
✅ Better Value for Your Money – Nicer stays at better prices, so you can afford to extend your trip or splurge on experiences instead of just a location.
✅ Authentic Food & Cafés – You’ll be surrounded by local bakeries, restaurants, and markets where people actually live and eat - no microwaved carbonara in sight.
✅ A More Real Experience – Travel is about seeing how other people live, not just checking landmarks off a list. You’ll wake up to the sounds of real neighborhoods, not just rolling suitcases and street performers playing ‘Despacito’ on repeat.
✅ You Can Still See Everything – The beauty of most big cities? They’re incredibly well-connected. You can hop on a tram, bus, or metro and be in the historic center in 15 minutes, without paying a fortune or dealing with tourist mobs 24/7.
How to Find the Right Spot
If you’re not sure where to start, here’s an easy hack: When booking accommodation, zoom out on the map. Don’t just filter by “most popular” or “closest to the Colosseum.” Instead, look at public transportation routes, check for local restaurants nearby (bonus points if they don’t have English menus), and see if the area has markets, parks, or even just a regular grocery store. These are signs of a neighborhood where people actually live.
🤫 Low-Key Places to Stay in Rome:
Vespucci Palace Roma (Aventino Neighborhood)
Lungotevere Suite (Portuense Neighborhood)
Gasometer Urban Suites (Ostiense Neighborhood)
Leo's Colosseum (Appio-Latino Neighborhood)
Ponte Milvio Luxury House (Tor di Quinto Neighborhood)
