Best Neighborhoods for Single People in Rome

Rome, the Eternal City, is a fascinating mix of ancient history and vibrant contemporary life. For expats and digital nomads, choosing the right neighborhood can enhance their experience of la dolce vita. Here are eight of the best neighborhoods for single people to live in Rome, each offering a unique blend of cultural attractions, social opportunities, and amenities.

Trastevere

Trastevere is a charming medieval neighborhood known for its vibrant nightlife, making it an excellent choice for singles. The area is filled with bars, restaurants, and live music venues where people can mingle. During the day, explore the cobblestone streets, visit the Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere, or relax in the beautiful Orto Botanico di Roma. Cooking classes and art workshops are also available in the area.

Location: West bank of the Tiber, south of Vatican City.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a studio or 1-bedroom apartment is around EUR 800-1200. Purchase prices vary, but expect to pay around EUR 300,000-500,000 for a small apartment.

Where to Eat: Osteria della Gensola for traditional Roman cuisine, Dar Filettaro for seafood, and Freni e Frizioni for cocktails.

Interesting History: The name Trastevere comes from the Latin "trans Tiberim," meaning "beyond the Tiber." It was a bustling neighborhood in ancient Rome, and some of its medieval streets and buildings are still preserved.

Celeb sightings: Actors like Richard Gere and Julia Roberts have been spotted in Trastevere while filming movies in Rome.

Testaccio

Testaccio is a food lover's paradise, famous for its authentic Roman cuisine and the Mercato di Testaccio. Singles can enjoy cooking classes, food tours, and lively evenings at bars and clubs. The neighborhood is also home to the MACRO Testaccio, a contemporary art museum, and the historic Monte dei Cocci.

Location: South of the historic center, near the Tiber River.

Real Estate: Rental prices for a studio or 1-bedroom apartment range from EUR 700-1000. Buying an apartment can cost around EUR 250,000-400,000.

Where to Eat: Flavio al Velavevodetto for traditional Roman dishes, Trapizzino for street food, and Ketumbar for cocktails.

Interesting History: The name Testaccio comes from Monte Testaccio, an artificial hill made of broken amphorae dating back to the Roman Empire.

Celeb sightings: Anthony Bourdain featured Testaccio in his show "No Reservations," highlighting its authentic Roman cuisine.

Monti

Monti is a trendy district with a bohemian atmosphere. It's perfect for singles who enjoy vintage shopping, art galleries, and vibrant nightlife. Visit the Colosseum and Roman Forum, or relax in the peaceful Giardino degli Aranci. The neighborhood also offers yoga studios and language exchange events.

Location: Between the Colosseum and Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II.

Real Estate: Expect to pay around EUR 900-1300 for renting a studio or 1-bedroom apartment. Purchase prices range from EUR 350,000-550,000.

Where to Eat: La Carbonara for classic Roman pasta, Urbana 47 for creative Italian cuisine, and Ai Tre Scalini for wine and small plates.

Interesting History: Monti is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Rome, with some buildings dating back to the Roman Empire.

Celeb sightings: Monti has been featured in several movies, and actors like Russell Crowe have been seen exploring its streets.

Prati

Prati is an elegant residential neighborhood near the Vatican City. It offers a mix of upscale bars, restaurants, and shopping streets. Singles can enjoy visits to the Vatican Museums, fitness clubs, and language schools. The neighborhood is well-connected by public transportation.

Location: North of the historic center, near the Vatican City.

Real Estate: Rental prices for a studio or 1-bedroom apartment range from EUR 800-1200. Buying an apartment can cost around EUR 350,000-600,000.

Where to Eat: La Zanzara for brunch, Osteria dell'Angelo for Roman cuisine, and Il Sorpasso for cocktails.

Interesting History: Prati was developed in the late 19th century as a residential area for the growing middle class.

Celeb sightings: Actors and musicians visiting the Vatican often stay in Prati due to its proximity and elegance.

San Lorenzo

San Lorenzo is a vibrant, student-filled neighborhood known for its street art and nightlife. Singles can enjoy live music venues, art galleries, and cultural events. The area is also home to the City University of Rome and the historic Verano Monumental Cemetery.

Location: East of the historic center, near the Sapienza University of Rome.

Real Estate: Rental prices are generally lower, ranging from EUR 600-900 for a studio or 1-bedroom apartment. Purchase prices start around EUR 200,000.

Where to Eat: Pastificio San Lorenzo for fresh pasta, Formula Uno for pizza, and L'Oasi della Birra for craft beer.

Interesting History: San Lorenzo was heavily bombed during World War II, and its reconstruction has led to a unique mix of old and new architecture.

Celeb sightings: The neighborhood's vibrant atmosphere attracts various artists and musicians.

Pigneto

Pigneto is an up-and-coming neighborhood known for its street art, independent boutiques, and lively food scene. Singles can enjoy aperitivo bars, craft breweries, and cultural events. The area is also home to the historic Acquedotto Alessandrino and the Parco degli Acquedotti.

Location: East of the historic center, near the Prenestina road.

Real Estate: Rental prices are relatively affordable, ranging from EUR 600-900 for a studio or 1-bedroom apartment. Purchase prices start around EUR 200,000.

Where to Eat: Necci dal 1924 for traditional Roman dishes, Primo al Pigneto for creative Italian cuisine, and Spazio Espositivo for cocktails.

Interesting History: Pigneto was a rural area until the early 20th century when it began to develop as a working-class neighborhood.

Celeb sightings: The neighborhood's street art scene has attracted various international artists.

Ostiense

Ostiense is a dynamic neighborhood known for its industrial architecture, street art, and nightlife. Singles can explore the Centrale Montemartini museum, enjoy live music venues, and visit the historic Porta San Paolo. The area also offers fitness clubs and dance studios.

Location: South of the historic center, near the Tiber River.

Real Estate: Rental prices range from EUR 700-1000 for a studio or 1-bedroom apartment. Purchase prices start around EUR 250,000.

Where to Eat: La Gatta Buia for Roman cuisine, Trapizzino Ostiense for street food, and Doppiozeroo for cocktails.

Interesting History: Ostiense was an important industrial area in the early 20th century, and many of its historic factories have been converted into cultural spaces.

Celeb sightings: The neighborhood's vibrant atmosphere attracts various artists and musicians.

Garbatella

Garbatella is a charming, working-class neighborhood known for its unique architecture and strong sense of community. Singles can enjoy visits to the historic Piazza Giovanni da Triora, explore the Parco della Caffarella, and participate in local festivals. The area also offers sports facilities and cultural events.

Location: South of the historic center, near the Ostiense neighborhood.

Real Estate: Rental prices are relatively affordable, ranging from EUR 600-900 for a studio or 1-bedroom apartment. Purchase prices start around EUR 200,000.

Where to Eat: Trattoria Perilli for Roman cuisine, La Casetta di Garbatella for pizza, and Enoteca Ferrara for wine and small plates.

Interesting History: Garbatella was developed in the 1920s as a "garden city" with unique architectural designs.

Celeb sightings: The neighborhood has been featured in several Italian movies and TV shows.