Dual Ec(h)o of Rome: TOP Apartment Sites and Stays in Rome for the Jubilee
I believe that finding accommodation in Rome is one of the most important tasks for anyone visiting this incredible city. In my opinion, this becomes even more challenging during the Jubilee, when the city is bursting with tourists and pilgrims. Affordable lodging in a central location with good infrastructure? It’s not impossible, but it can feel like quite the adventure. Don’t worry—I’m here to share my experience and guide you through it. Follow me, dear reader!
During the Jubilee, rental prices tend to skyrocket—sometimes doubling or even tripling. From what I’ve seen, many property owners shift to short-term rentals at higher prices, making the market even more competitive. Unfortunately, with the rush to find accommodations, there’s also a rise in fraudulent rental listings.
To my mind, one of the best ways to avoid scams is to go beyond well-known platforms like Airbnb and explore local websites. These often feature listings directly from property owners or trustworthy real estate agencies. Depending on what you’re looking for, you can choose between short-term or long-term rentals. To help you get started, here are some of the most popular platforms I recommend:
If you’re planning to book a hotel or apartment for a short stay, I believe this platform is undoubtedly your best option. Personally, whenever I travel to other Italian cities, I always rely on this website—it’s never let me down! What I love most is how flexible it is. You can make reservations with free cancellation up to 24 hours before your stay, which gives you peace of mind. The map feature is super handy for finding accommodations in the perfect location. The Genius discount program helps you save money. Plus, you can communicate directly with hosts to make sure everything is right or to ask for a pick up service.
For longer-term rentals (beyond one or two months), I personally think Idealista is a fantastic choice. In my experience, the platform stands out for its detailed listings with plenty of photos from property owners or agencies. What I really appreciate is how actively the moderators work to remove suspicious listings! It gives you an added layer of safety and peace of mind while searching.
Subito
This platform features many private listings from apartment owners. It often includes their phone numbers. This allows you to contact them directly and arrange a meeting easily.
I am sure that one of the best things about Immobiliare.it is how often the property listings are updated. New options are added regularly, so you’re always in the loop with the latest opportunities on the market. I find the ability to save your favorite listings incredibly helpful. When I’m browsing, I love creating a personalized list of properties that catch my eye. It makes it so much easier to revisit and compare them before making a final decision.
Distinguishes itself with advanced tools designed to give users a deeper understanding of the properties they’re exploring. One of Casa.it‘s most impressive feature is the photos in 360°. Property owners can upload it to virtually walk through the space which provides a realistic sense of the apartment.
Perfect, we chose a website, we know our budget, we know the exact dates when we will be in Rome. How to choose the right zone? →
Most tourists believe that staying as close as possible to the center of Rome is essential for convenience and access to infrastructure. However, in my opinion, that’s not entirely true. After living in Rome for five years, I’ve realized that the term “center” is very subjective. The important Catholic religious center is on the left side of the Tiber, while the historical center is on the right. Rental prices in these areas often exceed €1,000–€2,000 just because of the location. Meanwhile, other neighborhoods remain undervalued.
It’s much more practical and affordable, in my view, to stay in outlying areas. These districts often have everything you need nearby. They offer easy access to popular attractions via public transport—all while keeping rental costs low.
Pigneto
One such neighborhood is Pigneto (Metro C, green line). It’s conveniently located just two metro stops away from San Giovanni, a station surrounded by stunning architecture. Nearby, you’ll find Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano, home to landmarks like the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano, the Baptistery, the Holy Stairs, the Sancta Sanctorum, the Lateran Obelisk, and the Lateran Palace. From Pigneto, you can also walk to the Colosseum in just 15 minutes, passing the beautiful Basilica di San Clemente on the way.
Pigneto is known as a zone for students, artists, performers, and creatives, with much of Rome’s younger population calling it home. This gives the area a vibrant and authentic feel. Plus, since it’s primarily a local district with fewer tourists, the atmosphere is more laid-back and peaceful.
The neighborhood also boasts excellent infrastructure, with plenty of grocery stores and shops for daily needs. As for accommodation, prices here range from €50 to €150 per night—several times cheaper than in the central districts!
In my opinion, Pigneto is a fantastic option for those looking for an authentic Roman experience without breaking the bank.
Ostia
This is a neighborhood that tourists rarely know about. Yes, Rome is also blessed with a beautiful coastline and spacious beaches! I believe, staying here—whether in a hotel or renting an entire apartment—will definitely exceed your expectations. You’ll enjoy magical views from your window, a clean and wide promenade with a pristine white bridge, coastal cafes and seafood restaurants, the peaceful Castel Fusano Park, the Santa Maria della Pace Basilica, and the archaeological wonders of Ostia Antica.
While it may not be in the center of Rome, it’s definitely one of the most wonderful places to spend at least a few days. This area has a lot of delicious places to eat. One of my personal favorites is UBK Restaurant, which not only serves classic Italian dishes but also offers incredibly tasty desserts. The pasticceria section is absolutely magical!
If you ask me, this part of Rome offers a beautiful, more relaxed experience away from the crowds—well worth discovering!
Monteverde
Monteverde is a typical Roman residential neighborhood. Also, it is the neighborhood I grew up in. Most visitors never get to wander its streets, but it hosts one of Rome’s largest public parks, Villa Doria Pamphilj. Apart from that, you will not find any main landmarks in Monteverde. For this reason, it is easier to find affordable housing here than in many of the main neighborhoods. You will find a quieter, greener vibe, away from the hustle and bustling of the city center.
Villa Doria Pamphilj is the area’s special gem. The park, extending over 184 hectares, is perfect for walking, sports, or just relaxing in the shade of its trees. Unlike the monumental Villa Borghese, Villa Pamphilj has a wilder side. While inside the park, it is easy to forget that you are still in a chaotic city like Rome. There is nothing I enjoy more in the warm Roman spring days than a walk in Villa Pamphilj.
If you are worried about the distance from the city center, fear not. Tramway number 8 serves the whole neighborhood. The tramway connects Monteverde with the centric Piazza Venezia, sliding through the historical Trastevere. This means that the bars and restaurants of Trastevere are only a few tram stops away.
It’s also worth noting the proximity to the majestic Janiculum Hill. Whenever you feel inspired, you can head to the hill and admire one of the most beautiful views that Rome has to offer from the top.
San Paolo
If you are headed to Rome for the Jubilee, you have already heard about the San Paolo District. The area hosts the Basilica of Saint Paul outside the walls, one of the landmarks of the Holy Year. Because of the presence of the Basilica, it might be challenging to find a good housing option. Still, the proximity to the local Roma Tre University allowed the area to increase its offer in terms of housing.
There is no end to the things the neighborhood has to offer. Apart from the Basilica, a short walk will take you to the Pyramid of Cestius. This unique monument, together with the suggestive Protestant Cemetery of Rome, is sure to leave you impressed. For street art lovers, the area of Porto Fluviale has several graffiti and murals from known artists. If you are into architecture, a stroll to the Garbatella District is a must.
I spent many days in San Paolo when I was a student. My favorite thing about the area is probably the wide selection of restaurants and cafès. Are you in the mood for something different than pasta or pizza? Here you can find typical food from Greece, India, Japan – even Eritrea! If you are constantly hungry like me, it is the perfect place. My personal favorites are Ilios for Greek food, and Ristorante Eritrea for African food.
If you want to head to the city center, the B line of the metro is there for you. You can choose between the Basilica San Paolo, Marconi, Garbatella, or Piramide stations. On warmer days you can get on a train and reach Ostia for a dip in the sea.
Rome is a massive city, with an intricate network of streets on an extensive territory. Finding the right place to stay can be an overwhelming experience. Public transport can be unreliable, and many people prefer to stay close to the main attractions.
One tip that I can give is to focus on the area next to the metro stations. The metro is, in the realm of possibility, the most reliable mean of transportation in Rome.
Romans appear to have a taste for extreme activities. If you have ever felt the thrill of crossing a busy Roman street during rush hour or searching for a parking spot on a Saturday night in the city center, you might be looking for even more excitement. Finding accommodation can feel just as intense, but don’t worry—the perfect place for you is out there, waiting to be discovered!
