The Best Airbnbs & Vacation Rentals in Rome: Top Stays in Italy’s Eternal City
Last Updated on March 24, 2026 by Lauren Belzer Sanford
The Eternal City is truly a special place, and that’s coming from someone who isn’t the biggest fan of “big” cities (not just in Italy, but anywhere). I’ve only stayed in hotels during my visits to this magical city — Sina Bernini Bristol and Casa Monti Roma being two hotels in Rome I’d recommend time and time again. But before opting for those hotel stays, I also did some deep research on the best Airbnbs and vacation rentals in Rome.
Our short time renting an Airbnb in Ostuni proved that there’s something special about the feeling of “living like a local” in a faraway country: returning to an apartment tucked into more residential neighborhoods, above cafés and shops, somewhere that feels like your own little hidden corner of a magical city.
While I haven’t personally stayed at every property on this list, each one was hand-picked for its dreamy decor, great location, thoughtful amenities, and glowing guest reviews.
Frattina Elegance Suite
2 guests · 1 bedroom · 2 beds · 1 bath
This one was a serious contender for the final stop on our Italian honeymoon before we ultimately decided on hotels for the full trip — and if we had gone the vacation rental route, this would have been the one. Steps from Piazza di Spagna and the Fontana di Trevi, set on the third floor of a historic building with an elevator (a genuine luxury in Rome), and thoughtfully renovated with elegant modern touches while still preserving all the original Roman character. The one-bedroom layout with a small pull-out sofa makes it ideal for couples, a single-child family, or a stylish girls’ trip based in the city. It’s decorated in yellow — my favorite color — which immediately made it feel warm, cheerful, and quintessentially Roman. A hidden gem right in the heart of it all.
Charming Designer Apartment By The Colosseum
2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 bath
If you’re looking for an Airbnb with a more modern design style, while still being just a short walk from Rome’s most iconic landmarks, this apartment is a beautiful option. You’re within walking distance of the Colosseum and Roman Forum, which makes it an especially great pick for first-time visitors who want to soak up the history without sacrificing style.
It’s definitely a smaller space with one bedroom and a bed, so it’s best for couples, but the host can provide a crib upon request, making it possible for a young family of three to stay comfortably. Think sleek finishes, contemporary decor, and an unbeatable location right in the heart of ancient Rome.
Trevi Fountain – An Exclusive View
2 guests · 1 bedroom · 2 beds · 1 bath
If you’ve ever thought it was impossible to enjoy the Trevi Fountain without battling the crowds, this apartment might just be the answer. Set inside a 16th-century Roman building full of historic charm — arched doorways, character-filled details, and the most wonderful wallpaper that feels straight out of a storybook — the real magic is what happens when you open the windows: your very own private view of the Fontana di Trevi, one of the most iconic sights in the world. This is the kind of stay that feels genuinely cinematic. Lizzie McGuire moment? Absolutely. Quite literally what Roman dreams are made of.
Davìta – Trastevere Townhouse
2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bath
Light, airy, and set across the Tiber River in Rome’s lively Trastevere neighborhood, this townhouse-style apartment is a charming find for anyone who wants to experience the city from a slightly different angle. Minimalistic in the best possible way — bright, thoughtfully designed, warm and homey rather than stark or sterile. Best suited for two, making it a lovely option for a romantic couple’s retreat, a mother-daughter trip, or even a solo stay in Rome. With Trastevere’s cobblestone streets, trattorias, and wine bars right outside your door, this is what staying like a local actually feels like.
In historic Italian cities like Rome, where everything seems to be Polly Pocket-sized, it can feel much easier to find Airbnb options for smaller groups of around 2-4 people. But, there is also no shortage of spaces for groups between 6 and 8. If you need to accommodate more, I’d personally recommend booking multiple rooms in a hotel or heading a little bit outside the city: inland toward villages like Tivoli or Frascati, or out to the coast in towns like Fiumicino or Ostia.
Elegant Apartment in Monti – Colosseum
6 guests · 3 bedrooms · 3 beds · 2 baths
Located in the charming, artsy Monti neighborhood — steps from the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Piazza Venezia, and Via del Corso — this spacious apartment has an unbeatable position for sightseeing, shopping, and soaking up Rome’s historic energy. Thoughtfully updated with modern comforts while retaining warm, lived-in touches that make it feel genuinely inviting rather than overly polished. Three private bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a comfortable living area — ideal for a family of six, three couples, or a group of friends ready to explore la bella Roma together.
The Vatican Way
6 guests · 3 bedrooms · 4 beds · 2 baths
A renovated, light-filled apartment just a short walk from the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Square — a natural base for anyone with Vatican City high on the list. The design is modern and streamlined, with bright finishes that feel fresh rather than generic. The layout is worth noting: one room has a double bed and a pull-out sofa (sleeping up to three), the second has a standard double bed, and the third has a smaller double bed suited for a solo traveler. If you’re looking for a slightly quieter, less tourist-heavy base while still being walkable to major sights, this is a smart choice.
Le Colonne Luxury House
6 guests · 3 bedrooms · 4 beds · 3 baths
Just around the corner from the Pantheon and my personal favorite for group travel in Rome, this beautifully renovated apartment manages to be both luxurious and deeply characterful, which is a harder balance to strike than it sounds. Three bedrooms (two with queen beds, one with a king), each styled with its own charm. A kitchen with gorgeous stone finishes that feels like a classic Roman home with a modern Italian upgrade. And a spacious, high-ceilinged living room that makes the whole apartment feel grand and welcoming — exactly the kind of space you want to come back to after a long day in the city. You’re within easy walking distance of Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain, Via del Corso, Trastevere, and the Colosseum. I’m already mentally planning how to get a group together for this one.
Whether you’re dreaming of a cinematic stay with a private Trevi Fountain view, a designer apartment steps from ancient ruins, or a grand palazzo near the Pantheon for the whole group, Rome has a vacation rental for every kind of traveler. Each of these properties offers its own way to experience the Eternal City, and in a place this layered with history, romance, and life, where you come home to at the end of the day genuinely matters.
If you’re building a wider Italy itinerary, my picks for the best vacation rentals in Florence and best vacation rentals in Ostuni are worth a look alongside this one. And for the hotel side of Rome, my guide to the best boutique hotels in Rome covers my favorite stays in the city.