Esquilino, Rome: Central Stays and What to See Nearby

Esquilino is one of Rome's seven hills, bounded by Piazza Vittorio Emanuele and the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. Although it isn't officially part of the Esquilino district, the Basilica of St. John Lateran is another of its landmarks.

This is a busy neighborhood, full of people in a hurry, coming and going on their way to Termini Station, Rome's most important train station. If you arrive in Rome by train, it's a good place to stay.

What to see in Esquilino

This is the kind of touristy Rome neighborhood where someone may chase you down the street to get you into a particular restaurant. Don't fall for that tourist trap, especially not in Rome, where there are plenty of places to eat gloriously at fair prices.

That said, it doesn't mean there aren't good places to eat here. That would be impossible in Rome. Esquilino has plenty of quality Italian and international restaurants.

It isn't the tidiest or cleanest neighborhood, and street vendors set up shop along its streets.

The Esquilino Market (also known as the Piazza Vittorio market) is currently located at Via Principe Amedeo, 184. Every day its stalls overflow with meat, fresh fish, fruit, vegetables and spices from all over the world.

Porta Maggiore

This 1st-century gate, also called Porta Prenestina, was one of the eastern gates of the 3rd-century Aurelian Walls.

The ruins that still stand belong to a structure that carried eight of the aqueducts supplying Rome with water. You'll find it between Piazzale Labicano and Piazza di Porta Maggiore.

Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore

The Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is one of Rome's most important churches. Not only was it the first church built to honor the Virgin Mary, it is also one of the four papal basilicas and among the highest ranking in Rome.

Its stunning interior holds treasures and artistic relics such as the Renaissance coffered ceiling, frescoes, mosaics and sculptures. Among the illustrious figures buried here are Pope St. Pius V and Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

Termini Roma

Staying in Esquilino means not only finding cheap hotels in Rome but also being a stone's throw from the city's main train station, Termini Roma.

In terms of getting around it's a real advantage, since you'll be right next to one of the main stations on the Rome metro, as well as the train network. From Termini you can easily travel to any city in Italy, such as Venice, Florence and Milan, or take one of the popular day trips from Rome, like a visit to Pompeii.

Cheap accommodation in Esquilino

In Esquilino you'll find many of the cheap hotels in Rome. In fact, staying in Esquilino is a smart choice if you're coming to Rome on a tight budget.

We also like to point out that there are apartments in Rome which, booked in advance, can work out cheaper than a hotel and give you a more original, authentic stay.

This is a multicultural neighborhood, where you'll see people from all over living in its buildings, shopping at its market and relaxing in its squares.

How to get there

Termini Station or Repubblica, Vittorio Emanuele and Manzoni metro stops