Esquilino is the neighbourhood around Piazza Vittorio, between Termini, Santa Maria Maggiore and San Giovanni. It is one of Rome's seven hills, and one of its most mixed and lived-in districts.
What Esquilino does well
- TransportTermini, with the airport trains and both metro lines, is a short walk. Line A from Vittorio Emanuele reaches the Spanish Steps and the Vatican without changing.
- Walking distance to ancient RomeThe Colosseum is about 15 minutes on foot and Santa Maria Maggiore about 10.
- ValueRooms here usually cost less than in the historic centre, Monti or Trastevere for the same comfort.
- FoodPiazza Vittorio's covered market is Rome's most multicultural. Panella's bakery dates from 1929 and Fassi has made gelato since 1880.
- Hidden sightsThe 17th-century Porta Alchemica, Roman ruins in the Piazza Vittorio gardens, and Palazzo Massimo's ancient frescoes are all close.
What to know
Esquilino is a real, working neighbourhood, not a postcard. Some streets right next to Termini are scruffy and busy late at night, as around most big city stations. A few streets in, around Via Ferruccio and Piazza Vittorio, it's residential and calm.
It's less picturesque than Trastevere's ivy-covered lanes. Most of the famous sights are a walk or a metro ride away rather than outside your door.
How it compares
Historic centre (Pantheon, Navona): beautiful and walkable, but the most expensive and the busiest.
Monti: next door to Esquilino, very charming, with higher prices and more nightlife noise.
Trastevere: lovely evenings, but further from Termini and the metro, and lively at night.
Prati: elegant and quiet, handy for the Vatican, further from ancient Rome.
If you want good transport, walking access to the Colosseum and fair prices, Esquilino is one of the most practical bases in Rome.
Staying with us
Domus Ferruccio is a seven-room guesthouse on Via Ferruccio, a quiet street two minutes from Vittorio Emanuele metro. All rooms have private bathrooms and air conditioning. See the rooms or read our neighbourhood guide.
Book direct and save 15%. Every room books instantly on our own booking page. Click “Have a discount code?” and enter DOMUS.
Quick answers
Is Esquilino safe for tourists?
The residential streets around Piazza Vittorio and Via Ferruccio are calm and lived-in. As around any big station, the streets right next to Termini are busier at night, so use normal city sense there.
Is Esquilino a good area for first-time visitors to Rome?
Yes, for transport and value: Termini and Line A are close, and the Colosseum is about 15 minutes on foot.
What is the difference between Esquilino and Monti?
Monti is the neighbouring district towards the Forum. It is more boutique and more expensive; Esquilino is more residential, multicultural and better value.