Central Rome welcomed a record 22.9 million tourist arrivals in 2025, a figure almost ten times the city's resident population. Local sources suggest that 2026 could see even more visitors, potentially exceeding last year's numbers.
For those seeking an alternative to the crowded city centre, the San Lorenzo neighbourhood is a 20-minute walk from Rome's main railway station, Termini. This area, built in the late 19th century for working-class communities, is described as an overlooked quarter.
San Lorenzo has a history of resistance, including acts against fascism during Benito Mussolini's rise to power and a little-documented battle in 1922. It was also significantly impacted by Allied bombing during the Second World War, which destroyed parts of the area and killed approximately 1,500 residents.
Today, San Lorenzo is characterised by students from La Sapienza University, artists, creatives, and long-term residents. It features murals, graffiti, and eateries where meals can often be found for around €10 per head, such as Pizzeria Formula 1, which has served Roman-style thin-crust pizza since 1978.
Cultural attractions include the Basilica of St Lawrence Outside the Walls, one of Rome's Seven Pilgrim Churches, and the Verano Monumental cemetery. The neighbourhood is also a hub for contemporary art, with institutions like the Fondazione Pastificio Cerere, a former pasta factory converted into a cultural centre.