Maria's apartment in Trastevere was ideal for us. We had the option of buying local produce and preparing our own meals or stepping right out the front door into the restaurant precinct of Trastevere. At night the area is noisy and vibrant yet we didn't feel unsafe. Maria's apartment is secure but of course outside, all travellers should take the usual precautions. The apartment was clean and spacious and directly in the heart of where we wanted to be in Rome, close to Centro Storico, the ruins and the Vatican. We simply walked everywhere. You could do no better if you want to experience the real Rome.