Trastevere is one of the most colorful areas of Rome and is often referred to as a ‘true Roman quarter’. Its name means “across the river” and refers to its location on the west bank of the Tiber or Tevere in Italian. Trastevere was once a ‘privileged’ neighborhood favored by working-class Romans and travelers who wanted to avoid the crowds and soak up a real local vibe. Well, word got out and Trastevere is no longer an unknown pocket of Rome. And while rents may have risen, within its maze of narrow streets and centuries-old piazzas, you can still get a taste of real Rome and make your own discoveries, in hidden churches, Bijoux shops, small museums, and lively bars and restaurants. .
Here is a list of some of the best things to do in Trastevere.
01
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Stroll and photograph its narrow streets
Perhaps there is no better Roman neighborhood to get lost than Trastevere. Featured primarily in medieval times, its cobblestone streets are a picturesque maze of ocher-colored buildings, ancient doors with antique knockers, arched hallways, flower-filled balconies, and the ubiquitous graffiti of Rome. It is difficult to take a bad photo here.
02
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Discover two of its Jewelbox churches
Direction
Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere, 00153 Rome RM, ItalyGet directions
Telephone
+39 06 581 4802
Web
Visit the website
One of the oldest churches in Rome and one of the most beautiful, the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere contains glittering gold mosaics from the 1100s and a nave supported by ancient columns looted from the Baths of Caracalla. Dedicated to a 3rd century martyr, the nearby Church of Santa Cecilia in Trastevere is known for its elaborate crypt and a magnificent sculpture of the saint from the Baroque period.
03
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Relax in a square
Direction
Piazza Trilussa, 00153 Rome RM, ItalyGet directions
Like many neighborhoods in central Rome, Trastevere’s wide squares are its living rooms, open spaces where locals gather to talk and where tourists can linger to soak up the atmosphere. Piazza Trilussa, right on the river, often hosts concerts and performances. Piazza di San Calisto is popular with families pushing strollers or teaching their children to ride a bike. On a warm summer night, the Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere, with the radiant façade of its eponymous church, is one of the most magical and popular places in Rome.
04
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Eat real roman pizza
Direction
Via di S. Francesco a Ripa, 21, 00153 Rome RM, ItalyGet directions
Telephone
+39 329 874 1450
Web
Visit the website
Paper thin, crisp, and fresh from a wood-fired oven, there’s nothing quite like pizza in Rome. Order a takeout portion for the day at La Boccaccia or sit down for dinner at Dar Poeta, Ivo a Trastevere or Pizzeria ai Marmi. Remember in Italy, pizzas are made for one, with the exception of children, all parties are expected to order their own pizza. Yes, you really can eat everything!
05
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Craft beer sample
Direction
Via del Politeama, 4, 00153 Rome RM, ItalyGet directions
Telephone
+39 06 4549 7499
Web
Visit the website
Italy may be a country known for its wine, but the craft beer craze is in full swing here, especially in Rome and other big cities. Trastevere has a host of great bars, which mostly fall on the artsy / dive side. Favorite spots to sample craft beer and mingle with the locals include Freni e Frizioni, Bir & Fud, Ma Che Siete Venuti a Fà, and Big Star, which often hosts live music.
06
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Go on a food or walking tour
Trastevere is a neighborhood best explored on foot. In fact, walking is really the only way to see it. Several tour companies in Rome offer food and / or food tours, in which you learn about Roman culinary traditions as you walk from restaurant to restaurant, sampling along the way. Recommended companies for Trastevere tours include The Roman Guy and Eating Italy. Prominent food blogger Katie Parla frequently hosts neighborhood tours or, for something more sophisticated, check out Context Travel offerings.
07
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To visit a museum
Direction
Piazza di S. Egidio, 1b, 00153 Rome RM, ItalyGet directions
Telephone
+39 06 0608
Web
Visit the website
Get away from the crowds and spend a few hours in one or more of Trastevere’s museums. The Museum of Rome in Trastevere examines city life in the 18th and 19th centuries, while the Villa Farnesina and Palazzo Corsini present art in regal settings.
08
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Climb the hill of the Janiculum
Direction
Piazzale Giuseppe Garibaldi, 00165 Rome RM, ItalyGet directions
Telephone
+39 06 0608
Web
Visit the website
The base of the Janiculum hill, or Gianicolo in Italian, borders the western edge of Trastevere. It was a ritual site in the early days of Rome, then home to most of the city’s flour mills. It also figured heavily in the 19th century campaign for Italian unification. Today, the not-too-strenuous climb up the Janiculum offers some of the best views in the city, plus the opportunity to look inside the gates of luxurious villas, academies, and embassies.
