Trastevere, the neighborhood across the River Tiber from Rome’s historic center, is a must-see area of the Eternal City. It is one of the oldest residential areas in Rome and is characterized by narrow cobbled streets, houses from medieval times and numerous restaurants, bars and cafes full of lively venues. Its large student population (the American Academy in Rome and John Cabot University are located here) add to Trastevere’s young and bohemian vibe. The neighborhood has traditionally attracted artists, so unique gifts can be found in its boutiques and studios.
While Trastevere was once an ‘insider neighborhood’ where most tourists rarely ventured, the secret is definitely out and the crowd has arrived. Still, the crowds are less dense and concentrated than in other areas of Rome. Trastevere has a number of small hotels, B & Bs, and inns, making it an ideal area to stay, especially for travelers who want to experience a more local environment when visiting Rome.
Here are some of our favorite things to see and do in Trastevere:
Visit the Piazza di Santa Maria en Trastevere, the main plaza:
The center of public life in the neighborhood is the Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere, a large square outside the church of Santa Maria in Trastevere, one of the oldest churches in the city and one of the main churches to visit in Rome. . It is adorned with beautiful golden mosaics inside and out, and rests on the foundations of a church dating from the 3rd century. Also in the square is an old octagonal fountain that was restored by Carlo Fontana in the 17th century. Around the edges of the great square are a number of cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating, many of them a good option for lunch, dinner, or a post-tour snack.
Enjoy the Passeggiata, or night walk
Trastevere is probably the best neighborhood in Rome to witness and participate in the passeggiata or night walk. This ancient ritual simply involves residents (and tourists alike) walking leisurely through the neighborhood, stopping at the squares to gossip and chat, and then walking a bit more before dinner. This parade of human life usually begins after 5 p.m. M. Or later, depending on how hot it is, and lasts less than 8 p. M., Approximately when everyone goes to eat at home or at a local restaurant. It’s a lovely tradition, and one that keeps Trastevere buzzing with life and local flavor.
Drink and dine at a neighborhood bar or restaurant
Trastevere is one of the best gastronomic neighborhoods in Rome, due to its combination of authentic, decades-old trattoria, modern and innovative restaurants, simple pizzerias and street food restaurants and lively bars. There is something for virtually every budget here. For the perfect evening, start with an aperitif or a pre-dinner drink, either standing at a bar or sitting at an outdoor table. Then head to a restaurant of your choice (be sure to reserve in advance) for a leisurely meal. Follow this up with a craft beer in one of Trastevere’s funky trendy bars or, if that’s not your speed, just enjoy an ice cream on your way back to your hotel or rental.
Walk to the Gianicolo for an unforgettable view of Rome
The Gianicolo, or Janiculum Hill, is famous for its panoramic views of the Rome skyline. From Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere, it’s a 10-minute walk uphill to the Fontana dell’Acqua Paola, an iconic 1612 fountain under which the rooftops of Rome unfurl. The fountain is illuminated at night and is wonderfully dramatic. If you continue walking along the Passeggiata del Gianicolo, you will arrive at the Terrazza del Gianicolo, or Janiculum Terrace, which offers even more epic views from a greener and higher setting.
Other places of interest in Trastevere
Other attractions in Trastevere include the Church of Santa Cecilia in Trastevere , which contains some remarkable medieval and baroque works of art and has a good underground crypt; the Museo di Roma in Trastevere , which houses interesting archives of Roman civic life from the 18th and 19th centuries; and, in Piazza Trilussa, the statue of Giuseppe Gioacchino Belli , a poet who wrote his works in the Roman dialect and who is particularly loved in Trastevere.
On Sundays, near the end of Viale Trastevere, antiques and second-hand sellers set up stalls at Porta Portese , one of the largest flea markets in Europe. It is a good place to shop if you are not bothered by large crowds and haggling. Mercato di San Cosimato, in the square of the same name, is a small open-air food market that takes place on weekdays and Saturday mornings.
Trastevere Transport:
Trastevere is connected to the center of Rome and the Isola Tiberina (Tiber Island) through several bridges, some of which are from ancient times. The neighborhood is also connected to public transport via buses, tram lines (numbers 3 and 8) and the Stazione Trastevere train station, where travelers can catch a train to Fiumicino Airport, Termini (the central railway station of Rome) and other points in the Lazio Region, such as Civitavecchia and Lago di Bracciano.
Editor’s Note: This article has been edited and updated by Elizabeth Heath and Martha Bakerjian.
