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One of the frequent questions we get requested about visiting Rome is; the place do I keep? The reply is all the time the Trastevere neighborhood! It was as soon as a hidden gem however is now turning loads of heads as a result of there are such a lot of issues to do in Trastevere and locations to discover.

This quaint, vibrant neighborhood is positioned simply South of the Vatican Metropolis and throughout the river from the Colosseum and is the traditional working-class district. It’s recognized for being quieter and cheaper than the opposite neighborhoods in central Rome, however nonetheless being near the motion.

It was by far our favourite neighborhood in Rome and we’re so glad we determined to unpack our suitcase there. 

Whereas it’s a fantastic base for exploring all the highest websites and sights in Rome, it’s additionally a neighborhood that’s price exploring. 

On this information, I’ve shared a few of our favourite sights in Trastevere in addition to our favourite locations to eat, the place to remain, tips on how to get round, and suggestions for visiting, so you possibly can plan your go to to this thrilling neighborhood with ease!

Why Is Trastevere Well-known?

Trastevere is the previous working-class district of Rome and is the place you’ll find a vibrant, bohemian environment.

It’s well-known for its quaint, slender cobbled streets, Renaissance structure and medieval homes, and bustling environment. It has a extra native vibe, permitting you to really feel the beat of Italian life extra intimately, and it’s additionally a well known district for backpackers in search of cheaper lodging.

Within the daytime, Trastevere is quiet, idyllic, and considerably romantic. At night time, the bars come alive with stay music, DJs, and laughing, smiling folks – locals and vacationers alike – bringing the quiet streets to life.

Because it’s positioned throughout the Tiber River, it’s less expensive than different neighborhoods in Rome, and fewer crowded too, making it an excellent selection for vacationers wanting to remain near the motion however with out being straight in it.

It’s the place we discovered espressos for lower than €1, wines for €2.50, avenue performers and music within the squares and on the streets, and a typically electrifying environment.

Issues To Do In Trastevere

1. Stroll Down The Facet Streets

I really like strolling down the again streets of the Trastevere district in Rome. It’s like strolling by means of the pages of a storybook. 

The slender cobblestone alleys are lined with charming, ivy-covered buildings that exude an old-world, romantic allure you gained’t discover within the bustling vacationer areas. 

As you stroll down the facet streets, you possibly can’t assist however discover the pleasant aroma of freshly baked bread and the sound of locals chatting in Italian, creating an genuine and vibrant environment.

The actual magic of Rome will not be in its iconic landmarks, however in these again alleys and passageways, the place family-run trattorias and gelaterias arrange tables exterior for the locals to spend their afternoons chatting fortunately away over an espresso or two. 

That is really one of the best ways to expertise Trastevere. As you stroll down the streets, you would possibly bump into quaint piazzas tucked away from the principle thoroughfares, that are excellent for people-watching from a close-by espresso store. 

2. Admire the Fountain in Piazzi di Santa Maria 

Certainly one of my favourite piazzas within the Trastevere district is Piazzi di Santa Maria, which is thought for its lovely water fountain in its heart. It’s not simply any fountain – it’s a surprising masterpiece that’s steeped in historical past and wonder. 

The Fountain is believed to be the oldest fountain in Rome, thought to have been constructed within the eighth century, although its actual origin is unknown. The design has modified through the years, however what you see earlier than you immediately was the work of a few of Rome’s best craftsmen, Donato Bramante, with additions by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Carlo Fontana.

Many individuals flock to this fountain within the night to sit down upon its steps and bask within the bustling environment of the sq..

3. Verify Out The Nightlife

For those who’re questioning tips on how to spend a night in Trastevere, then you definately’re in luck, as there are such a lot of issues to do in Trastevere at night time!

Relating to nightlife in Rome, the Trastevere district is the place the celebration’s at. This vigorous neighborhood comes alive after darkish with a vibrant mixture of bars, golf equipment, and stay music venues that cater to each style. 

Whereas Trastevere has extra reasonably priced costs when in comparison with different districts in Rome, sadly, nights out are typically simply as costly right here as anyplace else within the metropolis. 

One of the well-liked bars in Trastevere is Bar San Calisto as a result of the costs of drinks are quite a bit lower than the swanky wine bars you see across the neighborhood. It’s the oldest and most well-known bar within the district and has been a preferred watering gap for greater than half a century.

It’s a no-frills pub the place each locals and vacationers congregate after the solar goes down. A traditional, Roman pub, unpretentious and genuine. What extra may you need?

One other well-liked bar is Enoteca La Vite which has an in depth assortment of native wines.

Come again right here within the morning as they’ve actually low-cost espresso and gelato!

4. Take A Strolling Meals Tour

I can’t stress sufficient how a lot we loved the strolling meals tour of the Trastevere district. It wasn’t nearly strolling by means of the charming cobblestone streets, savoring essentially the most mouthwatering Italian delicacies at hidden native spots, however about studying the native lifestyle and the way necessary meals is embedded into Italian tradition. 

As you stroll from trattoria to trattoria, you get to pattern a few of Rome’s lesser-known and most beautiful dishes, from crispy supplì to heavenly gelato, washed down with the acquired style of Grappa (it wasn’t for me) – each chew is a burst of genuine flavors that remind you that Italian meals is extra than simply pizza and pasta.

What makes this meals tour so particular is that you simply’re led by an area information, who tells you tales of the folks and the lifestyle right here, permitting you to really take in the district’s distinctive vibe. 

I nonetheless bear in mind the style of the artisanal cheeses like Pecorino cheese that we tried from an area produce retailer. For those who’re a foodie, add this to your checklist of issues to do in Rome!

5. Admire the Basilicas of Trastevere

Relating to discovering the perfect structure within the neighborhood, look no additional than the church buildings and basilicas.

The Basilica of Santa Maria is arguably essentially the most well-known church within the space and is an actual showstopper with its beautiful mosaics and peaceable courtyard. It’s one of many Seven Pilgrim Church buildings of Rome, and the most important Catholic Marian church within the metropolis.

Courting again to 432 AD, the design of the church is a combination of Romanesque and Baroque types, with Fifth-century mosaics adorning the interiors. Strolling down the central nave is breathtaking. The marble arches and columns draw your eyes as much as the gilded domed ceiling the place the intricacies of the art work preserve your consideration sucked in till your neck cramps up! 

The Santa Cecilia is one other gem recognized for its breathtaking art work and medieval design. What’s particular about this church is that it’s devoted to Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of music and poetry. 

The within of the church will not be as spectacular because the Basilica of Santa Maria, however the statue of Saint Cecilia by Stefano Maderno, which sits on the excessive altar of the church, is price testing. It was created in 1600 after the physique of Saint Cecilia was discovered buried underneath the altar. It’s mentioned that the statue is in true likeness to her physique because it was discovered by Antonio Bosio.

I additionally beloved the design of Basilica di San Crisogono, which is small and unimposing from the skin, however lavish and ornately adorned on the within. I additionally beloved Chiesa di San Francesco a Ripa, a baroque-style church which accommodates a few of Bernini’s masterpieces.

6. Catch Wonderful Views from Janiculum Hill

For unbelievable views, head as much as Janiculum Hill (additionally affectionately often known as the Balcony of Rome), the second largest in Rome and a hidden gem with essentially the most breathtaking panoramic views of the town. 

The climb up the hill is steep and takes about half-hour, but it surely’s completely price it once you’re rewarded with a surprising vista that stretches from St. Peter’s Basilica to your entire historic heart of Rome. 

Make certain to reach at noon to look at the standard firing of the cannon. Day-after-day, a clean spherical is fired at midday, which first started on 1 December 1847 when Pope Pius IX launched it as a strategy to have a sign for the official time and to assist synchronize the bells of the church buildings.

The cannon sound can generally be heard all the way in which from Esquiline Hill if you happen to hear carefully.

7. Watch The Road Artists on the Ponte Sisto

Connecting central Rome to Trastevere is the beautiful bridge, Ponte Sisto, which in itself is a murals, with its elegant arches and beautiful views of the Tiber River. 

What’s so particular about Ponte Sisto is that it’s typically lined with avenue artists busking within the early night. It’s the proper spot for a leisurely stroll, particularly within the night when the lights of the town forged a magical glow over the river.

8. Loosen up within the Botanical Backyard of Rome

The Botanical Backyard of Rome is a peaceable oasis proper within the coronary heart of the town. The second I stepped into the backyard, I used to be surrounded by lush greenery, vibrant blooms, and a way of tranquility that’s arduous to search out within the bustling streets of Rome. 

It’s a haven for nature lovers and anybody looking for a serene escape from the city hustle.

What’s so particular about this botanical backyard is that it accommodates greater than 7,000 plant species from everywhere in the world. From unique tropical palms to historic olive bushes, each nook tells a novel botanical story. 

9. Admire The Artwork Inside Villa Farnesina

Villa Farnesina is probably essentially the most lovely constructing within the Trastevere district. It was constructed for Agostino Chigi, a Sienese banker who was additionally the treasurer of Pope Julius II. 

He had a passion for Renaissance artwork and commissioned fresco work by a few of the most beloved artists of the period, Raphael, Sebastiano del Piombo, Giulio Romano, and Il Sodoma. 

Essentially the most well-known piece within the villa is Raphael’s depiction of “Cupid and Psyche”, which adorns the ceiling of the Loggia on the bottom ground. One other notable piece is by Sodoma, who painted scenes from the lifetime of Alexander the Nice on the partitions of the upstairs bed room.

Each room and hall is adorned with a few of the best frescos of the Renaissance. For those who’re an artwork lover, or not, you can not miss an opportunity to stroll amongst these halls and witness the grandeur created by the Renaissance elite.

10. Step Again In Time at Museo di Roma

The Museo di Roma is a small museum that belongs to the Roman civic museums community. It has an enormous assortment of works documenting the story of “outdated Rome”, in addition to a number of galleries devoted to Italian artwork.

One of many museum’s highlights is a set of 120 watercolor work by the nineteenth-century painter, Ettore Roesler Franz of Roma.

This museum is a treasure trove of Rome’s wealthy historical past and tradition, showcasing the whole lot from fascinating work to intriguing artifacts that carry the town’s previous to life. 

11. Marvel at Palazzo Corsini

One other architectural gem within the neighborhood is Palazzo Corsini, a late-baroque palace belonging to the Corsini household.

This beautiful palace was as soon as residence to rich cardinals and popes, however now homes the Accademia dei Lincei, the world’s oldest scientific establishment. 

It accommodates greater than 600,000 books and papers on scientific topics of varied kinds, in addition to a set of marbles and statues belonging to the Nationwide Gallery of Historical Artwork.

Guests can enter the palace by guided tour solely, in which you’ll stroll across the fresco-clad halls and exuberant rooms. A spotlight of the tour is to go to the previous Throne Room, the place the household’s wealth and affect may be greatest appreciated.

Excursions run Monday – Friday and take round 90 minutes. You possibly can study extra about excursions of Palazzo Corsini right here.

The palace can also be related to the Botanical Gardens of Rome.

12. See the Ruins of Circus Maximus

For those who had been wowed by The Colosseum and wish to go to extra of Rome’s historic sporting stadiums, then a go to to Circus Maximus in Trastevere is a should. 

This historic chariot racing stadium was the primary and largest stadium within the Empire and extends for 621 meters. In its prime, it may home over 150,000 spectators

At this time, the stadium is a wreck became a sprawling city park, the place you possibly can sit on the grassy banks and picture what life in historic Rome would have been like.

What I really like about Circus Maximus is how one can simply see what the stadium would have appeared like. In every single place you look there are remnants of the seating tiers and pathways that might simply have been chariot tracks. 

That is simply over the river from Trastevere. We walked previous it on our approach again tot our condominium from the Colosseum.

13. Chill In The Gardens of Villa Sciarra

One other enchanting spot in Trastevere is the Gardens of Villa Sciarra, a verdant paradise with lush greenery, meandering pathways, and a captivating fountain with nymph statues that make it a serene escape from the bustling metropolis. 

What makes this backyard distinctive is the number of flora from Italian and Mediterranean roots, alongside extra unique species resembling a number of sorts of palms.

Strolling alongside the pathways, and smelling the aromatic blooms, is the proper strategy to loosen up after a day of exploring.

Locations To Eat & Drink In Trastevere

The advantage of Trastevere is there isn’t a scarcity of fine locations to eat. The supervisor of our condominium, an area to the realm, informed us, “For those who see a line, don’t hassle ready, simply go to a different one and not using a line, will probably be good. It’s additionally cheaper than throughout the river.“

However if you wish to plan a very good place to eat within the neighborhood, listed here are a few of our favourite eating places in Trastevere…

1. Mama Eat Roma

Mama Eat was our favourite restaurant in Trastevere and so we now have to incorporate it as our primary spot! We ate there a few instances as a result of the menu may be made solely gluten-free! 

They do make non-gluten-free variations of the whole lot as properly, however for us with dietary wants, it was actually a luxurious to have selections.

I can’t let you know how great it was to know I may safely devour a scrumptious pizza or pasta carbonara adopted by tiramisu.

The meals was so contemporary and flavorful, and you’ll clearly inform it was all constructed from scratch.

The tiramisu was the perfect I’ve ever eaten. Interval.

2. Otello

Otello is one other well-liked place to eat within the Trastevere district. The second you step into the restaurant, you might be greeted by the comfortable and alluring environment that makes you are feeling proper at residence. 

The aroma of scorching garlic and the sound of clinking glasses fill the air, creating the proper ambiance for a romantic date night time meal.

Otello provides genuine Roman flavors, from the creamy carbonara to the superbly crispy fried artichokes, each dish is a culinary masterpiece that leaves you yearning for extra. 

It’s a bit on the dear facet, however if you’d like a memorable eating expertise, that is the place to go.

3. Osteria Nannarella

If you’d like one thing just a little extra informal, Osteria Nannarella is an efficient selection. Described as a “modest eatery”, this can be a no-fuss restaurant serving up conventional Roman dishes.

The amatriciana and the suppli are a few of the most beloved objects on the menu, and the native wines on provide are the proper pairing.

Whereas folks come for the meals, folks keep for the service, notably by Ronaldo, the pleasant waiter who all the time serves you with a smile and constructive perspective. He’s change into considerably of an area celeb within the Trastevere district!

4. Alle Fratte di Trastevere

Alle Fratte di Trastevere is one other busy restaurant that’s all the time popping! You could wish to reserve a desk right here, in any other case you possibly can count on to attend as much as 20 minutes for a desk within the evenings.

And folks do wait as a result of the meals is that good! The pasta dishes, resembling Spaghetti Carbonara and Cacio e Pepe are a few of the hottest objects on the menu. 

The tiramisu can also be superb, and their home wine isn’t too shabby both!

5. Restaurant Ai Spaghettari

For a easy, family-friendly environment, head to Restaurant Ai Spaghettari. This little trattoria is like strolling into a house – you instantly really feel welcome and wish to kick off your sneakers and make your self cozy.

The Spaghetti Caccio Pepe is especially good right here and the workers are all very pleasant and hospitable.

6. Prosciutteria Cantina dei Papi

For a fast day time porchetta sandwich, a late night time snack, or a extra stress-free sit city with top quality hams and cheeses, eat at Prosciutteria Cantina dei Papi paired with a pleasant glass of Italian wine.

Don’t expect a fast-food Subway expertise right here. It’s a country, old-world atmosphere, however with top quality merchandise rigorously chosen by our Cooks and Sommeliers, with a deal with natural, seasonality and native farm to desk. 

We loved grabbing a late night time pork sandwich right here after our go to to the wine bar. We took residence sandwiches for the women too!

7. Breakfast at Baylon Cafe

For those who’re in search of a fantastic breakfast spot, Baylon Cafe is it. It was across the nook from our condominium, so I popped in on my final day for a fast take out of pastries and low. Two coffees and three yummy chocolate stuffed pastries and croissants for lower than €12

Many rave about their American fashion breakfast and their lunch and dinner menu and nice apertivo!

8. Apertivo Hour at Antilia

You’re in Italy, Apertivo hour is necessary, and in Trastevere, it’s buzzing. Just like the eating places on this Roman neighborhood, you would sit at any of bars in Trastevere and have a beautiful Apertivo hour.

Loosen up with a ice chilly Aperol spritz and a plate of free nibbles and watch the streets come alive with folks on the point of finish their day and begin their night time.

Our seat exterior Antilia on the nook of two busy thoroughfares gave us a beautiful vantage level!

9. Latteria Trastevere

For those who’re in search of a very good wine bar to finish your night in Trastevere, then you definately’ll love the intimate Latteria Trastevere, tucked away on an endearing facet avenue.

It will likely be troublesome to resolve between the twinkly lights strung amongst wine bottles inside, or the lovable tables within the leafy exterior area. This place is elegant and our server helped us select a glass of wine from the menu.

I want we got here right here for dinner, as I beloved the quieter, extra romantic environment. I heard nice issues concerning the menu with meals sourced from small farms over Italy and meals that showcase the cooks Sardinian roots.

Lattteria is unquestionably a hidden secret of eating places in Trastevere.

The place to Keep in Trastevere

House Rental in Trastevere

That is the place we stayed after we visited Trastevere. It’s spacious, trendy, and a straightforward strolling distance to all of Rome’s prime sights.

It was additionally on a quiet avenue away from the nightlife, so we had no drawback sleeping at night time. The host was extremely pleasant and gave us loads of suggestions for locations to eat and drink.

See costs and availability right here.

Resort Santa Maria

The Resort Santa Maria is a captivating, cozy lodge on the banks of the Tiber River. It’s a former Sixteenth-century convent turned boutique lodge and options quaint rooms that look out over the inner landscaped grounds crammed with orange bushes and Mediterranean flora. The rooms are designed in interval furnishings, with terracotta flooring and wood furnishings. It’s like staying in a fairytale villa!

See costs and availability right here.

Palazzo Velli

One other historic place to remain in Trastevere is Palazzo Velli. Sure, you possibly can keep in a Fifteenth-century palace! This former palace has been became self-catering residences which were kitted out with mod cons, resembling free Wi-Fi, dwelling areas with a hearth, and well-equipped kitchens. 

See charges and availability right here.

FAQs About Visiting Trastevere

Is Trastevere a pleasant a part of Rome?

Sure, Trastevere is a pleasant a part of Rome. Its medieval homes clad with ivy, paired with cobbled streets and winding alleys crammed with the laughter of locals, make it an idyllic spot for these desirous to expertise the genuine facet of Rome.

How far is Trastevere from Rome Heart?

It’s a few 30-minute stroll from Trastevere to the town heart of Rome, and a 45-minute stroll to Vatican Metropolis.

Is Trastevere Secure at Night time?

Sure, Trastevere is protected at night time, so long as you don’t wander round alone and keep watch over your belongings. It’s all the time busy, which provides a component of security, however Rome is infamous for pickpockets so do keep watch over your valuables always.

Earlier than You Go

Trastevere was by far our favourite place to go to in Rome. It was our teenagers favourite place in Rome as properly. The cobblestone streets, vibrant piazzas, vigorous cafes, conventional trattorias, and artisan retailers, actually gave us a real style of native life. 

Earlier than you go, ensure that to learn up on our important issues to know earlier than going to Rome to get an concept of what to anticipate. To benefit from your go to, you should definitely discover the realm on foot and you should definitely get your self misplaced down the facet streets. It truly is one of the best ways to expertise this neighborhood!

I hope this information helped you propose your journey to Trastevere and gave you some inspiration for what to do, the place to remain, and the place to eat. 

No matter you resolve to do, Trastevere guarantees to be an unforgettable vacation spot, providing the proper mix of historical past, tradition, and pure Roman allure.