10+ Best Things to do in Trastevere (Rome Neighbourhood Guide)

Last Updated on 11th October 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

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Filled with bars, restaurants, and pretty as a postcard façades, Trastevere is a quaint area of Rome which is perfect for exploring over the course of a long and lazy afternoon or alternatively at night when eateries spill out onto the street and drinks flow into wine glasses in abundance. Here’s your guide to the best things to do in Trastevere, as well as what to know before you go.

In a capital city it can be rare to find a district with a medieval village vibe where the locals are friendly and the pastel hued winding streets feel akin to strolling through a remote part of Italy, but that’s exactly what you’ll find should you head to this oasis in the heart of Rome.

With this being said, visitors should note that the secret of tranquil Trastevere has been out for a fair few years now and so the neighbourhood is certainly not as calm and peaceful as it once was.

The main thoroughfares and streets have a tendency to become pretty crowded, especially during the summer and at weekends, not to mention that most of the more famous eateries attract long queues trailing out of their doors.

With this being said, even if you visit during a busy period (we explored the neighbourhood on a sunny Saturday afternoon in late May), you can still find pockets of calm if you venture a little off the beaten tourist track and go into the side streets of the neighbourhood.

What is Trastevere known for?

In truth, Trastevere is not famous for any of its monuments or attractions but is instead well-known for its laid back pace, wealth of eateries, and sheer attractiveness. The district has been inhabited since at least the 5th-century BCE when the Romans occupied the area.

However, as the area was predominantly populated by fishermen (due to its enviable location close to the Tiber river), Syrian people, and Jewish people, the wealthy took little heed of the area and didn’t really marvel at its beauty up until the 1st Century BCE when Julius Cesar chose to build his garden villa in the area (known in Latin as Horti Caesaris).

Today Trastevere is renowned for its many restaurants and cafés serving up farm to table food in a warm atmosphere. Even if you have as little as one day in Rome, I recommend going to the district, if only to soak up the friendly ambiance.

Where is Trastevere?

Trastevere literally means ‘across the river’ and so, as you can imagine, Trastevere is located just across the River Tiber (on the west bank) from the most ancient part of Rome, i.e. the Colosseum and Roman forum.

Trastevere is situated directly south of Vatican City, meaning that it’s only a twenty minute walk away. Additionally, the district is only a fifteen minute walk away from the Colosseum, making it the perfect afternoon location after you’ve spent the morning at one of Italy’s most famous attractions.

Best things to do in Trastevere

Ponte Sisto

If you’re headed to the area from the more ancient parts of Rome, then your first port of call may well be Ponte Sisto, which provides stunning views over the River Tiber, connecting Campo de’ Fiori with Trastevere. The bridge was built in the 15th-century at the behest of Pope Sixtus IV.

Tiber Island

As its name would suggest, Tiber Island lies in the centre of the River Tiber and is known as Isola Tiberina in Italian. In fact, this is the only island in the Tiber River within the boundaries of Rome and it remains popular among locals thanks to its pretty views and laid back ambiance.

Though I don’t recommend spending time on the island if you only have 3 days in Rome or less (there are more worthy attractions that should be at the top of your itinerary), it’s a pleasant enough spot and highlights include the ‘Colonna infame’ and the Church of San Bartolomeo Apostolo.

Ponte Fabricio

Yet another picturesque bridge in the neighbourhood, which is a particularly good spot from which to watch the sunset is Ponte Fabricio. This bridge boasts the claim of being the oldest Roman bridge in Rome and little has changed over the centuries since its construction in 62 BCE.

Stroll the streets

It may seem a little cliché to say, but one of the best ways to enjoy Trastevere is to simply stroll the cobbled lanes and allow the district to reveal itself to you.

You’ll want to dedicate at least an hour or two to wandering around, admiring the warm sunny stone buildings and snapping photos of the vegetation covered houses. Just be sure to wear comfortable shoes and avoid heels as there are lots of cobbled streets and some roads are not in the best condition!

Via della Lungaretta

One of the main thoroughfares traversing through Trastevere is Via della Lungaretta, which is a pretty cobbled street that’s full of bars and cafés. The road also leads directly onto Piazza Santa Maria, which many consider to be the beating heart of the district.

Villa Sciarra

The delightful Villa Sciarra is a mesmerising park complete with ornate gardens, follies, and Baroque fountains. The green space is free to enter and there’s even a free honesty library at the entrance where you can take a book in exchange for leaving another.

Basilica of Santa Maria

Free to visit, the impressive Basilica of Santa Maria stands in pride of place in the centre of Piazza Santa Maria, a church whose roots date back to the 4th-century CE, making it one of the oldest churches in Rome.

The church you see today was actually completed in 1143 in the Romanesque style, though its rather plain façade belies an ornate mosaic-filled interior. Wander in at any given moment and you’ll be greeted by late 13th century by Pietro Cavallini.

Like most ecclesiastical buildings in Europe, additions to the church were made over the centuries, leading to the rich and diverse mix of artworks and architectural styles you can admire within the church today.

Piazza di Santa Maria

Of course, one of the greatest joys of any trip top Europe it to simply sit in a centuries old square and watch the world go by. Piazza di Santa Maria is the ideal place to do this as many cafés have outdoor terraces and the square is particularly beautiful (even by Italian standards).

Piazza San Cosimato

The other main square in Trastevere is Piazza San Cosimato, where a near daily market is held. Indeed, this is one of the only surviving outdoor markets in the city, making it that extra special.

Visit from Monday through to Saturday and you’ll soon discover plenty of fresh produce including local fruits and typical Italian cheeses. What’s more is that Mercato di San Cosimato is much less busy than the nearby Campo de’ Fiori, making for a more authentic experience.

The Basilica Of Santa Cecilia

This church finds its roots in the 5th-century, though there may well have been an earlier church on site. Dedicated to the Roman martyr Saint Cecilia (who lived in the first half of the 3rd Century CE), highlights include the late 13th-century Last Judgement fresco and the Cosmatesque style crypt.

La Chiesa Di San Pietro In Montorio

There is no shortage of churches in Rome and so yet another church which is worth visiting in Trastevere is that of La Chiesa Di San Pietro In Montorio. Though the church does not appear to be much from its exterior, tradition marks that the building was constructed on the exact spot of the crucifixion of St Peter.

You’ll have to climb up from the main town to visit the structure, but the views more than make up for the sweat you might end up breaking out in (particularly if you attempt the climb mid day during the height of summer).

Belvedere Del Gianicolo

For one of the best views in Rome, you simply have to visit the Belvedere Del Gianicolo, which is known in English as Janiculum Hill. This viewpoint is free to visit and offers particularly spectacular views of the St Peter’s Dome.

Paola Fountain

One of the most impressive Baroque masterpieces in Trastevere is the Paola fountain, which is located a short walk away from Janiculum hill. The water feature was built in 1612 to mark the end of the Acqua Paola aqueduct.

Orto Botanico

If you’re looking for a moment of respite among the hustle and bustle of Rome, then the botanical gardens of Trastevere are a great spot to venture to. The best time to visit is during the late spring when almost all of the flowers are in bloom.

Entrance to the gardens costs a few euros, and once inside, you’ll soon discover a rose garden, a Japanese garden, medicinal plants, carnivorous plants, a tropical greenhouse, and more!

Villa Farnesina

This Renaissance Villa was built between 1506 and 1510 for Agostino Chigi, a wealthy banker for the Pope. Today, the Villa functions as a private museum, and of particular note are the well-preserved elaborate frescoes by Raphael.

Go on a food tour

If you’re the kind of person who enjoys exploring a neighbourhood with a local guide, then booking a food tour is the perfect way to get to know Trastevere on a more local level. For example, this tour will take you on a walking tour, as well as offering 20 food tastings at 4 venues. Check prices and availability here.

Rome Pizza Making Class & Dinner in Trastevere

If you want to learn how to make your own pizza while discovering the beautiful neighbourhood of Trastevere, then this is the tour to book.

This cooking class will teach you all about the secrets of perfecting pizza dough. After making the pizza, you’ll be able to enjoy it along with an aperitivo with the rest of your class. Book the class now.

Where to eat in Trastevere

There are so many places to eat and drink in the neighbourhood that it can sometimes be overwhelming to try and choose a spot! If you have a dinner reservation in another area, then you can always head to Trastevere first to enjoy a traditional Italian Aperitivo. Here are some of our top recommendations for eating and drinking in the area:

Trapizzino: The Trapizzino is actually a popular street food in Italy which consists of a pizza folded into the shape of a triangle and served as a sandwich. It’s simply delicious and makes for the perfect lunch paired with a glass of sparkling water or an Aperol Spritz.

Samovar: We stumbled on this Trastevere gem quite by accident when we were wandering through the neighbourhood in search of a drink. Order the shakerato if you’re in search of an alcohol free iced coffee (though be warned it’s pretty strong!) Otherwise, the bar is a pretty popular spot for those in search of a trendy cocktail spot in the evening.

Tiramisú Trastevere: If you’re a fan of the deliciously sweet dessert known as Tiramisu, then it’s worth checking out this eponymous café. Of particular note are the unusual Tiramisu flavours including caramel, Oreo, and Amaretto. There are even vegan and lactose free options.

Where to stay in Trastevere

Due to the numerous cafés and restaurants in the area, as well as the ease of access to the rest of Rome, you can’t go wrong by opting to stay in this lively neighbourhood. Here are some of the best places to stay in Trastevere based on location and web reviews:

Domus Corsini: This Trastevere four-star hotel boasts some rooms with balconies, as well as free Wi-Fi and an optional airport shuttle for an additional charge. Check prices and availability here.

Horti 14 Borgo Trastevere Hotel: This four-star hotel in enviably located just a short walk away from the Orto Botanico di Roma. Highlights include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minifridges, and a rooftop onsite. Check prices and availability here.

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