Trastevere: what to see in Rome’s charming neighborhood
Outside dining in Rome’s Trastevere neighborhood.
All you need to know for a visit to the distinctive Trastevere neighborhood in Rome.
An easy walk across the Tiber River leads you to Trastevere, one of Rome’s most charming neighborhoods. The neighborhood’s name derives from "across the Tiber" and has been attracting people even before Julius Caesar built a walled villa in the neighborhood.
As you explore the Trastevere district, you’ll find some of the city’s best restaurants, bars, and nightlife.
While most of Rome is car-filled and fast-paced, Trastevere is mostly car-free and the narrow, photogenic streets have a much slower feel. This makes Trastevere one of the most unique neighborhoods in Rome
How to Get to Trastevere Italy
Both the Vatican and Colosseum are about a 30-minute walk away so walking is a great option.
On our recent trip to Rome, we spent a pleasant evening walking from Circus Maximus to the Rome Rose Garden then across the Tiber to Trastevere.
There is also bus and tram service very close to Trastevere. Since we had walked all day we took a bus back to our hotel and the whole process was very smooth. Google Maps was very effective for transit info during our visit.
Trastevere is an easy walk across the Tiber River.
Top attractions in Trastevere
While Trastevere is best visited by strolling around the narrow streets there are a number of notable attractions.
Piazza di Santa Maria
The piazza is at the heart of the Trastevere neighborhood and is home to the beautiful Basilica Santa Maria in Trastevere.
The square is enclosed with wonderful Sixteenth-century-style buildings. The fountain in the center of the square was restored by Bernini in 1659.
While the Basilica Santa Maria is full of wonderful art one of the most important pieces is the Madonna della Clemenza. The Madonna and Child is believed to date back to between the 6th and 9th centuries.
The Basilica of Santa Maria is free to enter and is open every day from 7:30 am to 8:30 pm but in August the Basilica closes between 1:00 pm and 3:30 pm.
Frescoes at Villa Farnesina
Villa Farnesina features masterpieces of Rome’s High Renaissance but without huge crowds. Impressive works by Raphael and his contemporaries are displayed in the palace.
The palace was owned by the amazingly wealthy Agostino Chigi, a financier to the popes in the 16th century. He spared no expense in commissioning art for his home.
The palace is open Tuesday to Sunday 10-7pm. Online reservations are suggested, at https://www.booking-villafarnesina.it/it/booking-1/
Trastevere’s streets are mostly car-free, making walking easy.
Belvedere Del Gianicolo
Belvedere literally translates to “beautiful view”, so you know this is a great spot. Standing nearly 300 feet tall the hill was part of the original fortification of Rome.
The hill features sweeping views of Rome and has been a favorite spot for years.
Ponte Fabricio
Ponte Fabricio is the oldest bridge in Rome. The 2000-year-old bridge is named for Lucio Fabricius, the man who first built it. It’s one of the two bridges that connect the man-made Tiber Island with Rome’s “mainland”.
La Chiesa di Santa Cecilia
The fifth-century church is devoted to the Roman martyr Saint Cecilia. Among the notable artwork inside the church is The Last Judgement by Pietro Cavallini and The Martyrdom of Saint Cecilia sculpture. There is no admission charge to enter the church.
Enjoy the view from Janiculum Hill
A 20 minute walk across the Passeggiata del Gianicolo and up Janiculum Hill leads to a fantastic view of Rome. Janiculum Hill is often called the “Balcony of Rome,” because of it’s stunning panorama over the city.
While sunset is a very popular time to visit you might want to consider 12 noon also. Every day at noon since 1904, a canon round has been fired from the Janiculum Hill.
Porta Portese flea market
Every Sunday Trastevere hosts Rome’s most popular flea market. This market runs from 6 am to 2 pm, it’s huge and gets very crowded. With the big crowds comes lots of pickpockets so be careful with your valuables.
Piazza San Cosimato Market
The small market local produce, fresh fish and meat, and artisan cheeses and cured meats. It is open Monday thru Saturday from 6:30 am to 1:30 pm. Even if you have no place to prepare food in your hotel it’s fun to walk through a small local market.
Orto Botanico
Visiting Rome can be exhausting so a stop at a small botanical garden, like Orto Botanico, can be a refreshing escape. The 30-acre garden was designed in 1883 on the lower slopes of the Gianicolo Hill behind the Palazzo Corsini.
Admission is £8 and is operated by La Sapienza - Rome's Univeristy.
The garden contains approximately 8000 species, including some of Europe’s rarest plants.
Pedestrians stroll pastdiners at Trastevere restaurants
Where to stay in Trastevere
If you are looking to stay in an area that looks like a movie set surrounded by fabulous restaurants then Trastevere is for you.
Trastevere is located across the Tiber River from most of Rome’s main attractions. So if you are staying in Trastevere the best plan would be to spend the day out and about seeing the attractions and then enjoy relaxing evenings by your hotel.
Hotels in Trastevere tend to be small, so it’s a good idea to book as soon as possible.
Relais Le Clarisse
The Relais Le Clarisse is rated “Fabulous” on Booking.com.
The bed and breakfast features charming rooms and a beautiful private courtyard where they serve breakfast and drinks.
You can check pricing and availability here.
Tree Charme
Tree Charme features bright rooms with modern furniture and air conditioning.
There is also a nice outside terrace with breakfast included.
You can check pricing and availability here.
Hotel La Rovere
Hotel La Rovere features modern, clean rooms with air conditioning. Breakfast and a bar is available.
Some of the rooms have very nice balconies.
You can check rates and availability here.
Villa della Fonte
In keeping with the flavor of Trastevere, Villa della Fonte is located in an 18th-century building and only has 5 charming rooms.
It receives a designation of “wonderful” on Booking.com and has an equally high price tag.
You can check rates and availability here.
Note - This blog post contains affiliate links. This means that if we are recommending a product, activity, or hotel, we might be receiving a small commission if you buy or book from these links. This is done at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products we have personally used or have thoroughly researched.
Looking for other things to do in Rome? Here are a few blog posts we’ve written about things to do on your visit
Where to eat in Trastevere
Sette Oche Ristorante
On our most recent visit to Trastevere, we had a wonderful meal after stumbling upon this moderately priced restaurant. While they have tables outside we chose to eat in their memorable white “cave-like” interior.
The pizza and pasta options were excellent but we enjoyed the mozzarella and cheese appetizer the most.
Address: Via Dei Salumi 36 Trastevere, 00153 Rome Italy
Le Mani In Pasta
When the name of the restaurant translates to “the hand in pasta” you know the food will be fresh. This upscale restaurant is known for its fantastic seafood in addition to its pasta.
Address: Via Dei Genovesi 37, 00153 Rome Italy
Glass Hosteria
Glass Hosteria is Trastevere’s only two-Michelin star restaurant, so be ready for pricy but highly innovative food. The restaurant's interior is equally remarkable.
Address: Vicolo del Cinque 58 Trastevere, 00153 Rome Italy
Freni e Frizione
Freni e Frizione is regarded as one of the best spots in Rome for an aperitivo. Many restaurants and bars feature a free buffet for the price of a drink but this place features an amazing spread.
Address: Via Del Politeama 4 - 6, 00153 Rome Italy
Otaleg
When it’s time for a gelato Otaleg is one of the best places in Rome to stop.
Address: Via di San Cosimato 14 / A, 00153 Rome Italy
Trastevere food tours
We have taken food tours in cities around the world and enjoyed every one of them. It’s an easy way to sample new cuisines without the pressure of ordering a full plate in a restaurant.
We’d suggest taking a food tour early in your trip so you can find some new favorite foods that you can order on your own later. The guides are always fun and knowledgeable and the people are usually like-minded travelers looking for new experiences.
Here are a few highly rated Trastevere food tours:
Final thoughts
If you have the opportunity to visit Rome we’d highly recommend a visit to Trastevere. We enjoy heading there in the late afternoon for a stroll, an aperitivo, and a wonderful meal. Then hop on a bus or grab a taxi back to your hotel.
If you are looking for a unique attraction very close to Trastevere check out our post on the Roman Rose Garden.
This post was researched and written by John of the Empty Nest Explorers. You can learn more about the Empty Nest Explorers here.
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