The Ultimate Guide to Rome’s Trastevere Neighbourhood

ultimate guide to Rome's Trastevere neighbourhood

Explore Romeing’s favourite restaurants, bars, and sights in Rome’s most cherished neighbourhood, Trastevere.

Often lauded as one of most authentic Roman quarters (and one of the best neighbourhoods of Rome), Trastevere has continued to attract both tourists and locals alike.

From above, its myriad of cobbled streets and intricate piazzas form a detailed map of stories, like the lines formed on a grandmother’s hands. Look a little closer, and visitors will soon find that this characteristic neighbourhood is brimming with a unique mix of bars, restaurants, and sights certain to appeal.

Wedged between the Tiber river, the Vatican, and Janiculum Hill, and walking distance from the historic center, the Trastevere neighbourhood truly is in the thick of it all!

Split into two distinct sides of Viale Trastevere, visitors can find their ideal patch of splendour. On the Santa Maria in Trastevere side, tourists and international students mingle in and out of well-priced pubs and tavernas. On the other side of Viale Trastevere, to the south, a genuine Roman spirit breathes amidst cobbled streets and traditional osterie.

santa maria in trastevere
piazza santa maria trastevere rome

Being one of the main Roman hubs, Trastevere is always full of life. Thanks to the cobblestone pavements, winding streets, and short buildings, the unique architecture gives way to a world of its own. At the edge of the Tiber river, once you cross ponte Sisto you are welcomed to the neighbourhood by one of its symbols, Piazza Trilussa. With people often enjoying a break on the steps, the piazza is quite an entrance and the perfect place to people watch. After that, whether you go right or left from there, you’re in good hands. Embraced by the friendly vibe, Trastevere is one of the biggest melting pots in Rome. Lived by locals and tourists alike, the neighbourhood is a gateway between the past and the present.

From colourful clotheslines swaying above, unique shops, eateries on every corner, and big piazzas to gather in, Trastevere is picture-perfect all around. Whether you’re strolling for a breakfast spot, searching for an osteria to lunch at, or looking for a nightcap after a long day, there’s no other scene that will give you quite as much choice.

One thing’s for sure: when in Trastevere, you’re sure to have a swell time. With our guide, get ready to find the best things to do in Trastevere.

Piazza Trilussa

The best restaurants, bars and shops in Trastevere

The Trastevere Experience.
The best things to see and do in Trastevere

Rome bike Tour

Explore Trastevere & Rome by bike

Via Labicana, 49
Duration: 4 hours

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Explore Trastevere and other Roman neighbourhoods on a guided bike tour. Easily cycle between ancient monuments and elegant shopping streets, Baroque squares and Renaissance palaces, and beautiful fountains and churches housing innumerable masterpieces. And of course, pedal around Trastevere’s picture-perfect vicolos and stunning piazzas. It’s the experience of a lifetime!

Foxtrail: the treasure hunt to discover Rome’s hidden wonders

Discover Trastevere with a treasure hunt

Daily, from 9am to sunset

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Discover Trastevere with Foxtrail – a mix between an outdoor escape game and a treasure hunt based on clues. Gather your group, book your slot and explore. There are departure slots every 15 minutes and you can even book last-minute on the same day! Each trail combines technology and creativity, offering interactive installations and clues that take you through off-the-beaten path areas.

trastevere-food-tour

Trastevere Food Tour

Piazza Trilussa, 46
Duration: 4 hours

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With Rome’s Trastevere Food Tour you will visit 4 locally loved venues for over 20 delicious tastings, while admiring the beautiful architecture, cobblestone streets and ivy-coated buildings. Tastings include 30 year aged balsamic vinegar, truffles, cheese, hams, D.O.C.G wine, pizza, homemade pasta, gelato and more.

The best things to do in Trastevere

Get crafty with a mosaics workshop

Via Corsini, 8
Duration: 2/3 hours

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Get hands-on and spend two to three hours in a mosaic-making workshop in a beautiful studio in Trastevere. Learn the techniques behind mosaic-making and create your own mosaic to take home with you. A professional artist will be with you every step of the way. If you’re travelling, not to worry–your mosaic will be placed in a box that you can carry anywhere!

santa maria in trastevere

Visit Santa Maria in Trastevere

Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere

The reigning queen of Trastevere’s family of must-see destinations, Santa Maria di Trastevere is one of Rome’s oldest churches. First constructed in 221 and 227, the basilica is renowned for its unique and beautiful 13th century mosaics by Pietro Cavallini. Situated in the bustling Piazza Santa Maria di Trastevere, escape the crowds for just a moment, and step into this holy sanctuary of serenity and spirituality.

The Ultimate Guide to Rome’s Trastevere Neighbourhood. Best restaurants, bars and things to do in Trastevere.

Admire the Gianicolo fountain

Via Garibaldi

Situated at the top of Gianicolo Hill, the Fontana dell’Acqua Paola (more commonly referred to as the Gianicolo fountain) built in 1612 faces a picture perfect view of Rome. As the cascading streams run over white marble, be sure to revel in this fine moment of La Dolce Vita.

isola-tiberina

Stroll through Isola Tiberina

Proud to claim the title of the Tiber River’s only island, Isola Tiberina is a sight worth visiting more than once. Home to a hospital, this boat-shaped island is associated with medicine,a beautiful piazza and a fine cluster of restaurants of course! Located just south of Ponte Garibaldi, Isola Tiberina is undoubtedly the most scenic way to cross from the centre to Trastevere.

The Ultimate Guide to Rome’s Trastevere Neighbourhood. Best restaurants, bars and things to do in Trastevere.

Visit the Museo di Roma in Trastevere

Piazza S. Egidio, 1/b

Looking for some artistic refinement between your afternoon espresso and evening serving of carbonara? Step into Museo di Roma in Trastevere. Think paintings, sculptures, and even a touch of photography in this 17th century setting. A common theme permeating the works is typical Roman life and routines; ready to be the judge?

Visit Villa Farnesina in Rome with Raphael's Frescoes

Visit Villa Farnesina

Via della Lungara, 230

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It is here in the Villa Farnesina that the young artist Raphael painted the famous frescoes of Amor and Psyche in his workshop in the early years of the sixteenth century. Surrounded by festive garlands of fruit and flowers that enhance the effect of unity between the palazzo and the garden, you can admire the scenes of the handsome god of love and his beautiful but mortal wife.

The Ultimate Guide to Rome’s Trastevere Neighbourhood. Best restaurants, bars and things to do in Trastevere.

Explore the Orto Botanico

Largo Cristina di Svezia, 24

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If the frenetic, vibrant streets of Trastevere get a little tiresome, step into a world of serenity at Orto Botanico and recharge! Situated on the fringe of Trastevere this vast garden is operated and maintained by Rome’s Sapienza University. With over 7,000 international plant varieties and a Japanese tea garden, this truly is the place to find your inner zen.

Jewish Ghetto of Rome

Discover Trastevere & the Jewish Quarter

Via Luigi Petroselli, 47
Duration: 2 hours

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On the other side of Trastevere, you’ll find Rome’s Jewish Quarter, home to one of the oldest Jewish communities in Europe. Cross the river to explore the Tiber Island, Jewish Quarter, Marcello’s theater and more. It’s the perfect occasion to embark on a journey back in time, discovering these two very characteristic neighbourhoods of Rome.

The best things to do in Trastevere

Explore Rome & Trastevere by night

Pick-up at hotel/accommodation
Duration: 2 hours

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A driver guided city tour to cover the major highlights of Rome in an abbreviated format all while beautifully lit at night. From Trastevere to the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain, get ready to explore the Eternal City by night. The tour is led by an expert English speaking driver guide who will help to create a personalized experience while taking into account your specific interests.

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