10 Things To Do in Trastevere, Rome

10 Things To Do in Trastevere, Rome

The Trastevere is known as Rome’s most “colorful” neighborhood. It’s revered by both locals and tourists and is where one should go for an authentic, working class Roman experience.

The name Trastevere means “across the River”. It sits right on the left bank of the River Tiber and is part of the ancient city. For this reason it is important to note that there is little to no public transport to take you over the water. The streets are simply too old and narrow to allow for busses and trains.

Trastevere – by Lalupa – Wikimedia Commons

One should take the metro to the Circo Massimo stop and walk over the river bridges to get into the Trastevere.

1. Enjoy the Piazza Trilussa in Trastevere, Rome

Your first stop, right on the water’s edge, is the famous Piazza Trilussa. This vibrant square is the heartbeat of this neighborhood, attracting crowds from all walks of life in both the winter and summer.

In the warmer months it is not uncommon to find live concerts taking place in the piazza, free for the public to enjoy. It is also lined with places to eat and drink & if you wanted to take a guided walking tour through this neighborhood this would likely be the meeting point.

Piazza Trilussa – by Gobbler – Wikimedia Commons

2. Eat, Eat, Eat in Trastevere, Rome

Hospitality is what brings a lot of people into the Trastevere. This is Rome’s hottest spot for restaurants and cuisines from all over the world, not just Italy.

These narrow streets are lined with eateries, and on any given night you’ll have to queue for a few minutes just to get inside. Everyone wants to eat in the Trastevere, and that’s largely due to the following activity…

by Lalupa – Wikimedia Commons

3. Drink, Drink, Drink in Trastevere, Rome

Everyone wants to eat in the Trastevere because, afterwards, they want to drink in the Trastevere. Amidst all the eateries are bars and dancehalls that will carry your evenings through until the earliest hours of the morning.

There’s nothing quite like this neighborhood at night in Rome. The streets are filled with excited party hoppers moving between venues.

Whether you enjoy a calm wine bar, or a two for one tequila special, you’ll find it in the Trastevere.

4. Visit the Museo di Roma in Trastevere in Trastevere, Rome

The Trastevere isn’t known for formal museums, but the Museum of Rome has called this neighborhood home since 1977 and is a must visit for anyone who doesn’t feel up to scratch with their Roman history knowledge.

The museum explores Roman life between the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. How things came to be; what caused X, Y and Z; and what makes Rome different to other cities in Italy, are all subjects covered inside this museum.

Museo di Roma in Trastevere – by Mister No – Wikimedia Commons

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Tuesday TO Saturday –  10am to 8pm

ADDRESS: Piazza di S. Egidio, 1b, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

METRO STATION: Circo Massimo

5. Watch the Sunset from Gianicolo in Trastevere, Rome

The Trastevere is the base of the Janiculum Hill, also known as Gianicolo. In earlier times in Rome this hill was used for important rituals, held high above the city center.

Today one can make their way to the summit via a less than strenuous hike (I would call it a walk) from the Trastevere upward.

Seeing Rome from up here is something off of a bucket list; and seeing a sunset from up here is something else.

Janiculum Hill – by Sonse – Wikimedia Commons

6. Try Real Roman Pizza at Pizzeria ai Marmi in Trastevere, Rome

Roman locals will tell you without hesitation that the most authentic Roman pizzas are found in the Trastevere.

Pizzeria ai Marmi is one of the top spots, revered by some as the “best pizza in Rome”. It’s in the Trastevere north close to the water, and it is always full.

Don’t pay too much mind to the poor service; everyone is far too busy obsessing over the food so hospitality takes a back seat. Come to eat!

Pizzeria ai Marmi – by Pizzeria ai Marmi – Sourced from their Facebook

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Thursday TO Tuesday –  6:30pm to 2am

ADDRESS: Viale di Trastevere, 53, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

METRO STATION: Circo Massimo

7. Photograph the Streets in Trastevere, Rome

Something I encourage all travelers to do is to give the Trastevere the same time of day as they do they night. Too many people make this their evening hang out, and don’t come back during daylight hours to see the streets.

The Trastevere holds some of the most beautiful, charming and most photogenic roads in the city. So typically Italian they will break your heart and fill it with love all at the same time.

Trastevere – by Lalupa – Wikimedia Commons

8. Take a Guided Walking Tour in Trastevere, Rome

One way to make sure to experience the Trastevere by day is to book into a guided walking tour through the neighborhood.

Not only will you see the streets, but you’ll have a well informed companion with you to give you important history and facts about ancient Rome.

9. Peek Into the Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere, Rome

The Basilica di Santa Maria in the Trastevere is one of Rome’s oldest churches still standing. It underwent some much needed restoration not too long ago, so that it could be opened to the public for visitation.

The interior is whimsey beyond belief; a glorious display of baroque meets Italian romance. A must visit spot, even if you can only spare ten minutes to peep inside between your routes.

Basilica di Santa Maria – by 2pi.pl – Wikimedia Commons

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 7:30am to 9pm

ADDRESS: Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

METRO STATION: Circo Massimo

10. Shop Produce at the San Cosimato Market in Trastevere, Rome

Depending on how long you are staying in Rome, you’ll need to stock up on groceries for your Airbnb eventually. Local Romans don’t use supermarkets unless absolutely necessary, they prefer fresh produce markets and supporting small business.

The San Cosimato Market in the Trastevere is where you’ll find every fruit and vegetable imaginable, at the lowest prices in town. It’s a vibrant place for locals and tourists to mix & mingle, make time to visit!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday TO Saturday –  6:30am to 2pm

ADDRESS: Piazza di S. Cosimato, 64, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

METRO STATION: Circo Massimo