Last updated on December 26th, 2023 at 03:58 am
With lovers kissing on Vespas, meandering streets with century-old buildings, and cafes & bars lined up against the cobbled maze of streets; picturesque Trastevere is the neighborhood that captures the spirit of Rome like no one does!
If you believe in ‘Be a Roman in Rome’, why not check out one of Rome’s most favorite neighborhoods to get a taste of local life! Several important Romans built villas in this neighborhood, including Julius Caesar.
Bohemian and laidback, Trastevere promises to give visitors a true-blue Roman experience with its repertoire of amazing things to do, see and eat, the way a local will. Despite being a tourist magnet, Trastevere has managed to retain a strong local identity, and by taking any side streets, you’ll quickly escape the crowds drawn to this area.
So, put on some comfortable shoes (as the cobblestones streets are unforgiving) and lose yourself in Trastevere’s charming streets and lively piazzas.
Disclaimer: Things are changing rapidly – please double check what’s open before your trip and follow all local guidelines to keep yourself and others safe! This post contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission if you click on one and make a purchase.
Things To Do in Trastevere, Rome
1. Hangout at Piazza di Santa Maria
Head on to Piazza Santa Maria, at the heart of the Trastevere district adorned by a majestic 15th-century fountain. Lined with sidewalk restaurants and outdoor cafés, the square offers an excellent opportunity for people-watching. In addition, it is a much-loved place to hang out for travelers and the locals. It is believed to be the oldest fountain in Rome, dating back, according to some sources, to the 8th century. The present fountain is the work of Donato Bramante, with later additions by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Carlo Fontana.
Take a seat on the steps of the fountain and soak in the atmosphere, one of the best things to do in Trastevere. The Piazza is vehicle-free, and with street performers around the corner, there is always something going on there.
Word of caution: Chances are, you might be lost in the charming atmosphere while being seated on the fountain steps or in one of the outdoor cafes. Keep track of time as there’s a lot to see in Trastevere. Come back to the square again in the early evenings for the night ambiance.
2. Explore the inside of the Basilica of Santa Maria
The Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere is a not-so-obvious site to explore, especially for people first time in Rome. Usually, the Sistine Chapelle in Vatican City takes away all the limelight as far as visiting a church is concerned. However, if the Trastevere neighborhood is part of your itinerary (which it should!), this church is one of the main attractions.
The glorious 12th century Santa Maria church at Piazza Santa Maria is one of the oldest churches in Rome and a must-visit.
The church exteriors are deceptively unassuming, but a whole new world opens once you enter the church. The most stunning aspect of the church is the mosaics, the gilded interiors, and the octagonal ceiling painting depicting the assumption of the Virgin.
The fabulous mosaic in the church’s dome with Jesus, Mary, and the Disciples are awe-inspiring once lit up. The interiors are most lavishly done.
This church is not much crowded and is an excellent place to sit back, reflect and organize your thoughts.
Best time to visit the church:
Afternoon: the gilded church interiors illuminate in the golden afternoon sun. It looks beautiful!
3. Take a Food Tour
So, what is the difference between ristorante, trattoria, and osteria? The signboards in front of the various eateries in Italy can confuse travelers. I was only aware of pizzerias before visiting Italy.
Enter food tour experience. And the first thing that will be made clear, is the various dining styles in Italy.
Trattoria: Family-run eateries serving fresh local food with generous portions. The atmosphere is primarily informal.
Ristorante – A full-service restaurant
Osteria – Primarily wine bars
I can whole-heartedly confess that I am addicted to food tours and always incorporate one in my travels. The reasons are:
- Food tours are conducted by locals who know the history and background in detail
- You get to walk around the neighborhood for the time. This means it is a neighborhood exploration opportunity with a local, coupled with culinary experience. Nothing better!
- Depending upon the tour you choose, you might meet some real old family-run eateries who otherwise won’t pop up in your Google suggestions.
So whether it is sampling a bit of carbonara or some cheese, the experience can be most enriching.
Trastevere brims with history, and you get to taste some of the best local cuisines here while in Rome. Hence, opting for a food tour is one of the best things to do in Trastevere.
4. Take the side-lanes and wander through the cobblestoned streets.
Once the church and the Piazza Santa Maria are done, quickly hop over to the side lanes to discover ivy-covered medieval houses and quaint piazzas.
My tip for exploring the side lanes would be not to follow a specific route (unless you are part of a group tour). Wander through the meandering cobblestones streets and observe the surroundings. You will be amazed at various scenes from daily local life – laundry fluttering outside the windows of buildings, quaint shops, Ivy-clad houses, and even house doors with graffiti.
5. Admire the graffiti walls
For those who love surprises lurking around the corner, Trastevere is just the right place to explore some excellent street art.
There’s no shortage of incredible artists in Italy, and Trastevere’s empty wall spaces (including shop shutters) have been creatively adorned by eye-catching graffiti.
It wasn’t surprising to find that most of the corners of this picturesque district have some sort of graffiti, making it nearly impossible to put your lens cap on while you’re out exploring.
6. Explore Villa Farnesina
Villa Farnesina is an elegant mansion dating back to Renaissance times. History says, it was the home of banker Agostino Chigi who also happened to be the treasurer of Pope Julius II. He was stinking rich and hired artists like Raphael to decorate the villa’s walls with beautiful frescoes.
Check Villa Farnesina’s website for online booking of tickets.
The authorities allow only 2 hours within Villa Farnesina . Unfortunately, we were running out of time and had to finish off within 45 minutes ☹
7. Experience the Nightlife
Trastevere is well known for its bustling nightlife. The central Piazzas come to life with a trendy crowd pouring into its sidewalk cafes and bars—the nightlife centers around nearby Piazza Trilussa. However, Piazza Santa Maria also boasts a vibrant atmosphere in the evenings with many cafes, bars, street musicians, and artists.
As far as cafes in Santa Maria are concerned, you would need to have a prior reservation for most of them because they are popular.
Frequently Asked Questions On Things To Do in Trastevere, Rome
Trastevere was once a hidden gem, but with its increasing popularity amongst travelers, it has now become a preferred place to stay in Rome. However, if you are in Rome for less than a week time, then Trastevere would not be the best place to stay given the distance from the main attractions.
Adding one more commute to the day would not be a great idea on a short visit.
Trastevere is located on the west bank of the river Tiber.
If you ask for advice from locals in Rome, the suggestion would be to walk to Trastevere because that way, you will get to know the city’s vibe.
But my recommendation is: it is better to save your energy for the walking tour in Trastevere as it will consume the entire day and that’s the best way to explore the neighborhood.
If you have a Roma Pass, you can reach Trastevere in no time from any part of Rome using public transport.
Related post : Roma Pass Review
To experience a quieter Trastevere, arrive well before 11:00 am. Beyond that, tourists start pouring in. You can finish exploring the church and the side lanes of Trastevere before coming back to Piazza Santa Maria to settle down at one of the many outside cafes.
Trastevere is primarily safe for tourists. However, it makes sense to exercise caution and be mindful always to avoid any unwanted event like pickpockets.
Trastevere is known for its authentic Roman daily life vibe and is characterized by meandering cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, quaint cafes, and corners filled with graffiti elevated to an art form. The inner roads of the neighborhood are quieter as compared to other parts of Rome.
Closing Thoughts On Things To Do In Trastevere, Rome
And thats a wrap.
A visit to Trastevere is a must-add to Rome Itinerary if staying there for more than 2 days. Trastevere’s narrow, cobbled streets, medieval-era dwellings, and numerous restaurants, bars, and cafés filled with lively locals make it an irresistible neighborhood to visit.
