The Best Things to do in Trastevere
Trastevere is a trendy neighborhood in Rome, just across the Tiber River. You can easily visit by tram or bus from anywhere in the city. The Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona are just a 15-minute walk away as well. My parents lived around Trastevere for 2 years and so I would visit this neighborhood a lot. This post has all you need to know about the best things to do in Trastevere!
The presence of universities in the area keeps the neighborhood population young and every street seems to have at least 4 restaurants on it. Visit Trastevere for the food, vibes, and the Basilica di Santa Maria.
Plan to walk everywhere and stop to get nibs and vino throughout the day. To fully enjoy Trastevere, give yourself 4 hours at any time of the day. This will give you time for nibs, checking out the sights, and walking between everything.
The evening vibes in Trastevere throughout the year are also amazing. I’ve put pics in this post from both summer and winter!
What to see in Trastevere
Basilica di Santa Maria
Basilica di Santa Maria is my favorite church in Rome. The first foundations were set in the time of Emperor Hadrian I around 770 AD. The current layout of the basilica is a result of the reconstruction in 1130 AD by Pope Innocent II. The gold-faced entrance has something about it that speaks to me. Don’t miss walking in (several times). If you can, visit both during the day and in the evening when the basilica lights up.
Isola Tiberina
Cross the stone bridge from Trastevere to Isola Tiberina. Legend has it that a temple on the island cured people of illnesses in the 3rd century BC. The spirit of healing has stayed with this tiny island, which is home to a hospital that has been in operation since 1585.
Ponte Sisto
Take pics of Ponte Sisto with a beautiful view of St. Peter’s Basilica and the Tiber in the background.
William Kentridge Murals
South African artist William Kentridge literally cleaned up the walls along the Tiber River walkway with his street art. The murals, titled “Triumphs and Laments,” were created by a process called reverse stenciling. Therefore, the murals are actually the ‘dirty’ part of the walls that were not power washed in 2016. Head down the staircase to the Ponte Sisto to see the mural up close. However, they are somewhat better to see at a distance so cross the bridge and take a look as well.
City views at Belvedere del Gianicolo
Walk up to Belvedere del Gianicolo for city views.
Fontana dell’Acqua Paola
Fontana dell’Acqua Paola is a beautiful fountain (both day and night) with a nearby viewpoint for a panoramic view of Rome.
That’s my sister!
Visit the Markets in Trastevere
Sunday Market
Trastevere’s Sunday Market has just about everything. There are great leather purses, plenty of cool vintage goods and clothes, and souvenirs. I’ve bought plenty of clothes here and most of my leather purses come from random vendors around the market. The market is huge and starts around Porta Portese. Be prepared to haggle a bit and bring cash.
Summer Night Market
In the summer months, the Tiber River and its walkway turn into a bustling night market: Lungo il Tevere. Compete with boat restaurants and bars, cool shops, and unique crafts, you don’t want to miss this. Dates vary year to year but it usually runs between June and August.
Pls excuse the horrible quality.
Where to eat in Trastevere
Go with your gut. Almost every place in Trastevere looks cute and great to eat at. Avoid touristy crowds if you are hungry—most of the places along Vicolo del Cinque (one of the main streets with a lot of restaurants) are kinda similar.
Pizza Trilussa—excellent pizza served in a small shop. There are a few chairs inside but plan to take your pizza to the piazza that overlooks the Tiber. Lots of students frequent here. Please get a pizza slice here and some vino in a tiny bottle.
Urgh, take me backkk to the best pizza ever.
Ivo a Trastevere—a family restaurant with great pizzas and vino. I LOVE this place and it has a lot of “real” people (not just tourists) as it’s off the main streets of Trastevere.
Bar San Calisto— Good for a casual beer.
Otello— Great pizzas, pastas, and appetizers. Try out the artichoke appetizer here. Otello frequently has lines and gets really crowded. I’ve been a couple of times and it’s nice but not worth waiting in line for if you’re hungry. The staff is friendly and strongly caters to tourists.
La Gattabuia— A great family restaurant with pasta and seafood. It’s set underground like a cave.
Blue Ice Trastevere— Go for great gelatos!
Tonnarello— Good pastas are found here!
Ristorante La Canonica Roma — Another good dinner spot.