Trastevere occupies the west bank of the Tiber River in central Rome, spreading across a dense grid of ochre-walled lanes between Viale di Trastevere and the Gianicolo hill. The neighborhood retains a largely medieval street plan, with ivy-draped facades, artisan workshops, and one of Rome’s most animated nightlife scenes concentrated around Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere.
What is Trastevere known for?
Trastevere is known for its intact medieval urban fabric, the 12th-century Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere with its gilded apse mosaics, a tradition of working-class Roman identity, and streets like Via della Lungaretta and Vicolo del Cinque that concentrate restaurants, bars, and artisan shops within easy walking distance of each other.
- Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere: one of Rome’s oldest churches, with 12th–13th-century mosaics by Pietro Cavallini
- Villa Farnesina: a Renaissance villa with frescoes by Raphael, open to the public on Via della Lungara
- Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere: the social heart of the neighborhood, with a working fountain and outdoor café seating
Best things to do in Trastevere
The most rewarding activities in Trastevere include visiting the Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere and Villa Farnesina, climbing to the Gianicolo terrace for a panoramic view of Rome, browsing the Sunday morning Porta Portese flea market, and simply walking the unplanned medieval lanes between Piazza Trilussa and Piazza di Piscinula.
- Attend a concert or mass at Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere
- Visit the Orto Botanico di Roma, a 12-hectare botanical garden on Via Corsini
- Browse Porta Portese, Rome’s largest flea market, held every Sunday morning along Via Portuense
- Walk up to the Gianicolo (Janiculum Hill) for the best skyline view in central Rome
Where to eat in Trastevere
Trastevere offers some of Rome’s most concentrated dining, ranging from old-school Roman trattorias serving cacio e pepe and coda alla vaccinara to modern wine bars and gelato shops; Via della Lungaretta and the streets around Piazza di Sant’Egidio hold the highest density of genuine local restaurants.
- Look for supplì (fried rice balls) and artichokes alla romana at neighborhood rosticcerie
- Da Enzo al 29 on Via dei Vascellari is a well-established trattoria serving classic Roman dishes
- Enotecas and wine bars on Vicolo del Cinque are popular for an aperitivo or late-evening glass of local wine
How to get to Trastevere
Trastevere is served by Tram 8, which runs from Largo di Torre Argentina through Viale di Trastevere, and by Roma Trastevere railway station on the western edge of the neighborhood, connected to other parts of Rome by regional and suburban rail lines; bus routes including 23 and H also cross the area.
- Tram 8 from central Rome (Largo di Torre Argentina) to Viale di Trastevere
- Roma Trastevere station: regional trains and bus connections to Termini and beyond
- Bus H and Bus 23 provide north–south access along the Tiber and through the neighborhood
Where to walk in Trastevere
The most rewarding walk in Trastevere begins at Ponte Sisto, crosses into the neighborhood along Via di Santa Dorotea, winds through Via della Scala and Piazza di Sant’Egidio, reaches Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere, then continues south along Via della Lungaretta toward Piazza in Piscinula and the medieval Torre degli Anguillara.
- Via della Lungaretta: main east–west axis lined with restaurants and medieval buildings
- Vicolo del Cinque and Via del Moro: narrow lanes with bars and local shops
- Gianicolo promenade: wide terrace above the neighborhood with panoramic city views
Best time to visit Trastevere
The best time to visit Trastevere is spring (April–June) or early autumn (September–October), when temperatures are mild, outdoor piazza seating is in full use, and the neighborhood’s street life peaks without the peak-summer crowds; Sunday mornings are ideal for combining Porta Portese market with a quieter walk before restaurants open for lunch.
