Tasting local food sitting in the outside dining area of a restaurant, strolling around the cobblestone streets maze or gazing at the stunning medieval Churches: you will definitely find what to do in Trastevere District.
The word Trastevere in Italian means “beyond the River Tiber” and it is about the location of this unique district in Rome. Trastevere is an enchanting medieval area on the Western bank of the river, close to the Tiber island. Once an insider’s location, today Trastevere quarter is a colorful worth seeing place where to spend some time taking in the real culture and soul of Rome.
Trastevere is a town within a town: its charming small alleys twist around one another creating a one of a kind world apart from the city chaos, made of authentic moments of lively atmosphere. That kind of place where it is even fun to get lost.
In the last century, this area was pretty much inhabited only by locals who had a strong sense of pride and belonging to one of the most lovely districts in the Eternal City. People who worked in the show biz and cinema during XX Century used to live in here and they became the embodiment of romanity and a symbol of the city itself.
Today, the beauty of Trastevere is no longer a secret, so most of the buildings and rooms here are for rent and stopping at Trastevere has turned into a must do during a trip to Rome.
Here are our Top 5 things to do in Trastevere’s Neighborhood.
1 Strolling around its streets
At the top of our bucket list of things to do in Trastevere, there is a leisurely walk through its beautiful alleys. Our recommendation is to go there in the afternoon, to catch the inner of this area, away from the hustle and bustle of the night time. As you will see, during the daytime you can appreciate even more the quietness of its small cobblestone alleys and the building’s yellow façade covered with green ivy and blooming flowers. You will definitely find your perfect photo spot!
2 Eat traditional Roman Cuisine
If you are wondering where to find the authentic flavours of Rome’s culinary tradition, look no further than Trastevere.
The pleasant tastes of a genuine healthy cuisine, made of simple ingredients like eggs, cheese, meat, tomatoes and pasta are what makes local food so tasty. While in Rome, we recommend you to taste the real Carbonara, a typical first course made with pasta, bacon pepper, eggs and cheese: you can easily ask for it in almost every Trastevere restaurant.
Although there are plenty of places where to eat in Trastevere, here are our eating tips for you. One of the most popular locations where to eat is for sure “Da Enzo al 29”, a typical Italian Trattoria, less formal than a common restaurant, located a few blocks away from Tiber Island.
If you are a foodie and wish to try something new, you cannot miss a stop in “Seu Pizza Illuminati”, a modern style restaurant where to taste a huge variety of Pizzas with high quality ingredients.
3 Go on a Private Tour of Rome
Who’s ever thought Trastevere was all about eating and drinking? Completely wrong.
This medieval area is one of the oldest in town with plenty of anecdotes and secrets to be unveiled so the best way to do this is to go on a private tour with a local friendly guide.
Along your tour itinerary, a true must see is the Basilica of Our Lady in Trastevere.
Originally a Christian house – Church during the 3rd Century, it was restored in the Middle Ages, and it still preserves its 12th century impressive golden mosaics on the facade and in the apse.
4 Bar Hopping at night
If you have the chance to experience Trastevere district at night, you will be thrilled by its double soul: calm during the day, lively under the moonlight.
At night time locals are used to hanging out here, meeting friends and wandering around the countless pubs located at every corner. Most people simply enjoy sitting on the steps of a monument sipping a beer or in front of the Fountain of Trilussa Square, the most common meeting point in this area.
A must stop for you: Rivendita Libri Cioccolato e Vino, a small but friendly shop where you can drink chocolate shots.
5 Shopping at artesans shops or Porta Portese Flea market
Trastevere is the ideal place where you can buy your customized souvenir, the one with that special detail only you could have. This area in fact is full of artesans shops, sometimes they are open till 10 PM for tourists, so regardless of the time of the day you go there, you will have your chance to do shopping.
On Sundays do not miss the weekly Flea Market called “Porta Portese”, a traditional market that takes place in the Southern area of the district, starting from the ancient city gate near the River Tiber. At Porta Portese it is possible to find everything you need: whether you are looking for Vintage Clothes, Music, jewels or books, you will definitely be impressed by the energy and brightness of this characteristic market.
