In a nutshell
- The Trastevere district is a true attraction in itself. If you’re in Rome and wondering what to see in Trastevere, just strolling through its cobbled streets is one of the best experiences.
- Nightlife in Trastevere is vibrant and full of energy. On warm summer evenings, the narrow lanes buzz with people enjoying drinks, music, and that classic Roman atmosphere.
- Trastevere is also famous for its incredible restaurants. If you’re looking for things to do in Trastevere, don’t miss dining at one of the many authentic trattorias serving some of the best Roman dishes in the city.
What You Need to Know About Trastevere
Trastevere is pure Italy.
Ivy-clad facades, cobblestone lanes, twinkling lights, colorful laundry lines – and plenty of trattorias, bars and lively conversation deep into the night.
If you want to eat truly delicious food, you have to go to Trastevere.
If you want to experience authentic Italian nightlife, Trastevere is the place.
If you’re wondering what to see in Trastevere, charming historic alleys await.
Our Map of Trastevere in Rome
To help you find your way, we’ve marked all the highlights from this article on a map of Trastevere.
Things to Do in Trastevere
You can simply wander through Trastevere or explore its main highlights. Here’s what you can see in Trastevere:
Lungotevere Night Market
Between Ponte Sublicio and Ponte Sisto, a night market fills the riverbank during summer nights.
Alongside countless stalls selling crafts, clothing and accessories, you’ll find street food, live music and performances.
The market runs from early June through late August, opening each evening around 7 pm and closing at midnight.
Piazza Trilussa
By day, Piazza Trilussa is unassuming, but at sunset it becomes a favorite hangout in Trastevere.
With a fountain at its center, the square attracts locals and visitors on its steps—ideal for an aperitivo before dinner.
Street musicians and artists often perform here, making it one of the most atmospheric spots to end the day or begin the evening.
Terrazza del Gianicolo
Terrazza del Gianicolo is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Rome. Known as *the terrace of Rome*, it offers breathtaking panoramas of landmarks like the Pantheon and St. Peter’s Basilica.
It’s just a short uphill walk from Fontana dell’Acqua Paola. At the top you’ll find a small kiosk serving refreshing drinks and cocktails in summer — a perfect way to unwind with a view.
From here you can also walk about 1.5 km past additional viewpoints and landmarks to reach the Vatican.
Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere
Piazza Santa Maria is the central square of Trastevere.
By day it’s a tranquil plaza with fountains; by night it pulses with energy, surrounded by bars and restaurants. The church is free to enter, one of the oldest in Rome, and features beautiful mosaics.
Underground Church of San Cristogono
Beneath the church of San Cristogono lies an ancient basilica dating from the 4th century.
In the 12th century, the lower church had been built over, so the current basilica stands six meters above it.
You can access the underground basilica via a staircase from the sacristy of today’s church, where you’ll discover frescoed walls and ancient architecture.
Book a guided tour of the lower church via GetYourGuide
Ancient Pharmacy Santa Maria della Scala
The Spezieria Santa Maria della Scala is one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe and has been run by a religious order since the 16th century. Today, it serves as a fascinating museum.
You can explore the baroque counter filled with wooden cabinets, glass vials and antique instruments, as well as the old laboratory where monks once made remedies from herbs, minerals and animal products.
Known as the apothecary of the popes, it was where many popes of Rome had their ailments treated over the centuries.
Among its many curiosities, you’ll still find Theriak, a universal remedy once believed to cure everything from snake bites to various pains.
Please note: The pharmacy is located at Via della Scala 23 and can only be visited by prior appointment via the email address anticafarmaciadellascala@gmail.com.
By the way: There’s an even older pharmacy in Florence, the Farmacia Santa Maria Novella, which is still in operation today.
Fontana dell'Acqua Paola
The Fontana dell’Acqua Paola might remind you of the Trevi Fountain — only here, it’s much quieter, and you also get a wonderful view of Rome.
Perched above Trastevere on the Gianicolo Hill, it’s about a 10-minute walk from Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere.
The baroque fountain is especially striking at sunset, when it’s beautifully lit up.
It’s a popular spot for wedding photos and film shoots — in fact, the opening scene of the Oscar-winning film The Great Beauty was filmed right here.
Villa Farnesina
Villa Farnesina was built in the 16th century by banker Agostino Chigi, who wanted a grand home in Rome inspired by the Renaissance villas of his native Tuscany.
The villa in Trastevere is best known for its splendid halls and stunning ceiling frescoes by artists including Raphael.
It’s one of the few places in Rome where you can admire works by such masters in peace — without the usual crowds, making it a must on any list of things to do in Trastevere.
Our Restaurant Tips in Trastevere
There’s no shortage of great places to eat in Trastevere. Locals and visitors alike agree that this is the best neighborhood in Rome for dining out.
Most restaurants are only open during meal times — typically from 12 noon to 2 pm and again from 8 pm.
Here are our favorite restaurant tips in Trastevere:
Trattoria da Enzo al 29 – A small, unpretentious spot with just a few tables but outstanding Roman cuisine. They don’t take reservations, so it’s best to arrive early or a bit later. This cozy trattoria has been around since the 1950s, and their amatriciana is simply incredible.
Trattoria da Augusto – You’ll find mostly Italian diners here, which is always a good sign in Italy! No website, no frills, just authentic home-cooked Roman food from a small menu that changes daily. Reservations aren’t possible here either.
Tonnarello – Even older than Enzo, Tonnarello has been serving classic dishes since 1876. Their spaghetti cacio e pepe is famously served not on plates but in small pans. You can’t reserve here either, but it’s well worth the wait!
Where to Stay in Trastevere
First things first: if it’s your first time in Rome, it’s usually better not to stay overnight in Trastevere. Getting from Trastevere to the Colosseum or other major sights by public transport can be a bit tricky.
You’ll find the best neighborhoods to stay in our detailed guide to Rome hotels.
However, if you already know Rome and want to stay in a lively area that feels truly local, then Trastevere is perfect.
Here are our favorite hotel tips in Trastevere:
Tankara Suite – Our favorite hotel in Trastevere and also one of our top boutique hotels in Rome. Excellent value for money, stylish rooms, and just a short walk across the bridge to the city’s main attractions.
Trastever Holiday – One of the most affordable hotels in Trastevere, and often booked out early. Rooms are simple but clean and well-kept.
Trastevere 143 – Stylish rooms right in the heart of Trastevere. The owner, Edoardo, is super friendly and helpful, and there are countless cafés, bars, and shops just outside your door.
How to Get to Trastevere
When we stayed in the Monti district, we usually took a taxi to Trastevere in the evening — the easiest option, since Trastevere isn’t very well connected.
Otherwise, only buses go to Trastevere, as there’s no metro line here. Bus line H runs directly from Termini Station to Trastevere.
If you’re staying in the southern part of the old town, for example near Campo de’ Fiori, you can also walk to Trastevere. Just cross the Ponte Sisto bridge and you’ll be right in the middle of it.
Those were our tips for things to do in Trastevere
Do you have more tips for what to see in Trastevere? Or do you still have questions? Leave us a comment below!