A cobbled street full of typical ocher-colored houses in Trastevere, Rome

Things to do in Trastevere Rome

Just downriver from the Vatican, Trastevere shares with its ecclesiastical neighbor a distinctly different flavor to the rest of Rome: quieter, less hectic and, well, more Trastevere. Not for this laid back neighborhood the impatient car horns and frantic bustle of via del Corso, the chaotic crowds that plague the Trevi Fountain or the tat-toting tourist traps hawking trashy trinkets. No: the pace of life in Trastevere is far more gentle – well, during the day anyway (its lively nightlife is part of its enduring charm).

Wander this medieval labyrinth of cobbled lanes, piazzas and hidden squares and you’ll soon feel a world away from Rome’s chaotic center. This in spite of Trastevere being a mere half an hour’s walk from bucket-list Rome attractions including the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Spanish Steps. But, trust us, Trastevere is another essential addition to your itinerary of must-sees when visiting the Eternal City. Without further ado then, here’s our guide to the best things to do in Trastevere Rome.

Fill Your Instagram Feed

Trastevere is a neighborhood that just begs to be photographed. And it’s easy to while away a few hours just strolling its atmospheric alleys, pausing to people-watch over espresso and cannoli in cobbled piazzas, and snapping its achingly photogenic medieval churches, brightly painted window shutters, quirky cast-iron door knockers and that ubiquitous Rome style icon, the strategically positioned Vespa scooter. Washing hangs from balconies across narrow lanes where ocher-colored houses fairly drip with ivy and flower-crammed window boxes pop with bright blooms. Heck, even the graffiti here looks great on Instagram! Get snapping!

Have a Religious Experience

Did you know Rome has close to a thousand churches? Well, you do now. Better still, every single one of them is free to visit: great news for art-lovers and aficionados of fine architecture. And, boy, does Trastevere have some beauties! The Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of Rome’s oldest, with parts dating back to the 4th Century, and many of its finer features dating from medieval times, among them a striking 12th-century Romanesque bell tower and beautifully preserved religious mosaics by artist Pietro Cavallini. Visit the nearby Church of Santa Cecilia in Trastevere to view Cavallini’s huge Last Judgment fresco, considered by many to be his masterwork, and see the Martyrdom of Saint Cecilia, a baroque marble statue by Renaissance sculptor Stefano Maderno.

Climb the Janiculum

At 88 meters, Janiculum Hill is the second highest in Rome (after the soaring Monte Mario). Pack some piquant Italian salamis, freshly baked focaccia, a wedge of pecorino and that all-important bottle of barolo and reward yourself with a picnic overlooking the city when you reach the summit. It’s around a 25-minute walk (or 5 minutes in a cab) from Trastevere to the top. Take in those majestic views of St Peter’s and the Eternal City as you lunch, then have a stroll round the various attractions up here. Don’t miss the imposing statue of Garibaldi on horseback and the monumental 17th-century fountain with decorative marble carvings of dragons and eagles, the Borghese family emblems. Time your visit to catch the daily cannon fire at noon, a tradition that dates back to 1847.

Have a Gelato on Piazza Trilussa

A favorite place for locals to meet and mingle, Piazza Trilussa is a bustling small square that overlooks Ponte Sisto and the Tiber. Grab yourself an authentic gelato from nearby Otaleg! (yep, that’s ‘gelato’ written backwards) where the rainbow of unusual flavors includes kiwi, mango with chocolate and, um, an artichoke sorbet. Slurp slowly from the excellent people-watching vantage point that is the piazza’s monumental fountain, before taking a stroll across the medieval bridge.

Visit the Museo di Roma

The Museo di Roma in Trastevere is set inside a converted 17th-century Carmelite convent with a picture-perfect apricot-colored facade. Step inside to discover a treasure trove of art and artifacts relating to the Eternal City. As well as historical scenes lovingly recreated in life-size – one depicting boozy revelry at a local inn being a particular highlight – visitors can expect exhibitions that focus primarily on Roman life in the 18th and 19th centuries, with stories told through the eyes of local artists. Chief among these is 19th-century watercolor maestro Ettore Roesler Franz, whose many works of disappearing urban and suburban views are well represented here, providing a fascinating insight into the rapid development of the city in the late 1800s.

Relax in the Botanical Gardens

There are more than 3,000 species of plants to explore at the Orto Botanico, set on the slopes of Janiculum Hill overlooking the baroque 17th-century Palazzo Corsini. This peaceful oasis feels a million miles from the bustle of the city – stroll among the bonsai trees and trickling waterfalls in the ultra-zen Japanese Garden and you’ll soon see what we mean. There’s also a sensory garden, a rose garden, several greenhouses containing tropical plants, and a fine bamboo grove sited next to a section of the city’s ancient Aurelian Walls, built way back in the 3rd Century. Hop over to the Palazzo Corsini afterwards to view its collection of artworks by Caravaggio, van Dyck, Rubens and more.

Hunt for Flea Market Treasure

Porta Portese’s Sunday flea market is the biggest in Rome, stretching for around a mile from its entrance at the imposing city gate that gives the market its name. Incurable rummagers are in for an absolute treat here, where with the right amount of dedication to the hunt and an expert knack for haggling, you might just walk away with that rare 1994 Judge Dredd comic that’s eluded you all these years. But be warned: there’s an awful lot of trash here, too. Mountains of it, in fact. So be prepared to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince. Above all though, have fun! Pro-tip: take cash with you as stallholders here generally don't accept credit cards.

Enjoy the Fabulous Trastevere Nightlife

Trastevere really comes to life at night, as locals hit the piazzas for pizza, beer and a catch-up. Wood-fired, wafer-thin, ultra-crispy and hot from the oven, the pizza in Rome is – perhaps unsurprisingly – among the best on the planet. Locals swear by Pizzeria ai Marmi, a Trastevere institution with huge marble tables and a smattering of outdoor seating. Choose your toppings and get stuck in, but note that Romans consider pizza a meal for one. Trading slices is fine, but ask for a single pizza between two at your peril! Trastevere also has some great bars serving up fine local craft ales: dodge the ubiquitous Peronis and Morettsi and head to Ma Che Siete Venuti a Fà on Via Benedetta for its ever-changing selection of artisanal ales. Just across the lane, Bir & Fud offers more of the same, with a side order of excellent, Neapolitan-style wood-fired pizza. The best of both worlds.

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Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Freelance travel writer

Stu caught the travel bug at an early age, thanks to childhood road trips to the south of France squeezed into the back of a Ford Cortina with two brothers and a Sony Walkman. Now a freelance writer living on the Norfolk coast, Stu has produced content for travel giants including Frommer’s, British Airways, Expedia, Mr & Mrs Smith, and now Go City. His most memorable travel experiences include drinking kava with the locals in Fiji and pranging a taxi driver’s car in the Honduran capital.

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Souvenirs of Rome including a mug and a selection of fridge magnets
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Best Rome Souvenirs

A trip to the Eternal City is unforgettable for so many reasons: its world-class pizza, those beautifully preserved ancient monuments, romantic strolls through the gardens of the Villa Borghese. But, if your memory ain’t what it used to be, you’ll probably want a memento of your vacation to take home with you. Or maybe just a special gift for a loved one. Either way, we’re here to help, with our guide to the best souvenirs in Rome. Best Rome Souvenirs One tourist’s trash is another’s treasure and, like most capital cities worth their salt, Rome is awash with affordable trinkets and knick-knacks that will continue to bring a wistful smile to the face of their owners for many years to come. We’re talking those ubiquitous Vespa fridge magnets – available in every color under the Italian sun – and little ornaments in the shape of the Trevi Fountain, the Capitoline Wolf, the Mouth of Truth and the Pantheon. Chief among these is, of course, the Colosseum. There's seemingly no end to souvenirs related to the world’s most famous amphitheater. Keyrings, wine stoppers, mugs, t-shirts, tea towels, gladiator figurines, even snow globes – if you can think of it, it probably exists. What else? You can get rosary beads, crucifixes, jewelry and votive candles from the official Vatican gift shops in St Peter’s Square. Or, indeed, pick up the cheaper knock-off varieties elsewhere. You can even get an effigy of Pope Francis in bronze or marble. Or treat yourself to a more affordable plastic bobblehead Pope, though you’re unlikely to find the last of these in or around the Vatican itself... And sure, you could go shopping for expensive Italian haute couture along the exclusive Via dei Condotti, but who needs to get their threads from Armani, Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana when you can make like Pope Francis and head for Gammarelli instead? Opened in 1798, this shop sells a vast selection of ecclesiastical garments and is official tailor to the Pope himself. Pick up a pair of his famous bright red socks for yourself or for a relative, smug in the knowledge that these make a way better gift than the novelty ‘days of the week’ socks you send your dad every birthday and Christmas. Personalized Rome Souvenirs Nothing says ‘thinking of you’ like a gift you’ve had personalized for someone, and what could be more Italian than a piece of marble? These two things come together in perfect harmony at La Bottega del Marmoraro on Via Margutta, just round the corner from the Spanish Steps. On entering this tiny hole in the wall, you might legitimately feel like you’ve inadvertently stepped into the workshop of an ancient Roman craftsman: walls are festooned with inscribed marble slabs and statues and busts crowd the corners. Friendly proprietor Enrico Fiorentini will happily inscribe whatever message you like into a marble tablet, for the ultimate in personalized gifts. Prices for small tablets with short messages start at just a few euros and you’re guaranteed a high-quality souvenir for your dough. Pro-tip: give some thought to an inscribed saying or motto that will mean a lot to a friend or loved one and try not to leave with a stone reading, for example, ‘Gaz woz here 2022’. Liquid Gold Wine, glorious wine. Italy’s reputation for excellent vino is virtually unmatched, as anyone who has quaffed a chianti or guzzled a pinot grigio will no doubt attest. You’ll find fine wines just about everywhere here, from Tuscany to Puglia and Sardinia. But if you’re looking for something a little more local to Rome, try picking up a couple bottles of fruity red Cesanese, the Lazio region’s signature tipple, though certainly less ubiquitous than the (equally superb) local Merlot. Or grab some dry whites from Lazio’s Castelli Romani commune just south of the city. You’ll find these in any decent Rome wine shop, or at the Campagna Amica, a weekend market next to the Circus Maximus that deals almost exclusively in produce – including wine – from the Lazio region. Easily one of the best food markets in Rome, this is also the place to get your hands on authentic local oils. Think rich, velvety extra virgin olive oil, and earthy aromatic truffle oil. Pair with some fine balsamics for the perfect souvenir gift... to yourself, natch. Chocolate and Cheese While you’re there, why not really fill your boots and stock up on regional cheeses? Sure, you can also get these in Rome’s fantastic cheese shops, but what could be more authentic than getting free tasters straight from the farmer who made them? Pick your favorites and splash out on kilos of creamy buffalo mozzarella, pungent Pecorino Romano and soft, sweet ricotta. Your only challenge will be making it back onto home soil without scoffing the whole delicious lot. There’s also prosciutto, pickles, preserves and pasta galore to be found at the market, so you’re unlikely to go away empty-handed. Re: pasta, we strongly recommend buying yours here rather than succumbing to the short-lived schoolboy giggles promised by Rome’s ubiquitous packs of phallic pasta shapes. Trust us: no-one will be laughing when you inadvertently serve them up to the in-laws at your next dinner party. Prefer the sweet stuff? The Italian chocolate-making tradition is the stuff of legend, so expect to find dozens of places selling sweet treats. The best of these are to be found in the stores of genuine artisan chocolate producers, such as Moriondo and Garglio near the Pantheon. With almost two centuries of chocolate-making experience, you can be sure the quality is going to be high. Many of their chocs are made to traditional 19th-century recipes. Classic Rome Souvenirs Some of the best Rome souvenirs are also some of the simplest. How about some fine Italian leather, for example? The century-old Mancini store is just a hop and a skip from the Pantheon and stocks the briefcases and suitcases that made its name way back in the day, as well as belts, purses, wallets, and plenty more well-crafted accessories. Or seek out smaller, family-run leather shops, which may well be more willing and able to make bespoke items for you on request. Leather gladiator skirt and sandals, anyone? Meanwhile, the ceramics and glassware on display in so many shop windows and stall fronts around the city are not all destined to smash into a million pieces in your luggage on the flight home. For the good stuff – and we mean robust, good quality ceramics made by genuine artisans – dodge the tourist traps and make for Studio Forme, whose unique vases, plates, cups and ornaments are a color-popping cut above. Considered one of the very best souvenir shops in Rome, L’Artigianato on Piazza Navona is also great for ceramics... and so much more. Murano glass? Check. Designer Italian kitchenware and home furnishings? Yep, available right here. Chess and checker boards? You bet. Statues and busts of Roman emperors? Oh, go on then! Save on things to do in Rome Save on admission to Rome attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Hilltop town in Rome's seven hills
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Best day trips from Rome

Rome is like a lasagne – it’s a city of layers. It’s been buried and built on over the centuries, with so many statues, churches and monuments packed into its corners that will keep surprising you no matter how many times you come back. Despite that, it can be oppressive – it’s very hot and there’s a lot of stone and concrete about, so if you have time escape for a day and explore the regions and delicacies around Rome’s famous seven hills. Here are our best suggestions, from just outside the city centre up to a couple of hours away: The ancient Via Appia Antica Hadrian’s Villa at Tivoli Hilltop views from Orvieto Lake Bracciano St Francis' Assissi The art and architecture of Florence Pompeii Cycle the Ancient Via Appia Antica All roads may lead to Rome, but they also lead away from it, so if your feet are getting a little cobble-sore swap them for a bicycle and head out to the Via Appia Antica – the old Roman road originally linking Brundisium (modern day Brindisi) to the capital. It’s an ideal choice if you’re in town on a Sunday (when the Vatican is closed), as it’s closed to motorized traffic. The entire road is 350 miles long but don’t worry, the most scenic bits are all in the first few miles from the visitor center, which is 15 minutes from Circo Massimo. Companies like Go City offer full day bike rental with map and helmet, so you won’t have any trouble finding the churches, monuments and catacombs along the way. Visit Hadrian’s Villa at Tivoli Emperor Hadrian liked to get out of the city when he could, so follow in his footsteps and head to the Tiburtine Hills – although unlike Hadrian, you can take the train from Termini Station and be there in an hour. Hadrian also liked to build things, and along with the Pantheon and his very own wall he left a magnificent villa complex in Tivoli, complete with baths, temples, theatres and gardens. If ruins aren’t your thing, you could visit the nearby Villa d’Este, a 16th century palace. Its extensive grounds feature one of the earliest Italian renaissance gardens, and inspired the fashion in other European gardens for geometric shapes, fountains and ornamental statuary. Enjoy hilltop views from Orvieto 90 minutes from the city is the hilltop town of Orvieto, perched on an enormous volcanic rock and overlooking the hills around Rome. Take a cable car ride up to the Duomo (or walk and enjoy your lunch guilt-free), then climb the clock tower for 360 degree views of the surrounding hills. If you have a car – or a Vespa – you can take the long way home and meander through the rich agricultural regions of the Sabine Hills, sampling locally produced olive oil and truffles as you go. If not, you can still get your foodie fix by heading back to the city in time for a traditional pasta dinner by the Trevi Fountain. Lounge by Lake Bracciano If you don’t have time to visit the Alps, then the next best thing is a day trip to Lake Bracciano, an hour north of the city. A popular spot for canoeists, scuba divers and swimmers, the volcanic lake is protected both by the surrounding hills and its location within a national park, which restricts the number of motorized watercraft. Day-trippers can also visit the small town of the same name, and the medieval Orsini-Odescalchi Castle, which holds an impressive collection of medieval armour and weaponry but is perhaps more famous for being the wedding venue of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes. Go on a pilgrimage to Assisi Less famous but just as pretty as Tuscany is its neighbour, Umbria, where pilgrims and art devotees have been journeying for centuries to the Basilica di San Francisco in Assisi – some for the celebrated cycle of frescoes by Giotto, others to pay respects at the tomb of St Francis. Near the basilica, the town of Assisi has plenty of charm without the tourists, with narrow cobbled streets and lanes packed full of family-owned shops. Stay for a quiet dinner or head back for an evening walking tour when the crowds and the heat have gone down a bit. Marvel at the art and architecture of Florence Rome has its fair share of great masterpieces (most of them are in the Vatican and Capitoline Museums), but art lovers won’t be able to resist Florence, which had more artists-in-residence during the renaissance than any other city – a fact which is evident in its architecture as well as its impressive galleries. An early train will get you there to tour the Uffizi Gallery in the morning, leaving the afternoon to visit the Accademia or climb the Duomo. Finish the day with a self-guided walking tour that takes in the Ponte Vecchio and the Piazza Della Signoria, where you can soak up the atmosphere over a cooling aperitif before heading home. Be immersed in the past at Pompeii Destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD, the city of Pompeii was only rediscovered in the 18th century, perfectly preserved by its covering of ash. As a result, almost everything we know about everyday Roman life comes from what archaeologists have discovered at Pompeii – which includes everything from vegetable gardens, bakeries and brothels to lamps, kitchen wares and even graffiti. You can easily spend a couple of hours wandering the ruins, but you’ll need to set off early to avoid being there in the middle of the day – there isn’t much shade in Pompeii. Once that’s done, you’ll have the afternoon free for hiking up said volcano, or you can backtrack to Naples for a pizza and spend the afternoon lounging on the beach with a gelato. Explore Rome with Go City Rome wasn’t built in a day, but you can easily see a lot of it in that time. Whether you prefer ancient ruins, renaissance splendour or baroque fountains, with a Go City Explorer Pass you’ll save time and money with discounted tickets and priority entry – so be sure to have a look at what else the eternal city has to offer!
Karleen Stevens

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