Before venturing into the backstreets of the Trastevere district, let's get some height by climbing the Janiculum Park. Dedicated to the memory of Giuseppe Garibaldi, the hill houses several monumental works in his honour. In Piazza Garibaldi, the heart of the park, an equestrian statue of one of the key players in Italian reunification towers above the city, as a symbol of defence over the people.
One of Rome's must-visit districts, Trastevere means "across the Tiber", so you have to cross to the other side of the river to discover it. The atmosphere changes, it's trendy and bohemian, and the many jewellery, perfume and craft shops can be wandered aimlessly between the colourful cobbled streets. During the day, the alleys fill up with tourists who have come to explore the gems of the area and take photos of the laundry hanging between the windows of the houses.
At night, Trastevere buzzes with locals and visitors alike, hanging out and drinking in the bars that line the streets. Getting lost is the perfect way to make the most of the district before taking a trip to the Janiculum and the religious buildings that are sometimes, wrongly, infrequently visited by travellers. Let's go and find the best addresses and the most beautiful alleyways in Trastevere, wandering through the small squares and picturesque streets that make up the charm of the Roman capital.
- Morning stroll in the Janiculum Park
- Basilica of Santa Maria de Trastevere and its square: the navel of the district
- A poetic stroll through Rome's botanical gardens
- Let's enter the church of Sainte-Cécile to admire its special feature
- Places to have a drink in Trastevere
- Italian cuisine in Trastevere
Morning stroll in the Janiculum Park
The climb is well worth it, with the various viewpoints offering visitors a sensational panorama of the Eternal City! This walk in the fresh air is an ideal way to start a day in Rome's bohemian quarter, promising a striking contrast with the constant hustle and bustle of the streets a few dozen metres below. The Pantheon, the Monument to Victor Emmanuel II and Castel Sant'Angelo can all be seen on the horizon from Rome's eighth hill.
Basilica of Santa Maria de Trastevere and its square: the navel of the district
There are countless religious buildings worth visiting in Italy, including the Vatican's famous St Peter's Basilica. In the heart of the Trastevere district, the Piazza di Santa Maria is home to the basilica of the same name, often overlooked by tourists. The basilica was the first place of worship in Rome to be opened to the general public, and its reputation is well-deserved. It is decorated with a large collection of mosaics from numerous chapels.
Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, its renovated Baroque exterior contrasts with the Romanesque style and the wide range of colours on the walls and ceiling of the sacred site.
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Book your cheapest flight to RomeA poetic stroll through Rome's botanical gardens
On the slopes of the Janiculum Park, the bucolic atmosphere of Rome's Botanical Gardens is perfect for a romantic stroll. Covering 12 hectares, more than 3,000 species of plants live in harmony with the greenhouses and fountains in the various areas.
Palm trees, bamboo, ferns and aquatic plants punctuate our trip, where relaxation is the watchword! A rejuvenating moment of peace and quiet in the Italian capital.
👉 Practical information
⏰ O pening times: 9am - 5.30pm from November to March and until 6.30pm from April to October (last entry 1 hour before closing time)
👛 Price: €4
Let's enter the church of Sainte-Cécile to admire its special feature
Between two small streets in Trastevere, dare to enter the religious buildings, whether you are a believer or not, they often reserve some wonderful surprises... Behind an attractive little garden housing a central fountain topped by an antique vase, the church of Santa Cecilia del Trastevere faces visitors.
Baroque inside and out, the nave is very bright, making it easy to see every detail of the building. The special feature of the church is the altar, designed by Stefano Maderno. It features a marble statue of Saint Cecilia in the position in which she was discovered.
Places to have a drink in Trastevere
If there's one district where the art ofaperitivo is respected by all, it's Trastevere! At Cantina dei papi, wine, cold meats and cheese are at the heart of this spot's traditional know-how. Order a lovely mixed board to share, to start the evening with refined flavours of excellence.
📍 Address: Via della Scala, 71, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
⏰ O pening times: 11.30am - 11.30pm
For a drink in the festive, young atmosphere of the district, the San Calisto bar is the locals' favourite address! Low prices in a friendly, no-fuss atmosphere that sets the tone for Trastevere evenings, at the foot of the Basilica of Santa Maria di Trastevere.
📍 Address: Piazza di S. Calisto, 3, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
⏰ Times: 06:30 - 01:30
Italian cuisine in Trastevere
Once you've enjoyed an aperitivo, there's no shortage of places to sample Italian flavours in the district's colourful streets. When it comes to street food, Trapizzino is the benchmark, with a concept inspired by the traditional pizza. Pocket-sized, folded into a triangle, the dough is filled with excellent 100% Italian products. Mozzarella, mortadella, chicken chasseur, peppers... make up the recipes for this very affordable sandwich dish.
📍 Address: Piazza Trilussa, 46, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
⏰ O pening times: 12.00 - 02.00 Friday to Saturday / 12.00 - 01.00 Tuesday to Thursday
If you want to spend the evening as a Roman, head for the trattoria Da Enzo al 29, renowned for its simplicity and authenticity. Gourmandise and epicureanism are the guidelines of this exotic cuisine.
📍 Address: Via dei Vascellari, 29, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
⏰ O pening times: 12.15pm - 3pm / 7pm - 11pm except Sundays