I’ve heard about Trastevere back in 1999 during my first visit to Rome. It was a bohemian neighborhood with bars and restaurants ideal for nightlife. Or so it was depicted. Back in 2011, I visited Trastevere for dinner and I admit that I wasn’t impressed. It was during my last visit in March that I got to explore Trastevere. I realized that there is more to it than “bars and restaurants”. We explored Trastevere’s parks, cobblestones streets, and medieval churches!
Before I get on with our walk I’d like to let you know that I started a Youtube channel! The first video is a vlog from my trip to Rome (Trastevere included). Check it out and let me know what you think!
Related: 5 days in Rome: Itinerary and Budget
We started from Piazza Trilussa and made our way towards Gianicolo Park up on the hill. First stop Porta Settimiana, one of the gates of the Aurelian walls built in the 3rd century AD. We then walked along Via Garibaldi, which has a couple of Instagram-friendly doors!
Before entering Gianicolo Park we stopped by La Fontana dell’ Acqua Paola. This is a no frills fountain with a beautiful view over Rome. The park has beautiful views over Rome as well since it is the second tallest hill in the city! Unfortunately, the day we visited it was cloudy, so the photos are hazy. I guess the view is better on a sunny day and later in the spring as well (we visited mid-March). After walking around the park (up to the Faro del Gianicolo), we made our way back to the center of Trastevere.
Trastevere has many churches that date back to the middle ages. Parts of those churches are even older but underwent additions and alterations. The Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the oldest churches in Rome. The church dates to the 4th century AD but most of the structure was built in the 12th century. Santa Cecilia in Trastevere is another church worth visiting. It dates to the 5th century AD and has a beautiful courtyard. Other churches in the area include Santa Maria della Scala and Basilica di San Crisogono.
Last but not least, Trastevere is known for its many bars and restaurants. We had lunch at Antica Osteria da Rugantino. I did find the interiors a little bit over the top, but the food was very nice!
Related: Where to eat in Rome
I enjoyed our morning walk in Trastevere and I also like the fact that there is more to it than bars and restaurants. If you visit Rome, do visit the area in daytime. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it as much as I did!
You can also check out my first vlog from my trip to Rome
Have you visited Trastevere?
I'm Anna and this is my lifestyle and travel blog! 
yes, a long time ago. nice photos:)
Thank you!
I sometimes think a second or third glance helps to really appreciate somewhere! I didn’t love Sofia, Bulgaria recently, but I hope that one day we’ll be able to go back after some much needed renovation and maybe then I’ll be more willing to explore more and hopefully fall in love with it! But this part of town certainly looks like it was a gem that needed to be properly explored! #WanderfulWednesday
That happened to me with London! First visit was disasterous! After many visits (it is the city I’ve visited the most!!) I came to like and appreciate it!
so pretty Rome!!! Will be there in less than 3 weeks and I am just so super excited!!
Have fun!
I totally missed out on the Trastevere district on both my trips to Rome, I’d love to go back and explore it, it looks really beautiful! #wanderfulwednesday
I’ve heard so much about it that I had to visit! It’s a nice neighborhood and the bars and restaurants shouldn’t be the only focus
I love getting to know neighbourhoods that aren’t on every tourist’s itinerary just to see what it would be like to actually live in a popular place like that. This seems totally different to what I’ve seen about Rome elsewhere so far and I’m sure I’d love the area!
It definitely is different than the rest of Rome (not so many antiquities here). It can get very busy at night and lunchtime though!
Gorgeous snaps, they really do show off this place! It looks stunning, and I always love getting stuck into different neighbourhoods.
Thank you! It’s definitely and interesting neighborhood of Rome!
I stayed in the area many years ago when I visited Rome for the same time. The vibe was good but, like you, I was not impressed. Since then, I feel like the place has exploded since it has been featured in every travel magazine I read. I would like to go back and see how it has changed. #WednesdayWanderlust
It definitely has exploded! Thankfully it wasn’t fully crowded when we visited!
I haven’t been to Trastevere- and it looks like I have been missing out! I will be sure to go next time I am in Rome!
It definitely worths a visit!
I am going to add this to my list of things to do in Rome
it’s definitely an interesting place to visit!
It’s funny that Trastevere is always marketed as a typical Roman neighbourhood where you can get a more local vibe, yet every time I’ve visited, it’s full of tourists!! Haha. It is lovely though, and there are a lot of great restaurants to choose from, many of them very affordable. Great pics! 🙂
I agree! thankfully on the day I visited it was cloudy and a bit rainy so it wasn’t flooded with tourists!
Oh that’s one of my fave places in Rome partic when it is quiet and people haven’t got up yet. I do love Rome – still up there as one of my fave cities. Thanks for linking up to #MondayEscapes