It is more than 4 miles from Piazza Santa Maria to the Borghese Galleries (the last part straight uphill), and the mileage is similar for Pizza del Populo, Spanish Steps, etc. Many people find Roma one of more difficult places to actually walk in Europe, dodging motorcycles, dealing with uneven pavement or being on busy boulevards so thick with bus fumes the air is unbreathable and the noise is unbearable.

I have happily stayed in Trastevere and would do so again. I'm pretty free with my cab budget, so getting home at night from restaurants near Piazza del Populo isn't a problem. Plus, Trastevere is filled with excellent restaurants. I like returning to Trastevere in the evening just because it is out of the way.

But for travelers who come to Roma with a detailed touring itinerary, trying to hit all the sights on foot, I would recommend staying nearer Piazza della Rotunda or Piazza Navona, also quite beautiful places to be, filled with atmospheric corners and ancient streets.

I am delighted to have set off this firestorm among the Trastevere enthusiasts and apologists.

For the record, my comment was: that it is "a little too far for convenience, in my opinion".

Mild enough commentary.....

My spouse reminds me that my in-laws took a family trip to Rome circa 1960: they were warned to stay out of Trastevere, as it was the "thieves' quarter".

Now it's graffiti-covered but safe.

...And too far for convenience, in my opinion.