Welcome to Trastevere and Monteverde
Making the Most of Your Time
It’s easy to get to Trastevere from Piazza Venezia: just take Tram No. 8 to the first stop on the other side of the river. You’ll probably want to head right to the Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere, the heart of this lively area. Heading to the opposite side of Viale di Trastevere, though, is a treat many tourists miss. The cobblestone streets around Piazza in Piscinula and Via della Luce—locals peering down from balconies and the smell of fresh-baked bread floating from bakeries—are much more reminiscent of how Trastevere used to be than the touristic area to the north. Either way, remember that many of Trastevere’s lovely small churches close, like others in Rome, in the afternoons. In the evenings, the neighborhood heats up with locals and students drinking, eating, and going for passeggiate (strolls)—a not-to-be-missed atmosphere, especially for those with energy to burn.
Top Reasons to Go
Santa Maria in Trastevere: Tear yourself away from the piazza scene outside to take in the gilded glory of one of the city's oldest and most beautiful churches, fabled for its medieval mosaics.
Isola Tiberina: Cross the river on the Ponte Fabricio—the city's oldest bridge—for a stroll on the paved shores of the adorable Isola Tiberina (and don't forget to detour for the lemon ices at La Grattachecca).
Nightlife: Trastevere has become one of Rome's hottest nighttime-scene arenas, with lively bars and people spilling into the streets at nearly every turn.
Get a Feel for the Middle Ages: With cobblestone alleyways and medieval houses, the area around Trastevere's Piazza in Piscinula offers a magical dip into Rome's Middle Ages.
Getting Here
From the Vatican or Spanish Steps, expect a 30- to 40-minute walk to reach Trastevere. From Termini station, take Bus No. 40 Express or No. 64 to Largo di Torre Argentina, where you can switch to Tram No. 8 to get to Trastevere. If you don't feel like climbing the steep Gianicolo, take Bus No. 115 from Largo dei Fiorentini, then enjoy the walk down to the northern reaches of Trastevere or explore the leafy residential area of Monteverde Vecchio on the other side of the hill. Monteverde is a 10-minute tram ride from Trastevere.
Quick Bites
Caffè di Marzio. Over a coffee or a cocktail, sit and gaze upon Santa Maria in Trastevere's glistening golden facade at Caffè di Marzio. The outdoor seating is lovely but the interior is warm and welcoming, too. Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere 15, Trastevere, Rome, Latium, 00153. 06/5816095.
Rivendita. The full name is "Rivendita: Libri Cioccolata e Vino," and that's exactly what you'll find in this charming hole-in-the-wall: books, chocolate, and wine. Options like Barolo, fruity cocktails, or coffee served in cups of pure chocolate are enticing. Vicolo del Cinque 11/a, Trastevere, Rome, Latium, 00153. 06/58301868.
