If you want the perfect balance of local feel and great food in Rome, stay in Trastevere!

On this guide, you’ll get: 
- an interactive map to help navigate you to each spot
- recommendations on typical dishes to order
- 4 restaurants at varying price points, 3 cafe & bars, and 2 gelato spots
- 4 hotel options
- 7 neighborhood churches, parks and markets to explore

Lazio, Italy

Italy

Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy

🇮🇹 Rome’s Oldest Neighborhood: Trastevere

Trastevere is considered one of the oldest parts of Rome, and the most local. Italians coming to visit Rome always prefer Trastevere. The magic of Trastevere is that it has retained so much of its essence through political and tourism influences over the years and centuries.

Trastevere is situated roughly equidistant between the Colosseum and St. Peter’s Basilica. In a city that always means walking, it’s a great midway spot!

Because the area is so old-school and local, there aren’t any large traditional hotels. But there are tons of Airbnbs, guest houses, and the like.

You could happily eat all your meals in Rome without leaving Trastevere. The food here is incredibly good, so here are a few suggestions to get you started!

Note that Tonnarello and Nannarella are sister restaurants, and have nearly identical menu. There are enough menu options to happily eat there twice, but no need to visit both! 

Definitely make reservations. All of these spots will have English speakers, and if you plan far enough ahead you can make it by email as well. 

I combine these categories because the classic Italian "bar" is equal parts cafe and bar. They offer coffee drinks and wine all day long! 

Want more travel tips? This is just a taste of what I can offer you! Check my bio for all my Italy guides. You can also reach out so I can make you a custom trip list or a daily itinerary! Grab all the details in my bio. 

As a local neighborhood, Trastevere doesn’t have a lot big tourism sites. It’s charm is in wandering the side streets, shopping at the local market, and stepping into the local churches. Feel free to grab a spritz and the local bar and enjoy watching the world go by! 

Church of St Mary of the Garden

Belvedere del Gianicolo

Tonnarello

Taverna Trilussa