• Best Hotels in Trastevere: Donna Camilla Savelli • Villa Agrippina Gran Meliá • Hotel Santa Maria • Horti 14 Borgo Trastevere • Residenza San Calisto • Ripense In Trastevere • Hotel Trastevere
• Map of Rome Hotels and Where to Stay in Rome
A Guide to Staying in Trastevere
Why Stay in Trastevere: Authentic Rome with a Bohemian Vibe
Trastevere is my favorite neighborhood in Rome, and the one I recommend most for first-time visitors who want an area that is a little less touristy but still close to the main historical sites. It has the perfect combination of central location and village-like charm. Located just “across the Tiber” from Rome’s ancient center, its ivy-clad buildings, narrow cobblestone alleys, and lively piazzas feel a world away from the crowds around the Trevi Fountain or Spanish Steps. It’s the ideal place to experience the famous Roman passeggiata (evening stroll), popping into trattorias and bars that spill out onto the streets.Best Things to Do
• Wander the Alleys & Piazzas: The best thing to do in Trastevere is simply to get lost. Explore the winding, picturesque streets, discover hidden courtyards, and stumble upon artisan workshops and quirky boutiques.• Relax in Piazza di Santa Maria: This is the heart of the neighborhood. Sit on the steps of the fountain and admire the stunning facade and glittering mosaics of the 12th-century Basilica di Santa Maria, Trastevere’s most important church.
• Climb the Janiculum Hill (Gianicolo): This is a must-do. A short, pleasant walk up the hill rewards you with the absolute best panoramic views of Rome. Time your visit for sunset for a truly epic experience.
• Visit the Museums: See masterpieces by Titian and Caravaggio at the Palazzo Corsini, then explore the beautiful Botanic Garden located behind it. For a look at local history, visit the Museo di Roma in Trastevere.
Best Restaurants & Food
The neighborhood is packed with authentic trattorias, osterias, and pizzerias serving fantastic food at better prices than you’ll find in the more touristy areas. Look for restaurants serving classic Roman pasta dishes like cacio e pepe, carbonara, and amatriciana. For a quick and delicious lunch, grab a slice of pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice). And of course, you are never more than a few steps from an excellent gelateria for a scoop of homemade gelato.Best Bars & Nightlife
Trastevere comes alive at night. The vibe is less about thumping nightclubs and more about social street life. Join the locals at a lively wine bar (enoteca), grab a craft beer at a pub like Ma Che Siete Venuti a Fà, or simply find an outdoor table in a piazza and enjoy an Aperol spritz while people-watching.Best Hotels in Trastevere
Trastevere is known for charming boutique hotels and guesthouses rather than big luxury chains.• Luxury/High-End: Villa Agrippina Gran Meliá (a stunning resort-style hotel with a large pool, technically across the hill but the top luxury choice for the area) and Donna Camilla Savelli (a unique and beautiful hotel set in a former 17th-century convent).
• Charming Mid-Range: Hotel Santa Maria (my favorite, offering a peaceful oasis with rooms opening onto a beautiful courtyard of orange trees), Horti 14 Borgo Trastevere (modern and stylish with a lovely garden), and Residenza San Calisto (a highly-rated guesthouse in a fantastic location).
• Best Value: Ripense In Trastevere and Hotel Trastevere both offer solid, clean, and affordable rooms in the heart of the neighborhood.
Getting Around
• Walking: Trastevere itself is best explored on foot. You can also easily walk to other major sites like Campo de’ Fiori, the Pantheon, and even the Vatican in about 20-25 minutes.• Public Transport: The most useful public transport link is the Tram 8 line. It runs up Viale di Trastevere, connecting the neighborhood to Largo di Torre Argentina (near the Pantheon) and Piazza Venezia (near the Roman Forum).
Donna Camilla Savelli is one of our favorite hotels in Trastevere.
About Santorini Dave