Trastevere: Tours and Guided Visits

If you want to get to know Rome better, you should visit the charming neighborhood of Trastevere. With cobblestone streets, colorful buildings and aromas of mouthwatering cured meats, the district provides a small-town feeling in the big city of Rome.

Tours in Trastevere travel to the most iconic sites in the area, which are unmissable on a trip to Rome. These excursions weave through the charming back streets that contain bakeries, butchers and boutiques to give you a true Roman experience.

Read on for all you need to know about Trastevere, one of the top locations for sightseeing tours in Rome.

Where is Trastevere located?

Trastevere is a neighborhood located in Rome, Italy. It is situated on the west bank of the Tiber River, and it is known for its lively atmosphere and diverse architecture. The name Trastevere translates to "beyond the Tiber."

Trastevere is around 4 kilometers from the heart of Rome and can be reached in 50 minutes by foot. If you'd rather rest your feet until you reach the district, you can take the Line 8 tram from Piazza Di Porta Maggiore to the neighborhood.

Alternatively, you can take a 17-minute train ride from Roma Tiburtina to Trastevere.

There is no direct bus between the two destinations, however, you can catch the number 170 bus from Roma Termini to Teatro Marcello and change to the number 44 bus. It takes just under 10 minutes to travel from the theater to Trastevere.

What are the top things to see and do in Trastevere?

Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere

The Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of Rome's oldest and most fascinating churches. Dating back to the fourth century, it was built on the site of a home where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to Pope St. Callixtus.

The basilica's 12th-century mosaics are some of the finest in Rome, and its interior is decorated with lavish marble and bronze. Its stucco facade, with its Renaissance portal and Romanesque belfry, is one of the most striking in the city.

The basilica is open to visitors between 7:30 AM and 8:30 PM every day except Fridays when it opens at 9 AM. On the weekends, the site closes at 8 PM and you can enter the church for free.

Villa Farnesina

The Villa Farnesina is a carefully preserved Renaissance villa located in Rome's historic Trastevere district. Built in the early 16th century and designed by Peruzzi, the villa was once the home of Agostino Chigi — one of the richest men in Rome.

The villa changed names when it fell into the hands of the Farnese family in the late 16th century.

Today, it is open to the public and houses a number of intricate works of art, including paintings by Raphael and Sebastiano del Piombo. The Villa Farnesina is also noteworthy for its tranquil garden, which features a variety of classical sculptures.

Visitors can visit the villa between 10 AM and 7 PM every day and the maximum time you can stay on the site is two hours. The last admission is at 5 PM. Tickets cost €10 and reduced rates are available for those over 65 years old. Children and persons with disabilities can tour the grounds for free.

Orto Botanica

Nestled between the Via Della Lungara and the Gianicolo Hill, the Orto Botanica is the green heart of the city. The gardens were commissioned by Pope Alexander VII Chigi in the middle of the 17th century after the Vatican Botanical Gardens were abandoned.

The site features fauna from all around the world and spans 12 hectares in the city. There are over 3,000 species of plants that have been specially selected to display in the green haven. If you enter the greenhouses, you'll be surrounded by thriving tropical trees and flowers.

Visitors can enjoy relaxing in the botanical paradise between 10 AM and 5:30 PM daily, and tickets cost between €10 and €13.

One of the best activities in Trastevere is taking a moment of quiet from the city and enjoying the peaceful gardens.

What are the best Trastevere tours?

Trastevere underground walking tour

Underground walking tours allow you to discover the secrets that are hidden under the streets of Rome. The underground world dates back to the sixth century and your journey begins at the Church of Santa Cecilia.

You’ll tour the church, including the Baptistry, and learn about how it was uncovered. You’ll also find out about the house that served as the original foundations of the church.

As you walk through the cobblestone streets of Trastevere, you’ll visit the Church of San Crisogono. Here, you’ll have access to the underground alter which dates back to the rule of Emperor Constantine.

There are also other ancient sites to be seen, including traditional Roman houses and what is thought to have been a public laundry room.

Guided Trastevere street food tour

A street food tour in Trastevere allows you to fully immerse yourself in the neighborhood. You’ll start on Tiber Island where you’ll pay a visit to the Church of Santa Cecilia before visiting one of the oldest bakeries in Rome.

Continuing on through the district by foot, you’ll sample some local delicacies, including traditional cured salami and enjoy cheese tastings.

After you’ve had a chance to purchase some of the deli treats, you’ll keep walking to the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere. Once you've feasted your eyes upon the district’s largest church, you’ll head to the Sistus Bridge.

You’ll travel via the Piazza Trilussa for a sweet ending to your street food tour in Trastevere – a homemade gelato cone.

Trastevere private segway tour

Private segway tours in Trastevere help you to see more of the city in less time. You’ll start with a lesson on how to use your segway properly, before heading off through the streets of Trastevere.

There are several different itineraries that you can choose from based on your interests, which is one of the benefits of a private tour.

The first itinerary takes you from the Church of Santa Maria in Trastevere to Santa Cecilia and back. Alternatively, you could choose to journey up Gianicolo Hill if you want to gain a panoramic view of the city.

Another option takes you on a tour of the historic squares. You’ll visit Piazza Trilussa, Campo de’Fiori and Piazza Navona before returning to your starting point.

Lastly, if you want to gain a deeper understanding of the dark history of World War II in Rome, head to the Jewish Ghetto. On this itinerary, you’ll also stop at Teatro Marcello.

Guided tour to Trastevere, food tasting and Tiber cruise

This guided tour takes place in the city and travels to iconic sites such as the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon and Spanish Steps. You’ll have an hour of free time to explore the Pantheon at your leisure, where you can marvel at the second-century architecture.

The Santa Maria Basilica is also a stop on the tour, as is the open-air food market in Trastevere. Here, you can sample traditional produce, such as cured meats.

Once you’ve explored the attractions on land, you’ll hop aboard your cruise and sail across to Tiber Island. On the way, you’ll be blessed with a magnificent view of the famous St. Peter’s Basilica – the most visited site in Vatican City.

What are the prices of Trastevere tours?

Underground walking excursions in Trastevere include a private tour of the neighborhood with a blue badge certified guide. You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Rome and the tour lasts three hours. You can expect to pay €315 and if you take this tour in a group, the price per person reduces.

Guided street food tours in Trastevere costs €45 and include food tastings in various locations around the district, as well as a professional guide. Tours last approximately 2.5 hours.

Segway tours include just your group and last two hours. You’ll pay €66 per person and the price includes the rental of your segway and safety equipment, as well as a tour leader.

Tours of Rome that included a cruise along the River Tiber usually cost around €45. Included in the price is a 3.5-hour tour with a professional guide. The boat ride along the Tiber River is approximately 25 minutes, and the rest is covered by foot.

You’ll also sample some local produce in Trastevere, which includes delicacies such as cured meats, cheeses and regional fruits.

What are the meeting points for tours in Trastevere?

Meeting points for tours in Trastevere vary depending on the sites that you’ll see. You’ll usually meet at a popular and easy-to-reach landmark. Piazza’s are often used as starting locations for tours and these include Piazza San Cosimato, Piazza Trilussa and Piazza Farnese.

Regardless of which tour you take, you’ll be able to see where the meeting point is before booking so that you can arrange transportation.

When is the ideal time to tour Trastevere?

The ideal time to discover Trastevere is in the evening when the smell of melting mozzarella fills the air. The neighborhood is brought to life by its twinkling lights and the weather is milder, which creates the perfect environment for a leisurely stroll.

Take a trip to the area after a few days of sightseeing in the center of Rome. Once you've explored the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and Vatican City, you'll enjoy a trip to the different neighborhoods in the city.

If you visit Trastevere on a Sunday, you'll be able to browse the historic market of Porta Portese.

What are the other popular sightseeing tours in Rome?

• Ghost and legends tours
• Appian Way
• Squares and fountains tours
• Angels and Demons tours
• Scooter tours
• Street art tours

Know before you go

• Tours in Trastevere usually take place on foot. You should ensure you’re wearing comfortable attire and shoes, as you may be walking for up to 3.5 hours.
• Book your tour in advance. While Trastevere was once a hidden gem, these days, it’s a popular tourist spot. Because of this, tours can fill up fast.
• As these walking tours are paid, it is not a requirement or expectation to tip your guide. However, if you found your tour particularly enlightening and would like to tip your guide, €5 or €10 is a sufficient amount.