11 things to do in Trastevere by night
Entering Trastevere, you will perceive that it is one of the most charming neighborhoods of Rome where you have the opportunity to visit squares, fountains, bookstores, restaurants that you will never forget.
The bohemian atmosphere, the terraces, the cobblestone streets and the shutters made of wood reign in Trastevere when the sun goes down. All these details create a true Italian flair that make visiting this neighborhood at night one of the must-see plans in Rome.
Chances are, once you start your tour, you will want to stay there all night long. Take advantage of the time of your visit to venture out and discover the wonders of this area near the west of the great Tiber River. Here I recommend the best of them.
1. Get to know the heart of the place in Piazza Santa Maria.
The famous Piazza Santa Maria is considered the heart of this neighborhood, where you will meet locals and tourists. And an ideal way to know all its history and essence is to book a tour of Trastevere in which an expert guide in history will give you all the details.
And in this square, you will see a basilica that many take the opportunity to visit at night because it closes at 9 pm. This is named after the square, has an amazing facade, golden mosaics and a bell tower that captivates the eyes with multiple bright lights. In addition, the fountain is the oldest in the city, among all those still in operation.
Clearly it is not enough that you simply walk through the square, the idea is that you spend some time, as the difference between day and night is undeniable. You will probably like the nighttime atmosphere better even though there are many other things you can do in Trastevere during the day. During the morning there are usually only locals passing by, lost tourists or teenagers playing hooky. But as night falls the best part begins. There will be more people and the chances of having a nice time in the place increase.
2. Taste and enjoy the local gastronomy in the best restaurants
One of the plans you can't miss in this neighborhood at night is to treat yourself, because there are many fantastic restaurants that represent the Italian gastronomy, where you can taste typical Roman dishes such as pasta carbonara, cacio e peppe and all'amatriciana. For this, I recommend you book a gastronomic tour of Trastevere.
Of course, you should not miss tasting the best pizzas in Rome originally Italian and a delicious tiramisu for dessert. The variety and quality in each restaurant varies, so it is not easy to choose.
If you really want to eat at the best places in Trastevere, here is a list of which ones deserve to be considered as such:
- Pizzarius: Its very name indicates that it offers a candidate for best pizza in the world, although it's not very cheap. Being in Piazza Santa Maria you can buy there by the slice and eat near the fountain. Their opening hours are from 10 am to midnight.
- Grazia & Graziella: This is among the favorites for both the food and the service, which is guaranteed to make you laugh a lot. The carbonara, gnocchis, tiramisu and carciofi alla giudia are the most acclaimed dishes. The line goes fast and, if you sit outside, you will enjoy a good atmosphere. Open from 10 am to 2 am.
- Carlo Menta: A place with a classic and casual style that is ideal if your budget is low. That is because it has a varied menu and promises an excellent relation between quality and price. You can go between 12 noon and 11:30 am, as it will be open.
- Also, keep in mind that Trastevere is home to some of the best ice cream parlors in Rome.
3. Stop by the beautiful and unique Ponte Sisto
The Ponte Sisto is among the most beautiful places that crosses the Tiber, connecting Trastevere to Rome and its center. Therefore, visiting it is a great answer to the question what to do in Trastevere at night? Across this bridge, you will find various musicians that will delight and amuse you.
When crossing it, you should take it easy if you are looking to get some of what the street vendors have to offer. Thus, some pieces of their street artists will stay with you and you will take them home as a pleasant souvenir. Of course, don't forget to bring your camera and save those images for a long time. Also, you can visit it on a tour of Trastevere.
This pedestrian bridge was built during the 15th century by order of Pope Sisto IV. Parts of an old Roman bridge were used. There are even rumors that a part of it was also made with stone from the Colosseum. In addition, the views towards St. Peter's dome in the Vatican are fantastic.
4. See the city from the small hill of the Gianicolo
One of the best options to see the city from Trastevere at night is the Gianicolo hill or mountain. This has a height of 88 meters, which puts it in second place among the hills of the city. From this viewpoint, if you go up to its main terrace, you will have some of the best views of Rome. They are truly spectacular.
You will see the magnificent center of the Italian capital with its fantastic night illumination. Among so many structures, especially the monument made for Vittorio Emanuele II will stand out, which, with its lights, looks even more imposing at night. As you start to climb this hill at sunset, you will notice that there are several points with excellent perspectives.
Of course, the views are not the only attraction of the place, there are other things to do in Trastevere at night there. For example, visit some of Rome' s best monuments that give value and historical interest to the hill.
5. See the imposing Acqua Paola Fountain
The huge Acqua Paola fountain is one of the top 5 fountains in Rome. When it gets dark, the fountain is illuminated and in front of it there is a belvedere from which you can see a part of the city. The atmosphere that forms around the fountain at night is very lively and, thanks to the subtle lighting, it is very romantic.
Its design might remind you of the Fontana dell'Acqua Felice, also known as the Fountain of Happy Water. The reason behind it is that, apparently, that served as inspiration to create the Acqua Paola. It was inaugurated in the early 17th century to commemorate the restoration of an ancient aqueduct.
This famous symbol of the hill is built with marble, partly from the great Roman Forum. It also incorporates 6 columns that once belonged to the ancient facade of the Vatican and its history makes it locally beloved. Luckily, it will only take you about 20 minutes to reach it on foot.
6. Have a good time at Campo de' Fiori
Yes, its name means "Field of Flowers", but don't be fooled, that doesn't mean it's a garden or any similar space. Campo de' Fiori is a square widely visited by both tourists and Roman citizens, especially in the evenings, making it one of the most famous squares in Rome and one of the enclaves you can visit in Trastevere.
As is common in the squares of the Italian capital, there is a fountain and a statue (with a somewhat somber appearance) of Giordano Bruno. During the mornings there are food stalls, when these begin to leave, an evening atmosphere is generated. This is a favorite of the city's young people.
What can you do if you go to Campo de' Fiori at night? Around the square there are terraces where people sit and enjoy food and drinks. As you do so, you can see how the citizens enjoy themselves and discover why this is a popular place at night.
7. Watch the Manfredi Lighthouse light up the city
On Mount Gianicolo you find a lighthouse built in 1911, near it there is no sea and no ships looking for a light to guide them. What there is is a beautiful panoramic view from which you can see the Italian city when the sun has already set.
Both locals and tourists usually approach the Manfredi Lighthouse in order to marvel at the view of the night sky and Rome illuminated. Near this point there are small trails that you can walk along to reach other parts of Mount Gianicolo.
From many areas of this mountain you get one of the best views of Rome and the Manfredi Lighthouse is no exception. A curious fact about this construction is that it was a gift made to the city by Italians who emigrated to Argentina.
8. Visit Piazza Trilussa and enjoy the musical atmosphere
Piazza Trilussa will give you a warm welcome to the Trastevere neighborhood in Rome, as it is like an appetizer. It is one of the essential things to do in Rome.
Its beautiful structure and the steps are the right place for you to sit and relax and listen to the street performers that gather there. In addition, the beautiful and eye-catching fountain dominates the entire Piazza and provides a good view. When you gather there with friends or family, you will enjoy a cheerful and festive atmosphere.
The name of this square is a tribute to the poet of Rome Carlo Mariano known as Trilussa. You can walk up to the bronze statue of him. He was famous for writing in the Romanesque dialect in Rome and for his satires on politics and social issues.
9. Increase your love for books at Open Book
Do you like to read and love to visit old bookstores or libraries? Then Open Book will be like a little paradise in Rome. Entering this famous bookstore in Italy's capital should be on your list of things to do in Trastevere. Although the place is tiny, you'll find baskets and shelves full of books.
The ones that are there are used, in Italian and mostly in English, but they are priced a bit tight. For that reason, if you don't want to leave empty-handed, it is advisable to save some money. This place, which has been open since the 1970s, is located on the Via della Lungarretta.
Of course, you can only go there at night on weekends, when it is open non-stop from noon to 8 pm. Alternatives to this bookshop are Ottomassimo, Minium Fox and Almost Corner Bookshop. The first is in Luciano Manara, the second in della Lungaretta and the third in del Moro.
10. Visit the same nightclubs as Roman citizens
If you like to party with friends or family, on your vacation it is also possible to do so. Trastevere is characterized for being a modern and bohemian area, there are many nightclubs where you can go. The atmospheres are different, so you are sure to find something that suits your preferences.
Some of the best known discos in Trastevere are the following:
- Piper: this is one of the most famous party places in all of Rome, if you like the atmosphere of the 1960s, Piper is perfect for you.
- Art Cafe: this is one of the trendiest nightclubs in the Italian capital, the atmosphere is modern.
- Circolo degli Illuminati: in it there are three rooms, each one is dedicated to a musical genre: Techno, Hip Hip and Chill.
- Anima Club: if you are young or you are traveling with a group of young people, I recommend this option, as it is very visited by the youngest people in Rome.
- Spazio 900: 1000 square meters ready to welcome those who love to dance. In the disco there are also two terraces. If you plan to attend, I don't recommend you to dress too casually.
11. Go to the Noantri Party
If you're going to Rome in July, take note. The Festa de' Noantri begins in mid-July, this is such a special occasion for many of the citizens that even in the evenings it is celebrated. For two weeks the streets are illuminated, filled with markets and people coming from different neighborhoods of Rome.
For two weeks the image of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is placed in the Church of St. Agatha. All those who want can go to this religious center to venerate her before she is taken back to her church.
Thanks to the activities that take place on this feast, the nightlife in Trastevere is very lively. For this reason, even non-religious people attend the celebration.