Rome Trastevere as a base in Rome?

[bruceP]

During a previous trip to Italy in 2006, we stayed in the central area of Rome just off the Via del Corso. It was fine and close to many things, but the prices have gone up considerably. We are planning a return in the spring of 2026 and I'm leaning toward Trastevere as the base in Rome for five nights before moving on to Puglia and Sicily for the remainder of the trip.

I'm seeking opinions about Trastevere as a base - I think I've found a quietish guest house in the northeast corner. Has Trastevere become over-crowded? Dumb question since everywhere has become over-crowded! But I'd like to avoid the central areas.

 

[Andrew]

Northeast meaning close to the river and maybe via della Lungara? I lived there some decades ago and have stayed and wandered there more recently, and still find it relatively calm.

 

[bruceP]

"Northeast meaning close to the river and maybe via della Lungara?

Yes - precisely. Trastevere seems to offer good transport into the centre for further exploration, and the Trastevere train station from the airport is not far. The area near Via della Lungara appears to be a little off the main tourist routes.

 

[jan]

We stayed a week in Trastevere a few years ago and loved it. You have to be willing to walk at least 20 min. to most places though.

 

[bruceP]

You have to be willing to walk at least 20 min. to most places though.

Good point - thanks.

 

[Sandrac]

Yes - precisely. Trastevere seems to offer good transport into the centre for further exploration, and the Trastevere train station from the airport is not far. The area near Via della Lungara appears to be a little off the main tourist routes.

Hi Bruce, Via della Lungara is a long way from the Trastevere train station, which is in a very (very) busy area. But, as Andrew says, by the end of Via della Lungara near Palazzo Farnese, is relatively calm (for Trastevere). Do you have a specific address we could look at more closely? (BTW, I live in Rome, in Testaccio which I highly recommend.)

 

[bruceP]

Thanks - that's good info about the Trastevere train station. I had been considering the eastern end of Via della Lungarina near the Via dell'Arco de Tolomei. I think I got the name wrong earlier.

 

[Sandrac]

Thanks - that's good info about the Trastevere train station. I had been considering the eastern end of Via della Lungarina near the Via dell'Arco de Tolomei. I think I got the name wrong earlier.

That's a nice corner of Trastevere, busy but not overwhelmed by tourism. You would also have good access to Tram 3 or a short walk up to Viale Trastevere for other buses.

 

[Lizth]

During a previous trip to Italy in 2006, we stayed in the central area of Rome just off the Via del Corso. It was fine and close to many things, but the prices have gone up considerably. We are planning a return in the spring of 2026 and I'm leaning toward Trastevere as the base in Rome for five nights before moving on to Puglia and Sicily for the remainder of the trip.

I'm seeking opinions about Trastevere as a base - I think I've found a quietish guest house in the northeast corner. Has Trastevere become over-crowded? Dumb question since everywhere has become over-crowded! But I'd like to avoid the central areas.

I lived in Trastevere 5 years. The area around Santa Maria in Trastevere to Piazza Trilussa is very lively, filled with tourists, and raucous students into the night. Away from that concentration it is a very pleasant neighborhood with good restaurants, nice shops, and a wonderful outdoor market. Tram 8 goes to Piazza Venezia or it is a pleasant walk to the center. Across the Garibaldi Bridge are buses to the center and to the Vatican. If you’re not in the area with the student concentration you will not find Trastevere to be insufferably crowded.