Trendy Trastevere
Located across the Tiber, which gives the district its name via the Latin trans Tiberim, is the happening Trastevere. It is the thirteenth rione of modern Rome, and historically was an important Jewish community from the time of the Roman Republic until the Middle Ages.
Today Trastevere is a buzzing hub of social and commercial activity, and is home to many delightful restaurants, cafés, bars, and shops. There is a daily market where you can buy fresh local produce, as well as a huge Sunday market on Via Napoleone Parboni, which offers food, clothes, jewellery and other trinkets. If markets are your thing then this one is well worth a visit.
Bohemian Rome
With its tendency to attract young and cosmopolitan types during the day and night, Trastevere is perhaps to Rome what Shoreditch is to London, and its youthful energy is accentuated by the presence of international and American universities. On a Friday or Saturday night it is typical to see crowds of people thronging the streets, the piazzas and the pedestrian Sisto bridge, chatting, drinking, and playing music.
If you decide to go out for a drink on a Saturday night, you might find it difficult to get a seat somewhere. Never fear, however, as most places offer a takeaway cup for your beverage which you can take with you to one of the beautiful squares and enjoy while soaking up the electric atmosphere. In recent years the popularity of the area has led to a slight increase in prices and a tendency to cater to the hordes of tourists that arrive each year, but you will still find some local gems down the cobbled streets where traditional character is truly preserved.
