I am older widow traveling alone to Rome for 2 weeks to sightsee. Found lovely apt in Trastevere. Is this good location from which to get to major sites? I don't have exact address yet but can get it.
Posted by
roswell, ga, usa
1501 posts
I'm 63 years old and I like Trastevere. Lots of nice restaurants, and if you're a good walker you can cross the bridge to the Campo di Fiori and Piazza Navona area. The Vatican is also not too far. I "pace myself" and take taxis sometimes, especially back to my lodgings. If you're a religious Catholic/historian - you might like to look inside at Santa Maria di Trastevere -- it's really the oldest church in Rome, at least the original altar is.
Again, I like Trastevere - nice safe neighborhood, lots of young people walking about, but far from the Colosseum, etc.
If, for some reason, you change your mind about Trastevere - I like the Prati neighborhood for it's more quiet atmosphere. I speak some Italian and that helps me quite a bit there in the more "residential" area.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you, Donna. I'll keep Prati in mind, but I don't speak Italian!
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16239 posts
I hope it is a good location, as we have rented an apartment there for October!
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15157 posts
Trastevere is my favorite downtown area. However it's a big neighborhood therefore it also depends on where within Trastevere you will be staying. The south part of a Trastevere, close to Testaccio area is not walking distance to most sights. In any case the tramway number 8 travels through viale Di Trastevere, the main boulevard there, and takes you to Largo Di Torre Argentina and Piazza Venezia, close to the Pantheon and the Forum respectively.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
Yep, what Roberto said. I would add that you should be prepared to see lots of graffiti. Do not let it put you off. It's an Italian word, after all. Some people go to Rome expecting Switzerland. It's not, and that's part of its charm, IMHO.
Posted by
roswell, ga, usa
1501 posts
Good point Michael! I hate the graffiti and want to ask those kids why in the Hell would they deface their beautiful buildings in their beautiful city! Graffiti in Rome does not indicate a "bad neighborhood" like it might suggest in the US. It seems to be everywhere. It can be a 'surprse' to first time visitors. On one trip I went for Easter week - and saw NO graffiti. I wondered if the city cleaned it all up for Easter. The last time I went it was back.