Simply put: Trastevere is a dreamscape.
Its cobbled streets, ivy trellises, along with its string lights and garments fluttering on clotheslines makes it unique for its charm and authenticity. It’s bohemian energy draws tourists and locals alike, offering al fresco aperitivi, the lore of street musicians, piazzas and churches with art galore, and unconventional shopping experiences.
Trastevere makes a wonderful addition to a Roman shopping itinerary for the special treasures that can be found there.
Trastevere: A hub for artisans and boutiques
Once a home for the Etruscan civilization, then, a living space for immigrants, freed slaves, sailors and Jews, Trastevere was not always the most sought after district within Rome.
Overtime it has transformed into one of the city’s main creative centers. The historic diversity in the people who inhabited it has stuck through the ages, which means that different cultures along with their craftsmanship has infused into the area.
Family-run businesses have evolved in the neighbourhood over the years, whilst attracting other artisans to open up shop here too.
This is why Trastevere is the ideal place to find authentic, handmade goods.
What kind of products are you bound to find for sale?
- There is a plethora of handcrafted jewellery boutiques and vendors to be found in Trastevere. Silver, gold and metalworks with precious stones are commonly sold. You may even be able to catch some of the artists working on their craft through the windows of their workshops!
- Artisan leather shops are popular in Trastevere. With leather goods being one of the strong suits of Italian craftsmanship, these are a must-visit for jackets, coats, bags, briefcases, wallets, journals and more items.
- A lot of contemporary artists have set up their galleries and/or shops in Trastevere, attracting visitors through their art and sculptures. You are bound to find unique work for your personal art collection.
- Buy niche records and other music-related memorabilia at the record shops in Trastevere.
- A lot of local Italian designers have opened up concept stores, which means you can browse through unique, avant-garde clothing items!
Vintage shopping in Trastevere
Trastevere is a haven for vintage and second-hand shops.
For anyone who wants accessories and items that are one-of-a-kind, these boutiques are perfect for seeking unique accessories, clothing and home decoration items.
The vintage stores in Trastevere are very popular shopping destinations for celebrities. Twice Vintage– established by two Roman sisters in 2010- is a boutique that they often enjoy frequenting. It is located on the street Via di San Francesco a Ripa 7.
In the recent years retro shopping in Rome has taken over like a storm, which means that even more vintage stores have cropped in Trastevere.
If you are looking for rare finds, here are a few other vintage stores to look out for in the neighbourhood:
- 31 Vintage Avenue -Via dei Chiavari 31
- Trastevere Vintage -Via Natale del Grande 39
Food shopping in Trastevere
Trastevere is arguably the best district for gourmet food shopping in Rome!
The Italian food shops in Trastevere are niche, charming and have a visual brand presence that are incredibly inviting. You will find products with incredibly detailed labels and packaging, that add to their beauty and make for wonderful gifts.
- There are specialty wine shops, for example those completely dedicated to natural wine selections.
- Pastry shops have window displays laden with colourful treats that can be packaged in beautiful boxes.
- High-quality salami, cured meats and dairy products can be found in Italian delis.
- Other specialty shops sell items like Italian cookies, varieties of pastas, tins of sweets, jars of pickled vegetables, Italian sauces and spreads, jams and marmalades and so much more.
When to visit Trastevere for the best shopping experience
Due to Trastevere’s popularity amongst both tourists and locals for food, shopping and sightseeing, it is a highly sought after cultural neighbourhood on all days, especially on the weekends.
The best time to shop will be dependant on what side of Trastevere’s ambiance you would like to uncover:
- Mornings are for quieter admiration: If you would rather escape the crowds and be able to take in the beauty of the architecture and sights in peace, opt to shop during the day. Most stores usually open by 10 AM, and there are plenty of bars and cafes to stop at for a cornetto and coffee breakfast (or even American breakfast!) just before your spree.
- Afternoon hours mean more people watching: Italians usually rest and take a siesta after lunch, which means shops in Trastevere are more likely to be open again around 4:30 PM. This is a great time to do some shopping, exploring and people watching as business -and pleasure- matters resume in the afternoon.
- Evenings are for a romantic excitement in the air: As the sky gets darker and the twinkle lights turn on, the cobblestoned streets of Trastevere are flush with visitors and their chatter. Some stores will close by 6 PM, others will stay open till a bit later. It is always good to do a bit of research on closing hours before embarking on an evening shopping trip. Combine this activity with a dinner at one of the many authentic establishments in the area.
Keep in mind that August is not the most ideal month for a shopping trip in Trastevere, or anywhere in Rome for that matter. This is because for the holiday of Ferragosto on 15th August, most places remain closed for longer hours than usual.
Exploring Trastevere with a local guide
One of the best ways of exploring a unique shopping experience in Trastevere is by going on a guided shopping tour.
We hardly ever get the opportunity to imagine what it would be like to have a ‘personal shopper’, and Walks Inside Rome’s customizable fashion tours come close to that experience.
Just like a personal shopper, our tour guide will take you around the best fashion/shopping related spaces within a chosen neighbourhood. Trastevere can be one of your options!
This tour will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the local atmosphere, find the romance in the details and vibrancy of the piazzas and streets, whilst making sure to stop by all the most special shopping gems amidst the cobblestoned vicinity.
You can also combine your Trastevere shopping experience with an expertly guided tour of the gorgeous frescoes of Villa Farnesina, and the hidden gems within the area.
