When my taxi arrived in Trastevere I was concerned because there were lots of people (because there are lots of restaurants and bars and things to do) but the location is a block off the beaten path and was quiet and safe and a great little hideaway from the activity that’s happening nearby. There are shops, caffès/ bars, museums, and really great restaurants just around the corner. A few blocks from the activity are quieter neighborhoods with outdoor fresh produce markets. This part of Rome is one of the oldest just across a beautiful pedestrian bridge by Via Guilia. They usually play music on the bridge, slip them a euro. A few blocks from the bridge is from Campo de' Fiori, which is a few blocks from Piazza Navona. In the other direction, the Jewish ghetto established in 1555 in the Rione Sant'Angelo, you can’t go wrong eating in that neighborhood. You are also not far from the Vatican. There is public transportation that takes you right to the center. Taxis are close and if you can ride a kick scooter or bike they have electric ones all over the place… If you want to rent a Vespa style scooter, for that ride to the Appian Way, be sure to get an Intl drivers license at AAA.
When I saw the photo of the flat on AirBnB I wondered why there was graffiti in a photo… well much of this area has lots of graffiti, good graffiti… the neighborhood attracts artists and artisans, I realized it’s part of the charm. The studio flat is set up with so many thoughtful touches and tech conveniences. You don’t alwaye see a fireplace (not wood burning), a washer and dishwasher, they even have a bigger than usual hot water heater for longer showers. Everything about this space has been carefully thought out. Space saving ideas, plenty of closet space, a very comfortable bed (although I did go buy a pillow because I have neck issues.) Lighting is important and there are so many options you can set any mood… there are no windows, the door offers daylight thru the frosted glass. But I loved the tiny little lights and the chandelier. I also thought the bike was cool hanging from the ceiling, I was going to ride it until I discovered the e-scooters.
I cooked a few nights and they had everything I needed and some staple items like sugar, salt, balsamic, olive oil. There are so many details that make this studio comfy for short stays or weeks, which is what I did. I put a chair outside the door to enjoy my morning caffe or lunch and said bongiorno to the locals. Michele was very quick and responsive if I called with a question but what really made me smile was the Dyson vacuum! I’ll be staying there again.