Trastevere (trass-tev-rAY) was one of my favorite experiences whilst in Rome; it was quieter than Vatican city and just as charming as Piazza Navona. On Sunday mornings, there is a huge outdoor flea market which sells absolutely everything; I am an avid coin collector and found the most amazing stuff for a fraction of the price for what I would pay in the US.

Neighborhood corner markets selling produce, flowers and Italian spices; children playing soccer (football) on a grassy knoll, yelling in Italian. The Santa Maria Church is significant architecturally and historically, and worth a visit. It features the recycled remains of Roman columns.

I hear this is a very fun area to wander for after-dinner drinks, but I came here during the day when it was sunny and dreamy.

Put this place on your list of "must do's" in Rome.

My Husband and I went at night as our hotel (The Forty Seven) was just over the bridge.

This area feels more like a small Italian town rather than part of a capital city.

We did not know really where to go so just wondered through the small streets which are lined with restaurants and café bars spilling out on to the street. There are not so many tourist here in my view which was nice.

We found a bar which was dimly light with candles and was nicely full of locals. We had one or two! bottles of fantastic red and had a fantastic meal of very simple pasta which was also brill.

I would definitely recommend coming here at night to soak up the true Roman atmosphere.

Trastevere is close enough to the tourist attractions to walk (or hop a tram), yet it is out of the hordes of tourists. It is warm and inviting, and you feel like you are more a part of Rome.

We stayed in a little apartment for a week and had the best time! We arrived just as the wild strawberries were making their appearance at dinner. We were able to wander into some very off-the-tourist-agenda places and after a few awkward moments of being appraised, were treated well. After dinner in the evening we sat around a large square where old men and women gossiped and children knocked around a soccer ball. I have never felt so relaxed. A truly REAL place.