• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
The Roman Guy

The Roman GuyThe Roman Guy

Italy Travel Experts Tours and Vacations

  • Destinations
    • Amalfi Coast & Pompeii
    • Amsterdam
    • Athens
    • Barcelona
    • Capri
    • Florence
    • Granada
    • Las Vegas
    • London
    • Madrid
    • Milan
    • New York City
    • Paris
    • Rome
    • San Francisco
    • Segovia
    • Tuscany
    • Vatican City
    • Venice
  • Attractions
    • 9/11 Memorial
    • Accademia Gallery
    • Acropolis
    • Alcázar of Segovia
    • Alhambra
    • Borghese Gallery
    • Buckingham Palace
    • Colosseum
    • Doge’s Palace
    • Eiffel Tower
    • Louvre Museum
    • The Met
    • Montserrat Monastery
    • Pantheon
    • Paris Catacombs
    • Sagrada Familia
    • Sistine Chapel
    • St. Mark’s Basilica
    • St. Peter’s Basilica
    • Statue of Liberty
    • The Last Supper
    • Tower of London
    • Uffizi Gallery
    • Vatican Museums
    • Versailles
    • Westminster Abbey
    • Windsor Castle
  • Shop Tours
  • Sign In
Home > Rome > Hidden Gems of Rome: Monti Neighborhood Guide
areal view of monti neighbourhood with people

Hidden Gems of Rome: Monti Neighborhood Guide

Sean Finelli Last Updated: December 12, 2022

Packed with world-class cuisine, history, art, shopping, and culture, there’s no way to see all of Rome in a single visit. The best way to plan your travel itinerary is by neighborhood. In this guide, we help you branch out and explore the hidden gems of Rome’s historic Monti Neighborhood.


Pro Tip: Planning what to do on your trip to Rome? Bookmark this post in your browser so you can easily find it when you’re in the city. See our comprehensive guide to Rome for more planning resources, our top Rome tours for a memorable trip, and how to see Rome in a day.

Monti Neighborhood Guide

Out of the 22 rioni (districts) in Rome, Monti is one of our favorites. In ancient times, the seedy district was a slum filled with outlaws and the heart of Rome’s red-light district. These days, it couldn’t be more different. This hipster hotspot is the preferred neighborhood of artists and intelligentsia.

While the other neighborhoods in our hidden gems series have undiscovered attractions in them, the Rione Monti is itself a treasure in plain sight. Monti, despite bordering Rome’s major tourist attractions, is a quiet jewel compared to the other popular parts of the Eternal City.

It’s a great place to explore after you visit the nearby Colosseum. See our article on the best Colosseum tours if you plan to go. In this Monti neighborhood guide, here’s what we’ll cover:

  • Where Is Monti, Rome?
  • Attractions in Monti
  • Shopping in Monti
  • Restaurants in Monti
Hidden Gems of ROME : Monti Neighborhood
Hidden Gems of Rome: Monti in a Day

Where Is Monti, Rome?

Centrally located, Monti is a short walk from the Colosseum and Piazza Venezia. It’s possible to walk almost anywhere from here besides the Vatican. If you prefer to take the subway, the Cavour, Termini, and Colosseo stops are nearby.

From the Roma Termini train station, Monti is a 15-minute walk or one stop away on the B-line metro. If you’re staying in the Vatican neighborhood, a 20-minute ride on the 64 or 40 bus will bring you near Monti. For more help, check out our video about how to use the Roman Bus System.

Top Colosseum Tours

Best Seller

Colosseum Underground Tour with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

This is our most popular Colosseum tour due to the incredible access to non-public areas like the underground chambers. All admissions are included and it is lead by an English speaking licensed guided and Colosseum expert.

full star review

(477)

See Prices

Customer Favorite

Special Access Colosseum Arena Floor Tour Through the Gladiator’s Gate

You’ll enter the Colosseum through the back door entrance avoiding lines and crowds, which is ideal! You’ll step through the gladiator’s gate and your English-speaking Colosseum guide will bring the stories to life. Next, on to the Roman Forum. All admissions are included.

(578)

See Prices

See the Colosseum in exclusive Access Tours

Not ready to book a tour? Find out why a Colosseum tour is worth it.

Attractions in Monti, Rome

Rome’s historical and eclectic Monti neighborhood has plenty for you to explore. Here are a few suggestions for what to do as you walk around the area. For a more comprehensive list, see our top things to do near Monti and Termini.

Piazza della Madonna dei Monti

Fountain in Piazza della Madonna dei Monti
Fountain in Piazza della Madonna dei Monti

The main attraction in the area, the Piazza della Madonna dei Monti’s Catecumeni Fountain is the perfect spot to indulge in a little dolce far niente (pleasant idleness). As a reward for traipsing around Rome sightseeing, take the opportunity to order a coffee or glass of wine at one of the nearby cafes.

Then, sit on the fountain’s steps and do some people-watching in the beautiful heart of Monti. During the day, locals take breaks from work to eat lunch here. At night, the piazza turns up the energy as people gather to drink beer or wine and socialize.

Address: Piazza della Madonna dei Monte 

Trajan’s Market

It’s said that Trajan’s Market, built around A.D. 100, is the world’s first covered shopping mall. A prominent landmark and a symbol of imperial power since A.D. 113, Trajan’s Column in Rome was a focal point of the great forum and market complex built by Emperor Trajan on the north side of the Roman Forum.

The arcades in Trajan’s Market are thought by many to have been Emperor Trajan’s administrative offices. Built in a multi-level structure, it’s still possible to visit several levels. Highlights of Trajan’s Market include the remains of a library and delicate marble floors. This is also the location of the Museo dei Fori Imperiali. The Colosseum isn’t the only archeological site in town, branch out and see this place too.

Address: Via Quattro Novembre, 94 | Hours: Daily, 9:30 am to 7:30 pm

Pop-Up Art Studios

The Palazzo delle Esposizioni is a neoclassical exhibition hall, cultural center, and museum on Via Nazionale in Rome. Designed by Pio Piacentini, the huge palace was built in 1882 and has been used for everything from a mess hall for Allied servicemen to the headquarters of the Italian Communist Party.

With a 139-seat cinema, Palazzo delle Esposizioni regularly hosts prominent art exhibitions along with activities and workshops for children. It’s also home to a bookshop, cafe, and an enormous Michelin-starred restaurant.

Address: Via Nazionale 194 | Hours: Tues – Sun, 10 am – 8 pm (closed on Mondays)

Shopping in Monti, Rome

Monti Neighborhood Side Street in Rome
Monti Neighborhood Side Street in Rome

Abito

In Monti, it’s common to walk down a street and find yourself digging through a rack of clothes from a store with “50% Sconto” pasted in the window.

One of our favorite shops, Abito, is known for its stylish clothes that are carefully handmade by the shop’s owner. All the designs are original here. Plus, the shapes used in them stand out from those in conventional styles on offer by big, corporate clothing companies.

Address: Via del Boschetto, 76

Pifebo

Photo courtesy of Pifebo

If you’re into vintage clothing, Pifebo is a treasure trove. The dimly lit and boldly painted shop is home to trendy and hip attire for fashionable people of all ages.

With reasonable prices and lightly used items ranging from 1950s sunglasses to furry stilettos from the early aughts, Pifebo is easily labeled as one of the best vintage shops in Monti.

Address: Via dei Serpenti, 135/136

Mercato Monti

If vintage shopping is on your shortlist of things to do in Rome, hit up Mercato Monti. The weekend market features the work of young designers, craftspeople, artists, and innovators.

Hosted most weekends in the conference room of the Grand Hotel Palatino, Mercato Monti is an indie shopper’s dream. Check it out for everything from fashion and accessories to cutting-edge artwork. If you’re looking for souvenirs, this is a fantastic option.

Address: Via Leonina 46/48 

Popular Rome Tours

Likely to Sell Out

Colosseum Underground Tour with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

This is our most popular Colosseum tour due to the incredible access to non-public areas like the underground chambers. All admissions are included and it is lead by an English speaking licensed guided and Colosseum expert.

(282)

See Prices

Trastevere Rome Food tour

Best Seller

Trastevere Local Food Tour in Rome

Led by a local food expert, experience Rome’s local foodie districts, including Trastevere and Campo de’ Fiori. Includes a menu of seasonal items including many of Rome’s favorites. Lots of wine and food… more than most can handle!

(111)

See Prices

See the Best of Rome with Guided Tours

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our best Rome tours to take and why.

Restaurants in Monti, Rome

Urbana 47 Cafe in Monti, Rome

What’s a trip to Rome without enjoying the best local restaurants? Here are a few great places to eat in Monti. For more options and an insightful overview, see our guide to the best restaurants in Monti.

Urbana 47

€€€ | Aperitivo | Outdoor Seating | Wi-Fi

Located on Via Urbana, Urbana 47 is named after its address on the lively street in Monti. If you’re looking for small plates and non-traditional Mediterranean dishes, this is your best bet.

Urbana 47 embodies the kilometer-zero concept, serving up hyper-local food from the surrounding Lazio region. Join the local bohemian crowd for an American-style breakfast or a healthy lunch of grain salads and nutritious panini. After 6 pm, tuck into some aperitivo before moving on to a leisurely dinner of homemade pasta.

Address: Via Urbana 47

Aromaticus

€€ | Organic Juices | Aromatic Plants | Great Music

This family-owned herb shop, Aromaticus, is also located on via Urbana. They sell aromatic plants, edible flowers (by special order), and farming implements to grow food in an urban setting. So, why is it on this list?

Well, from 1 pm, Aromaticus also serves delicious salads (€6), steak tartare (€8 for 150g), and carpaccio plates. Aromaticus is also popular for their organic juices. After several days of carbo-loading with pizza and pasta, stop here for a healthy change of pace. Your stomach will thank you.

Address: Via Urbana 134

Fatamorgana Gelato Shop

€€ | All Natural Ingredients | Exciting Flavors | Dairy Free Options

Arguably the best gelato shop in Rome, Fatamorgana serves rich and creamy Italian ice cream with all-natural ingredients. Using recipes passed down through generations, each visit to Fatamorgana is a new adventure for your tastebuds.

The creative flavors here change frequently, and they always use natural ingredients like black rice, avocado, cacao, and lime. As an added bonus, this gelaterie also serves sugar-free and dairy-free gelato.

Address: Piazza degli Zingari, 5

Blackmarket Bar

€€ | Cocktails | Live Music | Old World Eatery

More than just a place for a drink, the Blackmarket is a fabulous retro-style art gallery, bar, and live music venue. With mismatched vintage furniture and eclectic decor, the intimate venue showcases exhibitions by up-and-coming artists and hosts bands to entertain.

Apart from the rich cocktail menu and selection of microbrews, Blackmarket also has tea and homemade sweets to enjoy in a cozy tearoom. Check out their Sunday aperitivo (from 6:30 pm to 9 pm) for a wealth of locally-sourced snacks.

Address: Via de’ Ciancaleoni, 31

Here’s Where To Stay in Italy’s Most Popular Destinations

Rome, Florence, Venice, Amalfi Coast, and Capri

Rome

Best Hotels & Where to Stay

Amalfi Coast

Best Hotels & Where to Stay

Florence

Best Hotels & Where to Stay

  • 9 Things To Do Near Termini Station & Monti in Rome
    9 Things To Do Near Termini Station & Monti in Rome
  • 9 Things to See Near Piazza del Popolo: Rome Neighborhood Guide
    9 Things to See Near Piazza del Popolo: Rome Neighborhood…
  • 14 Things to See at the Spanish Steps: Rome Neighborhood Guide
    14 Things to See at the Spanish Steps: Rome Neighborhood…
  • 12 Things To See Near Piazza Navona: Rome Neighborhood Guide
    12 Things To See Near Piazza Navona: Rome Neighborhood Guide
  • 11 Things to See and Do Near the Pantheon: Rome Neighborhood Guide
    11 Things to See and Do Near the Pantheon: Rome Neighborhood…
  • 9 Things To See Near Trevi Fountain: Rome Neighborhood Guide
    9 Things To See Near Trevi Fountain: Rome Neighborhood Guide

Reader Interactions

Comments (2)

  1. Anjali M

    July 29, 2019

    Any recommendations for hotels or apartments for a couple to stay for 6 nights in Monti?

    Reply
    • Kayla Schorr

      July 30, 2019

      Ciao Anjali! Of course. Contact our travel experts to get the full scoop!

      Reply

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

rome best view the tour guy

Want a great experience in Rome?

See our latest deals on Rome tours!

why the tour guy

Why The Roman Guy?

check mark

Top Rated Tour Company in Europe

check mark

Thousands of 5 star Customer Reviews

check mark

Providing Tours for 10+ Years

check mark

Best Access to the Monuments You Want to See

check mark

More Departure Times Each Day

See Rome Tours

Related Posts

  • 9 Things To Do Near Termini Station & Monti in Rome
    9 Things To Do Near Termini Station & Monti in Rome
  • 9 Things to See Near Piazza del Popolo: Rome Neighborhood Guide
    9 Things to See Near Piazza del Popolo: Rome Neighborhood…
  • 14 Things to See at the Spanish Steps: Rome Neighborhood Guide
    14 Things to See at the Spanish Steps: Rome Neighborhood…
  • 12 Things To See Near Piazza Navona: Rome Neighborhood Guide
    12 Things To See Near Piazza Navona: Rome Neighborhood Guide
The best hotels in Rome

Best Rome Hotels
This Year!

Footer

COMPANY

  • About Us
  • In The Press
  • Contact Us
  • Travel Agents

POLICY & TERMS

  • Cancellation Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

CONTACT US

  • USA or Canada: +1 888 290 5595
  • Italy: +39 06 9480 4747
  • UK: +44 800 808 5370
  • Australia: +61 1300 113 254
  • France: +33 1 70700 898
  • Email: [email protected]

FIND US ON

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

WE ACCEPT

accept all major credit cards
secured payment

Copyright © 2023 The Roman Guy. All rights reserved.