Is Monti worth visiting on your trip to Rome?
A while ago, I was talking to one of my close friends in Rome, and she told me that her favourite neighbourhood in the city was none other than Monti. And maybe it was the fact that I can be introverted, but my first thought was: Why? There are so many people in Monti. I just couldn’t grasp the fact that of all the neighbourhoods in Rome, she would pick Monti as her favourite.
However, over the past few months, I’ve been taking Italian classes in this area (I’m now the proud owner of an A1/A2 Italian certificate), and as a result, I’ve spent a great deal of time in the Monti neighbourhood. And I must admit, I really grew to love this part of Rome.
So, in this blog post, I’ll tell you a little more about this area, how to get there, and some places you simply can’t miss!
Where is the Monti neighbourhood in Rome?
Monti, actually the oldest neighbourhood in Rome, is centrally located between the main train station Termini and the Colosseum. The vibe of the neighbourhood is incredibly charming, and if you think of picturesque Rome, with narrow streets, cobblestones, and balconies overflowing with flowers, this area is exactly what comes to mind.
It is a lively neighbourhood, full of shops, restaurants, and bars. I really recommend visiting during aperitivo hours, when it becomes even more atmospheric and vibrant.
How to get to the Monti neighbourhood in Rome?
Since the Monti neighbourhood is located right in the centre of Rome, it is very easy to reach, and it also makes a great base for exploring other parts of the city on foot.
You can walk to Monti from Termini Station in about 10 minutes, or get off at the Cavour stop on Metro Line B, which brings you right to the edge of the neighbourhood.
If you are not familiar with public transport in Rome, I wrote a very easy public transport beginner’s guide to help you out!
What to see and do in Monti
One of the great things about Monti is that while yes, there are plenty of tourists, it’s not really packed with tourist attractions. You can go there and just slow down, enjoy the atmosphere, and maybe eat a gelato or two (no judgement). Nonetheless, there are some lovely spots that I wouldn’t want you to miss.
Piazza della Madonna dei Monti
This little square is the heart of the neighbourhood. It’s where people gather at all times of the day, from morning coffees to evening aperitivos. The fountain in the centre is often surrounded by people just hanging out, and the vibe is warm and welcoming. It’s the perfect spot to sit down for a bit and take in the beauty that is Rome. There’s also a water fountain here if you’re in need of a bottle refill.
Right next to the piazza, you’ll find this beautiful little church, Chiesa di Santa Maria ai Monti. It may not be as grand as some of the others in Rome, but that’s exactly why I like it.
Palazzo delle Esposizioni
If you’re in the mood for something cultural, the Palazzo delle Esposizioni is just a short walk away. It’s one of Rome’s main exhibition spaces, hosting art shows, photography, and even film screenings. But honestly, even if you don’t go inside, the building itself is beautiful. After class, I often ate my lunch here, sitting on the steps, and I always felt like Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl, just enjoying my main character moment.
Go vintage shopping or visit concept stores
Monti is known for its independent boutiques and vintage stores. Some of my favourites are Humana Vintage and Pifebo Vintage Shop. The latter has amazing cowboy boots, and I need to pull myself away from the window every time. It’s very dangerous for me to enter this shop, so I’m giving you a warning.
Two of my favourite streets in Monti are Via del Boschetto and Via Urbana. They have beautiful concept stores, independent boutiques, and vintage shops, and on top of that, they are such charming streets—you’ll want to take pictures of everything.
In my opinion, the shops in Monti will leave you really inspired, and even if you don’t buy anything, window shopping in this area is truly a treat.
Conclusion
If you’re visiting Rome, a trip to Monti cannot be missed. And if you’re like me and like to steer away from more touristy places, don’t let that stop you. The area is full of creativity, history, and a lively, warm atmosphere. When the sun is shining and the flowers are in bloom, this neighbourhood feels like the perfect Roman dream.
In this post, I didn’t even mention the food much, but trust me—there are so many great restaurants and bars to discover in this area. I really grew to love this little part of Rome, and I hope you will too.
