10 Things to do in Monti

10 Things to do in Monti

What do you need to know about Monti? Well, it’s on par with the Trastevere as one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Rome at the moment. It’s filled with fabulous dining spots, vibrant bars and more boutique shopping than you can handle.

But more than this, Monti is part of ancient Rome. This area dates back to when the city first started progressing into it’s metropolitan phase and has been a hotspot for tourism ever since. Here are ten things you simple must do when you find yourself here.

1. Get Lost in Monti

Yes, this is my number one thing to do. Go and get lost.

Monti is the kind of place where things to do find you, you need not search for them. In this sense it’s best to just show up and wander, free of plans or time constraints. If you really want some sort of guidance, then a guided walking tour is all you need.

Stroll, explore, roam… Rome!

by Jordan Rowland – Unsplash

2. Treat Yourself at Mercato Monti in Monti

The Market of Monti is an indoor marketplace that is vastly different to the traditional markets around Rome. This one is unique and trendy, offering vintage clothing, vinyl records, thrifted jewelry, refurbished furniture and a fabulous collection of books. They even have stalls filled with old cameras.

You can only shop here on Saturdays and Sundays.

Mercato Monti – by Mercato Monti – Uploaded by them

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Saturday & Sunday –  10am to 8pm

ADDRESS: Via Leonina, 46/48, 00184 Roma RM, Italy

Metro Station: Colosseo

3. Indulge Over Coffee and a Book at the Libreria Caffé Bohemien in Monti

Monti is a haven for the artistic and creative individuals of Rome. They flock to a few specific spots in the district, and the Libreria Caffe Bohemian is one of them.

This is a bohemian cafe where the walls are lined with bookshelves and Rome’s most interesting locals sip wine and beer until the early house of the morning.

It’s a space where both introverts and extroverts are encouraged to enjoy. If socializing isn’t your thing, there’s nothing wrong with picking out a book and keeping to yourself in the corner. I particularly enjoy this spot on a chilly winter evening.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Wednesday TO Monday –  5pm to 1am

ADDRESS: Via degli Zingari, 36, 00184 Roma RM, Italy

Metro Station: Cavour

4. Dine on Indian Food at Mahajarah in Monti

Monti was always one of the most affordable neighborhoods in Rome, and as a result it saw large congregations of immigrant communities. The Indian community is particularly strong in these parts, giving Monti some of the best oriental eateries in town.

Mahajarah is by far the best Indian food in Monti, and possibly in Rome. You come to Italy for the food and land up eating three or four meals at an Indian diner — don’t worry, you weren’t the first.

by Pille-Riin Priske – Unsplash

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday – 12:30pm to 2:30pm // 7pm to 11pm

ADDRESS: Via dei Serpenti, 124, 00184 Roma RM, Italy

Metro Station: Cavour

5. Thrift Shop in Monti

It goes without saying that Monti must have some great thrift shopping options, considering the theme of the local market.

Vintage and second hand shopping reigns supreme in these parts. You won’d find any fast fashion around here.

The best way to thrift shop in Monti is to walk your way through the streets. Start at a store called God Save The Look, and roam around from there. All of Monti’s vintage stores are within walking distance of one another.

6. Hang Out in the Piazza della Madonna dei Monti in Monti

Much of Rome’s charm lies in its many cafes. When you’re new to an area, the best place to start is in the nearest piazza, also known as a public square.

The Piazza della Madonna dei Monti is Monti’s central square and is lined with some great Italian cafes and coffee shops. This would also be the meeting point for a few guided walking tours through the neighborhood.

Piazza della Madonna dei Monti – by Emporostheoros – Wikimedia Commons

7. Find a Happy Hour in Monti

Another thing that artistic districts are known for in Rome are the happy hours. Students, artists and immigrant communities generally don’t have money to splurge on expensive alcohol, and happy hours are their go-to.

Monti’s happy hours begin in the various bars and cafes around 6pm every evening, a few of them even earlier. Find one that isn’t too crowded and settle in for some half priced drinks and snacks.

8. Make a Trip to the Colosseum from Monti

Monti boarders the Colosseum district, so if this is a landmark you were hoping to see while in town then you can combine this exclusion with your Monti outing.

From Monti it’s easy to reach the Colosseum by foot, and I’ll never get enough of that feeling of it coming into the view when you turn the final street corner. It’s as astounding as you’d expect, go see for yourself.

by Thimo van Leeuwen – Unsplash

9. Rent an Exquisite Airbnb in Monti

This is another trend that is taking off in Monti. Airbnb has taken Rome by storm, and those with trendy apartments in the center are making bank by renting their homes out to strangers during travel seasons.

You can get some decently priced places in Monti that are as Roman-esc as the streets surrounding them. By staying in Monti you’re also wonderfully central for the duration of your trip.

Airbnb in Monti – by Airbnb – Sourced from their website

10. Take a Guided Walking Tour in Monti

This one is targeted at anyone who has a mere layover, or two/three days, in Rome and needs to see everything hard and fast.

As I said, to visit Monti is to understand a whole different side to Rome. A guided walking tour can take you through the important bits in a condensed amount of time, offering history and insight along the way.

From there it’s a short jump to the Colosseum, the Pantheon and the ancient Basilicas; a fulfilling day of tourism all round.