Blog, Destinations, Europe, Italy
The Ultimate Guide to the Historic Monti, Rome Neighborhood
Jun
Last updated on July 16th, 2025 at 07:15 pm
When I was choosing where to stay during my month-long immersion into Rome, I was looking for a historic neighborhood with charm, character, and energy. I wanted to be within walking distance to campus, near the Spanish Steps, but also a bit removed from the main tourist sites. I’d be lying if I said that budget was also a factor when considering staying in one place for a month.
Many people recommended Prati, and in fact, that’s where the majority of my classmates did choose to stay. I, however, was drawn to the narrow streets of the Monti district. As I researched the neighborhood I loved that it had vintage shops, plenty of restaurants (of course), and a lively atmosphere. It seemed like the perfect mix of trendy and traditional.
I was lucky to find a great apartment at a reasonable price on Via del Boschetto, in the heart of Monti. That’s where I made my home in the Eternal City for a month and I was incredibly happy there. The neighborhood of Monti was exactly what I needed and I fell in love with the narrow alleys, the people who welcomed me, and the views!
It made a great base to explore the rest of Rome and I’m excited to share with you everything you need to know about staying in the Monti neighborhood of Rome. I think it’s a great place to base yourself no matter how many days you’re staying in Rome.
That being said, you’ll likely find yourself in Monti whether or not you use it as your base because that’s where the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and other top sites in Rome are. So use this to plan a full day checking off your bucket list and spending time on the cobbled streets of Rione Monti.
This post contains affiliate links, which means that, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a tiny bit of income if you decide to make a purchase or booking. For more, check out my disclosure.
Read the entire Rome travel series here:
- Rome Itinerary: How to Spend Three Perfect Days in Rome
- Rome Packing List: What to Pack for Rome in May
- Rome’s Churches: 20 of the Most Famous Churches in Rome to Visit
- Rome Travel Tips: How to Get Around in Rome, Italy
- Least Favorite Rome Activity: Tips for Visiting the Appian Way, and Actually Enjoying It
- Best Day Trips from Rome: Visiting Tivoli in a Day and Spoleto in a Day (but not the same day 😉 )
Where is Monti?
Monti is considered the first historical neighborhood (Rione) of Rome. Monti’s roots go back to the ancient Roman Empire as it’s the area around the Colosseum and the Roman Forum.
Its name, Monti, means mountain and references its location amidst the 7 hills of Rome. It is part of Esquiline Hill, Palatine Hill, and Viminale Hill.
Via Dei Fori Imperiali is the main road that connects the Colosseum to Piazza Venezia. Along this road you’ll see the Roman Forum, Trajan’s Forum, Trajan’s Column, and the Monument to Vittorio Emanuel II (the final King of Italy).
Via dei Fori Imperiali intersects with Via Cavour a main street in Monti where you’ll find lots of touristic restaurants. This road also connects Palatine Hill to Esquiline Hill. To be honest, I didn’t spend much time on Via Cavour, I liked the narrow streets better.
Via Cavour intersects with Via dei Serpenti, where I spent quite a bit of time and loved the shops and restaurants along this road. Here is where you’ll find one of the main squares in Monti, Piazza della Madonna Dei Monti.
Via del Boschetto, the street where I stayed, is incredibly picturesque with ivy-covered houses, and even one that grows across the top of the street. There are lots of great restaurants around these streets.
I’d recommend getting off of these main roads, though, and wandering down any of the side streets and alleyways to find unique restaurants, bars, and shops.
How to Get to Monti
Monti has two Metro Line B stops, Colosseo and Cavour. It’s also about a 15-minute walk from the Repubblica stop of metro line A. You can also change metro lines there.
There are multiple bus routes that serve Monti as well. Buses are a little less reliable in Rome, but I did take it often at the end of the night when I just couldn’t be bothered to walk anymore.
Google Maps was very accurate in terms of finding the best bus route to and from Monti. However, the times were often wrong, because the buses just don’t run on time. So give yourself an extra 10-15 minutes if you’re taking the bus.
Top Things to Do in Monti, Rome
Tour the Colosseum
Perhaps you’ve made your way to Monti to see the nearby Colosseum. You know the one.
The Colosseum, built between 72-80 AD under two different emperors and originally called the Flavian amphitheater. The Colosseum was built where the lake of the former Emperor Nero once was and the area was the heart of ancient Rome.
Under Emperor Domitian, the tunnels under the arena floor were built to keep the animals and gladiators. There were also pulley systems that would bring them from underground to the arena floor immediately. The area around the Colosseum also had buildings and training facilities for the gladiators connected to the Colosseum by underground tunnels.
The Colosseum is still the largest amphitheater in the world. In its prime, it could hold between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators.
Spectators would gather, for free, to watch executions (often of Christians), animal hunts, gladiator battles, and battle re-enactments. These spectacles continued into the 6th century and over the years the Colosseum was used for different purposes until it fell into disuse in the 14th century.
Today, it is one of Rome’s most popular tourist attractions, receiving over a million visitors every year.
My first attempt at visiting the Colosseum was at 4:00pm on a Sunday afternoon, and I really don’t recommend that. Avoid weekends and go first thing in the morning, especially if you’re going in the summer to avoid both the heat and the crowds.
I was in and out of the Colosseum in about 30 minutes.
But my second visit was much better, as I was able to secure a booking for the night tour that is offered in the summer months. On this tour, a guide takes a group of about 20 people on a tour of the Colosseum, including the underground tunnels. Being in the Colosseum with almost no one else around after dark was an unforgettable experience.
If you can, that’s how I’d recommend seeing the inside of the Colosseum.
If you don’t want to go inside the Colosseum, there are plenty of great vantage points and photo opportunities for the iconic structure. The area around the Colosseum metro stop, the second level, offers great views, but it gets crowded. There is a small park called Giardinetto del Monte Oppio that also has awesome views of the Colosseum.
Since I lived only a 15-minute walk from the Colosseum for a month, my favorite times to visit were at sunrise and sunset.
Book your Colosseum tour here.
Tour the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
Just next door to the Colosseum is another must-visit attraction in Rome, Palatine Hill and The Roman Forum, whether it’s your first or 100th time in Rome. I think you could go back every single time and learn something new.
Palatine Hill is the birthplace of Rome, and on and around it are the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum. Standing at the top of Palatine Hil,l you can see where Rome started and how it grew to what it is today.
The Roman Forum was the center of political, religious, and social life for ancient Romans.
Via Sacra is the ancient road through the Forum and entering from the Colosseum you’ll pass under the Arch of Titus. To the right is the Temple of Venus as well as the archeological museum where you can see items found in the Forum. At the other end of the Forum, near Capitoline Hill, you’ll see the Temple of Saturn, The Temple of Vespasian and Titus, and the Septimius Severus Arch.
My biggest regret during my visit to the Roman Forum was doing it during the heat of the day and not booking a guided tour. I’d recommend going first thing in the morning because there is very little shade during the day.
Also, book a guided tour so you can understand what you’re looking at.
Depending on your interests, you can book a combination Colosseum and Roman Forum guided tours or combination Palatine Hill and Roman Forum tour.
When you visit, make sure you’re wearing comfortable walking shoes as the ancient ground is uneven. Also wear sunscreen and a hat!
Trajan’s Forum & Market
Jet lagged on my very first day in Rome, I wandered up to see what this large column was and it turned out to be Trajan’s Column located in Trajan’s Forum in front ot Trajan’s Market. I honestly thought it was the Roman Forum, I was so confused.
Trajan’s Column is a beautiful column that overlooks Trajan’s Forum. Spiraling up there are 155 carvings that depict Emperor Trajan’s defeat of the barbarians. It has stood there for over 1,900 years! There used to be a statue of Trajan at the top but it was replaced with St. Peter by a later pope.
Trajan’s Forum was the final and largest addition to what is called the Imperial Forum (includes Forums from Julius Cesar, Augustus and Nerva) . There were two libraries, a basilica and Trajan’s Market. The market is the semicircular building we can still see today that contained 150 shops and offices.
Inside Trajan’s Market is the Museum of the Imperial Fora where you can learn more about the forums.
Book your Trajan Forum and Market Tour Here
Domus Aurea
Step even further back in time with a visit to the Domus Aurea, or Golden House. The Domus Aurea was Emperor Nero’s elaborate home that he built after the fire of 64 AD destroyed most of Rome.
The palace were on Palatine and Oppian Hill and included gardens, vineyards, an artificial lake (where the Colosseum now is). The buildings were elaborately decorated in gold and stones. There was even a room called the coenatio rotunda which rotates on itself!
After Nero’s downfall and death, his palace was filled in with earth and other structures were built on top of it.
The buildings that you can visit today in Parque del Colle Oppio were discovered during the Renaissance and Renaissance artists like Raphael and Michelangelo were able to explore the underground grottoes with decor that they started to include in their own work, developing “grotesque” art.
The Domus Aurea is only open on the weekends to visit and is closed on the first Sunday of the month. There is also a virtual reality experience that allows you to see what it would’ve looked like in its prime.
Tickets can be purchased on the Colosseo website, but they sell out quickly so make sure you get yours in advance of your trip!
Unfortunately, I could not secure a ticket, so this has been added to my list of reasons to return to Rome.
Book your Domus Aurea ticket here.
Visit Churches
Rome is the city of 1,000 churches and there are plenty of them in the Monti neighborhood. However, there are two churches of importance I’d like to highlight and that should definitely be included on your Rome itinerary.
Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore – St. Mary Major
The Basilica of St. Mary Major is one of the four Papal Basilicas in the Catholic Church which means it’s one of the four most important Catholic Churches around the world.
As the name suggests, the Basilica is devoted to the Virgin Mary. Legend has it that Mary appeared to Pope Liberius and the Patrician John in 352 and told them to build a church on a spot where snow had fallen… in the middle of the summer.
The legend continues that snow fell on the night of August 4th on the top of Esquiline Hill, one of Rome’s seven hills. No trace of the 4th-century church remains.
The current basilica, however, dates back to the 5th century and is the oldest Marian church.
Pope Francis would visit this church before and after his Apostolic Journeys to pray to the Virgin Mary via the important Salus Populi Romani icon. As such, it makes sense that he is buried here.
I entered through the Holy Door to the left of the main doors which is the same side of the Basilica where Pope Francis is buried. It is a very simple, all white tomb with only a silver cross on the wall. On the floor is a white platform with the name Francis engraved in silver across the top.
Also of importance in the Basilica are relics of Jesus’ crib. Pieces of wood from Jesus’ crib are protected inside a crystal and silver reliquary under the High Altar.
Book your skip the line ticket for St. Mary Major here
Book your tour of 3 of the four Papal Basilicas here (doesn’t include St. Peter’s)
Basilica of San Pietro in Vicolo – Saint Peter in Chains
Just a 10-minute walk from St. Mary Major is San Pietro in Vincoli or St. Peter in Chains.
This Basilica was built in the 5th century to house the chains that bound St. Peter in Jerusalem. Legend has it that the chains from Jerusalem were given as a gift to Pope Leo I. When he held them next to another set of chains that bound St. Peter when he was in Rome’s Mamertine prison, they supposedly fused together. Both pairs of chains are held underneath the High Altar.
However, I was there to see Moses, a stunning sculpture for the tomb of Pope Julius II, done by Michelangelo in the 1500s. The tomb is unfinished as while Michelangelo worked on it, Pope Julius II had him stop to paint the Sistine Chapel.
Can you imagine being able to both sculpt masterpieces out of marble and then turn around the next day to paint one of the most impressive ceilings in the world?
Back to Moses – as with many things, pictures don’t do justice to the imposing 8ft tall (sitting down) figure. There is such energy in the sculpture it almost looks as if he is going to stand up from the chair. His beard also appears as if it’s flowing!
These two churches are easy to see together during your time in Monti.
Have an Aperitivo in Piazza della Madonna Dei Monti
After all of that sightseeing, you’ll need to relax with an aperitivo. Head to the main square of Monti, Piazza della Madonna dei Monti, for your favorite spritz.
There are plenty of wine bars and restaurants around the square. I really enjoyed Civico 4 for a glass of wine and to enjoy the ambiance. Another option is to get a to go cocktail from Edicola and enjoy it on the steps to the fountain!
I’ll share more about where to eat and drink in Monti towards the end of this post!
Go Shopping
One of the reasons I wanted to stay in Monti was because of its vintage stores and boutique shops. Along Via del Boschetto and Via dei Serpenti, you’ll find a number of vintage shops like Pifebo, King Size, and Blue Goose. There’s also a Humana Vintage location here.
There are also some great boutiques like Kokoro, Nous Atelier (jewelry shop), and Mio Monti (handbag shop – decently priced) . As you wander a bit away from the piazza, there are even more boutiques. I really liked Ruby Loves Rome for their selection of jewelry. I also bought a dress and a scarf from Laltra Storia!
If you’ve forgotten anything on your Rome packing list, you’ll be able to find something here!
If you love books, be sure to check out Libreria Panisperna 220. This is a cozy bookshop that has a nice selection of books in English as well as other trinkets that would make unique souvenirs.
Get Fresh Food at Mercato Rionale Monti
One of my favorite things about Rome is how available fresh food is in the local markets and Monti has one as well! It’s a smaller market compared to others throughout Rome like Mercato Trionfale or Testacchio Market.
Inside Mercato Rionale Monti there are fruit and vegetable vendors, sandwich and pasta shops. It’s a great place to stop for a budget-friendly lunch or to pick up some fresh fruit. There are some tables to eat inside or you can take it to the piazza down the road.
Where to Eat in Monti
Speaking of eating, let’s talk about some of the best places to eat and drink in Monti. I truly believe you could walk into any restaurant in Monti and have a lovely meal. There are so many places to eat, I didn’t eat at the same place twice and barely made it through my restaurant bucket list in a month!
La Barrique
I am still thinking about the meal I had at La Barrique. I’d walked by this cozy wine bar on my way home one night and knew I just had to eat there.
The next night, I walked in and although they had an upcoming reservation, they sat me at a table outside to enjoy a lovely meal.
I had a glass of wine, beef tartare, and rigatoni with asparagus. It was all delicious and very reasonably priced.
Al42
I had seen Al42 on TikTok and there was always a line when I passed by it in my first couple of days in Monti. One night, with no other plans, I hopped in line and the wait was only about 15 minutes.
When you enter, you’ll order at a counter and the incredibly friendly staff will direct you to your seat. When your order is ready, grab it from the counter and enjoy!
I got the caprese salad, special pasta of the day, tiramisu, and prosecco!
It was worth the fairly short wait, and it was reasonably priced!
Ai Tre Scalini
Ai Tre Scalini is a popular spot for an aperitivo turned dinner! It’s located right near the beautiful hanging ivy and with a view of S. Mary Major’s dome.
There are a few tables outside and plenty of space inside.
It was really busy when I went, so unfortunately no tables outside were available, but they quickly sat me at the bar, one of my favorite ways to dine when solo.
The bartender was really chatty which I appreciated and I enjoyed a yummy ravioli dish.
This is a great place to eat when you’re in the Monti area.
Aromaticus
Looking for something a little healthy? Or are you looking for a vegan spot? Head into the garden oasis of Araomaticus.
Their menu offers creatively delicious vegan and vegetarian dishes. They also make a pretty decent matcha latte.
The Monti location even has plants for sale and real green apples in their displays.
There are two locations in Rome, one in Trastevere and one in Monti.
Zia Rosetta
I’m not ashamed to admit that I craved a burger a time or two during my month in Rome.
Zia Rosetta is a small spot on Via Urbana surrounded by some of the shops I mentioned above.
Their sandwiches are like little sliders with creative combinations. I ordered three different ones and it was the perfect amount for a filling lunch. You can get regular sizes of any of the sandwiches.
Their menu also has fresh juices and salads!
Zia Rosetta is the perfect place for lunch or a snack break in between sightseeing and shopping.
Mizio’s Street Food
You know those focaccia sandwiches you see everyone eating in Italy – Mizio’s is the place to get it in Monti.
There may be a long line during lunchtime, but you will get a massive sandwich for only around €10.
There is nowhere to sit, but you can take it to the piazza and enjoy it on the fountain steps!
If the line is too long and you’re really craving a sandwich there is another spot around the corner called Antichi Sapori.
Hasekura
I was having a huge sushi craving after a beach day in Anzio. I’d walked by Hasekura multiple times and decided to pop in.
I sat at the sushi bar with an older Japanese man. While perusing the menu, the sushi chef put an order out for another guest. The plate was filled with a variety of sushi rolls and sashimi.
The kind owner must have seen my eyes light up because he came over to point it out on the menu.
I had one of the sushi platters, but was still hungry, so ordered a bit more after it.
The sushi was incredibly fresh, well made, and the owners were really welcoming.
I’d love to go back there!
Where to Have a Drink in Monti
I have to be honest with you, I didn’t really drink during my month in Rome, outside of dinners that is. I definitely enjoyed a glass of wine or a spritz (or two) with my meals, but I didn’t go out to any bars.
However, Monti has plenty to choose from. There are Irish pubs, fancy cocktail bars, plenty of wine bars, and even an ice bar (might be nice on a hot summer day!).
Aside from the restaurants and the two aperitivo spots around the piazza that I’ve recommended already, here are two more places I’d recommend for a drink in Rome.
Spritzeria Monti
There are so many rooftop bars in Rome, and Monti has a few. On my first night, I went to Spritzeria Monti, which is above the Condominio Monti Boutique Hotel.
It’s a chilled-out space that specializes in spritz cocktails, including non alcoholic options. There are some light food options as well.
While it’s on Via dei Serpenti, which leads directly to the Colosseum, the only view you’ll have of it from this rooftop is if you lean out over the side a bit.
It’s still worth a visit for the laid-back vibes and delicious spritzes.
Al vino Al Vino
As with many places I visited in Monti, I’d walked by Al Vino Al Vino multiple times. It was always filled with people, had a lively atmosphere, and a local vibe. On one of my final nights in Monti, I stopped in for a glass of wine.
The small outdoor seating was full, but I was able to get a window seat next to another solo female traveler.
She and I struck up a conversation about life, taking chances, and the fear of leaving it all to start somewhere new. Meeting people in this organic way is one of my favorite things about solo travel.
If you want a decently priced glass of wine with a local vibe, stop by Al Vino Al Vino.
Where to Get Gelato in Monti
No day in Monti is complete without a scoop of Gelato. Thankfully there are plenty of gelatarias in the neighborhood. Here are the gelato shops to add to your list.
Fatamorgiana
Fatamorgiana is a classic Roman gelato shops with locations throughout the city. This small location is tucked away in a corner of Monti that gets very lively at night.
I was hoping they’d have this basil walnut flavor that one of their other locations has, but they didn’t so I went with a classic choice of pistachio and dark chocolate.
When I went to look at their website to link here, I learned they also have a few locations in Los Angeles in case you’re interested!
Gelateria Glauco
I would love a chocolate and mango gelato from this adorable spot on the corner with the ivy! I was at Gelateria Glauco almost daily because it was right around the corner from my apartment.
The people who own it are super friendly and the gelato is so good! They also have macarons!
Enjoy!
Flor Gelato
I only stopped in at Flor Gelato twice but it was so good each time! It gets crowded because it’s close to the Colosseum, but they’re fast!
I got dark chocolate and it was so rich, which I really like. I paired it with a pomegranate flavor for a bit of refreshment every bite!
Stop by here before or after the Colosseum!
Where to Stay in Monti, Rome
Since I was in Rome for a month, I stayed in an Airbnb in Monti. But I did pass quite a few hotels while there and bookmarked some for when I return. Here are some places that I would definitely consider staying at if you’d like to base yourself in Monti during your visit to Rome!
Hotel Grifo
This sweet little hotel is in the heart of Monti and offers clean, comfortable rooms with warm hospitality. The rooftop terrace is a lovely bonus, and the staff are known for going above and beyond with local tips. It’s right around the corner from the ivy lined street!.
Check rates and availability here.
Condominio Monti
I love a budget-friendly boutique hotel! The rooms are beautifully designed, there’s a buffet breakfast on the rooftop, and there is a restaurant on site as well!
Check rates and availability here.
Nerva Boutique Hotel
I passed by Nerva Boutique Hotel on my way home one night and absolutely loved the vibe. With only 20 rooms it earns the “boutique” in its name. While very close to the Colosseum, it’s on a quiet street so you can get your rest. Plus there is a continental breakfast on site!
Check rates and availability here.
Hotel Casa Monti
When I passed by this hotel, I thought: ohhh fancy! I could just tell from a quick glance that this would be a stunning luxury stay. This is a 5-star hotel with a rooftop bar and terrace restaurant. The rooms look absolutely stunning and are uniquely decorated in the best way possible.
If you’re looking for a treat yourself night or two in Monti – this is it.
Check rates and availability here.
Fifteen Keys
Want to stay in a villa? Check out fifteen keys. There are only 15 rooms, so you can be certain you’ll receive excellent service. Enjoy breakfast in the courtyard before renting a complimentary e-bike to explore Rome. At the end of the day, unwind with a cocktail or complimentary tea and biscuits before enjoying dinner in Monti.
Check rates and availability here.
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