Review: Monti

Tell me: What’s this place all about?
Monti is a residential district near the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Over the past two decades, it has evolved from a run-down zone into a trendy shopping district and nightlife destination. To get the most out of what the neighborhood offers, visit in the late afternoon when fashionable shops selling clothes and home decor will be open. When you get hungry, head to Trieste on Via Urbana 112/113 for pizza, and Fatamorgana in Piazza degli Zingari for delicious gelato. Once the clock hits 6:30 or 7:00 p.m., pop into wine bars Al Vino Al Vino (Via dei Serpenti 19) or La Barrique (Via del Boschetto 41b) for wine and light snacks.

Wow. What’s it like being there?
Monti is always buzzing with students, shoppers, and drinkers.

Who comes here?
The area is popular with twenty-something Rome dwellers who come to (window) shop, linger in cafes, and drink in one of Monti's many bars. There are loads of vacation rentals here so many visitors are tourists who want to spend a few days rubbing elbows with the locals.

Did it meet expectations?
The whole neighborhood looks like a movie set and the boutiques and vintage shops offer some of the city's most interesting clothing and design shopping. Monti's charm is somewhat diminished by how mediocre most of the food is. Fortunately, the wine bars are excellent!

Got it. So, then, what, or who, do you think it’s best for?
Visit Monti if you're into mid-century decor, small Italian designers, ceramics, and cozy wine bars. The neighborhood is more atmospheric than monumental—a nice break from Rome's more frequented historical destinations.