Monti District

Just off Via Nazionale and close to big sights such as the Colosseum, Monti is a characterful district. It renowned as one of the more vibrant areas of Rome thanks to its array of independent shops and its quirky charm. Its avant-garde boutiques have made it popular with the city’s young fashion crowd who come here for unique buys and cool vintage shops. Those looking beyond Rome’s more traditional shopping areas should spend a day in Monti. In recent years the Monti District has become one of the most interesting and trendy areas in Rome. The Aperitivo in Monti is now a must for Romans and tourists, as well as dinners in some of the hottest places, Monti area is also great for shopping enthusiasts and style lovers, particularly for vintage pieces. Situated just a short walk from the Colosseum, Monti is a charming enclave of winding cobbled streets with warmly hued façades and picturesque piazzas. As the hangout of choice for arty, creative types there is no shortage of funky independent businesses, good local restaurants and intimate wine bars. For unique clothes and jewelry check out Mercato Monti, the neighbourhood’s regular weekend vintage market, or grab a beer and snag a spot by the fountain in the pretty Piazza della Madonna dei Monti where the cool kids go to chill out. The district is full of highlights and many tourists forget to check out the residential area. It is a bohemian district where cafes and stores share sidewalks and match each other. There are numerous shops where you can find clothing and accessories, such as the Monti Market.

Pigneto

Pigneto was once regarded as down-at-heel but it has been given a new lease of life thanks to an influx of chic cafés, top restaurants and cool bars. Today it is an enclave of cool, attracting Rome’s hipster set. It is often described as the answer to the vibrant New York borough of Brooklyn, and like its American counterpart it is on the outskirts of the city, around 25 minutes from the center. Pigneto Once a somewhat seedy working-class suburb located east of the city, Pigneto is fast becoming the hipster capital of Rome thanks to its vast array of bohemian bars and trendy restaurants. Narrow roads are adorned with bright graffiti and the eclectic buildings are a mishmash of architectural styles, giving the neighbourhood a slightly shabby charm. Do as the locals do and order a lazy breakfast in the tranquil garden of the historic bar Necci or hit the pedestrianized Via del Pigneto at Aperitivo-hour to people-watch before trying some craft cocktails in one of the area’s fashionable speakeasies.

Via Vittorio Veneto

Federico Fellini’s classic 1960 film La Dolce Vita had Via Vittorio Veneto (colloquially known as Via Veneto) as its centrepiece. It is one of Rome’s most elegant and striking streets. The area around it is full of chic attractions, with Villa Borghese garden a must-visit for those wishing to lose the crowds. It is a quiet district, with many streets lined by banks and hotels. There are several luxury hotels here, making the area popular with discerning visitors as well as Rome’s social elite.

Sant’Angelo District

This charming district has lost lots of its appearance as it has expanded gradually, and the population increased. An interesting fact about the urban structure of the ghetto: since the space was limited, the houses were built vertically and were characterized by small steps and arches. Streets like Via della Reginella are still intact and full of charm. You can also admire one of the most picturesque corner of the Ghetto: the ruins of the Portico d'Ottavia. The illumination creates a suggestive and magical atmosphere. Learn more about the history of the Jewish Ghetto and all its surroundings with a personalized tour by one of our private guides.

Prati District

The Prati District is close to the Vatican and it’s the kind of neighbourhood where you can have it all. You can have history by visiting Castel Sant’Angelo, the 4th most visited museum in Italy. Do not miss this beautiful district, particularly if you have children. Why? There are lots of cafes with corners for kids. You can shop in via Cola di Renzio, a stunning 1km street overflowed with stores of any kind. You can have fun by watching a play at the Santa Cecilia Auditorium or you can visit the museum dedicated to Dario Argento.

Ostiense

The Ostiense district lies south of Testaccio where Rome’s distinctive old gasworks dominate the skyline and the vibe is gritty functionality. Previously abandoned buildings have been repurposed as contemporary galleries, cocktail bars and restaurants, or repainted by renowned street artists giving a splash of color to the industrial architecture. Art lovers shouldn’t miss the Centrale Montemartini which sees ancient marble statues intriguingly displayed among the machinery of Rome’s first public power plant, while for movers and shakers some of The Eternal City’s best-known clubs and music venues are situated along Via Giuseppe Libetta.

Testaccio

A revamp of the neighbourhood market and the repurposing of the city’s old slaughterhouse complex have helped to put Testaccio on the map in recent years and the area has gained a reputation as a food lover’s paradise. Old-school trattorias and hip street food joints sit side-by-side along the straight, grid-like streets while the pristine Mercato Testaccio is now home to a sensory mix of esteemed produce vendors and funky takeaway places. The slaughterhouse is now home to cultural sites such as the MACRO (contemporary art museum) and the Città dell’ Altra Economia, a 3,500 sq. ft space dedicated to markets, events and exhibitions.

San Lorenzo

Known as Rome’s student, alternative district, San Lorenzo is tucked away near the university of La Sapienza just north of Termini train station. Although perhaps not as alluring as some other parts of the city (the area was heavily bombed in World War II), San Lorenzo nevertheless offers plenty of interesting boutiques, vintage clothing stores and contemporary art galleries. After-hours, the vast array of cool clubs, cheap pizzerias and late-night drinking dens clustered around Via dei Volsci and Via dei Sabelli attract a younger clientele of alternatives and hipsters.

Regola District

Regola district takes pride in a fusion of Renaissance architecture and contemporary apartments & restaurants. It’s famous for leather and suede tanners who used deer skin to make clothes in the Middle ages. This is how the symbol of the district became a deer. Many streets in this district got their names after the local business activities that took place here. For example, Via dei Cappellari was named after the hat - makers, Via dei Baullari - the case-makers, Giubbonari - the dress-makers or Vaccinari the fur-makers. It stretches from Via delle Carceri to Piazza delle Cinque Scole. Including Campo dei Fiori. Today this area stays awake 24 hours a day. Only shops and some restaurants have a break from 1pm to 3:30 p.m. or 4 p.m. in summer and are closed on Sundays and Monday mornings.