This blog is part of our Italy guide to shopping in Rome

 

My discovery of the Roman neighborhood of Monti can be chalked up to the surprising charm of the eternal city. Trying to weave my way out of the chaos of the Colosseum, I took a few wrong turns and was delighted to find myself in the quiet, artsy district of Monti. Overshadowed by its famous iconic neighbors (the Roman forum is a short walk away), Monti has yet to be featured in some guidebooks and isn’t frequented by many tourists, which is just fine by me. Nestled between Via Nazionale and Via Cavour, Monti is an eccentric blend of old and new: it is an historically working class quarter currently experiencing a renaissance of sorts, with bookstore-cafes’, vintage clothing stores, and tea shops quickly becoming the norm. Best of all? Monti’s stores are not only unique but are also quite affordable, a far cry from the Prada and Versace of Via dei Condotti. Whether you consider yourself a professional shopper or are just looking to browse, I promise you won’t come home empty handed.

Below, some of my favorite stops in Monti (look for me feverishly flipping through the vintage dress racks!)

Monti – A Shopping Lover’s Heaven

Mercato Monti

A fairly recent addition to the neighborhood (it only opened in 2009), Monti’s outdoor market has quickly become a pilgrimage spot for serious Italian shoppers. The brainchild of local boutique owners Ornella Cicchetti and Fabrizio Marin, the market features over 35 vendors and a variety of vintage items (clothing, art work, books, accessories etc.) as well as new pieces by up and coming young designers.

Via Leonina 46
Open every Sunday except for the last of the month
10 am – 8 pm

mercatomonti.com

monti-market-rome-shopping

Pulp (Vintage)

Known for its bold, vibrant clothing, this vintage store’s staff and owner Fabrizio go out of their way to help you track down that hard to find pair of cat eye sunglasses or combat boots. Pulp also restores its garments before making them available to buyers, a definite plus.

Via del Boschetto 140
Open 9 am – 8 pm
Tel 06485511 

Blue Goose (Vintage)

If your style icon is Audrey Hepburn, look no further than Blue Goose. Lady like dresses and sparkly baubles are their signature items, and designer brands can also be found at a reasonable price. I’m currently wearing my Blue Goose black leather boots (75 euro!)  as I type this.

Via del Boschetto 4
Tel 0648906738 

Pifebo (Vintage)

Offering a variety of garments and accessories from the sixties through the nineties, Pifebo’s impressive shoe collection is what keeps me coming back for more (to the dismay of my wallet): boots, flats, heels, and sneakers crowd their shelves and line the floor.

Via dei Serpenti 141
Open Monday-Saturday 11 am – 2:30 pm and 4 – 9 pm
Tel 06 8901 5204 

monti-rome-shopping

Le Nou

Founded by recent college grads Leila Testa and Eugenia Barbari, Le Nou is one of the coolest stores I’ve ever been to. Stocked with their own handcrafted couture, the girls can be seen sewing their garments on site. If find something you like but aren’t thrilled with the color or fit, Leila and Eugenia will be happy to make you a custom piece.

Via del Boschetto 111
Tel 0631056339
Opened Monday -Saturday 12 pm – 8 pm

Sunday 3 pm – 8 pm 

Kokoro

Colorful, modern clothing is the trademark of this boutique, which they update weekly. Look for their handmade leather bags and wallets!

Via del Boschetto 75
Tel 064870657
kokoroshop.it

Tina Sondergaard

A Danish expat and longtime Rome resident, designer Tina Sondergaard’s eponymous store features her whimsical, handcrafted garments and will make you your own custom garment by commission.

Via del Boschetto, 1/D
Tel: +39 3343850799
tina-sondergaard.com

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