By activity

There are tons of areas one can go shopping in Rome, but Via del Boschetto, in the trendy Monti region is where I go when I want something more unique. Whereas popular shopping neighborhoods in Rome have shops that are chains, or large department stores, Via del Boschetto is a street lined with chic and individual boutiques.

The trendy shopping street only stretches around 400 meters, but there are many stores lined up on both sides of the street. The clothing shops range from thrift stores to high-end shops, with everything in between. Items are generally pretty pricey, but the quality and style of the clothing are very high, and you could be sure that you will be one of the few with any particular item you purchase.

In addition to clothes shops, there are many jewelry and home goods stores. Just like the clothing is unique, any accessories or houseware items you purchase on Via del Boschetto will be quirky and particular. I personally like to buy gifts at the home stores in this area, since the unique shops always have something cool to offer. I mean, who wouldn’t want an ice cube tray in the shape of a brain?!

Go shopping on this street during the sale periods in Italy (January and July), and be sure to snag a great deal!

This spot is definitely not your typical bar. Yes you can order drinks, but Cioccalata e Vino is really known for their chocolate shots. Yes, that’s right, there is a large menu of shots, all served in a mini chocolate shot glass, topped with whipped cream.

Each special shot, has a ‘special’ name- let’s just say, names not suitable for youngsters. Most of them are made with dessert liquors, so they definitely are a shot of sweetness. There is always a line, but it goes fast. The bartenders will show you the best way to take/swallow the shot, so open wide! 

In addition to the fun and tasty shots, Cioccolata e Vino has a selection of wines, and believe it or not, books. So whether you’re looking for something to drink, or something to read, this is a great spot for you.

Everyone is very friendly, and what I love most is that the bartenders are having just as much fun as the customers. Cioccolata e Vino is a cozy place, offering a ‘different’ kind of experience than most of the bars in Trastevere (or elsewhere in Rome). Definitely worth the visit if you’re in the area.   

It’s hard to be in Rome and not go crazy and buy everything you see. Apart from clothing, accessories are also a very attractive purchase, especially sunglasses. So if you’re like me and crave new frames, but don’t want to spend hundreds of euros, pop over to Trastevere’s Occhio al Vicolo. 

Just a few minutes from Piazza Trilussa, this sunglasses shop offers a wide variety of shades, both for men and women. They have all of the popular brands: Ray Ban, Perisol, Gucci, Prada, and more. What I like most about this store is that there is always a sale going on, and all those designer sunglasses cost less here than they would in other stores. (Don’t ask me how, but they do!)

If you don’t care about name brands, and just want a cool pair of sunglasses, Occhio Al Vicolo has walls full of options, even for the pickiest glasses-wearer. They also have some frames for the customers looking for seeing/reading glasses. 

Being in an area full of bars and restaurants, coupled with the late-night closing time (01:00), I like popping by with a few friends, trying on countless number of shades, and having a mini, midnight fashion show. But that’s just me. Probably. 

No storefront, no signs, just pastries. Lots and lots of pastries! If you’re hanging out in the San Giovanni/Tuscolano area and up for a late night snack, Alba Dolce is definitely the place to go, if you’re in the mood for pastries that is! 

Not the usual coffee bar, Alba Dolce is just a bakery that stocks up the neighboring cafes, and also happens to serve walk-in customers. When you walk on back into the kitchen, you will be greeted by mounds of baked goods. There are donuts, stuffed pockets, cornetti, and any other pastries you could possibly want. I frequently show up hungry, with a clear idea of what I want to eat, and then I always end up leaving with the next three morning’s pastries! There are just too many to choose from, so why not get a few, I always say. 

Since there are no tables or seats, people are always grouped outside. In fact, that is how I always spot the small bakery: by the groups of late-nighters, scarfing down their snacks. There is also a coffee machine that accepts coins, if you want a coffee drink to accompany your pastry. 

All in all, Alba Dolce makes amazing pastries and is open all night long. What else could you want? 

To say that you can have a beer at Open Baladin would be a big understatement. You can have about a billion beers at Open. OK, maybe a billion is an overstatement, but nonetheless, the choice of beer at this spot, found smack in the middle of Rome’s center, is intimidating.

Right when you walk in to Open, you get a pretty clear idea of just how many beers you will be able to choose from. The long bar, having around 40 different beers on draft, is outshone by the wall behind it, holding countless beer bottles. Not to worry! There is a beer menu, split up by regions, descriptions included. 

In addition to the super impressive beer selection, Open has many tasty food options, of which the burgers are my favorite. Don’t expect a run-of-the-mill burger however, there are a page full of interesting burgers, all garnished in some special way. And don’t forget to order the hand-cut potato chips with the burger, they are amazing. 

Open Baladin is larger than the average restaurant/bar in Rome, yet it can get pretty full. My favorite time to go is around 18:00 – 20:00 before the dinner crowd gets there. I order a beer or two (or three), and share a burger with a friend. Or you can always go just for the beer: you take one down, you pass it around.. and you try a few beers in one night!