Why Pigneto Is a Must-Visit Neighbourhood in Rome
Parco delle Energie
One of the things I love most about Rome is how each of its neighbourhoods has its own unique vibe and charm. From the polished Prati to the lively, student-filled streets of San Lorenzo, every area can make you feel like you’re in a totally different city. I thought it would be a great idea to start a series introducing you to Rome's diverse neighbourhoods, sharing guides on what to see and do in each one.
To kick things off, I’m starting with one of my absolute favourites—Pigneto. Admittedly, I’m a bit biased since this is where my Roman adventure began. I lived here for seven months, and during that time, I uncovered many beautiful spots that I can’t wait to share with you. Whether you’re planning a visit or just curious, Pigneto is a neighbourhood you’ll want to get to know.
A Little history about Pigneto
Pigneto feels like your classic once-working-class neighbourhood that has transformed into a vibrant hub for students and artists. It has a strong personality, and I often think of it as the Berlin of Rome, if you’ve been there, you might agree with me.
Pigneto’s history dates back to the 17th century when it was a peaceful suburban area filled with gardens, villas, and vineyards. By 1870, the first clusters of homes began to form, blending small settlements into what we now know as Pigneto. The Pigneto Neighbourhood was always considered a left-wing district with a very open mentality and its citizens were actively part of the anti-fascist movement in Rome. Because of this, during World War II, the Pigneto Neighbourhood was unfortunately heavily bombed.
If you check Pigneto on a map, you’ll notice it’s shaped like a triangle. It stretches from Piazzale Labicano (near Porta Maggiore) between Via Prenestina, Via Casilina, and Via di Acqua Bullicante.
While Pigneto is fun to explore during the day, especially for its street art, it’s best known for its vibrant nightlife. Thanks to its proximity to Sapienza University, it’s a favourite hangout spot for students, with numerous bars, restaurants, and cultural spaces that stay open till late into the night.
How to get to Pigneto
While there are numerous buses (such as the 105, 81, and 545) and trams (like the 14 or 5 from Termini), the easiest option to get to Pigneto is by taking the metro. As you can see in the picture, Pigneto is located on metro line C. They are currently extending line C, which is why half the city is under construction (RIP Piazza Venezia, you are deeply missed). From line A, travel to San Giovanni, where you can switch to line C. From there, it’s only a couple of stops until Pigneto! Another option is to travel one stop further to Malatesta. From there, you can walk to Pigneto and enjoy beautiful street art along the way (which I will talk about below).
Via del Pigneto
The heart of the Pigneto neighbourhood is Via del Pigneto, an amazing street where I’ve spent countless hours. In the morning, you’ll find a farmers' market offering fresh produce from local vendors. By the afternoon and evening, the street transforms into something only the Dutch word gezellig can truly describe.
Lined with restaurants and bars, Via del Pigneto comes alive in the evenings, especially on Friday and Saturday, creating a lively and cozy hangout spot. You might think the street would lose some of its charm in winter, but most restaurants set up outdoor seating with heaters, keeping the atmosphere warm and inviting.
Because this area caters to many students, prices at Via del Pigneto are very reasonable. I highly recommend visiting for an aperitivo or a fun night out!
Street art
What makes exploring Pigneto so fun is the sheer amount of street art. I don’t think there’s a single corner in the area that hasn’t been touched by it. Even shops are decorated; when they’re closed, their shutters are often covered in colourful murals and designs. These are just some of the pictures I took myself, but there are also websites, like this one, that showcase even more pieces. It’s a good idea to check out some of the works beforehand, but you can also enjoy the fun of discovering them on your own while wandering through the streets.
Parco delle Energie
Since I love nature so much, one of the first things I did after arriving in Pigneto was look for a nearby park, and Parco delle Energie did not disappoint. This park feels like a truly creative space, featuring a basketball and skating court, a playground, and an open area with benches beneath enormous pine trees. Even Parco delle Energie is touched by street art, and the mix of the park’s greenery with industrial buildings covered in colourful murals creates a vibe you’ll only find in Pigneto.
When I lived in the area, I came here almost every day. Especially in the summer, the park comes alive with picnics, workout classes, and casual hangouts. It’s a fantastic spot to experience authentic local life. I always remember the day when someone was practicing his flute, and people began gathering around to enjoy the music. It was such a simple yet heartfelt moment that truly captured the spirit of the park.
Malatesta Square
If you’re in the mood for some shopping, a stroll around Malatesta Square is always a good idea. No, you won’t find brand names like Zara here, but the area is full of charming local shops offering gifts, books, and flowers. Also located in Malatesta is my holy grail: the Action store. For my Dutch readers, this shop needs no introduction, but in Italy, Action is still relatively new. Let’s just say they have everything you could possibly need at ridiculously low prices.
Whenever I’m in the area, I always pop inside, you never know what treasures you’ll discover, and it gives me a comforting taste of home. Even when the shops are closed, Malatesta Square is still worth a visit, as almost all the store shutters are decorated with colourful street art murals, making it a fun little walk at any time.
Restaurants, Cafés, and Bars in Pigneto
Since you all know I’m a foodie, I’ve put together a list of food spots, bars, and restaurants in Pigneto that I personally love or have heard great things about from reliable sources (a.k.a. my friends).
Pizzeria da Simone: Great pizza al taglio at a great price, what more could you want?
Vitaminas24: A vegan restaurant with a super chill, café-like vibe inside.
BORDO: Fantastic Neapolitan-style pizza at a great price! Bonus: they have an English menu!
Necci dal 1924: Perfect for meeting friends over an aperitivo. The terrace is absolutely stunning.
Libreria Tuba: A cozy café that doubles as a bookstore, obsessed.
Zazie nel Metro: A wonderful café/bar where you can chill, study, or have a drink. My friend calls it her second home.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Pigneto is absolutely worth visiting and will always have a special place in my heart. Of course, if it’s your first time in Rome and you only have a couple of days, I recommend focusing on the city centre (maybe walk this free walking tour of Rome). But if you’ve been to Rome before or are staying for multiple days, I highly suggest exploring some of its neighbourhoods, and Pigneto is the perfect place to start!
If I missed your favourite spot in Pigneto, please let me know in the comments—I’m always on the hunt for more inspiration. Don’t forget to share this guide with fellow travellers planning their Rome adventure! For more tips and guides to Rome’s hidden gems, click around on my blog and follow me on Instagram!
