On Via di Monserrato, in Rome, there’s a small enclave of elegant shops: an atelier by the Lebanese designer Gilbert El Halaby, a boutique by Daria and Andrea Ferolla, and Soledad Twombly’s L’Archivio di Monserrato, which sells the most beautiful clothes in the city—some designed by Twombly herself, others carefully sourced.

Twombly, who grew up in Buenos Aires during the military dictatorship, made garments and accessories out of whatever materials she had available. “I remember being incredibly creative from as early as age 10,” she has said. A growing fascination with craftsmanship soon took her to New York, where she opened her first atelier, Sole, in 1994. She moved to Rome five years later, where she met her husband, Alessandro Twombly, the son of the American artist Cy Twombly.

Here, Twombly shares her guide to her favorite sights, restaurants, and contemporary art galleries in her hometown, where it all began.

A meal at Parrilla Don Julio, in Buenos Aires.

PARRILLA DON JULIO

Head there for the best asado barbecued meat. It has a traditional atmosphere and is located in Palermo Viejo, which is a fun neighborhood. (parrilladonjulio.com)

MADRE ROJAS

A trendy asado place focused on Argentine cuisine and located in the up-and-coming neighborhood of Villa Crespo. (instagram.com)

MARTI

Whenever I’m walking around the Recoleta neighborhood, I stop for lunch at this charming and elegant restaurant. It draws a very cool crowd. (marti.meitre.com)

The exterior of Los Jardines de las Barquin, the restaurant at the Museo Fernández Blanco.

LOS JARDINES DE LAS BARQUIN

On a beautiful day, I like to have lunch in the garden at Los Jardines de las Barquin, the restaurant at the Museo Fernández Blanco. (instagram.com)

PALACIO DUHAU

For a perfect high tea, head to the terrace of Palacio Duhau on Avenida Alvear. The Hotel Alvear, on the same street, is another excellent option. (hyatt.com)

ANCHOITA

My favorite place for dinner. (anchoita.com.ar)

PRESIDENTE BAR

For a cool bar after dinner, my favorite spot is Presidente … (presidentebar.com)

FLORERIA ATLÁNTICO

… Floreria Atlantico, on Posadas Street, is my other favorite bar. (floreriaatlantico.com)

A mausoleum at the Recoleta Cemetery.

Recoleta Cemetery

One of the world’s greatest necropolises. (turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar)

Basílica Nuestra Señora del Pilar

Founded in 1716 by Jesuit missionaries, the Basílica Nuestra is the second oldest church in Buenos Aires. Its cloisters, underground crypt, and adjoining tunnels are open to visitors on regular guided tours.

PEREZ SAENZ

Perez Saenz is a one-of-a-kind atelier on Posadas Street, where the talented artist makes handbags, necklaces, belts, and accessories. (instagram.com)

ROSSI & CARUSO

Down the street from Perez Saenz, this traditional leather shop is known for its great craftsmanship and classic designs.

PATIO BULLRICH

Also in the elegant Recoleta neighborhood—not far from the last two shops—is Patio Bullrich, a shopping center that carries all the local brands. (patiobullrich.com)

Contemporary Art Galleries

My favorite galleries in the city are:

Inside the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes.

Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes

They have a beautiful collection of modern art with great works by Degas, Monet, and Rodin. (bellasartes.gob.ar)

Photos: Arianna Purgatorio; Courtesy of Parrilla Don Julio; Courtesy of Los Jardines de las Barquin; Stella/imageBROKER/Shutterstock; Courtesy of Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes