Prati

Rome

Wide, orderly streets next to the Vatican. Calm, good for families and cheaper than the centre, with Metro A to the Spanish Steps.

Best for Families · Budget · Business

Transport: 4/5
Sights: 4/5
Value: 4/5
Quiet: 4/5
Food: 4/5

Typical mid-range hotel ~$200/night · 15 min to Piazza Venezia

See hotels in Prati

Why stay here

Walk to the Vatican and St Peter's
Calm, orderly streets
Good value and Metro A

Who should stay here

Families
Travellers visiting the Vatican early
Travellers who want calm, orderly streets

Not ideal if…

You want old-Rome charm outside the door
You want nightlife
You want to walk to the Colosseum

What it's like

Prati was built in the late 1800s, so it has wide avenues and elegant apartment blocks instead of medieval lanes. It's a real residential district with good shopping on Via Cola di Rienzo and the Trionfale market.

It's the best base for an early start at the Vatican Museums, and Metro A reaches the Spanish Steps in a few minutes. Evenings are quiet.

Best streets and sub-areas

Via Cola di Rienzo
Main shopping street with cafés.
Around Ottaviano
Closest to the Vatican Museums, busy by day.
Piazza Cavour
Near Castel Sant'Angelo and the bridge into the centre.

Getting around

Nearest stations: Ottaviano and Lepanto (Metro A); buses across the river to the centre.
To Piazza Venezia: About 15 minutes
From Fiumicino: About 55 minutes: Leonardo Express to Termini, then Metro A to Ottaviano.

Nearby attractions

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
Book the first entry slot.
St Peter's Basilica
Free; climb the dome for the view.
Castel Sant'Angelo
Papal fortress with a rooftop terrace.

Where to stay near the Vatican →

Where to eat and drink

Pizzarium
Gabriele Bonci's pizza by the slice.
Mercato Trionfale
Big covered food market.
Dal Toscano
Tuscan trattoria known for its steak.

Where to stay in Prati

A few hotels we'd book in this area, at different budgets.

Best value

Hotel Atlante Star

Why we like it: Rooftop terrace with a view of St Peter's dome.

Typical mid-range rate in Prati: ~$200/night

Check availability

Boutique pick

Hotel Dei Mellini

Why we like it: Art-filled hotel near the river.