Prati
Walk to many of Rome’s famous sites from the calm neighborhood of Prati. This residential area borders Vatican City and so is close to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican museums. The neighbourhood also has charming bars and traditional Italian bakeries where you can sample some of Rome’s finest pastries.
Prati is home to a renowned jazz bar and rock music venues. This area has numerous lively nightspots, yet also maintains a calm and relaxing atmosphere. Shop for boutique fashions, fine wines and fresh produce.
Take a short walk to Vatican City and see St. Peter’s Basilica. This late Renaissance church replaced the Old St. Peter’s Basilica and was constructed over the 16th and 17th centuries. It is believed to have been built on the burial site of St. Peter, one of the Apostles of Jesus Christ.
Visit the museums of Vatican City and admire spectacular Renaissance paintings, Egyptian relics, Etruscan artifacts and Greek and Roman sculptures. Discover Michelangelo’s Last Judgment, an exquisite fresco depicting the second coming of Jesus Christ. This masterpiece is located on the altar wall of the Sistine Chapel.
Shop on Via Ottaviano and Via Cola di Rienzo, the Prati’s famous shopping streets. Find high-quality Italian leather footwear and accessories. The Mercato Trionfale is one of the largest markets in Rome. Walk through these indoor markets in the center of Prati and shop for cheeses, fresh fruit and gourmet coffee.
Unlike the center of Rome, the area is known to be quiet at night, perfect for visitors looking for a more peaceful Roman experience. Prati is about 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) from Vatican City. Reach the neighborhood easily from the Ottaviano and Lepanto metro stops.
End your day in Prati with an evening stroll along Via della Conciliazione for breathtaking views of St. Peter’s Basilica and other grand buildings in Vatican City.