My Prati Neighborhood Guide: An Elegant Part of Rome
I recently moved houses here in Rome, which means I get to explore different parts of the city in a new light. I have been to Prati many times before, but since I pass through here more often now, it felt like the right time to give this sophisticated area of Rome the spotlight.
Prati is the neighborhood directly northeast of the Vatican, and it is known for its elegant streets, beautiful stores, and expensive rental prices. Lying next to the Tiber River and very close to Metro Line A, it is the perfect area to stay when visiting Rome.
In this article, I will tell you all about this neighborhood, and I hope it inspires you to visit soon!
Where is the Prati neighborhood?
As I mentioned above, the Prati neighborhood is located directly next to the Vatican, and it is the area north of Castel Sant’Angelo. This means that it can be quite touristy, but especially in the mornings and evenings, it is a lovely place to go for a walk.
While the area is very central, it doesn’t have the small, cobblestone streets you may be used to in the center of Rome. The streets of Prati are much broader and more elegant, and since the neighborhood is located right next to the Tiber River, you could even take a walk along the river, which I highly recommend.
How to get to Prati
To get to Prati, the easiest way to get around is by metro. Prati is located on Metro Line A, and you can get off at either the Ottaviano or Lepanto stations. From here, you are already in Prati and can start exploring!
From the center of Rome, let’s say from the Pantheon, it is around a 25-minute walk to Prati. If you’d rather take the bus, you can take buses 70, 81, 87, or 492, which pass through both the center of Rome and Prati.
While you are in Prati, I highly recommend simply exploring the area on foot. It is a very safe area to walk around, and the architecture is wonderful.
What to do in Prati
Go Shopping
The first thing I would suggest when visiting Prati (while admiring the architecture, of course) is to go shopping. In Prati, you can find grand, boulevard-style shopping streets, such as Via Cola di Rienzo. The streets are lined with both small independent shops and more mainstream stores, like Bershka, for example.
Visit Piazza Cavour
One thing you cannot miss when visiting Prati is Piazza Cavour. I have talked about this square many times before, including in one of my first articles about my favorite places to read in Rome. For me, Piazza Cavour feels like an oasis in the center of Rome. It is the perfect spot to sit down and take in your surroundings.
It certainly helps that the surroundings are extraordinarily beautiful, with the Corte Suprema di Cassazione (Supreme Court of Cassation) overlooking the square and making you feel very much not important in comparison.
In winter, there is usually a small ice rink on the square, so if you are looking for something fun to do around Christmas time, Piazza Cavour is a great option!
Visit Chiesa del Sacro Cuore del Suffragio
If you have taken my advice and gone for a walk along the Tiber River, you will encounter a beautiful sight. The Chiesa del Sacro Cuore del Suffragio is a Gothic-style church in Rome, which is a pretty unusual architectural style here.
Inside, you will also find a small museum, the Museo delle Anime del Purgatorio (Museum of the Souls of Purgatory), which is a huge hit around Halloween time, as you can imagine.
Go for a drink and a snack
Last but not least, it is important to hydrate yourself and enjoy a cute little snack. If I can give you three tips (they are kind of random, but all amazing):
Mordi Sandwichhouse
I have been a fan of their sandwiches for a very long time, and if you want to read more, feel free to check out my article about the best sandwiches in Rome!Ma Va?
If you are looking for vegan food, try restaurant Ma Va?. It is a little bit further away, but I promise it is worth the walk.Hiromi Cake
If you are a matcha lover like me, Hiromi Cake is a Japanese bakery with delicious snacks, but also some of the best matcha in Rome. I wrote about them extensively in my matcha article, so if you are a matcha drinker like me, it is a must-read!
What Is Prati Like?
Prati might not be my absolute favorite neighborhood in Rome, however, if you are a tourist, I think Prati is the perfect neighborhood to stay in. It is a very safe area, close to the centre, wonderfully connected to Rome’s public transportation system, and it has everything you might want close by.
Right now, in August, it is quite empty, but since LUMSA University is also located in Prati, it can be a lively area filled with students as well.
Overall, Prati is a very chic, elegant, and beautiful part of Rome, and even if you are not staying here, it is definitely worth a visit.
Conclusion
I hope this article was helpful in giving you a better idea of what the Prati neighborhood is like. It has so many things to offer, and I hope you will visit it the next time you are in Rome.
If I can give you one good recommendation, it would be to read my public transport guide for beginners, so you are more than prepared to travel around Rome like a pro!
I hope to see you very soon. Sending you love,
Juliette
