When you dream of Rome, you likely picture the Colosseum’s ancient arches or the chaotic beauty of a scooter-filled piazza. But where do the Romans themselves live, shop, and unwind, just steps from these iconic sights? Welcome to Prati—the answer you’ve been looking for.
Staying in Prati, at a property like our Casa 901 or Gracchi 278, is a deliberate choice. It’s the choice to experience Rome not as a tourist, but as a temporary local. This elegant, tree-lined neighborhood, built in the early 20th century, offers a rare blend of Parisian-style boulevards, Art Nouveau architecture, and authentic Roman life. It’s perfectly positioned, bordering the Vatican yet worlds away from the tourist crowds.
Forget the overpriced souvenir shops and generic trattorias. Here is your insider’s guide to living “la dolce vita” in Prati, right outside your front door.
1. The Morning Ritual: Coffee and Cornetto Done Right
A Roman’s day starts at the “bar” (what we call a café). Skip the familiar chains and head to a neighborhood institution. A few blocks from your apartment, you’ll find Caffè Pasticceria Rosati in Piazza del Popolo (a stunning walk) or, for a more local-only feel, Sciascia Caffè 1919. The latter is a historic gem where time seems to have stopped. Order a “cappuccino e un cornetto” (the Italian croissant). Stand at the bar, listen to the chatter, and watch the morning ritual unfold. This is your first lesson in “romanità.”
2. The True Roman Wardrobe: Shopping on Via Cola di Rienzo
While most tourists flock to the crowded Via del Corso, discerning Romans do their serious shopping on Via Cola di Rienzo. This is one of the city’s premier commercial streets, and it’s your new high street. It offers a more relaxed and upscale experience. You’ll find major Italian brands like COIN (a high-end department store), elegant boutiques, specialty leather good shops, and intimate lingerie stores. It’s the perfect place to buy a timeless leather bag, a stylish pair of shoes, or simply a new scarf to feel instantly more Italian.
3. The Heart of the Kitchen: The Gourmet Heaven of Castroni
Also on Via Cola di Rienzo is a place that is more than a shop—it’s a Roman landmark. Castroni is a legendary delicatessen that has been serving the neighborhood since 1932. The moment you walk in, you’re hit by the intoxicating aroma of fresh-roasting coffee beans. The shelves are a library of global and Italian gastronomy. Stock your apartment’s kitchen with artisanal dried pasta, hunt for rare truffles and spices, or buy vacuum-sealed pecorino romano to take home. It’s a feast for the senses and the perfect spot to buy gourmet souvenirs that are *actually* good.
4. The 7 PM Institution: Aperitivo at Sorpasso
This is non-negotiable for living like a local. As the sun begins to set, Prati’s streets buzz with the sound of the “aperitivo.” Forget the tourist-trap buffets. A short walk from your apartment brings you to Il Sorpasso. This is, without question, one of the neighborhood’s most beloved spots. It’s rustic-chic, perpetually busy, and vibrantly authentic. Join the stylish crowd (often spilling onto the sidewalk), order a Spritz or a glass of natural wine, and pair it with an incredible “tagliere” (platter) of cured meats and artisanal cheeses. This isn’t just a pre-dinner drink; it’s the social center of Roman life.
5. The Real Food Market: Mercato Trionfale
To truly eat like a local, you must shop like one. A short walk towards the Vatican Museums brings you to the Mercato Trionfale. This is not a quaint market for tourists; this is the largest—and arguably most authentic—local food market in Rome. With over 270 stalls, it’s a loud, chaotic, and wonderful assault on the senses. Here, “Nonna” (grandma) argues with the butcher, vendors shout their daily specials, and you can find the freshest seasonal produce, fish, meats, and cheeses in the city. It’s the perfect place to buy ingredients for a home-cooked meal in your apartment.
6. The Sunset Stroll: A Local’s View of St. Peter’s
One of the greatest joys of Prati is its proximity to the Vatican, combined with its ability to escape it. In the evening, when the tour buses have departed, the area becomes quiet and magical. Take a 10-minute stroll from your apartment to the Ponte Sant’Angelo, the breathtaking pedestrian bridge lined with Bernini’s angels. From here, you can watch the sunset over the Tiber River as it illuminates the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica and the imposing Castel Sant’Angelo. It’s a multi-million dollar view, and for you, it’s just an evening walk.
7. The Hidden Gem: “Little London”
Finally, a true neighborhood secret. Tucked away on a private road between Prati and Flaminio, you’ll find Via Bernardo Celentano. This small street is nicknamed “Piccola Londra” (Little London), and you’ll immediately see why. It
