The Rome IndexVatican & Prati
St Peter's and the Vatican Museums anchor one side; Prati, the residential grid just north, is calmer and popular with families.
Why stay here
Waking up close to St Peter's means beating the crowds to the Vatican Museums, and Prati itself is one of Rome's most livable, least touristy residential areas.
Who it suits
Families and travelers who want wider pavements, easy metro access, and a quieter evening than the historic center offers.
What to know
It's a longer walk or a metro ride to the Colosseum and Forum — budget transit time into your day if you're splitting sights across both sides of the city.