travel advice vatican city

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Vatican: Tips, Tricks + FAQ!

Planning a trip to Vatican City and not quite sure where to start? Home to several incredible sights, a strict dress code, some of the most famous works of art on the planet, and enormous crowds, visiting the Vatican for the first time can be a bit overwhelming.

In other words, visiting the Vatican packs quite the punch considering that Vatican City is the smallest country in the world!

Here’s everything you need to know about visiting the Vatican, from the best way to enjoy the museums to when to go to exactly what to wear.

Table of Contents

What to See When Visiting the Vatican

Important tips for visiting the vatican museums, should you take a vatican museums tour, all about visiting st. peter’s basilica, how to get to vatican city, faq about visiting vatican city.

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When visitors talk about visiting the Vatican, they’re most commonly referring to visiting the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica, but visiting Vatican City can easily extend beyond those popular sights.

Here are the parts of Vatican City to consider when planning your visit, from the incredibly popular to the fairly niche.

St. Peter’s Square

St. Peter’s Square is the easiest part of the Vatican to visit–you can simply walk in and admire the beautiful oval square and exterior of St. Peter’s Basilica without any advance planning.

The Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums are home to some of the most incredible works of art in the entire world, including Raphael’s most famous frescoes and the Sistine Chapel.

You will need a ticket or tour to visit, and when people talk about how long the lines are to get into the Vatican, they’re most commonly referring to the lines for the museums–we’ll cover more on that in the next section of this Vatican City blog post.

The Sistine Chapel

The Sistine Chapel, with its magnificent ceiling painted by Michelangelo, is one of the most well-known houses of worship on the planet.

It is accessed through the Vatican Museums and cannot be visited separately.

St. Peter’s Basilica

St. Peter’s Basilica is the largest church on the planet, and a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture (Michelangelo and Bernini both contributed to its design).

It is free to visit, but you will need to pass through a security checkpoint to enter, and the lines for that can get very long.

You can also visit the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica (unlike visiting the basilica itself, climbing the dome does require a ticket–more on that below), and from there you can admire incredible views of St. Peter’s Square.

Vatican Necropolis

The Vatican Necropolis (or “scavi”) lies below St. Peter’s Basilica–and even below the “grotto” area that is also under St. Peter’s Basilica.

This area was a cemetery dating back to the first century, and, most importantly to Christian history, it is the presumed resting place of St. Peter himself.

Tours are required and absolutely must be booked in advance. If you’d like to tour directly with the Vatican, there are directions for how to email them (yep, it’s done by email!) here . 

Alternatively, this well-reviewed tour will allow you to visit the Vatican Necropolis and is much more straightforward to arrange.

Check availability and book your Vatican Necropolis tour today!

The Vatican Gardens

The Vatican Gardens are beautiful and exclusive–only a handful of reservations are accepted per day (so like the Necropolis, you absolutely must plan ahead), and therefore they are never crowded.

Like the Vatican Necropolis, the Vatican Gardens must be visited as part of a tour like this .

Book your Vatican Gardens tour today!

Papal Audience

When the Pope is at home in Vatican City, he gives an audience each Wednesday morning in St. Peter’s Square that is open to anyone who would like to join.

Tickets are free but must be booked in advance .

The Vatican Museums house the largest private art collection in the world–and despite the enormous amount of art and historical artifacts displayed, only the tiniest sliver of the complete collection is on display to the public!

Beautiful, overwhelming, and one of the most highly sought-after art museums in the world, visiting the Vatican Museums can be a bit of an intense experience.

Here’s what to know before you go.

Don’t rush to the Sistine Chapel.

I know on our first visit to the Vatican Museums, we were highly anticipating the Sistine Chapel and always hoping it was coming up soon… but it’s one of the last things you see, so be sure to appreciate everything along the way!

Plan to spend at least two hours in the museums.

Three is even better, but it is hard to visit the Vatican Museums in less than two hours without simply making a beeline for the Sistine Chapel and not paying attention to much else.

Once you add in time to get there, security checks, potentially waiting in line, and maybe visiting St. Peter’s Basilica and St. Peter’s Square, it’s best to consider visiting the Vatican at least a half-day commitment if you’re going to be touring the museums.

Strongly consider booking a guided tour.

Guided tours add so much context to a Vatican Museums visit, and offer the opportunity to learn so much about the history of the art in the museums. They also make visiting the Vatican far less stressful from start to finish.

We’ve visited the Vatican Museums both independently and with a guided tour, and after experiencing both, strongly recommend a tour.

This is the tour we took and loved, and this is another great option .

Book your Vatican Museums tour today!

… and at the very least, absolutely book skip-the-line tickets.

Absolutely don’t want to take a Vatican Museums tour, or just don’t have the budget for it?

That’s completely understandable. In that case, we recommend booking skip-the-line tickets (ideally these early-access ones , but skip-the-line tickets for the normal operating hours are very helpful as well).

I’m not exaggerating when I say that the lines to access the Vatican Museums are the worst we have ever seen at any museum in the world. 

During one of our longer trips to Rome, we stayed just beyond the Vatican Museums for a solid month and walked past the line for the museums almost every day–and as mid-October turned into mid-November, the lines remained incredibly overwhelming.

Grab your first-access skip-the-line tickets or general admission skip-the-line tickets for the Vatican Museums now!

Keep in mind alternative hours.

The typical opening hours for the Vatican Museums are Monday – Saturday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (with the last entry at 4:00 PM).

However, there are a few ways to access the Vatican Museums outside these hours if you’d like to mix up your visit!

Early Morning VIP Entry

With early-morning entry, either via pre-booked tickets for an independent visit or via a tour, you can enter the Vatican Museums as early as 7:30 AM, therefore avoiding the worst of the crowds (and during warm weather, the worst of the heat).

This incredibly popular tour a tried-and-true early morning option for touring the Vatican Museums!

Book your first-access Vatican Museums tour or skip-the-line tickets today!

Friday Nights Between April and October

For seven months out of the year, the Vatican Museums are open on Friday nights until 11:00 PM (last entry at 9:30 PM), and we can personally attest that visiting the Vatican Museums at night is an incredible experience (and far less crowded than general entry hours).

We took this amazing tour on a Friday night and loved it!

Book the Friday night Vatican Museums tour we loved today!

Last Sunday of the Month

The Vatican Museums are typically (and unsurprisingly) closed on Sundays, but on the last Sunday of the month, the museums are open until 2:00 PM (last entry at 12:30 PM).

Like many free museum days around the world, the general rule of thumb with visiting the Vatican Museums on a free Sunday is that it’s a great option for those on a strict budget, and a terrible one for those who want to avoid extremely heavy crowds.

Make sure to follow the dress code!

There is a dress code for visiting the Vatican Museums. Essentially, no shorts, no bare shoulders, no cleavage, and no hats. 

In our experience, this is most strongly enforced in the Sistine Chapel, but as a gesture of respect and to avoid the risk of being denied entry, you should absolutely follow the Vatican Museums’ dress code.

We recommend light, loose clothing that will allow you to stay both covered and   cool, because the museums can get very warm.

With limited exceptions, there is no air-conditioning in the museums.

Only a few rooms are air-conditioned, so as you can imagine, during Rome’s hot summer months it can be a bit blistering inside the Vatican Museums.

Avoiding the heat (which is, of course, made even worse due to the heavy crowds that are normally visiting the Vatican) is another good reason to book an early morning or Friday night Vatican tour–not only will there be fewer crowds, the museums will be much cooler!

Don’t take photos in the Sistine Chapel.

Despite this being obviously and clearly banned, complete with repeated announcements every few minutes from the security officers and strict enforcement, you’ll still see people trying to snap photos of the Sistine Chapel. Don’t be one of them!

The photos of the Sistine Chapel I’ve used in this Vatican blog post are stock photos for that reason.

Don’t plan to eat at the Vatican Museums if possible.

There is a cafeteria inside the museums selling basic meals and snacks if you get hungry, but with so much incredible food to eat in Rome, it’s best to plan your meals for before or after your Vatican Museums visit if at all possible.

You won’t see the famous spiral staircase isn’t until the very end of your visit.

It’s one of the absolute last things you’ll see in the Vatican Museums–even after the Sistine Chapel–so don’t expect to see it early on!

Yes, absolutely!

We think the Vatican Museums are one of the best places to splurge on a tour in Rome–even more than at the Colosseum.

The context gained is incredible, and having a tour guide also makes visiting the enormous museums much less stressful and overwhelming.

We’ve visited the Vatican both independently and with a tour, and absolutely preferred our visit with a tour.

We took this Friday evening tour and loved it, but this tour is another phenomenal option.

Shop excellent, well-reviewed Vatican Museums tours today!

Sprawling and stunning, St. Peter’s Basilica is the largest church in the world and an absolute must-see sight when visiting the Vatican.

St. Peter’s Basilica is free to enter.

You do not need a ticket to enter St. Peter’s Basilica–it is completely free to visit!

… but you do have to go through a security line first.

This line follows the curve of St. Peter’s Square and tends to grow throughout the day, and is in place for security. You’ll pass through a metal detector and have your bags checked when you reach the front.

The line can get excruciatingly long–if you’re not visiting St. Peter’s Basilica as part of a longer tour, we recommend arriving either very early in the morning (it opens at 7:00 AM every day except Wednesday) or in the early evening–the crowds often start to die off a couple hours before closing (6:00 PM or 7:00 PM depending on the time of year).

You should absolutely visit the dome.

The view overlooking St. Peter’s Square from the cupola is one of our favorite views in all of Rome–and the views of the interior of St. Peter’s Basilica from above are pretty phenomenal, too.

We absolutely recommend climbing the dome when visiting St. Peter’s Basilica unless 1) you have difficulty climbing large amounts of stairs (you must climb a minimum of 320 steps to access the dome), or 2) you’re uncomfortable in tight spaces–there are some very closed-in areas on the way up.

You can buy tickets inside St. Peter’s Basilica, and they’re currently 10 Euro for a ticket that involves a partial elevator ride, or 8 Euro if you’re willing to climb all 551 steps (the elevator ticket lets you bypass 200 or so steps).

The biggest benefit to the cheaper ticket, though, is not the lower price but the fact that it normally has a much shorter line than the elevator option!

Vatican City is located in the heart of Rome and is easily accessed by either foot, metro, or bus.

Keep in mind that unless you’re on a special tour that gives you a workaround (more on that in the FAQ section), it’s a 15-minute walk around the edge of the Vatican from St. Peter’s Square to the entrance to the Vatican Museums.

St. Peter’s Square is closer to Centro Storico, so if you’re approaching by foot, you’ll likely come across it first.

We absolutely love walking through Rome, and one of our favorite walks winds from Centro Storico all the way to St. Peter’s Square–in other words, the Vatican is absolutely accessible by foot!

For example, St. Peter’s Square is a 35-minute walk from the Trevi Fountain and a 25-minute walk from the Pantheon.

Those times might sound long, but in addition to all the general beauty of Centro Storico, you’ll find some interesting highlights along the way such as Piazza Navona and Castel Sant’Angelo.

From St. Peter’s Square, it’s another 15 minutes by foot to the entrance to the Vatican Museums. 

There are two metro stops close-ish to the Vatican: Ottaviano and Cipro, which are each a short walk from the Vatican Museums entrance.

There are several bus lines that stop near Vatican City, with the most frequent being 40 and 64.

Have more questions about visiting the Vatican?

Here are the answers to some of the most common Vatican City FAQs!

Can you reach St. Peter’s Basilica from inside the Vatican Museums?

Yes… but only on a tour.

There is a semi-infamous door between the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica links the two together and makes it possible to go right from the museums into the basilica without taking a (long) walk and waiting in line again, but independent visitors cannot use it.

Some guided tours, though, like this one , do give you the opportunity to use this door.

Otherwise, you’ll need to wait in line to enter St. Peter’s .

What is the Vatican City dress code?

When in the Vatican Museums, Vatican Gardens, St. Peter’s Basilica, or Sistine Chapel, you’ll want to avoid wearing anything sleeveless, any shorts, or showing cleavage.

Hats are also not allowed.

If you’re just visiting St. Peter’s Square, you don’t need to subscribe to the dress code.

You can see the official language of the dress code here .

Is Vatican City a country?

Yes, it is–it’s the smallest country in the world, covering only 0.2 miles of land area.

It’s also one of the only absolute monarchies in the world, with the Pope ruling it both as the Pope (overseeing The Holy See, aka the Catholic Church), and the King (overseeing the country of Vatican City).

Vatican City is not part of the UN, but The Holy See (aka the Catholic Church) is a permanent observer of the UN.

Do you need your passport to enter the Vatican?

Even though it is a country, there’s no need to bring your passport when visiting the Vatican.

Can you visit Vatican City for free?

If your goal is only to step inside the country of Vatican City, you can enter St. Peter’s Square (for free, and without waiting in line) and St. Peter’s Basilica (for free, but after waiting in line) to pay a quick visit to the country.

Can you get a Vatican City passport stamp?

No, Vatican City doesn’t offer passport stamps.

However, you can buy a postcard in the gift shop and mail it home from Vatican City! 

It will be processed through the Vatican’s mail system, and many people use it as a unique souvenir from their visit to the Vatican in lieu of a stamp.

Can you see the Pope when visiting the Vatican?

We covered this a bit above, but essentially, every Wednesday morning that the Pope is in Vatican City, he’ll give an audience in St. Peter’s Square.

Can you just visit the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City?

No, you can’t.

The Sistine Chapel is one of the final stops when touring the Vatican Museums and can’t be seen without visiting the museums.

Is St. Peter’s Basilica part of the Vatican Museums?

No, it’s not.

You can visit St. Peter’s Basilica separately from the museums.

Should you visit the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica on the same day?

You can, but be prepared for a long day, as you’ll have to enter both areas separately… unless you book a tour that includes both the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica, that is.

In that case, you’ll be able to seamlessly visit both without exiting the Vatican Museums and waiting in an additional line to access St. Peter’s Basilica.

This tour is a popular option that includes both!

Book your Vatican Museums + St. Peter’s Basilica tour today!

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About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

2 thoughts on “The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Vatican: Tips, Tricks + FAQ!”

I am SOOO happy I followed your link for a tour to Vatican City and everything in it! We’re going there 1st week of April and all of the tours through their website were booked or super $$$! I went to your link for TakeWalks Tours and got a great price for the Chapel, Musuems and Basilica! I’m going to keep scouring your site for our perfect Italian vacation!

That is so wonderful to hear, thanks for sharing, Julie! I hope you guys have an incredible trip to Italy! 🙂

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Visiting the Vatican - Top tips you need to know!

By Elyssa Bernard

November 21, 2023

Planning on visiting the Vatican when you come to Rome?

Here's everything you need to know!

Visiting the Vatican - everything you need to know

Here is what you really need to know about visiting the Vatican:

• When to go ? (what time of year and time of day)
• What to see ? (St. Peters Basilica and the Vatican Museums, and much more!)
• Which should you visit first, the Vatican Museums (Sistine Chapel) or Saint Peter's Basilica ?
• How to skip the lines for Saint Peter's Basilica ?
• How to get tickets/skip the line to the Vatican museums ?
• Can you just visit the Sistine Chapel ? 
• Can you see the Sistine Chapel without crowds ?
• How do you visit the Vatican Gardens ?
• How do you visit St Peter's tomb ?
• How to plan all your Vatican visits for your trip ?
• How to get to the Vatican ?
• Where to eat near the Vatican ?

The first time I came to Rome as an adult, I missed seeing the Sistine Chapel because I had no idea the Vatican Museums closed at 2pm (long before smartphones and Google, ahem.) 

It must have been a Free Sunday, when the Vatican Museums are open and free but with reduced hours.

Now that I live here, I go often to Saint Peter's Basilica , Saint Peter's Square , and the Vatican Museums .

I also helped thousands of our guests plan their visits in the 17 years we ran our B&B .

Based on years of first-hand experience, I know how to tell you what to do and what not to do.

You can avoid a stressful visit to the Vatican by reading my tips first!

QUICK FACTS ABOUT VISITING VATICAN CITY

• You don't need a passport.
• Vatican City is a separate state from Italy, with just over 500 residents.
• The two main places to visit are Saint Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums (where the Sistine Chapel is.)
• The pope is head of Vatican City.
• The pope's church is not Saint Peter's Basilica. It is Saint John in Lateran.
• You can visit the Vatican, and you can stay nearby, but you cannot sleep inside the Vatican.

Visiting the Vatican - When to go

• There really is no "best day" for visiting Vatican City, i.e. when there are fewer people. The Vatican is Rome's most popular tourist destination and is pretty much always busy. You might consider Tuesday or Thursday as your best bets. Dates around a weekend can be a bit busier, and on Wednesday there is (usually) the Papal Audience , meaning even more crowds.
• In the mornings, many tour groups show up, including those offering early skip-the-line access. Also, people in general come early to try to "beat the line," so you may find the Vatican Museums much more crowded in the early morning than you expect, and  slightly less crowded in mid-afternoon.
• St Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums tend to be even more crowded on Saturdays , when Rome fills up with weekend visitors.
• The Vatican Museum is closed Sundays, except for the last Sunday of every month , when they are free . This is the most crowded day you can imagine for visiting the Vatican Museums .
• On Wednesdays (except for  July , when the pope generally takes a break ), the pope holds an audience at St Peter's Basilica . In warmer months, it will be in Saint Peter's Square . In colder months, or if it's raining , it will be in an auditorium-type hall just to the left of the basilica. This means that the whole area will be packed due to all the people who attend the papal audience , many of whom visit the Vatican Museums after the audience.
• If you do visit Vatican City on a Wednesday , know that St Peter's Basilica will be closed until the papal audience is over (around 12-1pm.)
• As for time of year, winter low season months are best if you want to be more relaxed and find smaller crowds . This means most of December ( except  December 8 , and Christmas through the Epiphany, January 6 ), January and February . Believe it or not, it's just as crowded at to visit Vatican City between Christmas and January 6 as it is during summer.
• Here's  how and when to include visiting the Vatican in a 3-day itinerary in Rome .

IMPORTANT TIP :

To visit St Peters Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, you must be properly dressed : no bare knees, midriffs or shoulders.

Sandals and jeans are fine.

Be careful when wearing knee-length shorts and skirts; the opinions of the Vatican guards as to what is acceptable may vary.

You may wish to bring a sarong or wear the kinds of shorts that have attachable legs, such as hiking trousers .

In a pinch, you will find plenty of vendors just outside the Vatican, who sell t-shirts or scarves.

No matter what season you visit Rome, here are 4 things never to leave at home:

Disclosure: If you make a purchase through a link on this page, I may receive a small commission - at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my site!

Visiting the Vatican - What to see?

The main things to see when visiting the Vatican are  Saint Peter’s Basilica  and the  Vatican Museums .

You can see one and not the other, although v isiting both in a single day is very do-able.

Looking for Michelangelo's masterpieces?

Michelangelo’s Pietà is inside Saint Peter's Basilica.

Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel is inside the Vatican Museums.

Just try not to plan any other big visit like another museum or archeological site like the Coloseum  for the day you visit the Vatican, as you will be pretty exhausted.

Do you really want to visit the Vatican and Colosseum in one day? Here's how!

Or take the stress out of it by taking this "Rome in a Day" Tour with Vatican, Colosseum & Historic Center.

To get the most out of your visit to the Colosseum, take a VIP Colosseum Underground Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill.

St Peter's Basilica

Saint Peter’s Basilica  is a Renaissance-era church and by many standards, the world’s largest. 

The Vatican is a basilica but not a cathedral, as it does not have its own bishop.

The main cathedral of the “Bishop of Rome”, as the pope is called, is San Giovanni in Laterano , or Saint John in Lateran .

But the pope is head of Vatican City , where he resides.

It's a little confusing isn't it?

Anyway, just think of the Vatican as a huge church, with a lot to see inside.

Click here to read more about what exactly the Vatican is.

Click here to visit my dedicated page all about Saint Peter's Basilica and its history, and things to see and do there.

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St Peter's Dome

It's very much worth  visiting the basilica's dome , but you should know it can get a little crowded up there, and there are a LOT of steps.

The first level is 231 steps, but there is an elevator option. ( Someone in a wheelchair or with walking difficulties can take the lift to this first level.)

The second portion is another 320 steps, with no elevator option.

The dome gets narrower as you go up, so you will be climbing this part single file, and with the roof slanting over your head.

I say this as someone with a close relative with vertigo: you may want to avoid climbing the dome at the Vatican if you suffer from vertigo or claustrophobia.

But if none of that is an issue, then do it!

You'll love the views from up there, both of the church and of the surrounding city.

Visit my dedicated page all about Saint Peter's dome and how to climb it.

Michelangelo’s Pieta

My favorite piece of art inside of  St Peter's Basilica  is Michelangelo’s Pietà .

Actually, it may be my favorite piece of art in the world.

An exaggeration?

I can't help it...just look at it:

It’s on your right as soon as you walk inside Saint Peter's Basilica.

When I visited it with my mom, she cried, saying “look at her face, it’s just about a mother’s love for her child."

Unfortunately, someone wielding an axe once attacked it, and it’s now behind glass.

But you can still see it very well.

And take note of Mary’s face.

It’s really special when you see it in person.

Michelangelo Tidbit :

This was one of Michelangelo’s first major works.

He made it when he was only 22.

He was not sure people would know he did it, so he snuck in late one night and carved his name (Michelangelo Buonarroti) on Mary’s sash.

The Pietà is the only sculpture Michelangelo ever signed (or needed to sign.)

Vatican Grottoes - The Tombs of the Popes

Inside Saint Peter's Basilica, you can go down one level and see the area where some of the popes are buried.

Saint Peter is said to be entombed just underneath the church .

This is why many popes are also buried here. 

It's quite interesting to visit the popes' tombs , called the Vatican Grottoes   - there is a lot of history down there.

Don't worry, it's not dark or claustrophobic.

On the contrary, it's a huge open space full of light and lots to see (no photos allowed.)

To visit the Vatican Grottoes, get up close to Bernini's Baldachin and look for the entrance nearby.

It's free to visit the Vatican Grottoes.

You should make sure you are done visiting the basilica or have a plan to go back up, because the normal route through the grottoes has you exit the basilica entirely.

Not to be confused with St. Peter's tomb

When people talk about visiting the Vatican grottoes, they are referring to a place where you can see the tombs of many popes (as I wrote above.)

But this is not the same as visiting the  Vatican Necropolis , where St. Peter is said to be buried.

A  visit to Saint Peter’s tomb , also referred to as a scavi  visit, is a special and wonderful thing to do, and I highly recommend it. (" Scavi " means "excavations".)

It is a delicate archeological site, and they only take 250 people in per day, in 12-person tours at a time, so you must  book way in advance . (No photos allowed.)

NEW FOR 2024!

The archeological area of the Vatican Necropolis of Via Triumphalis is now open for visitors.

This is an ancient Roman burial site that is within the Vatican walls and before now was very difficult to get access to.

You can only enter as part of an official Vatican tour group, and tickets need to be purchased through the official website .

This is an entirely separate visit, so you will not have access to either St Peter's Basilica or the Vatican Museums.

Click here to watch my YouTube video about it and see what it's like!

The Vatican Museums

The second major site to visit at the Vatican is the Vatican Museums.

This is the part about Vatican City that will take most of your time and energy.

The Vatican Museum contains the world’s largest private art collection (and just imagine that much of the art they own is not even on display!)

They are called "museums" and not just singular "museum" because the museums were started in 1506 and have been added to many times over the centuries.

They now occupy many different buildings all connected to on another.

That's one reason there is so much to see!

You will see a lot of art inside the Vatican Museums, including paintings, sculptures, ancient artifacts, and much more.

I think the number one thing people want to see when they visit is the Sistine Chapel.

For more about the Vatican Museums and Sistine chapel, visit my dedicated pages:

• Visiting the Sistine Chapel
• Michelangelo and the Sistine Chapel
• Visiting the Vatican Museums
• Vatican Museums Must Sees
• Vatican Museums Tickets
• Vatican Museums Tours
• Vatican Secret Rooms

More things you will see at the Vatican:

Besides the two main sites - the museums (Sistine Chapel) and the basilica, there are more things you will see when you visit Vatican City.

Look for these as you walk around:

St. Peter's Square

It would be easy to take Saint Peter's Square, Piazza San Pietro in Italian, for granted.

After all, if you're beelining to get into the basilica, you might be focused on the security queues and wondering how long you will have to wait.

But St. Peter's Square, also called Vatican Square, is worth visiting and enjoying by itself.

It's the only part of Vatican City you can visit without any tickets or queuing.

If you have very limited time , you may even decide that this is about as much as you want to see of Vatican City, since everything else involves queues and/or tickets plus an involved visit inside.

Click here to visit my page all about St. Peter's Square, its history, and what to see.

The Swiss Guard

You might spy one or more of the Swiss Guard at the gate to Vatican City.

The Swiss Guard wear different outfits depending on their duties, but they are all dressed in costumes originally designed in the early 1500s (although not by Michelangelo, an urban myth.)

The Swiss Guard have a specific duty to guard the pope's life and Saint Peter's Basilica.

They are the world's smallest army and they are very well trained.

You will not see the Swiss Guard at the Vatican Museums.

There, you will see Vatican Museums guards who dress in more modern attire.

The Leonine Walls

In the 9th century, Pope Leo IV had defensive walls built around Vatican City following the sacking by raiders of Old St. Peter's Basilica in 846.

You can still see those walls today in and around the Vatican, especially if you visit the Vatican Gardens .

You can also see parts of these walls surrounding Saint Peter's Square on the side where the security gates are, and along the way from the Vatican to nearby Castel Sant'Angelo .

Click here to read a more detailed yet brief history of the Vatican.

For more Vatican history, check out these dedicated pages:

The Vatican Post Office

Don't miss a visit to the Vatican Post Office if you want to mail any postcards. 

It's easier and more efficient than going to the Italian Post Office, and your mail will get there faster!

There is also a Vatican mailbox up on the roof ( Saint Peter's Dome ), and usually another post office in Saint Peter's Square .

More sites you can visit in Vatican City

Besides Saint Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums, there are some more sites you can visit in Vatican City.

You have to pay for these (and for the scavi and gardens, you must book in advance.)

You will find more details about each one on their respective dedicated pages:

• Saint Peter's Tomb (Vatican Necropolis or Scavi )
• Saint Peter's Dome
• Vatican Gardens

Which to see first - The Vatican Museums/Sistine Chapel, or St. Peter's Basilica?

If you book a tour of the Vatican, usually this means taking a guided tour of the Vatican Museums , which ends with the Sistine Chapel .

Some tours include taking the shortcut from the Sistine Chapel into St Peters Basilica.

There has been some back and forth recently about whether the shortcut is available or not, but for now, it is once again the case that  you can only take the shortcut  from the Sistine Chapel to  St Peter's Basilica  if you are on a tour that  INCLUDES  the basilica.

The Vatican can, and does, change their mind frequently on this matter, so if it is important to you to be able to take this shortcut, I recommend booking a tour that ends in St Peter's Basilica to be on the safe side.

If you are on a tour that ends in the Basilica the decision is made for you.

But if you are taking a Vatican Museums tour that does not include the Basilica, or if you are visiting the Vatican Museums on your own, you'll have to decide what order to visit the museums and the basilica in, assuming you want to visit both on the same day, which many people do.

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How long does it take to visit the Vatican Museums?

To  visit the Vatican Museums  (where the Sistine Chapel is),  you need a purchase a ticket  (unless you  come on the Free Sunday .)

Once inside, even if you go quickly, you will need about 2 hours for this this visit.

If you are not able to take the shortcut from the Sistine Chapel to Saint Peter's basilica, you will exit the museums where you entered them.

This is about a 15-20 minute walk from Saint Peter's Square and the entrance to the basilica.

Click here to see a map of Vatican City and how far apart the entrances of the Museums and the Basilica are  (it opens in a new window.)

St Peter's Basilica Shortcut

You can only take the shortcut from the Sistine Chapel to St Peter's Basilica if you are on a tour that INCLUDES the basilica.

The shortcut is open from 9:30 am - 5 or 5:30PM, and it's ONLY accessible to tour companies or private guides that you book OUTSIDE the Vatican Museums website.

The Vatican Museums does not have any ticket or tour that includes the shortcut.

This means that you won't have access to the shortcut during the  KeyMaster tour , the  Extra Time tour , or any other tour that does not specifically include the basilica.

If you book any tour of the Vatican Museums, you can check the details to see if it finishes in the  Sistine Chapel  or the basilica.

Click here to view a map of Vatican City  (it will open in a new page.)

How long does it take to visit Saint Peter's Basilica?

A visit inside Saint Peter's Basilica could take anywhere from 1-2 hours, not including the time you spend in line waiting to go through security (assuming you go through security in the front and do not take the shortcut from the Sistine Chapel.)

To visit Saint Peter's Basilica, you do not need (nor can you buy) tickets, as it's free to go inside.

But you do have to wait in the line for security, which is airport-style - there is an x-ray machine to put your items in and you will walk through a metal detector.

And that can cause the queues to get pretty long.

Lately, the lines to get into Saint Peter's Basilica have been so long, they are looping back again around the square.

Wondering which tour to take of the Vatican Museums?

Visit my page about Vatican Museum tours to find out all the options!

If you book a Vatican Museums tour that does not allow you access to the Basilica, and/or you want to visit the Basilica separately, even on a different day, I'd suggest getting to Saint Peter's Basilica when it opens at 7 AM (if you want to avoid the line).

The lines are longest from about 10 AM - 5 PM, and in high season can be long throughout the day, even from 7 AM until closing!

Skipping the lines at Saint Peter's Basilica

The easiest way to skip the lines at Saint Peter's Basilica is to visit it using the shortcut from the Sistine Chapel (which currently is only available on booked museum tours that end in Saint Peter's Basilica).

There has been some back and forth recently about whether the shortcut is available or not, but for now, it is once again the case that  you can only take the shortcut  from  the Sistine Chapel to  St Peter's Basilica  if you are on a tour that  INCLUDES  the basilica.

As of now, you cannot do this  unless you are on a tour .

If you only plan to visit Saint Peter's Basilica , and not the museums, or you decide to visit these two sites separately, you can avoid the queues by following the tips in my video above:

• Come when it opens at 7 AM
• Come in Low Season
• Book a visit to Saint Peter's tomb
• Use the Pilgrims' entrance - reserved for prayer or attending mass or confession

Wondering where the bathrooms are at the Vatican?

Find out here .

Brief History of Vatican City eBook

The history of the Vatican stretches back thousands of years, and to know everything about this incredible micro-state would take a lifetime to learn.

With this eBook, discover the brief history of Vatican City - where it got its name, who built the basilica, where the Popes are buried and more!

Topics covered include:

• Details about the Vatican's origin , going back to the time of Ancient Rome
• The role important artists such as Michelangelo played in the creation of the Vatican as we know it today 
• How the Vatican came to be an independent city state within the boundaries of Rome

What else is included in this Brief History of Vatican City e-book?

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Skipping the line to get into the Vatican Museums

This may be the number 1 question I get about visiting Rome - How to skip the line for the Vatican Museums?

It's quite simple:

• You can pre-purchase tickets to the Vatican Museums through the Vatican's website . This means that you will not have to stand in the line waiting to buy tickets. You will, however, have to wait in a very short line of others like you, who have pre-booked tickets and have to pick them up. (The tickets you purchase in advance are more of a voucher, and they must be converted into physical paper tickets to enter the museums.) You also still need to go through security as everyone does. So you do not entirely skip the line, but your line will be much shorter.
• You can pre-purchase tickets to the Vatican Museums through a ticket reseller . There is usually a small surcharge for this but it can be worth it due to 1) Ease of use and/or 2) the possibility of finding tickets available here when tickets are not available on the Vatican Museums' website.
• You can purchase an Omnia Pass  or Turbo Pass .  These will also get you a tour with a guide from the Vatican Museums, as above. It’s not as simple as it sounds and you will need to be careful to understand what you are getting into. Click here to go to my page about the Roma Pass and Omnia Pass  or to this page about other Rome City Passes for more details about these passes.
• You can  book a tour of the Vatican Museums , either with a tour company or with the Vatican Museums themselves.  Your entry tickets are included in the tour, so you only have to go through the security line.
• If you book a visit to the Vatican Gardens , skip-the-line tickets to the Vatican Museums are included!
• I do not recommend this at all, but if you have not booked tickets, and they are sold out online, and you find yourself arriving at the Vatican Museums, you will ALWAYS find touts selling you a skip-the-line ticket or tour. I don't recommend it because you cannot be sure they are legit, and if they are, you have no idea what kind of tour you are getting. I also just can't stand, in principle, to be so bombarded by these guys every time I am within a mile of Vatican City. But it can be a good option if it's your last recourse and the lines are crazy long. Just be aware that  only licensed tour guides may give tours inside Vatican City .

Visiting the Vatican Museums with a Guide

Most Vatican City tourism consists primarily of a visit inside the Vatican Museums, which always includes  the Sistine Chapel .

Some tours also include a visit or even a tour inside Saint Peter's Basilica.

You may expect a guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Basilica to last roughly three hours total.

To find out about the many different kinds of tours you can book, visit my page about Vatican Museum Tours , which breaks down your options between group tours, early access tours, semi-private tours and more.

Can you just see the Sistine Chapel?

No, you cannot just see the Sistine Chapel .

To see the Sistine Chapel , you must go through the entire Vatican Museums, which can take at least 2 hours if you tour it and see the highlights .

The Sistine Chapel is at the very end. 

That said, if you are interested in an "Express Tour" of the Sistine Chapel, you can book this tour that skips the line then beelines to the Sistine Chapel and finishes in Saint Peter's Basilica .

This tour is only 1 hour and 45 minutes and does not include a tour of the rest of the Vatican Museums.

You do still have to walk through them, but the focus of the tour will be the Sistine Chapel and Saint Peter's Basilica.

(If you are really pressed for time, you could peel off once you get to the basilica and just not finish the tour.)

is it worth taking the time to explore the museums?

I really do believe that visiting the Vatican museums  is absolutely worth doing in its entirety, even if you really only wanted to see the Sistine Chapel.

The  rest of the museums   are truly wonderful.

You have the Raphael rooms, the maps gallery, the floor-to-ceiling tapestries, papal apartments, Etruscan art, and  so much more.

Click here to visit my page about the top 10 Vatican Museums must-sees.

I highly suggest  taking a tour  to visit the museums. 

They will take care of getting your tickets.

But if you go your own without a tour, you could get the audio guide, or follow my instructions here for the best way to visit the Vatican Museums .

And you will have to book your tickets on your own .

If you are heading to the Vatican in the morning, as I said above, I suggest you visit Saint Peter’s Basilica first, and the museums later, because the queues for Saint Peter's Basilica have gotten so long (sometimes it's a 1-2 hour wait to get in!)

If you decide to go to the Vatican Museums first, just make sure to leave enough time to stand in line to visit Saint Peter's so that you get inside while there is still some daylight, so you can enjoy the sun coming through all the stained glass.

Here's a great Vatican Highlights Tour with St. Peter’s Dome Climb

Can you see the Sistine Chapel without the crowds?

Perhaps the easiest way to see the Sistine Chapel with fewer crowds is to come in really low season .

But we hardly have a low season anymore in Rome, and even when we do, somehow the Vatican is always still crowded.

So how can you see the Sistine Chapel without the crowds?

It is possible!

With the below tours, you will have a VIP, exclusive experience, and you'll get to enjoy the Sistine Chapel almost alone :

Open the Vatican Museums with the Key Master

On this exclusive tour with Walks of Italy , you will have true VIP access to the Vatican museums - literally accompanying the guard who opens all the doors to get the museums ready for visits.

You will accompany the Vatican Museums Key Master as you walk through the museums, turning on the lights, even inside the Sistine Chapel!

Watch my video to see what it's like:

How to plan all your Vatican trips during your stay

The typical way of visiting the Vatican is to spend half a day seeing the  Vatican Museums  and  Saint Peter's Basilica .

These are both easy to fit into a typical  3-day visit to Rome .

The perfect 3-day itinerary in Rome

Trying to figure out how to organize your visit to Rome? I've got the perfect 3-day itinerary for first-time visitors (or those who have not been here in a while.) It works for a 2.5 day visit as well.

In my 3-day itinerary, you'll see all the major must-see Rome attractions like the Vatican , Colosseum , Trevi Fountain , Pantheon , Piazza Navona , Spanish Steps , Castel Sant'Angelo , and much more.

And if you have more time, or want suggestions for extra/other things to do, you'll find that there too.

Visit my page with the best 3-day itinerary in Rome for first-timers .

I have found that often when people can get tickets to special things at the Vatican, like St Peters tomb (the Vatican Necropolis, or scavi ), the Papal Audience , or the Vatican Gardens , they often want to also visit the Vatican Museums on the same day.

Here's my advice for visiting Vatican City when you want to see more than just the Vatican Museums:

Including the Papal Audience

How to visit the vatican museums and attend the papal audience.

Papal Audience tickets  are not difficult to come by, and since it's "in the morning", many visitors assume it would be a good idea to go to the Vatican Museums right after the audience.

I don't agree.

If you are really short on time, then, you CAN go to the Vatican Museums after the Papal Audience.

It's just that this is going to make for a pretty exhausting day.

To go to the Papal audience, you need to get there by 8am to get a decent spot, let alone a seat.

The audience begins around 9:30 AM and finishes around noon.

You'll probably want to grab at least a snack or lunch somewhere in there .

This means going inside the museums from about 2 PM once you have made your way to the Vatican Museum entrance.

If you also visit St. Peter's Basilica after the museums (which is typical), that is a 3-4 hour visit.

And a very long day. (Also, if you want to climb the dome , you likely won't get there in time.)

My suggestion?

If you can break these visits up over two days, I would.

Attend the Papal Audience and then go inside Saint Peter's Basilica (and climb the dome if you want.)

Then on a separate day, visit the Vatican Museums and see the Sistine Chapel.

Including a visit to the Scavi (St Peter's tomb)

How to visit the vatican museums and also take a scavi tour.

At the end of the  scavi  tour (St. Peter's tomb), you wind up inside  Saint Peter's basilica .

So you will already see that.

You could also  climb St. Peter's dome  if you have time and energy.

Visiting the Vatican Museums takes easily 2.5 - 3 hours, and that does not include the time it takes GETTING there once you leave the basilica.

If you are coming to the museums from St. Peter's basilica, you need to factor in about 15-20 minutes' walk to the Vatican museums entrance.

This is after you've already done a 1.5 hour scavi tour, and spent time walking around one of the largest churches in the world.

So as you can see, adding the Vatican Museums makes it a pretty exhausting day.

If you need to do it all in one day, make sure to book your scavi tour first, then book your museums visit with at least 4 hours between visits.

Break this up over two days.

Book the scavi tour.

You have no control over when they will grant you tickets, so if you are lucky enough to get them, you can then book other things around that. 

Plan to see St. Peter's basilica (and climb the dome) on this day.

Then, book your Vatican Museums visit for another day. 

HOW TO VISIT ST PETERS TOMB, THE VATICAN MUSEUMS (SISTINE CHAPEL), AND ATTEND THE PAPAL AUDIENCE

You are definitely going to need two days.

First book the scavi visit  which is never on a Wednesday mornings anyway (the Papal Audience is on Wednesdays.)

Plan to  visit St Peter's Basilica  after that, since you will come out into the basilica after the tour anyway.

If you want to  climb St Peter's dome , you will do it on this day.

This is a pretty long and full day by itself.

Then, once you get your  Papal Audience tickets , book your tickets or tour of the Vatican Museums for after the audience (even if I said above I discourage doing all this in one day, at least if you don't include the basilica it's a little less tiring).

This will be a very full and long day also.

Ready to plan your trip?

Including a visit to the Vatican Gardens

If you want to visit the vatican gardens and visit the scavi (st. peter's tomb).

TWO Vatican Gardens

On this page, I'm referring to the gardens inside Vatican City , i.e. directly behind Saint Peter's Basilica.

There are ALSO papal gardens at the Pope's summer residence, the Apostolic palace at Castel Gandolfo.

To learn more about the gardens at Castel Gandolfo and how to visit them (it's easy!), visit my dedicated page here.

If you are able to get tickets to St. Peter's tomb ( scavi ) and also the Vatican Gardens , congratulations!

Here's how to include visiting the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's basilica as well.

First book the scavi visit .

Then book the Vatican Gardens tour on a different day, and plan to visit the Vatican Museums right after the gardens, as it's included in your ticket price with the gardens.

Visit St. Peter's Basilica after the scavi, again, on a different day from the Gardens/Museums.

If you want to do it all - visit the Vatican Museums, vatican gardens, papal audience, scavi tour and st peter's basilica and dome

How you plan your days fitting in these visits will depend on two things  - the Papal audience , which is always Wednesday morning 10am - 12pm (although you need to get there by no later than 8am); and the time of your scavi booking (which depends on the scavi office - you cannot control this).

Once you get those two bookings, the next difficult booking to get is for the Vatican Gardens . 

So book that one around the Papal Audience and scavi tour.

Note that tours of the Vatican Gardens are at 9am or 11am.

They are also not held on the morning of the Papal Audience.

I'd suggest you spread this over 3 days.

Or, to fit this into two (intense) days, try to do the scavi tour after the Papal audience, if you can get scavi tickets for the afternoon.

Then book the Vatican Gardens, Vatican Museums , and St. Peter's Basilica on a separate day.

(And climb St. Peter's dome once you are inside St. Peter's basilica if you like.)

How to Get to Vatican City

You have several options for how to get to the Vatican.

But the most important factor to consider is what you are visiting first.

Click here to see a Google map showing where the different entrances are for the Vatican Museums, Saint Peter's Square, and the scavi entrance . It will open in a new window.

How to get to the Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums entrance is on Viale Vaticano .

If you plan to take a taxi , just tell the driver "Vatican Museums".

Visiting the Vatican Museums and arriving by Metro

Otherwise, the most common way to get there is by Metro.

Rome's metro red line A has two stops, equidistant from the entrance to the museums (about a 10-12 minute walk): Ottaviano and Cipro .

The Ottaviano metro stop is the first one you will come to if you are coming from Rome's center.

When you emerge from the metro station, you just need to follow the crowd towards Vatican City.

Once you see Michelangelo's bastions (walls), follow them to the right and you will come to the entrance of the Vatican Museums.

If you are visiting the Vatican museums from the opposite direction, or if you forget to get off at Ottaviano, or, better yet, if you want to get off at the next stop to get some fabulous pizza by the slice from Bonci's Pizzarium, then you will get off at Cipro stop. 

However, from this stop, you cannot see the same stream of people, nor can you immediately see the Vatican City walls, so you will need to navigate a little bit to find the walls.

Once you see the walls, follow them until you come to the entrance.

Visiting the Vatican Museums and Arriving by Bus

Another option for arriving at the entrance of the Vatican museums is to take a bus or buses.

Many buses will get you pretty close to the entrance of the Vatican museums.

These include the 492, 49, 23, and the 81.

How to Get to Saint Peter's Basilica and Square

The entrance to St. Peter's Basilica is on Saint Peter's Square .

This is about a 15-20 minute walk from the Vatican Museums, so if you are not visiting the Vatican Museums (or not visiting them first), and want to go directly to the basilica, you can still take the metro, but make sure to get off at Ottaviano, not Cipro.

From Ottaviano metro stop, St. Peter's Square is about a 10-15 minute walk .

Follow the crowds, but at the walls, do not make a right towards the museums, just keep going straight. 

Buses that arrive closest to St. Peter's Square include the 40 and the 64.

How to get to the Scavi/St Peter's Tomb

If you are visiting the Vatican for an appointment to see St. Peter's tomb, the fastest and easiest way to arrive is by taxi .

They can drop you right in front of the entrance where you need to go, which is at the Swiss Guard, to the left of the basilica as you face it.

If you take a bus, get the 64, as it drops you about a block away.

To take the metro , make sure to get off at Ottaviano, and give yourself about 20 minutes' walking time from there to get the the entrance of St. Peter's tomb.

Where to Eat Near the Vatican

There is no place to eat inside St Peter's Basilica or in St Peter's Square (there is a tiny snack bar on the roof of the basilica, which you can only access if you climb the dome .)

There are some cafés and fast-food options inside the Vatican Museums.

There are also fun dining options you can book, and combine with your visit to the Museums.

Otherwise, visit my page about lots of options for eating breakfast, lunch, dinner and aperitivo near the Vatican . 

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Top 9 Tips for Visiting Vatican City

These tips for visiting Vatican City will help you make the most of your visit to this historic must-see destination.

Vatican City is a must-see for all first-time visitors to Rome for many reasons.

First, it’s home to some of the most famous Renaissance sculptures and paintings in the world, not to mention the Sistine Chapel. 

Second, it’s the location of the head government of the Catholic church and the primary residence of the Pope, making it a religious destination for many Catholics the world over. 

If that’s not enough, it even holds the record as the smallest country in the world at just 109 acres.

With over 5 million visitors annually, you’ll need to plan ahead to make sure you have an enjoyable time at the Vatican. 

Here are my Top 9 Visiting the Vatican Tips to make sure you have an incredible, stress-free time. 

Some of the links in the post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links it helps to support this site at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

Top 9 Visiting the Vatican Tips

This guide to visiting Vatican City is intended to help you make the most of your first visit. The Vatican gets very busy so planning your visit in advance is always a great idea.

I’ve included a few of the most popular Vatican City tours up above in case you prefer to leave the planning to someone else.

Where is Vatican City

Vatican City is located within the city limits of Rome. It is found along the northeast side of the Tiber River about 2.5 miles from the city’s historic center and the Colosseum.

To get to the Vatican I recommend taking an Uber or public transportation. The Rome Metro Line A will take you to the walls just outside the Vatican. Take Metro Line A to Ottaviano S. Pietro.

From the train station, it’s about a 5-minute walk to the Vatican museums entrance and St. Peter’s Square. Trains run daily every few minutes. 

1. Purchase museum tickets in advance

Lines to get into the Vatican museums are almost always long. By long, I mean the wait to get in can be over 3 hours.

You can avoid all of this and head straight in by purchasing your ticket ahead of time. You can purchase your admission tickets by visiting the Vatican Museum website.

A regular priced ticket purchased online will cost about $21 Euro. Discounted tickets are available for some visitors, see the Vatican museum website for details.

This is the single most important of my tips for visiting Vatican City. If you do only one thing from this list, do this. 

2. Plan to visit in the evening

If you really want an intimate visit to the Vatican museums, consider booking a ticket for the Night Openings.

The museums are open every Friday evening from April through October between 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. There is also a concert program each Friday beginning at 8:00 p.m.

Admission to the Night Openings is about $38 Euro when purchased online. Discounted tickets are also available by visiting the Vatican museum website.

Visitors may also participate in a guided tour that includes a Happy Hour cocktail prior to the museum opening.

Tours are available for an additional charge and may also be purchased via the Vatican museum website. 

3. Dress appropriately

Appropriate dress is required to enter the Vatican museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Vatican Gardens.

You will not be permitted to enter if you do not adhere to the proper dress code. If you are wearing low cut or sleeveless clothing, shorts, mini skirts, you will be denied entry.

You will also be expected to remove your sunglasses and hats as you enter the building.  

4. Get the audio tour

I strongly recommend purchasing the audio tour if you have decided not to participate in a guided tour while visiting the Vatican museums.

There is so much history behind the many famous pieces in this museum, it’s worth having the option to hear more about what you’re looking at as you make your way through the museum.

Visitors can add the audio tour to their online booking for just $7 Euro. 

5. Bring your good camera

If ever there ever was a time to have a high-quality camera, it’s when in Rome (and Vatican City).

You’re standing among some of the most famous historical structures and art the world has ever known.

You might as well get some fantastic pictures while you’re here. It will be worth the extra effort to carry around the additional few pounds. 

6. Do some research ahead of time

Before you leave for your trip, do a little research about the art and attractions you’ll get to see while in Vatican City.

There’s so much to see in both the museums and St. Peter’s Basilica that it can be a bit overwhelming.

If you identify some things that you’ve read about beforehand, you’ll have a more engaging visit. 

Not to mention, you’ll develop a greater appreciation and understanding of the art you’ll be looking at, making your visit a lot more interesting and memorable. 

7. Eat before you arrive

The food options once inside Vatican City are pretty terrible.

There are a few cafes serving light snacks, salads, and pizzas, but you will pay a high price for visiting them.

The quality is also not great, as they are designed to make money off tourists not serve good food.

Plan to eat before you arrive. I’ve included some recommendations for restaurants near Vatican City down below.

You may also wish to bring along a refillable water bottle and some healthy snacks in case you get hungry during your visit. 

8. Take your time

I strongly encourage you to take your time during your visit and not rush through the museums once you arrive.

For many of us, a visit to Vatican City may very well be a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Give yourself plenty of time to spend inside the museums and St. Peter’s Basilica. You’re seeing some of the most famous art in the entire world, slow down and take it in.

I especially encourage you to take your time inside the Sistine Chapel. When are you ever going to have the chance to see it in person again? Enjoy the moment. 

9. Visit during the offseason

This is another one of my favorite visting the Vatican tips.

If you’re planning a visit to somewhere as popular as Vatican City, do yourself the favor of planning your visit during the offseason.

There are so many rewards for traveling in the offseason, but as far as Vatican City is concerned, you’ll have fewer, smaller crowds.

The busiest months at the Vatican are June, July, and August. The picture above of St. Peter’s Square was taken in April 2018 and was a perfect time to visit Rome and Vatican City.

The weather was great and the crowds had yet to arrive.  

When planning your visit, try to aim for January through April, or September through December.

Where to eat near Vatican City

Don’t wait until you are inside Vatican City to look for something to eat. The restaurants here are over-priced and not that good.

BUT…you’re in Italy, so great food is always nearby. Here are my recommendations for where to eat near Vatican City:

• Bonci Pizzarium: Popular pizza place serving squares by the slice. 
• Jet Lag 64 : Local cafe serving fresh salads, sandwiches, and wine. 
• Bez Roma: Fantastic full-service restaurant serving fresh salads, pasta, and more. They have a huge wine list too. 
• Bacio di Puglia : Great lunch spot serving cuisine from southern Italy. 
• 200 Gradi : Perfect spot for delicious and fresh sandwiches just a few minutes from the Vatican. They also have plenty of options for Vegans and Vegetarians.   

If you prefer to just have a light snack in the afternoon, you can always pack a piece of fruit, some nuts or a granola bar to tide you over until dinner.

Make sure you pack a bottle of water as well, you can always refill these at the water fountains inside the museum. 

Best bars near Vatican City

If you’re looking for a cocktail after a long day of touring the Vatican museums you’re in luck.

You’ve got several options for bars near Vatican City, here are some of my suggestions:

• Saxophone Pub : A cozy little pub serving beer, cocktails, and light snacks. They are located just outside the walls of Vatican City. 
• Il Sorpasso : An upscale trendy cocktail bar and restaurant just a short walk from the Vatican. 
• Fischio : Cute little neighborhood bar serving beer, wine, and cocktails with both indoor and outdoor seating. 

Hotels near Vatican City

You’ll find a variety of accommodation options near Vatican City suitable for any budget. Here is a shortlist of some of my recommended hotels near Vatican City:

• Borghetto Cavalleggeri : An affordable small apartment located within a few minutes walk to Vatican City. Rooms are clean and feature a private bathroom and small kitchenette.  
• Le Meridien Visconti Rome : This mid-range hotel features clean and modern rooms with an onsite restaurant and rooftop patio a short distance from Vatican City. 
• Gran Melia Rome: This is a 5-star luxury hotel located about a 15-minute walk from the Vatican. The hotel features well-appointed rooms, excellent onsite restaurants, and incredible service. 

If you’re looking for a unique and charming neighborhood to explore while in Rome, I think you’ll just love  Trastevere .

If you happen to be in Rome during the summer months, be sure to check out Lungo il Tevere Summer Festival along the banks of the Tiber River. 

I hope you’ve enjoyed these Top 9 Visiting the Vatican Tips and that they help you plan your visit. If you enjoyed this post, please consider sharing it. It really helps me a lot. Thanks for reading.

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Italy, including Holy See and Vatican City Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

• Packing List

After Your Trip

There are no notices currently in effect for Italy, including Holy See and Vatican City.

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Consider hepatitis A vaccination for most travelers. It is recommended for travelers who will be doing higher risk activities, such as visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where a traveler might get infected through food or water. It is recommended for travelers who plan on eating street food.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Italy. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Italy.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Dogs infected with rabies are not commonly found in Italy.

If rabies exposures occur while in Italy, rabies vaccines are typically available throughout most of the country.

Rabies pre-exposure vaccination considerations include whether travelers 1) will be performing occupational or recreational activities that increase risk for exposure to potentially rabid animals and 2) might have difficulty getting prompt access to safe post-exposure prophylaxis.

Please consult with a healthcare provider to determine whether you should receive pre-exposure vaccination before travel.

For more information, see country rabies status assessments .

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Tick-borne Encephalitis

For travelers moving or traveling to TBE-endemic areas

TBE vaccine is recommended for persons who will have extensive exposure to ticks based on their planned outdoor activities and itinerary.

TBE vaccine may be considered for persons who might engage in outdoor activities in areas ticks are likely to be found. 

Tick-borne Encephalitis - CDC Yellow Book

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil
• Avoid floodwater

Clinical Guidance

Avoid bug bites.

Leishmaniasis

• Sand fly bite
• Avoid Bug Bites

Airborne & droplet

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Italy, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the  Department of State Country Information Pages  for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Although Italy is an industrialized country, bug bites here can still spread diseases. Just as you would in the United States, try to avoid bug bites while spending time outside or in wooded areas.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Consider using permethrin-treated clothing and gear if spending a lot of time outside. Do not use permethrin directly on skin.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Italy include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip:

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in the heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if you are driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately.  Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance for things your regular insurance will not cover.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medicines you take.
• Bring copies of your prescriptions for medicine and for eye glasses and contact lenses.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Italy’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Make sure there are seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Italy, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

For information traffic safety and road conditions in Italy, see Travel and Transportation on US Department of State's country-specific information for Italy .

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Italy for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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Introducing Vatican City

About vatican city.

• Images of Vatican City
• History, language & culture
• Weather & geography
• Doing business & staying in touch

Plan your trip

• Travel to Vatican City
• Where to stay

While you’re there

• Things to see & do
• Shopping & nightlife
• Food & drink
• Getting around

Before you go

• Passport & visa
• Public Holidays
• Money & duty free

Book your flights

Vatican City travel guide

The Vatican City is the world's smallest sovereign state and is situated entirely within the city of Rome. Many visitors come for religious reasons, but you don’t have to be a Catholic to appreciate this extraordinary destination.

Famed sights include the colossal monument to Catholicism that is St Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Palace, where the Pope resides. Inside his lavish abode lies the legendary Sistine Chapel, which lays claim to the most famous ceiling in the world. Crane your head to marvel at Michelangelo’s magnum opus, The Last Judgement.

Crowds can make a visit to Vatican City a bit of a trial – it’s busy throughout the year and at most times of day – but putting up with swathes of tourists seems like a small price to pay to bask in the state’s assorted treasures. Join the queues and follow the masses through the Vatican Museums to see an astonishing collection of paintings by the likes of Raphael and Giotto in the Pinacoteca Vaticana. You’ll also find extraordinary artefacts from classical antiquity, as well as museums dedicated to older finds from the Etruscans and Egyptians.

As leader of the Papal States for more than 1,000 years until Italian Unification in the 19th century, the Vatican has a long and uneven history. But the new Argentinian pope, formerly known as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, has breathed new life into the old office since his appointment in 2013. As a result, visitors from far and wide have been flocking in ever-greater numbers to catch a glimpse of the new Roman Catholic leader and the city he lives in.

Pope Francis is known to give a general audience on Wednesdays, either in Audience Hall or St Peter’s Square. On Sundays, he usually gives a midday blessing from the window of his office, which overlooks the square.

0.44 sq km (0.17 sq miles).

801 (UN estimate 2016).

1,818.2 per sq km.

The State of the Vatican City came into existence in 1929.

Pope Francis since 2013.

Travel Advice

This travel advice also covers Vatican City.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and any specific travel advice that applies to you:  

• women travellers
• disabled travellers
• LGBT+ travellers
• solo and independent travel
• volunteering and adventure travel

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out  more about FCDO travel advice . 

Follow FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel. 

The authorities in Italy set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Italian Embassy in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Italy.

Passport validity requirements

Italy follows Schengen area rules . Your passport must:

• have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago
• have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area , which includes Italy, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel:

• as a tourist
• to visit family or friends
• to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
• for short-term studies or training

The requirements for working in Italy are different. 

If you’re travelling to other Schengen countries as well, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day visa-free limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.

If you cannot return to the UK before your visa-free limit expires, contact the nearest  local immigration office (‘questura’) (in Italian).

Make sure you get your passport stamped on entry and exit.

If you’re a visitor, border guards will look at your entry and exit stamps to check you have not overstayed the 90-day visa-free limit for the Schengen area. 

If your passport is missing a stamp, show evidence of when and where you entered or left the Schengen area (for example, boarding passes or tickets) and ask the border guards to add the date and location in your passport. 

At Italian border control, you may need to:

• show proof of your accommodation, for example, a hotel booking confirmation or proof of address for your own property 
• show proof of your travel insurance
• show a return or onward ticket 
• prove that you have enough money for your stay – the amount varies depending on your accommodation

Staying longer than 90 days in a 180-day period 

To stay longer, you must meet the Italian government’s entry requirements. Check which type of visa or work permit you need with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs . You’ll need to apply and then book an appointment .

If you’re in Italy with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.

Read about passport stamping if you live in Italy .

Italy-Slovenia land border

There are temporary border checks at Italy’s border with Slovenia. Allow extra time for crossing the land border. Be ready to show your passport or residency card if you are asked by the border police.

Registering with the authorities

You must declare your presence (‘dichiarazione di presenza’) to the local immigration authority (‘questura’) within 8 days of arriving if you’ve come from another Schengen-area country and are not staying in a hotel or bed and breakfast. The ‘questura’ will give you a form to complete.

You can get more information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Italian police force .

Accommodation for people aged 17 and under

If you’re aged 17 or under, you cannot check into hotels or holiday accommodation without an accompanying adult.

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Italy guide .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into and out of Italy . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking food into Italy

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries . There are some exceptions such as powdered baby milk, baby food and special food or pet feed required for medical reasons.

Taking money into Italy 

Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 euros or more. You will get a certified declaration to show you brought it in with you. If you do not, your money could be seized when you leave.

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad .

Terrorism in Italy

Terrorist attacks in Italy cannot be ruled out.

Events in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories

Italian authorities have increased security around some Jewish community sites due to events in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Stay aware of your surroundings, stay away from demonstrations and follow the advice of local authorities. 

Political demonstrations

Demonstrations can happen with little or no warning in cities. Avoid any protests, political gatherings or marches. 

Lost or stolen passports

If your passport is lost or stolen, you must renew your passport or apply for an emergency travel document . You cannot use a police report to leave Italy.

Crime levels are generally low but there are higher levels of petty crime, particularly bag-snatching and pickpocketing, in city centres and at major tourist attractions.  

To reduce your personal risk:

• keep sight of your belongings at all times
• beware of thieves using distraction techniques
• avoid carrying all your valuables together in handbags or pockets
• leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place such as a hotel safe

Public transport

Take care on public transport, in crowded areas and in city centres, including main stations – particularly in and around Termini station in Rome.   

Be particularly careful with your belongings:

• on trains to and from airports
• at cruise ship ports
• on the ‘Circumvesuviana’ train between Naples and Sorrento
• when unloading your baggage from trains and coaches

Theft from cars

Thefts from parked cars happen in Rome, particularly in the Colosseum area, Ostia, Milan and Pisa. Thieves also target coastal areas and towns, and motorway service stations. Avoid leaving luggage in your vehicle – even out of sight in the boot – for any length of time.   

Thieves may use a variety of methods to distract you or encourage you to stop your car, including asking for help or directions or pointing out a fictional fault with your car. 

Drink spiking and alcohol

Do not take drinks from strangers or leave your drinks unattended. Victims of spiked drinks have been robbed and sometimes assaulted. Alcohol and drugs can reduce your vigilance, making you less in control. If you drink, know your limit. Drinks served in bars in Italy are often stronger than those in the UK.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal id.

You must always be able to show some form of ID. In most cases a copy of the photo page of your passport should be enough, but you may also be asked for a second form of photo ID. The police will normally ask for your full passport if you are stopped while driving.

Public transport regulations

You must validate your tickets on public transport before you start your journey. Officials patrol public transport and will issue an on-the-spot fine of 100 to 500 euros (reduced to 50 euros if paid immediately) if you do not have a validated ticket.

Tourist tax

Many major cities in Italy impose a small tax on tourists. You must usually pay this tax at your hotel as it is unlikely to be included in your holiday booking. The rate of tax varies from city to city and can depend on the star rating of the hotel. Hotels often ask for payment in cash. Make sure you get a receipt. For more information, check with the local tourist information office.

Venice access fee

If you are visiting Venice, you may need to pay an access fee. See when access fees apply, exemptions and how to make a payment .

Public offences

Some Italian towns and cities have specific laws, and you could be fined for breaking them. For example, there may be laws against:

• dropping litter
• sitting on monument steps
• eating and drinking next to main churches, historic monuments and public buildings
• defacing historic monuments

It’s also an offence to enter or bathe in public fountains in many towns and cities, including Florence and Rome. You could face a fine of up to 10,000 euros for urinating in a public place.

On the island of Capri, you must not use or bring on to the island any disposable plastic objects such as bags, cutlery, plates, cups, food packaging, trays and straws. If you do, you could be fined up to 500 euros.

Illegal traders operate on the streets of all major Italian cities. It is illegal to buy items from unlicensed street traders. If you do, you could be stopped by the local police and fined.

It’s illegal to remove sand, shells or pebbles from coastal areas in Italy. You could face a large fine for doing so. It’s also illegal to collect various species of flowers, plants and herbs from mountain and wooded areas. For more information, check with the regional authorities of the area you’re visiting.

Winter sports

Get advice on weather and avalanche conditions before you travel and familiarise yourself with local skiing laws and regulations.

You can contact the Italian State Tourist Board for advice on safety and weather conditions before you travel.

Regulations for the ski season include:

• third-party liability insurance is a legal requirement and can be purchased locally with a ski pass
• you must wear a helmet if you are under 18
• you must not eat or drink on ski lifts or boarding areas
• you must not climb a slope with snowshoes except in an emergency
• you must not ski under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Off-piste skiing is very dangerous, with the danger of avalanches in some areas. Follow all safety instructions and go with a qualified guide. For more information about the avalanche risk, visit the European Avalanche Warning Service website.

Make sure your insurance covers off-piste activity. It is a legal requirement for skiers and snowboarders to carry tracking equipment, a snow probe and a shovel if they go off-piste.

See advice on preparing for winter sports .

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Hiking, mountaineering and other adventure sports have specific risks.

Check the company is well-established in the industry and make sure your insurance covers these activities.

For sports activities like skiing, potholing and mountaineering, and for sports classed as particularly dangerous, such as off-piste skiing, mountain biking, climbing, paragliding or BASE jumping, your insurance should include:

• mountain rescue services
• helicopter costs
• repatriation to your country of residence or transfer to neighbouring countries for treatment

Check weather forecasts and conditions and make sure you’re properly equipped for the worst-case scenario with items such as a map, compass, GPS and telecommunication equipment.

Risks are greater if you undertake any activity alone. You may want to hire a guide for expert advice. Always leave copies of your itinerary with someone.

If you are planning on hiking in the Trentino region, read what to do if  you see a brown bear .

Transport risks

Road travel.

If you are planning to drive in Italy, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC’s Italy guide . The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.

The Italian Police guide on driving in Italy gives further safety advice.

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Italy. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit ( IDP ) as well.

Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP . 

Check if you need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK .

If you’re living in Italy, or planning to live there, see the driving requirements for residents .

Only use officially licensed taxis, which have a taxi sign on the roof and a company name and number written on the side. Call a taxi, order one from an app or pick one up from an official rank.         

Transport strikes

Transport strikes are often called at short notice. You can find information on the Ministry of Transport website (in Italian).

Pedestrian safety

Traffic can be busy, fast and chaotic, especially in the larger cities. Take care when crossing roads. Pedestrians should cross roads at a crossing. You can be fined for crossing the road if you are within 100 metres of a pedestrian crossing but do not use it. Drivers do not always stop, even though they are required to. The green pedestrian crossing signal also allows cars to turn right on to the crossing, so cross with caution.

Traffic restrictions

You need a pass to drive into the historic centre of many Italian cities in a private or hire car. You can buy a pass from most car hire companies. The boundaries are usually marked with the letters ZTL in black on a yellow background. If you pass this sign, your registration number is likely to be caught on camera and you will be fined if you do not have a pass.

There is a congestion charge for Milan city centre .

In Rome, city authorities sometimes restrict traffic to reduce pollution. This means certain vehicles are not allowed on the roads in the green band (‘fascia verde’) area, which covers most of Rome. The Rome Municipality has more information.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to  extreme weather and natural hazards . For severe weather warnings, visit the European Meteorological Services website.

Wildfires are a risk during the extended summer months. They are highly dangerous and unpredictable. Check the latest alerts and weather forecast and follow advice of local authorities if you’re considering travelling to affected areas. Take care when visiting or driving through woodland areas and report fires to the emergency services.

For information on what to do in the event of a wildfire, visit the Civil Protection Department .

Heavy rainfall is common throughout Italy in winter, which can cause local flooding. Monitor local media, weather reports and follow the advice of local authorities in affected areas.

High waters are a common occurrence in Venice and can cause flooding in parts of the city.

Earthquakes

Many parts of Italy lie on a major seismic fault line, which means that minor tremors and earthquakes happen regularly. Learn more about what to do before, during, and after an earthquake .

There are several active volcanoes in southern Italy . National emergency planning has been updated for Vesuvius  as well as the Phlegraean fields , an area that remains active and which has experienced tremors in 2024.

Read what to do in the event of a volcanic eruption and follow the instructions of the local authorities.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 118 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Italy
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in Italy , including:

• biting insects and ticks

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Italy, including the Alps and the Dolomites. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro .

Healthcare in Italy

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Italy where some staff will speak English.

Health insurance cards

To get medically necessary state healthcare in Italy, you need a Global Health Insurance Card ( GHIC ) or a European Health Insurance Card ( EHIC ).

The NHS’s getting healthcare abroad has details about:

• how to apply for a GHIC
• how to get temporary cover if you lose your card or it does not arrive in time
• who qualifies for a new EHIC instead of a GHIC
• what treatment counts as medically necessary

A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. You may have costs your GHIC or EHIC does not cover, including: 

• changes to travel and accommodation bookings
• additional standard costs for treatment
• medical repatriation to the UK
• treatment that is ruled non-urgent
• private healthcare
• private clinics

See guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Italy .

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro .

You will need to go to a pharmacy to get most over-the-counter medicines. Pharmacies are widely available and are usually identified by a green cross. UK prescriptions are not accepted, though you may be able to buy an equivalent medication from the pharmacy.

Alternatively, you can visit an Italian GP to obtain a local prescription. Prescription medicines are not free in Italy, but with an EHIC or GHIC , and an Italian prescription, you will pay a reduced rate.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health . There is also guidance on TravelHealthPro .

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Italy

Ambulance: 118

Police: 112

European emergency app

You can also download the 112 Where Are U app , the official European emergency number app. It is only available in some parts of Italy.

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans , including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers , funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Italy
• dealing with a death in Italy
• being arrested in Italy
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you are affected by a crisis , such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

You can also contact FCDO online .

Help abroad in an emergency

If you’re in Italy and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British Embassy in Rome or the Consulate General in Milan . 

FCDO in London

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Italy on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

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Vatican City Travel Guide

What to See and Do in Vatican City

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre 

Vatican City, also called the Holy See, is a tiny sovereign independent state. Vatican City is only .44 sq. km. and has a population of less than 1000. Vatican City gained independence from Italy on February 11, 1929. Over five million people visit Vatican City each year.

The Holy See is the seat of the Catholic religion and home of the Pope since 1378. The pope lives in the papal apartments in the Vatican, and the church of the Pope, St. Peter's Basilica, is in Vatican City.

Vatican City Location

Vatican City is surrounded by Rome. Visitors enter Vatican City through St. Peter's Square. The best way to walk to Vatican City from historic Rome is over the Ponte St. Angelo bridge. Across the bridge, one arrives at Castel St. Angelo, just outside Vatican City. Castel St. Angelo has a connecting passage to the Vatican once used by fleeing popes.

Where to Stay Near Vatican City

If you plan to spend much time visiting the attractions in Vatican City, it might be convenient to stay in a hotel or bed and breakfast near the Vatican. Here are Top Places to Stay in Vatican City.

Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums is the largest museum complex in the world with over 1400 rooms. The Vatican Museums Complex includes the museum, galleries with 3,000 years of art, the Sistine Chapel, and parts of the papal palace. There is an astonishing amount of art, including a room of works by Raphael. The Pinacoteca Vaticana is probably Rome's best picture gallery with many Renaissance works. One of the most impressive halls is the Hall of Maps, with murals of old maps of the papal lands.

Visiting the Vatican Museums

At the Vatican Museums, you choose from four different itineraries all ending with the Sistine Chapel. Because of the vastness of the museum, it's wise to take a Vatican Museums guided tour . Visitors with guided tour reservations or who book tickets in advance enter without waiting in line. The museums are closed Sundays and holidays, except for the last Sunday of the month when they're free. Here is Vatican Museums Visiting and Ticket Booking Information . Select Italy also sells Skip the Line Vatican Museums Tickets that you can buy online in US dollars.

Sistine Chapel

The Sistine Chapel was built from 1473-1481 as both the pope's private chapel and the venue for the election of the new pope by the cardinals. Michelangelo painted the famous ceiling frescoes, with the central scenes depicting creation and the story of Noah, and decorated the altar wall. Biblical scenes on the walls were created by several famous artists, including Perugino and Botticelli. See Sistine Chapel Visiting Information, Art, and History .

Saint Peter's Square and Basilica

Saint Peter's Basilica, built on the site of a church covering Peter's tomb, is one of the largest churches in the world. Entrance to the church is free, but visitors must be properly dressed, with no bare knees or shoulders. Saint Peter's Basilica is open daily, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. (until 6 p.m. October-March). Masses, in Italian, are held all day on Sundays.

Saint Peter's Basilica sits on Saint Peter's Square , a top religious and tourist destination. Many important art works, including Michelangelo's famous Pieta , are in the church. You can also visit the Pope's tombs. 

Vatican City Transportation and Tourist Information

Vatican City Tourist Information is on the left side of St. Peter's Square and has good information and a small shop selling maps, guides, souvenirs, and jewelry. Tourist information is open Monday-Saturday, 8:30 a.m.- 6:30 p.m..

The closest Metro stop to the museum entrance is Cipro-Musei Vaticani near Piazza Santa Maria delle Grazie, where there is also a parking garage. Bus 49 stops near the entrance, and tram 19 also stops nearby. A number of buses go close to Vatican City (see links below).

The Swiss Guard

The Swiss Guard have guarded Vatican City since 1506. Today, they still dress in the traditional Swiss Guard costume. Guard recruits must be Roman Catholic Swiss nationals, between 19 and 30 years of age, single, high school graduates and at least 174 cm tall. They must have also completed Swiss military service.

Castel Sant Angelo

Castel Sant Angelo, on the Tiber River, was built as a tomb for Emperor Hadrian in the second century. In the Middle Ages, it was used as a fortress until it became a papal residence in the 14th century. It was built over the Roman walls and has an underground passageway to the Vatican. You can visit Castel Sant Angelo, and, in the summer, concerts and special programs are held there. It's also a pedestrian area, so it's a good place for strolling and enjoying the river. See Castel Sant Angelo Visitor Guide

Special Visits and Useful Links

• The Pope : The Pope holds Wednesday General Audiences with the Holy Father at 10:30 a.m. but you must have a ticket (which is free) to attend. See how to request tickets for a Papal Audience or you can reserve tickets for the Papal Audience for a booking fee and transportation from your hotel through Select Italy. On Sundays at noon, the Pope usually delivers a blessing from his window for people gathered in St. Peter's Square. The Pope also presides over special services and Masses, some of which also require a ticket.
• Vatican Gardens : 23 hectares of beautiful gardens with a small villa and medieval fortifications separate the Vatican from Rome on the north and west sides. Guided tours of the gardens are available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays by sending a request to [email protected]
• Underground Vatican : You can visit the Tomb of St. Peter and the Vatican excavations on a guided visit by reservation only. 
• St. Peter's Dome : St. Peter's spectacular dome can be visited for a fee, 8:00 a.m.-5:45 p.m. (4:45 p.m., October-March). Entrance is from the right side of the Basilica's porch.
• Guided Tours : Although I'm not a big fan of guided tours, I was very happy to have one at the Vatican. The Vatican Museum is huge and crowded, so having someone knowledgeable to direct me and tell me interesting information about the Museum and its displays, the Sistine Chapel, and Saint Peter's Basilica was very useful and made my visit more enjoyable. I took a tour with Miles&Miles . Select Italy offers a Raphael and Michelangelo Tour that includes the Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Raphael Rooms of Pope Julius II. The best way to see the Museums and Sistine Chapel without the huge crowds is to take a Before or After Hours Guided Tour .

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How to Visit Saint Peter's Basilica in Vatican City

How to Visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel in Rome

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The 25 Top Attractions in Rome, Italy

Where to See Michelangelo's Art in Rome

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The 14 Best Day Trips from Rome

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Castel Sant Angelo in Rome, Italy

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Angels and Demons Top Sites in Rome and the Vatican

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Art & Culture Travel Blog

Vatican travel guide: what to see in vatican city.

• Tea Gudek Šnajdar

Vatican Travel Guide: What to see in Vatican City blog post was first published on February 28th 2017, and updated on July 23rd 2021.

Vatican City is home to some of the most impressive art pieces in the world. From Michelangelo’s Pieta to Rafael’s frescoes, they are all there. It’s impossible to see all those artworks in a day, so when visiting Vatican City, proper planning is crucial! To help you decide what to see in Vatican City, we created this Vatican Travel Guide with some of our best tips.

What to see in Vatican City

The Vatican may be one of the world’s smallest countries, but there is just so much to see there. From the well-known sites such as Sistine Chapel to some exciting things outside the most popular places. However, to really enjoy in your visit to the Vatican, it’s good to make a list of things to see in Vatican City before your visit.

To help you decide on what to see in Vatican City, here is the Vatican Travel Guide itinerary with some of the places you shouldn’t miss while in the Vatican.

⤷ Read more : My Travel Diary – Four days in Rome

How to get to Vatican City

When spending some time in Rome, a visit to Vatican City is a must. It’s an independent state located within the city. Placed in the heart of Rome, you can easily access it on foot or by using the RED metro line and exit at Cipro – Musei Vaticani station.

⤷ Read more : Quick Verona Guide

The Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums is one of the top museums in the world and a place any art lover and culture tourist should visit at least once. It was founded in the early 16th century by Pope Julius II. Since then, it’s displaying art collections gathered by popes.

Today, the Vatican Museums is home to one of the world’s largest and best art collections. The most remarkable exhibits are in selection of the old Roman art, which consists of primarily sculptures and mosaics. Some of the most famous exhibits are Apollo Belvedere, Laocoön and his sons and Belvedere Torso.

Ancient mosaics, now incorporated into the museum floor, are also something worth seeing. Besides them, ceiling decoration and its optical illusions are amazing.

Other fantastic artworks at the Vatican Museums are the Renaissance wall paintings in the private pope’s chambers, known as Rafael’s Rooms.

During the Renaissance, some of the most famous masters created wall paintings in the popes’ chambers. One of the first-night scenes ever was painted in one of them. It’s Raphael’s ‘Deliverance by Saint Peter’, made in 1514. However, with all of its symbolism and portraits of contemporary artists, my personal favourite was ‘The School of Athens’.

⤷ Read More : 15 Best museums in Europe

⤷ TIP : The biggest advice when visiting the Vatican Museums is to buy your entrance tickets in advance. Even with them, you are still going to queue for some time at the security check. I wouldn’t advise you to bring large bags or umbrellas because you will need to pick them up at the museum entrance. And it’s pretty far away from the place where you’ll finish your visit.

We visited the Vatican Museums on a small group tour in the Vatican , and our guide took care of the tickets for us. Many travel companies are organising the tours around the Vatican. We went with Angel Tours and were really happy with the tour and our guide. So, I would highly recommend them.

Sistine Chapel

When wandering about what to see in Vatican City, the Sistine Chapel should definitely take place on your list. Sistine Chapel is where the pope election is taking place.

However, today it’s best known for the unique wall paintings Michelangelo Buonarroti made there in the early 16th century. It’s fascinating to see the place a famous Rennaissance painter was so passionate about. He worked there day and night, all alone for eight years. It was a massive project during which he painted the whole ceiling and one of the walls.

It is even more impressive when you know he worked in a fresco technique. That means he was painting on the wet mortar and had to paint very quickly.

It’s not allowed to take photos inside the Sistine Chapel. That’s quite nice because you won’t be distracted by your camera, so you can genuinely enjoy the beauty of this place.

⤷ TIP : Get your skip-the-line tickets for Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel on a link here .

Saint Peter’s Basilica

Saint Peter’s Basilica is the largest and probably the most important church in the world. Some of the most significant architects of the Renaissance and Baroque time worked on it, making it one of the most beautiful buildings in the world.

Every single detail in it was well planned. It’s filled with so many famous art pieces, like Michelangelo’s Pieta or Bernini’s Baldacchino. All of the large images inside it are not paintings but rather mosaics, making colours appear brighter and more beautiful.

⤷ Read more : The most interesting European myths and legends

Saint Peter’s Square

Saint Peter’s Square, as it looks today, was designed in the late 17th century. It’s famous for its beautiful colonnades and a huge Egyptian obelisk in the middle of it. It’s also a place with a great view of Saint Peter’s Basilica and a central part of Vatican City.

You can see some of its famous Swiss guards there dressed in their recognisable uniforms, as well.

On the left-hand side of the Basilica’s entrance is the Vatican Post Office. Here you can send your postcards with a Vatican stamp on them or buy some of the official Vatican postcards, stamps and coins.

⤷ Read more : Three days at Lake Como

The Vatican is a place with a fascinating history. From the good and bad popes, fighting for the throne between the wealthy Roman families, commissioning the art from the best artists of their time, and thus securing the popes’ social statues.

A visit to Vatican City could be overwhelming. But, if you prepare thoroughly, decide what to see in Vatican City in advance and book a guide, it should be a wonderful experience!

This post contains affiliate links.

Cover photo by Alejandro Esposito on Unsplash

Italy , Museums , Vatican

Things to do in Vatican City, a complete guide

The Vatican is the smallest state in the World and it is an unmissable stop on any trip to Rome. It is worth a full day of sightseeing, thanks to its great spiritual value and its richness of works of art by many worldwide famous artists.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means that should you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission.

Table of Contents

12 Things to do in Vatican City

1. admire the majesty of st. peter’s square.

One of the first things you’ll see in Vatican City is this huge square that can host more than 300.000 people on special occasions (ex: Jubilees, Pope’s blessings, Masses, etc.). This square was designed by Bernini in 1667 and its main feature is its imposing colonnade. In the middle of the square, you’ll also see an Egyptian obelisk and the so-called “ twin fountains ”. These fountains only look the same, because they were designed by two different artists (Bernini and Maderno) in different years (1677 and 1614).

2. Visit St. Peter’s Basilica

It is the Pope’s church and the most important religious place for Christians. It was inaugurated in 1626 and several famous artists worked here (Bramante, Bernini, Michelangelo, and Maderno).

What are the main points of interest inside the basilica?

• The Dome : it was designed by Michelangelo and built by Giacomo della Porta and Domenico Fontana. Its steep climb is surely worth the effort because it will offer you a 360° view of Rome. Opening hours: from 7.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (6 p.m. in summer). Cost: 8 euro
• La Pietà : it is one of the most appreciated Italian sculptures of all time. Michelangelo conceived it when he was a young artist of about 24 years old and the legend says that it took him 9 months only to choose the right block of marble. This important work was commissioned to him to celebrate the Jubilee in 1500. You can see it in the first chapel on the right of the main entrance.
• Tomb of Giovanni Paolo II : it is a pilgrimage destination for Christians from all over the world and you can see it in the second chapel on the right of the main entrance.

• Holy Door: it is the fifth door on the right. It is only opened during the Jubilees (once in 25 years) and it can only be opened and closed by the Pope himself.
• Bernini’s Baldachin : it was made in 1633 and it is a Baroque masterpiece. You can see it right in the middle of the basilica, under the dome. Its main feature is its soft and light look reminding of a subtle tissue despite being made of marble.
• Statue of S. Peter : it dates back to the XIII century and the artist is unknown. This bronze statue represents S. Peter holding the church’s keys and blessing the crowd. Pilgrims are used to touching his right foot out of devotion and you can see it’s now almost entirely worn out!

To fully enjoy your visit and skip the line at the entrance you can join this guided tour.

Address: St. Peters’ Square. Opening hours: from 7 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. (7 p.m. in summer). Cost: free. 

3. Visit the Museum of the Treasure

A collection of precious sacred objects. Opening hours: from 9 a.m. to 5.15 p.m. (6.15 in summer). Cost: 8 euro.

4. Explore the underground to reach the Sacred Grottoes

They are right under the central nave of the Basilica and they house the tombs of the Popes. The most famous one is the tomb of Bonifacio VIII with the beautiful statue by Arnolfo di Cambio. Opening hours: from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cost: free.

5. Walk along Via della Conciliazione

It is a large street connecting S. Angelo Castle to St. Peter’s Square. This is also the border dividing Italy from the Vatican State. The border is symbolized by a line made in travertine marble.

6. Spend half a day wandering through the Vatican Museums

Together with St. Peter’s Basilica, they are the main reason why tourists from all over the world visit the Vatican State. The first part of this huge museum dates back to 1503 when Pope Giulio II offered his private collection to the city.

What to see?

• Sistine Chapel : it is the main attraction of the museum and it is famous for its frescoes and for being the room where the Pope’s election takes place. It takes its name from Pope Sisto IV that built it in 1481. Michelangelo took 4 years to paint it!
• Raffaello’s Rooms : these rooms were decorated by Raffaello. Their names are Constantine’s Room, Eliodoro’s Room, Signature’s Room and Fire’s Room.

• Pinecone’s Yard: it takes its name from a huge bronze pinecone located in a niche. It is really ancient and it was found in Agrippa’s baths. Another famous statue you can see here is “The Sphere” by Arnaldo Pomodoro.
• Apartment of Pio V: it is famous for the frescoes by Vasari.
• Gallery of the Geographic Maps: it is entirely decorated with frescoes representing geographic maps. It is also interesting to learn how geography was conceived in the Renaissance period.
• Apartment of Pope Borgia: Alessandro VI Borgia was one of the most controversial Popes in Italian history because of his declared nepotism and its many intrigues. His apartment was decorated by Pinturicchio.

The best way to enjoy the Vatican if you don’t have much time is by this Pristine Sistine, early entrance small group Vatican tour  by the Walks of Italy. The reason I like this tour is that you get inside the Vatican one hour before it opens, the group is up to 14 people and you get to see the Vatican in under 4 hours.

7. Have a walk in the Vatican Gardens

This beautiful park of 32 hectares dates back to the XVI century when Pope Niccolò III planted an orchard and a grassland. In the XVI century, Pope Giulio II asked Bramante to design a Renaissance garden with a maze, fountains, statues, and belvedere. Today you can only visit the gardens by joining a guided tour. Address: via Paolo VI 29. Opening hours: from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on Wednesday and Sunday. Cost: 33 euro ( guided tour lasting 2 hours ). 

8. Discover the Vatican Necropolis

This is another important place for Christians because St. Peter is buried here. This necropolis is located underground, far below St. Peter’s church, where an ancient cemetery was discovered. You can join a guided tour to visit St. Peter’s basilica and the necropolis below at the same time . Opening hours: from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday until 5 p.m. Closed on Sunday. Cost: 12 euros. 

9. Get the Pope’s blessing

The building overlooking the colonnade in St. Peter’s Square is called Palazzo Apostolico and it is where the Pope lives and speaks to the crowd. He speaks from the window of his private office. To see him, you shall go there on Sunday at midday.

10. Visit the church of St. Anne of the Grooms

Grooms were the court attendants during the Middle Ages and St. Anne was their patroness. This nice church dates back to the XVI century and it is located on the border separating Italy from the Vatican State, right close to Porta S. Anna (one of the entrances to the Vatican). Address: via S. Anna Opening hours: from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost: free. 

11. Watch the Swiss Guards

They belong to the Pope’s army, which was established in 1506. They protect the Vatican State and they are the Pope’s bodyguards. On official occasions, they still wear the traditional Renaissance costume and they bring a halberd and a helmet. During ordinary days, they are dressed like modern bodyguards. Only Swiss citizens are allowed to enroll as Swiss Guards.

12. Visit the church of St. Stephen of the Abyssinians

It is located behind St. Peter’s basilica and it dates back to the V century A.C. It takes its name from a former convent dedicated to host Copt monks (mainly from Egypt). Its most important features are its decorated portal and the remains of the medieval church.

Tip: Visiting there is an essential Rome experience, and it will be quite overwhelming! Before anything, you should know that the queues are huge.  No matter how much you think you can wait, you can’t. The queues go on for seemingly forever, so I recommend a   skip a line tour   or an early entry small group tour . Both times I’ve been there were with the skip the line guided tour, and it added to the overall comfort and convenience of my entire visit there. If you’re not really into tours, you can wander on your own and skip the lines.

How to get to Vatican City?

The fastest way to get there is catching the subway (line A). There are no stops inside the Vatican State, but the nearest ones are Ottaviano (500m from the main entrance of the Vatican Museums) and Cipro.

How to see the Pope?

• Papal Audience: it takes place every Wednesday at 9.30 a.m. in Paolo VI Room (Palazzo Apostolico). The Pope receives a group of people that booked in advance. When the group is particularly large, the audience takes place in the church, while if the group is really huge, it takes place in the square. How to book: fill in the form you can download here http://www.vatican.va/various/prefettura/it/biglietti_it.html and send it by fax to the Papal Household. It is free, but you need to get a ticket that will allow you to enter. That’s the schedule of the next audiences: http://www.vatican.va/various/prefettura/it/udienze_it.html . Remember that waiting lists are really long (up to 3 months!) and plan your trip accordingly.

• Mass : in order to attend a Mass celebrated by the Pope you must get a ticket (because of the high demand). The procedure is the same as for the audiences. Schedule of the next Masses: http://www.vatican.va/various/prefettura/index_it.html
• Angelus : it is a special prayer that the Pope says from his window at Palazzo Apostolico. Every Sunday at midday he gives a speech about a special topic, he says the Angelus and gives his blessing to the crowd gathered in St. Peter’s Square. If you want to assist, go there at least 2 hours before in order to have the time to go through the security checks.

Practical tips for visiting Vatican City

• Accommodation : while there are no hotels in Vatican City, you can choose to stay in the Prati district. It is right on the border and it is a nice and quiet neighborhood. If you specifically visit Rome in order to see the Pope as a religious pilgrimage, you can also stay at some convents run by local nuns (ex: casamissionariepallottine.it , casapreziosissimosangue.it or www.casaperferiecristore.org ).

• Security checks : Vatican City is one of the most controlled areas in the world and you have to be prepared to go through several security checks when moving around. Keep in mind that large bags, backpacks, and umbrellas are not allowed inside the Vatican Museums (there is a wardrobe where you can leave them) and that metal objects shall be removed in order to pass the metal detector.
• Clothing : plunging necklines, mini-skirts, shorts and singlets are not allowed. Both men and women shall remove their hats while entering a church.
• Bring some water with you : if you plan to see the Pope in St. Peter’s Square don’t forget to bring some water with you, especially in summer. Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also a good idea if you have to wait long hours under the sun.
• No pictures : remember that in the Vatican Museums you cannot take pictures using flash, because it would damage the works of art. Photos and videos are strictly forbidden in the Sistine Chapel.
• Buy your tickets online : it is always best to purchase your tickets online and in advance so that you can skip the lines and save some precious time for more visits!

• Avoid Easter week : it is the worst time of the year to visit Vatican City because of the crowds of religious people and ordinary tourists that gather there to celebrate Easter.
• Get up early : if you visit Vatican City early in the morning, you’ll enjoy a relatively calmer atmosphere allowing you to wander around at your own pace.
• Enjoy the Vatican Museums for free: the last Sunday of each month the entrance is free!
• Beware of the nearest bars and cafés : the closest they are to the Vatican borders the more expensive they become. It is best to eat in the Prati district and avoid the overpriced venues located right on the borders.
• A special idea to spend Christmas Day in Rome : a guided tour of the city and the Christmas blessing of the Pope! 

You might also like:

• How to spend 5 days in Rome.
• Where to stay in Rome, by a local.
• How to spend 10 days in Italy.
• How to spend a weekend in Rome.

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1 Day In Vatican City: The Perfect Vatican City Itinerary

Looking for the perfect Vatican City itinerary? Vatican, Vatican City, or Vatican City State (in Latin, Vaticanus, Civitas Vaticana, or Status Civitatis Vaticanae; and in Italian, Vatican, Città del Vaticano, or Stato della Città del Vaticano) is a sovereign city-state situated in Rome . Besides, it’s the smallest country in the world, with around 44 hectares of territory!

Although Vatican City only declared its independence on February 11th, 1929, its foundation dates back to the Roman Empire, when the Apostle Saint Peter was crucified on Vatican Hill. And, since then, this place became the biggest and most important sanctuary of the Catholic Church!

Nowadays, the perfect Vatican City itinerary includes visiting one of the most complete and valuable art collections in history, strolling through a square that is one of the world’s main pilgrimage centers, and entering one of the most famous religious temples of all!

So, do you want to know more about 1 Day In Vatican City: The Perfect Vatican City Itinerary? Keep reading!

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Please read my  disclosure & privacy policy  for more information.

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World Heritage

Cappella sistina, rosa dei venti, basilica di san pietro, brief history of vatican city.

As I mentioned in the introduction, the origins of Vatican City are directly related to the creation of a sanctuary dedicated to Saint Peter on Vatican Hill, whose construction began in the 4th century under the orders of Emperor Constantine I. And it was on the foundations of this paleo-Christian temple that Saint Peter’s Basilica was built.

Vatican City State was the first country in the world to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its entirety, after its inscription in 1984. For that reason, it’s predictable that the best things to do in Vatican City be of a historical, cultural, and artistic nature!

Did you know that Vatican City was part of Vatican City’s second set of inscriptions on the UNESCO World Heritage List ? This 8th session of the World Heritage Committee took place in Buenos Aires (Argentina), between October 29th and November 2nd, 1984.

Nowadays, Vatican City is the fortieth country in Europe and the one-hundred-seventh country in the world with the most UNESCO sites, tied with other twenty-five countries. It has two cultural heritage assets inscribed on the world list of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization!

Visiting Vatican City

The vast majority of tourists visit Vatican City when they’re in Rome . And depending on the location of your accommodation in the Italian capital, you may be able to reach the small enclave on foot. Nevertheless, there are several options when it comes to public transportation :

• Metro – line A (Ottaviano or Cipro stations)
• Bus – numbers 19NAV (Risorgimento/San Pietro stop); 32, 81, or 590 (Risorgimento stop); 49 (Viale Vaticano/Musei Vaticani stop); 64 (Piazza Stazione di San Pietro stop)
• Tram – number 19 (Risorgimento/San Pietro stop)
• Train – regional services operated by Trenitalia (Roma San Pietro station)

In my opinion, you need 3-5 days to explore Rome . Therefore, it’s ideal to combine a day trip to Vatican City during your stay in the Italian capital. If you don’t have a full day available, I recommend that you dedicate a morning to the Vatican Museums and the early afternoon to Saint Peter’s Square and Saint Peter’s Basilica .

Vatican City Itinerary

Musei vaticani.

The perfect Vatican City itinerary has to start with a visit to the Vatican Museums (in Latin, Musea Vaticana; in Italian, Musei Vaticani). This is because the Vatican Museums are the fifth largest museum in the world and the third-largest museum in Europe, with 43,000 m2 of exhibition space! On top of that, they’re also the eighth-most visited museum in the world and the sixth-most visited museum in Europe!

And did you know that the Vatican Museums are the second oldest museum in the world? Its origins date back to 1506 when Pope Julius II decided to expose a collection of classical sculptures to the public! With so many impressive facts, it’s normal for the Vatican Museums to be mandatory on a Vatican City itinerary!

Read my complete guide to the  Vatican Museums , a must-see tourist attraction on any Vatican City itinerary!

Stanze di Raffaello

The Raphael Rooms (in Latin, Cubicula Raphaelis; and in Italian, Stanze di Raffaello) are among the most famous masterpieces in the Vatican Museums . Situated in the Palazzo Apostolico – the official residence of the Pope – this set of rooms is decorated with frescoes painted by Raffaello Sanzio, one of the greatest masters of the High Renaissance!

The four Stanze di Raffaello are called Sala di Costantino (or Hall of Constantine), Stanza di Eliodoro (or Room of Heliodorus), Stanza della Segnatura (or Room of the Signatura) and Stanza dell’Incendio del Borgo (Room of the Fire in the Borgo). Originally, these chambers were part of the apartments of Pope Julius II.

In my opinion, the perfect Vatican City itinerary has to include a stop to admire Raphael’s iconic “The School of Athens”!

The Sistine Chapel (in Latin, Sacellum Sixtinum; and in Italian, Cappella Sistina) is one of the main reasons thousands of tourists visit the Vatican Museums every day. Also located in the Palazzo Apostolico, the Sistine Chapel owes its name to Pope Sixtus IV, responsible for the restoration work of the old Cappella Magna.

Considered Michelangelo Buonarotti’s greatest masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling is decorated with frescoes depicting episodes from the Book of Genesis, as well as figures of Prophets and Sibyls. The best-known frescoes are “The Creation of Adam” (the central panel) and “The Last Judgment” (the monumental painting on the altar wall).

WARNING: Don’t forget that it’s forbidden to film and/or photograph inside the Sistine Chapel (with or without flash)!

Piazza San Pietro

After spending the morning visiting the Vatican Museums (in particular the Raphael Rooms and the Sistine Chapel), you can stop for lunch nearby, or continue your Vatican City itinerary in Saint Peter’s Square (in Latin, Forum Sancti Petri; and in Italian, Piazza San Pietro).

Now, Saint Peter’s Square was designed in the 17th century by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, one of the most renowned Baroque architects and sculptors. Here, don’t forget to walk through the monumental Doric colonnade, which surrounds the square and which inspired the Colonnade of the Sanctuary of Fátima , in Portugal. And to contemplate the 140 statues of saints, popes, and other religious figures, which greet the pilgrims from the balustrade!

As I mentioned earlier, Saint Peter’s Square is one of the main centers of world pilgrimage, hosting hundreds of thousands of people on the most important religious holidays (such as Easter or Christmas). If you have the opportunity, attend a liturgical celebration in this elliptical square, in order to make your Vatican City itinerary even more perfect, special, and memorable!

I may not be the most religious person in the world, but seeing Pope Francis live at Palm Sunday Mass was one of the most rewarding experiences of my second visit to Rome and Vatican City!

Obelisco Vaticano

Did you know that Rome is the city with more obelisks in the world? In addition to eight obelisks from Ancient Egypt, the Italian capital inherited five obelisks from Ancient Rome and received five modern obelisks, which can still be found today!

The Vatican Obelisk (in Latin, Obeliscus Vaticanus; and in Italian, Vatican Obelisk) is 40 meters high and was brought from Alexandria by Emperor Caligula in 40 AD. It originally decorated the center of the Circus of Nero (or Circus of Caligula), the place where Saint Peter was crucified.

Made of red granite from Aswan, the Vatican Obelisk is the second tallest obelisk in Rome . However, it doesn’t have traces of hieroglyphics, unlike the other Egyptian obelisks in the city!

The Wind Rose (in Latin, Rosa Ventorum; in Italian, Rosa dei Venti) that surrounds the Vatican Obelisk in Saint Peter’s Square is the only “hidden gem” on this Vatican City itinerary. As the name suggests, it’s a diagram inspired by the compass points, which indicate the different directions of the wind. In all, there are sixteen markers made of white marble and labeled with the cardinal, collateral, and sub-collateral points.

Although it’s located in Saint Peter’s Square designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, this Wind Rose was only installed in 1852. At that time, the then Pope Pius IX also ordered the four seven-branched candelabra (which you see in the center of the square), as well as the sixty-eight granite pillars (which limit traffic in this circle) to be placed.

Saint Peter’s Basilica (in Latin, Basilica Sancti Petri; in Italian, Basilica di San Pietro) was built between the 16th and 17th centuries and had the collaboration of some of the best artists of the Renaissance and Baroque: Donato Bramante, Michelangelo Buonarroti, Raffaello Sanzio, Carlo Maderno, Gian Lorenzo Bernini…

The entrance to Saint Peter’s Basilica is free, but it’s important that you respect the strict dress code. For example, it’s forbidden to enter the temple with bare shoulders, cleavages, or above-the-knee clothing (shorts, skirts, dresses, etc.). These rules apply to both men and women, regardless of the time of year!

Read my complete guide to  Saint Peter’s Basilica , a must-see tourist attraction on any Vatican City itinerary!

Map of the Vatican City Itinerary

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Italy Travel Experts Tours and Vacations

The Best Vatican Tours To Take in 2024 and Why + Maps

Sean Finelli Last Updated: February 21, 2024

You already know that a trip to Rome is not complete without a visit to the famous country within the city: Vatican City. But there are so many different tour options, so how do you choose? It all depends on your travel interests and schedule. In this guide, you’ll discover our best Vatican tours and which one’s right for you.

Pro Tip: It’s easier to organize your trip when you have all your resources in one place. Create a browser folder and bookmark this post in your browser along with our article on the best Colosseum tours . We also have a dedicated guide to all things Vatican City where you’ll find everything you need.

All Vatican, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica Tours

All of our Vatican tours include skip-the-line tickets, local English-speaking guides, a tour of the Vatican Museums, and a visit to the Sistine Chapel. The right Vatican tour for you will depend on your interests, whether you want to see the Sistine Chapel without the crowds, and how much time you have to soak up all this beauty.

To help you find your perfect Vatican experience, here is a link bank of all our tours, followed by more in-depth descriptions and maps below.

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if a Vatican tour is worth it .

Express Vatican Tours (2 hours)

• Vatican Night Tour with Sistine Chapel
• Ultimate St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Climb

Classic Vatican Tours (2.5 – 3.5 hours)

• Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel
• Skip the Line Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica (start times throughout the day)
• Exclusive After Hours Sistine Chapel Tour with Aperitivo

Full Experience Vatican Tours and Combos (4 or more hours)

• St. Peter’s Dome Climb and Sistine Chapel Combo Tour
• Sistine Chapel, Vatican Gardens & Castel Gandolfo Day Trip
• Rome in a Day Tour Including Colosseum and Vatican Museums
• Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Vatican Highlights Combo Tour

Vatican Tickets

Skip-the-line tickets for a self-guided Vatican visit:

• Purchase skip-the-line Vatican tickets

1. Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel

Everyone knows the Vatican Museums are filled with crowds most of the day. That’s why this Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour is ideal if you want to avoid the crowds and heat. Why? It enters before the general public so you can enjoy a less-crowded time throughout your tour.

With fewer crowds and cooler temperatures inside the vast Vatican Museums, you can easily follow your guide through the Vatican’s galleries and museums. Explore the Pio-Clementino, the Gallery of Tapestries, and Raphael Rooms as your guide brings each location to life.

Of course, you’ll visit the Sistine Chapel where you’ll stand in awe under the centuries-old ceiling that has captivated travelers from around the world. Starting your day early in the Vatican is the best way to maximize your vacation.

2. Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Vatican Highlights Combo Tour

Want to see both the Vatican and the Colosseum? This combo tour gets you more bang for your buck by combining them! You’ll enjoy skip-the-line entry at both the Colosseum and the Vatican. First, dive into ancient Roman history at the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill where you’ll walk in the steps of Gladiators and Emperors.

After lunch, rejoin the tour at the Vatican to hear stories of papal intrigue and see some of the world’s most celebrated artworks by masters like Raphael and Michelangelo, and, of course, the Sistine Chapel.

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if Rome tours are worth it .

3. Private Skip the Line Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel

If you don’t have time for an early morning tour or would prefer to visit in the afternoon, then our Private Skip the Line Vatican Tour is the one for you. With multiple start times throughout the day and skip-the-line tickets, you’ll find a time that’s just right for you and get straight to exploring.

4. Rome in a Day including Colosseum and Vatican Museums

Our Rome in a Day Tour is one of our most popular tours to date. You start your day with a comprehensive tour of the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica with an English-speaking guide. Then you head to the city for a walking tour of the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and Trevi Fountain. End your day tour of Rome with a full Colosseum tour that includes the Roman Forum.

This is a great way to get the main highlights of Rome before you head out to discover it even better on your own. We provide transportation from the Vatican to the center of Rome, but this tour spends a lot of time on your feet. You’ll be ready for a delicious dinner when you’re done exploring one of the best tours of the Vatican and Rome!

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our  best Rome tours to take and why .

5. Ultimate St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Climb

Looking for the best views in Rome? We know where to go. Our Ultimate St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Climb  takes you to the top of the famous dome right as it opens and before there are any lines. Most of all, it’s before the heat of the day!

After you’ve climbed to the incredible lookout and soaked up those views, your guide will escort you into St. Peter’s Basilica for a guided tour that includes the Papal Crypts. For a quick tour of St. Peter’s and the dome, this is one of the best Vatican tours you can take.

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our  Vatican Guide for more info.

6. Exclusive After Hours Sistine Chapel with Aperitivo

Looking for that truly exclusive opportunity to enjoy the Vatican and Sistine Chapel? This might just be what you need. With a late afternoon entry to the Vatican, you’ll be led with your small group through the highlights. Then you’ll step into the Sistine Chapel along with no more than 100 other people (usually at least 2,000 during the day)!

Your guide’s stories about this magnificent ceiling will come to life as you experience quiet time in the Sistine Chapel that few ever will. Afterwards, enjoy a drink on us during your aperitivo in the Pinecone Courtyard.

Not ready to book a tour? Find out how to visit the Sistine Chapel .

7. St. Peter’s Dome Climb and Sistine Chapel Combo Tour

Want to get more bang for your buck? Book our St. Peter’s Dome Climb and Sistine Chapel Combo Tour . No matter how many times you’ve been to Rome, this is a great way to start your trip.

Enjoy views from the most scenic viewpoint at St. Peter’s Basilica before the crowds and the heat. Then follow your guide to your skip-the-line entrance at the Vatican where you’ll see the top highlights before stepping into the Sistine Chapel.

8. Vatican Night Tour with Sistine Chapel

On this guided Vatican visit, enter the Vatican Museums after hours and experience the museums with very few other people. You’ll feel like a VIP on this after-hours night tour of the Vatican. It’s the best way to really enjoy the quiet solitude in the 9 miles of museums here.

Not to mention, you’ll get to stand under the Sistine Chapel with just a handful of people around you. It’s almost as exclusive as you can get without booking a private tour. This Vatican Night Tour only runs on Fridays and Saturdays during the summer, making it a very exclusive experience.

9. Skip the Line Vatican Tickets

Want to explore the Vatican Museums at your own pace but with the benefit of skip-the-line tickets? Then reserve your own tickets with our privileged access that lets you bypass the crowds.

You’ll meet our helpful attendant near the Vatican Museums entrance, where they’ll escort you past the general line and into the reserved group entry. There you’ll go through security and be free to explore the Vatican and Sistine Chapel as long as you like.

10. Sistine Chapel, Vatican Gardens & Castel Gandolfo Day Trip

Are you visiting Rome on a Saturday during the spring or summer months? Why not make a whole day of it with our Vatican Museums, Gardens, and Castel Gandolfo Day Trip ?

With this experience, you will take a guided tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, Vatican Gardens, and a day trip by train to the Pope’s summer residence. A return train ticket and delicious lunch fit for a pope are included!

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July 5, 2019

We are currently looking at all the various tour possibilities. Do you have tours which cover one or more of the restricted hidden areas of the Vatican Museums; namely the Bramante Staircase, the Niccoline Chapel and the Cabinet of Masks? Thank You.

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ROME & VATICAN CITY: TRAVEL GUIDE with Budget Itinerary

When we were planning our European backpacking trip, we knew from the get-go that our starting point would be Paris. The French capital was a dream for both of us, and the fares going there were the lowest we found at the time. Most importantly, Yosh had been there before, which meant it would be familiar to at least one of us, making it a great place to start.

But as we continued plotting our route, it became increasingly difficult to pick our last stop. One thing we were looking for was that this city should be spectacular enough to match Paris. We wanted to end our European adventure on a high note, with a bang, so to speak. It wasn’t long until we set our eyes to the city that gave birth, for better or for worse, one of the most powerful empires the world has ever seen. When Rome was brought up, it became clear as day that this was the proverbial bang that we were looking for.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

UNDERSTANDING ROME AND VATICAN CITY

The founding of Rome, the Eternal City, is immortalized in myths. The legend begins with Rhea Silvia, a Vestal virgin, who gave birth to twins, Romulus and Remus. She claimed that the father was Mars, the god of war. The king at the time was Amulius, her uncle and usurper of her father. When he found out about the twins, he ordered them killed. But the servant who was tasked to do the job did not have the heart for it, so the twins were set adrift on the river Tiber. They were then found by a she-wolf who suckled and nurtured them. It’s a long epic story from there, but to cut it short, the brothers eventually overthrew Amulius and restored their grandfather as king.

After a series of arguments — Spoiler alert, jk, lol — Romulus ended up killing Remus. He went on to found the city and named it after him — ROME. This new city would turn out to be one of the greatest civilizations in history, conquering much of the “known world.” Its influence is still clearly evident to this day. The proof is in the calendar, among countless others.

For over two centuries, early Christians were persecuted in Rome. But during the reign of Emperor Constantine the Great, Christianity would begin to emerge as the dominant religion and would amass unprecedented power. For many periods in history, the Pope was the most influential person in Rome, at times having temporal jurisdiction, centered in the Vatican. The Catholic Church would prove to be an enduring institution. In 1929, Vatican City became an independent state.

Today, Rome is the capital of the Lazo region and of Italy as a whole. It is home to over 4.3 million residents. Tourism plays a vital role in its economy. Drawing in almost 10 million tourists a year, it is the 13th most visited city in the world and the third in Europe. Many tourists who come to Rome set foot in the Vatican too, and those who intend to visit Vatican would have no other way of access but through Rome.

Here are other things you need to know:

• Location : Rome is in Italy’s Lazio region. Coordinates: 41°53′N 12°30′E.
• Time Zone : UTC+1 (Central European Time). Rome is 7 hours behind the Philippines, Singapore or Malaysia; and 8 hours behind Japan. However, daylight saving time is in effect from the last Sunday of March until the last Sunday of October, which puts it at UTC+2, only 6 hours behind PH, SG, and MY.
• Language : Italian. Most signs have English translations.
• Currency : Euro (EUR, €). €1 is roughly USD 1.11, SGD 1.53, PHP 57.46 (as of August 2019)
• Modes of Payment : Many establishments accept credit cards, but most still prefer cash.

WHERE TO STAY IN ROME

Rome is divided into several districts, but for tourists, it would be beneficial to be familiar with these four key areas:

• Modern Center. The most prominent landmark here is the Roma Termini, the city’s central station. If you’re planning to travel to other Italian cities, this is a good base because there’s a big chance you’ll be using the train. This area also has a high concentration of hotels on both ends of the price spectrum. Attractions here include the Trevi Fountain and the Quirinal Hill.
• Old Rome. This is the center of the city during the medieval and Renaissance periods. This is where most tourist spots are located including the Pantheon, Piazza Campo de’ Fiori, and Piazza Navona. The area also has a rich selection of accommodations, but they are more expensive.
• Colosseo. This used to be the center of ancient Rome. Its map is dotted and shaded by historic sites including the Colosseum, the Palatine Hill and the Capitoline Hill.
• Vatican City. This is not a district but a completely independent state. But because the Vatican is only accessible via Rome, it is often included in Roman itineraries. If you’re most interested in the Vatican, you may opt to stay in the surrounding districts of Prati or Borgo.

IMPORTANT! Rome collects city tax from tourists , ranging from €3 for 1-star hotels to €7 for 5-star hotels per person per night. For AirBnB, it’s €3.5 per person per night. It’s often NOT included in the hotel booking and has to be settled upon arrival.

What is the Best Area to Stay in Rome?

Because Rome is a generally expensive city, many guidebooks suggest staying outside the city center. The outskirts offer lower prices and a quieter time away from hordes of tourists.

In my opinion, however, I still think that the city center — Old Rome, Modern Center, Colosseo — is still the most ideal place to stay. Yes, it is pricier, but I am the type of traveler who looks at time and energy as currency just as much as money. Staying in the city center means you don’t need to spend much time or money to get to the key tourist attractions.

In particular, I stayed in the area southwest of Roma Termini within the Modern Center. The Roma Termini is the city’s central railway station, which means it would be easy to travel to other parts of Italy from here. It also has a connected metro station, which you can take to other key spots. Or if you’re the type who enjoys walking, you can also reach the Old Rome on foot. It was a long walk, but definitely doable.

Top Budget Hotels and Guesthouses in Rome

Here are the top properties as scored by Agoda users.

• Corso Vittorio 308. Check Rates & Availability!
• A Roman Tale B&B. Check Rates & Availability!
• Vinci House. Check Rates & Availability!
• B&B Bless & B. Check Rates & Availability!
• Hotel Leone. Check Rates & Availability!

Top Rome Hostels

Here are some of the top-ranking hostels in Rome, as scored by Agoda customers.

• The Yellow. Check Rates & Availability!
• The Blue Hostel. Check Rates & Availability!
• Roma Tempus. Check Rates & Availability!
• Blu Stella. Check Rates & Availability!

Search for more Rome Hotels!

How to get to rome.

Rome has two commercial airports:

• Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport or simply Fiumicino (FCO). This is Rome’s main airport and one of the largest airports in Europe. It connects Rome to dozens of major cities around the world. Located southwest of the city center, around 40 minutes from Roma Termini.
• Ciampino–G. B. Pastine International Airport or simply Ciampino (CIA). Located southeast of the city center, around 30-40 minutes away. It serves mostly low-cost carriers like Ryanair and Wizz Air.

If you’re coming from other parts of Italy or Europe, you can also reach the city by train. The city’s central station is Roma Termini , which is not too far away from the key attractions.

MANILA TO ROME

There are no direct non-stop flights from Manila to Rome. Most airlines make a connection in another Asian city. Here’s a quick search on Skyscanner.

The cheapest flights are offered by China Eastern (connecting in Shanghai), Alitalia (connecting in Abu Dhabi, operated by Etihad), Turkish Airlines (connecting in Istanbul), and Cathay Pacific (connecting in Hong Kong).

MILAN, FLORENCE, VENICE TO ROME

If you’re on a bigger tour around Italy, you can easily reach Rome from Milan, Florence, Venice and other Italian cities by train. There are multiple trains a day.

There are two high-speed train companies in Italy: the state-owned Trenitalia and the privately owned Italo. Both use dynamic pricing (much like airlines). This means that fares are not fixed. They change over time. Hence, it is best to book in advance. If you don’t have fixed plans yet, you can book on the same day, but expect to pay more for your seat.

Usually, the fare is between €35 and €45. But you can fine fares that are as low as €14.90 if you book way in advance. If you don’t have fixed plans yet, you can book on the same day, but expect to pay more for your seat.

FIUMICINO AIRPORT TO ROME CITY CENTER

Although the Fiumicino Airport is located 31 km from the center of Rome, it is well connected to the city. You can travel to and from the airport in three ways: by train, by bus, by taxi, and by Uber.

• BY TRAIN. A train line directly links the Fiumicino Airport to the city center. After making it through Immigration/Customs and picking up your luggage, follow the signs that read STAZIONE FS. At the station, buy a PER TERMINI ticket. A Leonardo Express train leaves the airport station every 30 minutes from 6:23am until 11:23pm. Travel time: 30-40 minutes. Fare: €14 per adult.

Because taxis and Uber are expensive in Rome, let’s skip them for now. LOL.

HOW TO GET AROUND ROME

Rome is a scenic and walkable city, so the best way to travel short distances is on foot. However, make sure you’re sporting a good pair of walking shoes because the city’s terrain is pretty slope-y. We stayed near Roma Termini and we walked whenever we could, but it got really tiring at times. It added a bit of excitement to our Rome adventure, though. And we felt like we lost a few pounds after our trip. Felt like. In reality, whatever weight we lost was cancelled out by our pigging out. Haha. We ate a lot and often!

By Public Transportation

For medium and long distances, you can rely on Rome’s trusty public transportation system, which is operated by ATAC (Agenzia del Trasporto Autoferrotranviario del Comune di Roma). It is a network of various transportation modes: buses, trams, metro and trolleybuses. All you need to do is find out the nearest station to your origin and destination, and enter them to the Journey Planner on the ATAC website and it will tell you the lines you can take and the fare to settle.

Rome’s public transportation system is fully integrated, which means one ticket can be used on multiple transportation options. For example, you can use the bus and then the tram using the same ticket.

That said, tickets come in various types and costs:

• B.I.T. (Single ticket) – valid for 100 minutes. Price: €1.50.
• Roma 24H – valid for 24 hours. Price: €7.
• Roma 48H – valid for 48 hours. Price: €12.50.
• Roma 72H – valid for 72 hours, Price: €18.

The BIT (single ticket) allows unlimited bus/tram rides within the next 100 minutes. However, it allows only a SINGLE JOURNEY on metro/train (urban route).

The Roma 24H, 48H and 72H tickets allows unlimited use of the whole urban public transportation network including metro, train, bus, tram, and trolleybus. Again, only on urban routes. You cannot use it to travel to another city.

Here are more information about using Rome’s public transportation.

• The validity starts as soon as you “validate” your ticket. I’ll explain below.
• At the metro station or onboard the bus or tram, you’ll find yellow machines. These little boxes will validate your ticket. Just insert your ticket and take it back when it spits it back out.
• For BIT tickets, you need to validate the ticket at the start of your journey.
• For Roma 24H, 48H and 72H tickets, you only need to validate once, at the first time you use it.
• Spot checks are done and if you’re caught without a ticket or with a ticket that isn’t validated, you’re in for a hefty fine.
• You can purchase tickets at automatic ticket machines, staffed ticket counters at the station, or even tobacco stores and news stands.

By Hop On Hop Off Tourist Bus

If you’re a fan of sightseeing buses, you’ll be delighted to know that they’re also available in Rome. The I Love Rome Hop On and Hop Off Panorama Bus will show you around the city and take you to its most recognizable tourist spots including the following:

• Vatican City
• St. Mary Major
• Trevi Fountain
• Piazza Venetia
• Roma Termini

As usual, there is a multilingual audio guide which will give you information about each stop. The bus has a wi-fi connection too! Available in 24-hour, 48-hour, and 72-hour variants. You can get a slight discount if you purchase your ticket from Klook!

If you want to maximize your time by checking out as many attractions as you can, the ROMA PASS can give you a great deal. With this pass you can enjoy the following:

• unlimited rides on bus, tram, and metro within the city
• FREE entry to one or two museums or archaeological sites (including Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Castel Sant’Angelo)
• discounts on various museums, theaters, shops, and other attractions
• skip-the-line access to Capitoline museums and Castel Sant’Angelo

Available in 48-hour and 72-hour versions. You can book with Klook and claim at the airport or Roma Termini!

PLACES TO VISIT IN ROME

The first written record of the term “Eternal City” as reference to Rome was traced to the poet Albius Tibullus. But legend has it that ancient Romans strongly believed that no matter what happens, the mighty city of Rome will remain standing with the last of men. The Roman Empire was one of the greatest this world has ever known, but it eventually fell in the 5th century CE. Yet, even after its collapse, Rome has changed the world forever. Its imprints and influences are everywhere, so in a way, Eternal City remains a fitting nickname.

From its museums to archaeological sites, most of what modern-day Rome has to offer to tourists are historical in nature. While it is entirely possible to explore the city DIY-style, we still strongly suggest to have a guide — a human guide, an audio guide, whatever guide — that can give you loads of information about the places you’ll visit. Otherwise, there’s a chance that you might miss the insights for the sights. What looks like a random rock may have had some curious significance back in the day.

Anyway, here are some of the must-visit attractions in la Città Eterna.

Vatican City Tour

No stay in Rome is complete without spending some time in the Vatican City, the smallest country in the world. The Vatican’s history has long been entwined with Rome. Even today, the independent state is fully enclaved within the Italian capital.

Tourists may visit the Vatican museums, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel in day.

• St. Peter’s Basilica. The largest Catholic church in the world, which also showcases iconic creations like Bernini’s Baldacchino and Cathedra Petri and Michelangelo’s Pietà.
• Vatican Museums. Composed of 11 different museums, collectively home to over 20,000 historic artifacts and artistic masterpieces.
• Sistine Chapel. Don’t forget to look up and be awed by its spectacular ceiling, painted by Renaissance man Michelangelo.

Entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica is FREE, but an 8€ access fee is charged to climb to the dome.

Entrance fee for Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel is 17€. If you’ll rent an audio guide, the total fee is 24€.

The queue for these attractions are notoriously long. We saw it ourselves during our visit. Good thing we have pre-booked a skip-the-line ticket. You can also book online!

How to get to Vatican City: Take the Metro Line A and get off at Ottaviano Station. From here, the Vatican City is just a short walk away. Vatican Museums/Sistine Chapel Operating Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9am-6pm (Last entry 4pm); Last Sunday of every month, 9am-2pm Closed: Sundays, except last Sunday of every month St. Peter’s Basilica Operating Hours: Daily, 7am-6:30pm

Papal Mass and Angelus

Many Catholics travel to the Vatican to see the Pope and join the Papal audience. If this is also a big reason why you’re flying to Rome, it is important to plan your trip well. Timing is everything because the Pope doesn’t appear publicly every day.

Usually, the Pope leads the celebration on three occasions: for the General Audience, for the Angelus, and for the Papal Mass.

• General Audience. It’s not a mass. The Pope greets the crowd, delivers teachings, and leads prayer(s). This happens at St. Peter’s Square every Wednesday, usually at 9:30am. However, you are strongly advised to arrive much earlier if you want to secure a seat. Some show up three hours before. To get a seat, you need a ticket. If you fail to get a ticket, it is fine. You can still attend the event standing at the back.
• Angelus. The Pope also leads the Angelus prayer at St. Peter’s Square every Sunday at 12 noon. This is a shorter ceremony, lasting only 15 minutes. NO TICKETS needed for this.
• Papal Mass. The Pope leads the liturgical celebration, usually inside St. Peter’s Basilica. But when the number of expected attendees is too big, the mass is moved to the square outside to accommodate more faithfuls. If the mass happens inside the basilica, TICKETS ARE REQUIRED. Otherwise, you can find your spot in the standing room at the back. This doesn’t happen weekly.

IMPORTANT! Check the Papal calendar when you’re planning your trip. Occasionally, there are deviations from the weekly schedule. The Pope is not in Rome all the time. There are Wednesdays when he is not in Rome so no Audience that day. Some Sundays, he is not in town to lead the Angelus. Likewise, there are extra days of appearance added to the calendar. Check the VATICAN CALENDAR here!

HOW TO GET TICKETS: You can reserve tickets in advance by following these instructions . You can also get from the Swiss Guards at the Bronze Doors from 3pm-6pm the day before the schedule and from 7am on the day itself. But like I said before, if you’re here for the General Audience, you don’t really need tickets if you’re willing to stand.

Note that ALL TICKETS ARE FREE OF CHARGE.

Can you attend the General Audience or Angelus and tour the Vatican Museums on the same day? Yes, it’s often possible. But we recommend doing these on two separate days to avoid overloading your itinerary. You also get to dodge the big crowds that will flood into the museums that day. Instead, we suggest that you visit Castel Sant’Angelo, which is not too far away!

How to get to Vatican City: Take the Metro Line A and get off at Ottaviano Station. From here, the Vatican City is just a short walk away.

Castel Sant’Angelo

Completed in 134 CE under the rule of Emperor Hadrian, the Ponte Sant’Angelo is sometimes referred to as the Bridge of Hadrian. The bridge straddles River Tiber and connects the Old City to Castel Sant’Angelo, a massive cylindrical structure originally commissioned by the emperor as a mausoleum for him and his family. Over the years, it has been transformed numerous times into a military and papal fortress, and a prison. Today, it houses a museum.

It stands close to the Vatican City, so you might want to drop by before or after your Vatican tour.

How to get to the Vittoriano: From Roma Termini, take Bus 40 to Borgo Sant’angelo. You can also take the Metro to Lepanto Station, but it will entail a 15 or 20-minute walk. Hours open: Tuesday–Sunday, 9am–7pm. Closed: Mondays. January 1, May 1, December 25. Entrance fee: €15 adult.

Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

The Colosseo district was the heart of ancient Rome, adorned by impressive structures like the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. Although it has lost much, the Colosseum remains standing. You can still easily see why this was such an ambitious project at the time and effortlessly picture all the festivities and gladiator battles that were showcased here back in the day. Nearby is Palatine Hill, littered with important ruins of the palaces that once home to emperors.

You can purchase tickets and explore on your own. To avoid super long queues, you can book tickets in advance. Reservation fee applies.

• Ticket (Entrance to Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill): €12
• Reservation fee: €2

If you have the budget, I recommend joining a guided tour so you get to appreciate these sites better. You can also book official tours online. Here are the links:

• Entrance only (without tour)
• Entrance + Guided Tour
• Entrance + Underground Tour

For ROMA PASS holders: You don’t need to book a ticket, but you will still have to reserve and pay the reservation fee online. There is an option for Roma Pass holders when you reserve. If you want to book a tour, make sure you BOOK THE TOUR ONLY.

If you’re a fan of Klook’s services and you don’t want to deal with all these complications, you can book your ticket or guided tour with Klook instead. The guided tour covers not just the Colosseum but also the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

How to get there: Take the Metro Line B and alight at Colosseo Station. The Colosseum stands right in front of the station exit.

More formally known as Altare della Patria (Altar of the Fatherland), the Vittoriano is a massive white marble monument that commands attention. Rising majestically over Piazza Venezia, it was constructed in honor of Vittorio Emanuele II, the first king of the unified Italy. It also houses the Museo Centrale del Risorgimento, which narrates the journey to unification.

You can climb to the panorama terrace by boarding a glass lift for a splendid view.

How to get to the Vittoriano: The closest bus stop is the Piazza Venezia Station. The closest tram stop is Venezia. The closest Metro Station is the Colosseo Station, but you will have to walk around 20 minutes. However, the walk from Colosseo Station will also take you to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, so it’s best visited on the same day you’re visiting these sites. Hours open: The museum is open daily, 9:30am-5:30pm (4:30pm in winter). The elevator is open until 7:30pm. Closed: Christmas and New Year’s Day. Entrance fee: Museum and monument, FREE. Elevator to panorama terrace, €7.

Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps

Toss a coin into the fountain, and you’ll be back in Rome someday. Toss two coins, and you’ll find new love. Toss three, and wedding bells will be ringing for you. At least, that’s what the legend says.

The Trevi fountain is perhaps the most famous fountain in the world. So famous that it generates over a million euro per year just from people tossing coins into it. At the end of every day, the municipality collects all the coins to fund charity projects. So whether or not you believe in its rumored wish-granting features, the coin you toss is still going to do some good.

Just a few blocks from the Trevi Fountain is the cinematic Spanish Steps at Piazza di Spagna. Built between 1723 and 1725 to allow easier access to Trinità dei Monti Church, this picturesque staircase is one of the most popular tourist spots in the city. The romantic appeal of these 135 steps was imprinted on the global consciousness by the film “The Roman Holiday” starring Audrey Hepburn.

You can visit the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps on your own, but if you want a more insightful experience, you can join a walking tour!

How to get to Trevi Fountain: The closest metro station is Barberini Station on Line A. The closest bus stops are Tritone/Fontana di Trevi and Largo Chigi. How to get to the Spanish Steps: The closest Metro Station is Spagna Station (Line A). Admission Fee: FREE (if DIY).

Constructed almost 2000 years ago as a temple, it is one of the best preserved ancient structures in the city. It is also the final resting place for Renaissance artist Raphael, whose tomb is one of the many reasons tourists visit this site.

How to get to the Pantheon: There isn’t a Metro Station nearby. The closest are Spagna Station and Barberini Station, which are both 15-20 minutes away on foot. Hence, it’s best to visit the Pantheon (and the rest of Old Rome) on the same day you’re seeing the Trevi Fountain or the Spanish Steps. The closest bus stop is Argentina Station, near Largo di Torre Argentina. Hours open: Monday-Saturday, 9am-7:15pm; Sunday, 9am–5:45pm. Closed: When there is a mass. Also closed on some national public holidays. Admission Fee: FREE.

WHERE TO EAT CHEAP IN ROME

Rome is also famous for its heavenly cuisine. The city’s signature pasta dish is cacio e pepe , literally “cheese and pepper”. It’s pasta tossed with parmesan cheese, butter or olive oil, and crushed black pepper. Another iconic dish is carbonara, pasta with white sauce, pancetta, parmesan cheese, and egg. They even have the National Museum of Pasta or Museo Nazionale della Paste Alimentari in Italian.

Food in Rome is relatively expensive, but there are cheaper options. We’ve tried several of these budget-friendly restaurants, but these three stood out.

• Ristorante Sora Lucia. Their bestsellers are cacio e pepe (€8) and carbonara (€10). It’s a small restaurant near the Trevi Fountain. Address: Via della Panetteria, 12, 00187 Roma RM, Italy. Price Range: €10 to €50.
• La Prosciutteria Cantina Dei Papi Trevi. Cold cuts, cheeses, and a bottle of wine. Their specialty is prosciutto. They also serve bruschetta. Order one of their platters! Address: Via della Panetteria, 34/A, 00187 Roma RM, Italy Price Range: €10 to €30.
• Cantina e Cucina. We recommend their Cartoccio Scfizioso di Calamari and their Funghi pizza. Address: Via del Governo Vecchio, 87, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Street food is also very filling. You can find a panini or a slice of pizza for €6-8 only.

SAMPLE ROME ITINERARY

Below is a sample 5-day Rome and Vatican itinerary. The times here are just estimates and for sample purposes only. Actual schedules may vary so give allowance or cross check before your trip.

This itinerary also assumes the following:

• You’re arriving at Fiumicino Airport.
• You’re staying at a budget hotel near Roma Termini for €30 per person per night.
• You’re a party of 2, splitting some expenses.
• Your food allowance is €15 per lunch/dinner.
• Prices below are in euro.

Needless to say, you should also make the necessary adjustments to fit your schedule and the Papal calendar. For example, if the General Audience with the Pope coincides with your Day 4 instead of Day 3, feel free to switch them up. Similarly, if your Vatican Tour falls on a Sunday, move it because the museums and the Sistine Chapel are most likely closed.

DAY 1: TREVI FOUNTAIN & SPANISH STEPS 10:00 am – Arrival at Fiumicino Airport 11:20 am – Train to Roma Termini, €14 12:00 nn – Walk to hotel, check in 01:00 pm – Stroll toward Trevi 01:40 pm – Ristorante Sora Lucia, €15 03:00 pm – Trevi Fountain 04:30 pm – Spanish Steps 05:30 pm – Walk back to La Prosciutteria 07:00 pm – La Prosciutteria, €15 08:30 pm – Walk back to hotel

DAY 3: OPTION A – PAPAL AUDIENCE 06:00 am – Wake up call 07:00 am – Metro to Ottaviano Station, €1.50 07:30 am – Enter St. Peter’s Square 09:30 am – General Audience with the Pope 12:00 nn – Lunch, €10 01:30 pm – Castel Sant’Angelo, €15 02:30 pm – Cross the bridge to Old Rome 03:00 pm – Old Rome (Pantheon, etc.) 07:00 pm – Dinner, €15

DAY 3: OPTION B – ANGELUS WITH THE POPE 08:00 am – Wake up call 09:30 am – Metro to Ottaviano Station, €1.50 10:00 am – Enter St. Peter’s Square 12:00 nn – General Audience with the Pope 01:00 pm – Lunch, €10 02:30 pm – Castel Sant’Angelo, €15 03:30 pm – Cross the bridge to Old Rome 04:00 pm – Old Rome (Pantheon, etc.) 07:00 pm – Dinner, €15

DAY 5: DEPARTURE 06:30 am – Wake up call 08:00 am – Hotel check out 09:00 am – Train to airport 10:00 am – Flight check in 11:00 am – Lunch, €15 01:00 pm – Flight out, €14

If you follow the itinerary above, it will set you back at least €270 (USD 302, SGD 418, PHP 15750) per person excluding the airfare, accommodations, and travel taxes.

If you spend €30 per person on hotel room and pay €3.50 city tax per night, prepare to shell out €404 (USD 452, SGD 626, PHP 23570) per person, excluding airfare and travel taxes.

There are still plenty of ways to further reduce the cost! See the next section.

MORE TIPS FOR THE POOR TRAVELER

• Find a hostel that allows you to cook or heat your food. This way, you don’t have to eat out for each meal! You can hit the grocery and shop for ingredients and prepare your own.
• Avail of FREE entry to museums. Many museums throughout Rome allow free access on specific days of the month or year — usually the first Sunday of every month. The actual day varies per museum so check beforehand.
• Join FREE Walking Tours. I indicated paid tours above, but if you’re really traveling on a shoestring, you can join free walking tours instead. There are plenty of them available in Rome, most starting at Piazza Spagna or another piazza within Old Rome. The guides depend on tips though, so while it is “free,” you should still give the guide some amount if you like their service.
• Don’t dine anywhere near touristy spots. These overpriced restaurants cater primarily to unsuspecting tourists. Walk for 10 minutes or so into the deeper alleys and you’ll find small cheaper places where locals eat.
• Hungry but thrifty? Try paninis. These sandwiches cost only €5 or €6 each, but they are very filling. Pizza slices are also cheap, at €6-8 each.
• Tap and fountain water is potable. They’re safe to drink. It’s just a matter of taste for most people.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ROME

Do i need a visa to visit rome.

Italy is part of the Schengen agreement. If you’re a Philippine passport holder, you will need a Schengen Visa to visit Rome. If Italy is the only country you are going to visit or if you’re traveling to multiple countries but staying in Italy the longest, you will need to apply for a visa via the Italian Embassy.

For more information about how to get a visa from the Italian Embassy, READ: ITALIAN SCHENGEN VISA!

Is Rome safe?

Rome is generally safe. It’s easy to imagine Italy as a land of gangsters just because of the word “mafia”. Sure, there is organized crime in Italy, but they’re not directed at tourists.

What tourists should be worried about are petty crimes like pickpocketing and scams, which are quite prevalent in the Italian capital.

What scams are common in Rome?

Like other major cities in Europe, scams are very rampant in Rome. Here are some of the most common:

• Rose or bracelet scam. A random person (sometimes a child) will approach you and give you a rose or a bracelet. You’d think it’s for free, but they will charge you exorbitantly for it. Don’t accept anything from strangers, especially at touristy spots!
• Switching bills. The seller or taxi driver switches notes and claims you’re not paying enough. For example, you hand them a 50-euro bill but he will quickly replace it when you blink and tell you that you handed him only 5 euro. Because you’re not that familiar with their money and it happened so fast, you’d actually think that you made a mistake but you didn’t.
• Overcharging taxis. You know this. It happens in every other city on earth. Just insist on the meter and keep an eye on it.
• Pickpocketing. Rome is notorious for pickpockets. Most common at touristy places and buses! Not even the St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City is safe. Someone opened my bag while I was there to pray the Angelus with the Pope. Thankfully, they didn’t take anything valuable. Make sure you keep your wallet in hard to reach parts of your body/clothes and always be vigilant.

When is the best time to visit Rome?

March and April are the best months to be in Rome. The weather is pleasant, not too hot but not too cold. The attractions aren’t that crowded either. October and November are great options, too. It’s shoulder season, so it’s almost like March and April. My only problem with this period is the rain because November is the wettest month.

Rome is best enjoyed when it is not jam-packed with tourists. In general, October to April is okay. Winter is also when airfare and hotel rates drop significantly, enabling you to enjoy more with your budget. But avoid the weeks surrounding major holidays like Christmas and Easter (Holy Week).

May to September is high season (peak season). Not only is anything tourism-related much more expensive, you’re also elbow-to-elbow with other vacationers. The summer months of July and August, in particular, are when locals go on holiday and international tourists come flooding in.

If you’re visiting to attend a mass led by the Pope, check the Vatican schedule and build your itinerary around it. To see the Papal schedule, visit www.papalaudience.org/schedule.

How much is the Rome tourist tax? Is it included in hotel bookings?

Rome collects city tax from tourists ranging from €3 for 1-star hotels to €7 for 5-star hotels per person per night. For AirBnB, it’s €3.5 per person per night.

It’s often NOT included in the hotel booking and has to be settled upon arrival at the hotel.

What is the tipping policy in Rome?

Tipping is not expected in Rome. It is appreciated but not really expected.

At restaurants, the “tip” usually takes the form of something else (service charge, bread, etc.) and is already included in the bill. No need to tip more unless you really enjoyed the service. Note that coperto , while normal in most parts of Italy, is illegal in Rome.

At hotels, you can tip €1 per bag for porters or €1 per day for hotel chambermaids.

In taxis, tips are not expected.

Is tap water safe to drink in Rome?

Yes, it’s safe to drink. It’s just a matter of taste.

Also, you might want to refill your water bottles. There are over countless drinking fountains in Rome. No need to buy bottled water each time.

What type of power plug / socket is used in Rome?

Electricity Info : 230 volts, 50 Hz. Common sockets are Type F, which also accept plugs that have two round pins (C and E).

Co-written with Yosh Dimen. 2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣9️⃣ • 8️⃣ • 8️⃣

More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️

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The place is simply beautiful and the itinerary is a great help…

Thanks, Katherine!

What a fantastic post! keep sharing such nice things………………….. Thank you.

Great to read your post. Amazing pictures that you mentioned in your post, thanks for sharing with us. We are taxi service provider in India as the name of Bharat Taxi.

Wow. Wonderful article about the beautiful place. The itinerary is really useful. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks for visiting!

I really liked your article. In this article you give some information. I read your article and i satisfied with your article. I really appreciate your work so keep doing this article. You did such a fabulous job. This article is rally helpful for me. Thank you very much for sharing this such a beautiful article.

hi po, need po ba ng transit visa sa Istanbul pag may connecting flight dun pero ibang airline? thanks!

Hi Nicole, if you need to get out to pick up your luggage and check it in again, you might need a visa.

What a fantastic blog! Keep sharing such interesting travel-related content. It helps us to choose the vacation destination. Thank you.

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Situated on the west bank of the Tiber, just across from the city centre, the Vatican City was established as a sovereign state in 1929, a tiny territory surrounded by high walls on its far western side and on the near side opening its doors to the rest of the city and its pilgrims in the form of St Peter’s and its colonnaded piazza. The city-state’s one thousand inhabitants have their own radio station, daily newspaper, postal service and indeed security service in the colourfully dressed Swiss Guards. It’s believed that St Peter was buried in a pagan cemetery on the Vatican hill, giving rise to the building of a basilica to venerate his name and the siting of the headquarters of the Catholic Church here. Stretching north from St Peter’s, the Renaissance papal palaces are now home to the Vatican Museums – quite simply, the largest, most compelling and perhaps most exhausting museum complex in the world.

St Peter’s Basilica

The vatican museums, travel ideas for italy, created by local experts.

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The Basilica di San Pietro, better known to many as St Peter’s, is the principal shrine of the Catholic Church, built on the site of St Peter’s tomb, and worked on by the greatest Italian architects of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. You have to go through security before entering, and the queues can be long unless you get here before 9am or after 5pm. Bear in mind that you need to observe the dress code to enter, which means no bare knees or shoulders – a rule that is very strictly enforced.

The interior

Entering the basilica, the first thing you see is Michelangelo’s graceful Pietà on the right, completed when he was just 24. Following an attack by a vandal in 1972, it sits behind glass, strangely remote from the life of the rest of the building. Further into the church, the dome is breathtakingly imposing, rising high above the supposed site of St Peter’s tomb. With a diameter of 41.5m it is Rome’s largest dome, supported by four enormous piers, decorated with reliefs depicting the basilica’s “major relics”: St Veronica’s handkerchief, which was used to wipe the face of Christ; the lance of St Longinus, which pierced Christ’s side; and a piece of the True Cross. On the right side of the nave, the bronze statue of St Peter is another of the most venerated monuments in the basilica, its right foot polished smooth by the attentions of pilgrims. Bronze was also the material used in Bernini’s wild, spiralling baldacchino, a massive 26m high, cast out of 927 tonnes of metal removed from the Pantheon roof in 1633. Bernini’s feverish sculpting decorates the apse, too, his bronze Cattedra enclosing the chair of St Peter, though more interesting is his monument to Alexander VII in the south transept, with its winged skeleton struggling underneath the heavy marble drapes, upon which the Chigi pope is kneeling in prayer.

The treasury and grottoes

An entrance off the south aisle, under a giant monument to Pius VII, leads to the treasury, which has among many riches the late fifteenth-century bronze tomb of Pope Sixtus IV by Pollaiuolo. Steps lead down by Bernini's statue of St Longinus to the grottoes, which extend right under the footprint of the main church. The majority of the popes are buried here, including John Paul II.

The roof and dome

You can make the ascent to the roof and dome by taking the entrance to the right of the basilica complex. The views from the gallery around the interior of the dome give you a sense of the huge size of the church, and from there you can make the (challenging) ascent to the lantern at the top of the dome, from which the views over the city are as glorious as you’d expect.

However much you may have enjoyed Rome’s other museums, nothing else in the city quite measures up to the Vatican Museums , on Viale Vaticano, a fifteen-minute walk from St Peter’s out of the north side of Piazza San Pietro. So much booty from the city’s history has ended up here, from both classical and later times, and so many of the Renaissance’s finest artists were in the employ of the pope, that not surprisingly the result is a set of museums stuffed with enough exhibits to put most other European collections to shame.

Rough Guides tip: Explore our detailed guide on  how to get around Rome to feel more confident during your Rome holidays.

Top image: Looking down over Piazza San Pietro in Vatican City © Banauke/Shutterstock

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Visiting the Vatican: Book Tickets & Tours

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Travel Vaccines and Advice for the Vatican

The Vatican, also known as the See of Rome, is a sovereign territory containing Vatican City. It is located in the north part of Rome and easily reached by public transportation.

It is the smallest country in the world. The Pope is the ruler of the Vatican City State and the Vatican. Tourists from all over the world come to see the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, and other sites.

It is a beautiful place to visit for those of the Catholic religion or for those interested in exploring the history of Rome.

On This Page: Do I Need Vaccines for Vatican? Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Vatican Do I Need a Passport or Visa for the Vatican? What Is the Climate Like in the Vatican? How Safe Is the Vatican? Visiting the Vatican Museums U.S. Embassy to the Vatican

Do I Need Vaccines for Vatican?

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Vatican. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Vatican: hepatitis A , polio , rabies , hepatitis B , influenza , COVID-19 , pneumonia , meningitis , chickenpox , shingles , Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) .

See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:

• Hepatitis A – Food & Water – Recommended for most travelers.
• Polio – Food & Water – Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination.
• Rabies – Saliva of Infected Animals – Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals.
• Hepatitis B – Blood & Body Fluids – Recommended for travelers to most regions.
• Influenza – Airborne – Vaccine components change annually.
• COVID-19 – Airborne – Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic.
• Pneumonia – Airborne – Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both.
• Meningitis – Direct Contact & Airborne – Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students.
• Chickenpox – Direct Contact & Airborne – Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox.
• Shingles – Direct Contact – Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles.
• Polio – Food & Water – Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
• TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) – Wounds & Airborne – Only one adult booster of pertussis required.
• Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) – Various Vectors – Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.

See the table below for more information:

Specific Vaccine Information

• Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A spreads through contaminated food, water, and close contact. Protect yourself by getting vaccinated with the hepatitis A vaccine and maintaining proper hygiene. Vaccination is a critical step in preventing this contagious liver infection, according to health authorities.
• Tick-borne Encephalitis – Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a viral disease transmitted by infected ticks, causing neurological problems. Preventing TBE involves tick bite prevention measures, but vaccination is a key defense in endemic regions.
• Rabies – Rabies is a life-threatening viral infection transmitted primarily through bites and scratches from infected animals. Vaccination is the key to prevention, offering pre-exposure protection to high-risk individuals and post-exposure treatment for those exposed to rabies.
• Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B, caused by the hepatitis B virus, spreads through infected bodily fluids. While safe practices can reduce the risk, vaccination is the most reliable defense. The hepatitis B vaccine stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies, ensuring robust and long-lasting protection against this liver disease.
• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are highly infectious diseases that can lead to complications like pneumonia and encephalitis. To combat these threats, vaccination with the MMR vaccine is imperative. This two-dose vaccine not only shields individuals but also contributes to herd immunity, reducing the risk of outbreaks.

See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now .

Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Vatican

Prevent bug bites in vatican.

Keep bugs at bay by dressing smartly and applying EPA-registered repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or OLE. In case of a bug bite, cleanse the area, refrain from scratching, and find relief with readily available remedies. If symptoms worsen, consult a healthcare professional.

Food and Water Safety in Vatican

Safeguard your health while abroad by consuming cooked and hot foods, opting for bottled or sealed drinks, and practicing proper hand-washing. Limit your exposure to risky local dishes. To prevent travelers’ diarrhea , maintain these precautions: eat carefully prepared foods, avoid untreated water, sanitize your hands, consider probiotics, and exercise caution with unfamiliar cuisine.

Infections To Be Aware of in Vatican

• Leishmaniasis – Sand fly bites are the main mode of leishmaniasis transmission, but it can spread through other means. Prevention measures include using insect repellents, wearing long clothing, and minimizing outdoor activities during times when sand fly are most active.

Do I Need a Passport or Visa for the Vatican?

The Vatican is a sovereign territory within Italy. But, it follows Italian entry and exit requirements. This means a visa is not required for stays under 90 days.

Sources: Embassy of Italy and U.S. State Department

Outside of Catholic clergy, there are no visas or other documents issued for the Vatican. All travel is to, through or from Italy.

What Is the Climate Like in the Vatican?

Vatican City is a small city-state located within Rome, Italy, so the weather there is similar to Rome. The climate in Rome is generally mild with cool, damp winters and hot, dry summers. Spring and autumn are usually the best times to visit, as the temperatures are mild and the weather is pleasant.

Some of the most popular tourist destinations in Vatican City include St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel. These indoor attractions are not affected by the weather conditions outside.

If you are planning to visit the Vatican Gardens, you should be aware that they are open to the public only during certain periods of the year. The opening times and dates can be affected by weather conditions. It is always a good idea to check the weather forecast before visiting any outdoor attractions to ensure you are dressed appropriately and can enjoy your visit comfortably.

How Safe Is the Vatican?

The Vatican has a very low amount of crime. Most of the resident population is Catholic clergy. Internal strife is rarely reported. But, there are museums and other areas of the Vatican that are open to the public.

In these sections, pick-pocketing and petty theft are not uncommon. Travelers should take precautions to make sure they bags cannot be easily accessed.

While there have been threats of terrorism against the Vatican. No attack has been carried out.

Visiting the Vatican Museums

Avoid an embarrassing stop, over 70% of travelers will have diarrhea., get protected with passport health’s travelers’ diarrhea kit .

The Vatican Museums contain a huge collection of works by Popes, Roman Emperors and famous artists. The museums have about 70,000 works and currently displays 20,000 of them.

The Sistine Chapel has its ceiling painted by Michelangelo and the Stanze di Raffaello by Raphael. Other notable paintings include Leonardo da Vinci’s St. Jerome in the Wilderness, Filippo Lippi’s Marsuppini Coronation, and Perugino’s Madonna and Child with Saints.

There are also sculpture museums, such as the Museo Pio-Clementino and Museo Chiaramonti. There is also the Vatican Historical Museum, which contains a collection of portraits of the Popes from the 16th century to now. The papamobili (Popemobiles) are on display.

U.S. Embassy to the Vatican

All Americans visiting the Vatican should register online with the U.S. Department of State before departure. This will inform the office of your travel plans within the country and will allow them to reach out in the case of an emergency or evacuation.

The United States doesn’t have an embassy in the Vatican City, but it has one in Rome, Italy. This embassy helps U.S. citizens who are traveling to the Vatican City with things like getting a passport or visa, emergency assistance, and information about local laws and customs. The embassy’s website also has information to help travelers stay safe and healthy while visiting Italy and the Vatican City.

There is no Vatican embassy. Instead, use the U.S. embassy in Rome:

U.S. Embassy Rome via Vittorio Veneto 121 00187 Roma Phone: (+39) 06.46741

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Vatican City Travel Guide

The Vatican City , in and of itself, is a “huge” testament that size really does not matter. Its highly influential, renowned history; powerful governance; grandiose religious edifices and museums; impressive horticultural marvels; and pompous sculptures are all proofs to the majesty of a country barely 100 acres in size. Although a separate state, Vatican, with all its splendor, beckons to tourists that a trip to Rome can never be without a tour around its grounds.

In a Nutshell

A “state within a state,” Vatican City is situated geographically inside Rome , Italy . Politically, however, Vatican City is an independent state or country. Considering its wee size and a population of a little over 1,000 inhabitants, Vatican City is still considered the biggest landmark for any religion in the world. Locally known as Citta del Vaticano, it is the residence of the pope, the highest-ranking official of the Roman Catholics. The City is secured by the Swiss Guards. Its official currency is the euro.

Getting around Vatican

With the astronomical costs associated with renting a car and the busy, overcrowded streets in Vatican City, you have very little reason to need one. Vatican is an easy walking city, and if you really need a ride, there are public transport systems like buses that will take you to wherever you wish to go. You can also pay for a taxi or take a train from the airport and save yourself the hassle of renting a car.

Best Time to Visit

People visit the city year-round. There is no real peak or off season for travelers to the Holy See. Spring, which spans the months of March until June, is hectic for locals and tourists alike in Vatican. This is so because this happens to coincide with the Pope’s Via Crucis Mass on Good Friday, followed by Easter Sunday and Pasquetta on Monday – all especially heavy days for tourists and pilgrims. The Rome Marathon takes place in late March, while cultural activities fill the month of April. From the looks of it, March to June seem to be the ideal months to hop on a plane to Vatican City. If you are planning to visit, though, it is always good to avoid the influx of tourists. Aside from avoiding the crowd, it is also prudent to plan your travel around monthly highlights.

Hotel bargains tend to fall on the months of November, first two weeks of December, second week of January until February, and August. Concerts and festivals fill the summer months of June to September. October and November are the wettest months, but these are also the months when Europe brings to Vatican the best theater, dance and music performances. If you want to see the city minus the superfluity of tourism, visit it when it is quiet, which is in winter. It’s the best time for hotel specials, too. Christmas in Vatican would be a quiet and toned-down celebration. Not for long, though because New Year arrives with explosion and fireworks.

Summers in Vatican peak at the hottest in July. Autumn brings a nice calm to the city, but rains fall heavily from October to November. Winter from December to February could alternate from a cheerily bright morning one day to an ominously snowy dawn the next. March brings cool winds but sunshiny skies.

Top Attractions

The Lateran Treaty of 1929 assured the sovereignty of Vatican. This was marked by the construction of Via della Conciliazione which connected St. Peter’s Basilica to Castel Sant’ Angelo. This was to become primary access route to the Square.

1) St. Peter’s Basilica

Wear appropriate clothes when going to St. Peter’s Basilica. Remember that it is the headquarters of Roman Catholicism. St. Peter’s Basilica is an elaborate and colossal symbol of a people’s religion. It took almost two centuries to build the basilica to its present grandeur, spanning several lives of rulers, artists, and builders. It can hold 20,000 people at one time. It is about 200m long, and about 50m high. The dome rises nearly 140m. Its interiors are canvasses of the most famous artists in the likes of Michelangelo and Bernini. What could be more poignant than Michelangelo’s Pieta? You can also climb the 551-steps up the dome for a 360-degree panorama of the city. Admission to the basilica is free. There is a fee of USD 7 for going up the 551 steps to the cupola, or USD .50 for climbing halfway (320 steps) and taking the lift to the top.

Address: Piazza di San Pietro

2) St. Peter’s Square

Embrace this celebrated square. It took Bernini more than one decade to build the 17th century square. There are two main parts of the square – a trapezoid and an elliptical area of intricately designed colonnades and porticos. It is flanked by 280 columns, 88 pilasters, 140 statues, and 2 fountains. The architects had a flair for plurality in numbers, it would seem. A walk around the Square is free.

3) Vatican Gardens

No wonder popes are so contemplative. They have the Vatican Gardens as their place for meditation. The gardens started in the 1279 when Pope Nicholas III planted an orchard – the precursor of the Vatican Gardens. The gardens, actually a system of big and small gardens, now cover almost half of the Vatican City area. The vast green landscape is adorned with 9th century monuments and fountains. Admission to the gardens costs USD 25 per person.

4) Sistine Chapel

Sistine Chapel is included in the Vatican Museums but it deserves special mention. It is the result of the work of 4 architects that started in the 15th century. It contains the Michelangelo ceiling frescoes and the Last Judgment. Admission is covered by the fee paid for the Vatican Museums.

Address: Viale Vaticano

5) Vatican Museums

With a past so rich in art, architecture, and history, the Vatican has accumulated vast collections of paintings, sculpture and other monumental forms of art that span several centuries. The collections span across cultures, too – Greek, Roman, Etruscan, and Egyptian. The museums include the Sistine Chapel which is famous for its Michelangelo frescoes, the Chapel of Beato Angelico, the Raphael Rooms and Loggia, the Borgia Apartment, the Apartment of Pius V, and the Pinacoteca. The Christian, Profane and Missionary-Ethnological Museum exhibits an archaeological collection, and there are 2 other museums that include modern religious art and other valuable items. The museums are open every day. Admission is USD 21 including the Sistine Chapel, and free on the last Sunday of every month.

Address: Viale del Vaticano 49, near Piazza Risorgimento.

6) Historical Museum and Papal Apartments

The Vatican Palaces are series of opulent mansions built adjacent to the St. Peter’s Basilica from the 14th century to the end of the 15th century. It was Pope Julius II who thought of joining all the palaces and adding courtyards in the 16th century. The popes who followed undertook building and enlarging these structures including the residence of the present pope where he waves and blesses the crowd that gathers every Sunday noon in the Vatican square. Admission is USD 7.

Address: Lateran Apostolic Palace, Piazza San Giovanni

7) Rafael Rooms

The four Stanze di Raffaello make up the reception rooms of the papal apartments. These are world-renowned for the frescoes painted by Raphael for the 4 walls of every room. These rooms are included in the admission fee paid for the Vatican Museum, but are distinct works of arts that must be given special mention.

8) Vatican Courtyards

Three courtyards connect the Vatican Palaces to each other with elegant entryways and staircases, galleries, and arches. These courtyards are comprised of the Courtyard of Belvedere, the Courtyard of Pigna, and the Library Courtyard.

9) Castel Sant’ Angelo

Along the banks of Tiber River, is Castel Sant’ Angelo, which used to be a mausoleum in the 2nd century, a prison and a papal refuge. It is connected to the Vatican by a passageway. The castle is a landmark itself but it also serves as a museum today to hold the exhibits of its own history, Renaissance paintings, pottery and antique weapons. The museum opens year-round for an admission fee of USD 10.50.

10) Ponte Sant’ Angelo, Bridge of the Holy Angel

Regarded as the most beautiful in Rome, this bridge spans the Tiber River connecting Castel Sant’ Angelo and the city of Rome. Formerly known as St. Peter’s Bridge, it now serves tourists who walk from the Vatican to the Castel, and back. It’s open for public use.

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Protect Your Trip »

The 5 best vatican tours of 2024.

Guided Vatican tours can make the experience less overwhelming and more enjoyable.

The Best Vatican Tours

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Key Takeaways

• Guided tours can help you make the most of your visit to Vatican City.
• Ticket prices can vary considerably depending on the tour group size.
• Anticipate crowds regardless of when or how you visit, as many tours offer early entry, after-hours and/or skip-the-line access.

One of the most famous landmarks in the world, Vatican City draws more than 5 million people each year, which means that no matter when you visit, you can expect massive crowds. Along with the crowds, the sheer size of this sovereign city-state in Rome can make a visit to Vatican City feel overwhelming.

If you're feeling intimidated by the experience, consider one of the following small-group Vatican tours, guided by local experts who can both explain the history of the Eternal City and help you navigate the crowds.

Editor’s Pick: What a Life Tours – Skip-the-line Vatican Small Group Tour

Price: Adults from 99 euros (about $108); kids from 94 euros (around $102) Duration: 3 hours

U.S. News independently paid to send Laura Itzkowitz , a freelance journalist based in Rome, on this tour to provide readers with an unbiased, first-hand perspective of what to expect. What a Life Tours – Skip-the-line Vatican Small Group Tour was selected by our team as an Editor’s Pick thanks to its popularity and favorable user reviews.

While the Vatican Museums are one of the must-see attractions in Vatican City (the city-state surrounded by Rome), they can can be overwhelming to navigate. After all, the site contains 26 museums, various chapels and numerous galleries. The engaging guide leading this skip-the-line tour wasted no time bringing us to the highlights, starting with the Pinecone Courtyard and ending at St. Peter’s Basilica . At the basilica, we saw Michelangelo’s Pietà and the guide explained why it’s the only work the artist actually signed.

Along the tour, you’ll see masterpieces from the Vatican Museums’ collection. Highlights include the ancient statue of Laocoön and his sons; the Belvedere Torso, which inspired Michelangelo; Greek Cross Hall; and the Round Hall, which contains a monumental bronze statue of Hercules. The Gallery of Candelabra, the Gallery of Tapestries and the Gallery of Maps – where the guide shared interesting facts about Italy in the 1600s – are other focal points, as is the Sistine Chapel. Since talking isn’t allowed in the Sistine Chapel, the guide explained Michelangelo’s frescoes at the beginning of the tour. Our guide had a great sense of humor and a deep knowledge of the artworks, which was impressive. However, she didn’t bring us to the Raphael Rooms; you may want to book a different tour if this is a priority for you.

Tours depart from the What a Life Tours office ( Via Santamaura 14B ) Monday through Saturday; the first tour starts at 9:30 a.m. What a Life Tours also offers skip-the-line access that omits the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica, as well as local food tours and tours of the Colosseum .

Laura Itzkowitz

Why we love it:

• No more than 12 people can join the tour at a time.
• To capture perfectly framed photos of St. Peter’s Basilica, stroll down Via della Conciliazione after the tour.
• If you’re hungry after the tour, head to Ristorante Arlù, a family-run eatery nearby that’s been open since 1959. Be sure to ask for a table outside on the charming cobblestone street if the weather is nice.
• The neighborhood surrounding the Vatican, Prati, is a great place to shop, especially along Via Cola di Rienzo. Stop by Castroni for espresso and other gourmet foods or il Sellaio di Serafini for a handmade leather bag.

– Laura Itzkowitz

Check prices & availability on:

The Best Rome Colosseum Tours

Laura Itzkowitz April 17, 2024

The Roman Guy – Vatican After Hours Tour with Sistine Chapel

Price: Adults from $124; kids from $100 Duration: 2 hours

Instead of early entry, this tour offers after-hours access to the Eternal City on select weekends in the summer months. Tours depart at 5:30 p.m. from Caffé Vaticano . Guided by a local expert, you'll see the Vatican museums, galleries, Raphael Rooms and School of Athens before the tour concludes at the Sistine Chapel. Recent reviewers highly recommend this tour, pointing to the tour guides' breadth of knowledge and the ability to experience Vatican City with fewer crowds.

The Roman Guy offers a number of other local tours that include visits to the Colosseum and Catacombs of Rome as well as food tours (and tours that combine some or all of the above).

Liv Tours – Vatican & Sistine Chapel Small Group Tour

Price: Adults from $140; kids from $124 Duration: 3 hours

This intimate tour is limited to just six people, making the experience more personal and enjoyable. Your tour guide will take you to through the famous galleries, the Julius II apartments, the Raphael Rooms and the Sistine Chapel. Recent tourgoers say they could see a difference in this tour versus the other Vatican tours. They also note how kind the tour guides are.

Tours, which are available during a wide variety of time slots each day, start and conclude at Caffé Vaticano , right across the street from the entrance to the museums.

Other experiences offered by Liv Tours include a Jewish Ghetto & Travestere Tour, cooking classes and tours designed for kids.

Private Tours of Rome – Vatican and Sistine Chapel Private Tour

Price: Adults from $364; kids from $87 Duration: 3 hours

Explore the Vatican with a professional historian on this private tour. Recent travelers say they're so glad they chose to visit the Vatican on a private tour, noting how much they enjoyed hearing the guides' personal stories about the museums and the pope.

Tours depart from Viale Vaticano at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

If you're looking for a private tour of other attractions, Private Tours of Rome offers a variety of options. It also offers shore excursions, with pick up and drop-off at your ship in Civitavecchia.

Through Eternity Tours – Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum & Sistine Chapel: Essential Experience

Price: From $1,345 Duration: 6 hours

If you're short on time and/or prefer to see several Rome attractions at once, this jam-packed tour is a great option. During the six-hour excursion, you'll see the Colosseum, the Roman Forum , Trevi Fountain , Piazza Novana and the Pantheon before visiting the Vatican museums, Sistine Chapel, Raphael Rooms, St. Peter's Basilica and St. Peter's Square (and then moving on to other sites). This tour includes optional headsets and skip-the-line access at all ticketed attractions. Recent travelers say the tour guides make this experience especially fun.

This full-day tour starts at 9 a.m. in front of the Angelino "ai Fori" dal 1947 restaurant and concludes in St. Peter's Square. It's typically offered Monday through Saturday. While babies and toddlers up to age 2 are permitted free of charge, this tour is not recommended for children.

Through Eternity Tours offers a number of other guided experiences in Rome, including an Angels and Demons tour based on the bestselling book. The company also offers shore excursions and day trips to Tivoli, Florence and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Vatican is a sovereign city-state recognized under international law. Its government includes the pope and the departments of the Roman Curia that help him exercise his responsibilities.

In short, yes. Vatican City is considered an independent nation-state and is the world's smallest such entity.

Yes, and there are a variety of ticket options you can purchase on the Vatican's website . However, many travelers opt for a guided tour to see the highlights with the help of an expert. Plus, many Vatican tours include stops at other attractions in Rome.

All visitors must dress appropriately for a place of worship. Shorts, hats, miniskirts, sleeveless tops, low-cut tops and garments that show the knees are not permitted. Guests dressed inappropriately will not be allowed inside.

When choosing your outfit, remember to wear comfortable walking shoes . Any visit to Vatican City requires a lot of walking.

All visitors are required to go through a security check to enter the museums, and there are a variety of items that you may not take inside:

• Luggage: Bags, backpacks and the like must not exceed 40 x 35 x 15 centimeters (16 x 14 x 6 inches); if they're too big, they must be checked in the cloak room (free of charge).
• Umbrellas: If necessary, these can also be checked in the cloak room.
• Video cameras: Non-flash photography is permitted in all areas except the Sistine Chapel.
• Food and drink
• Weapons and firearms

The Vatican is easily accessible from different sections of Rome.

Metro: You can take the metro to either the Cipro or Ottaviano stop on Line A (orange line) to be dropped near the Vatican Museums.

Bus: If taking the bus, multiple routes drop off near St. Peter's Basilica.

Taxi: You can also opt for a taxi or walk into St. Peter's Square.

Additionally, there are parking garages outside of Vatican City if you want to drive there, though driving in Rome is generally not recommended, as there are many areas where driving is restricted and you could be fined. Traffic in Rome can also be brutal, especially during the summer. Plan to arrive at the tour departure point at least 10 to 15 minutes prior to your scheduled tour time.

The Vatican museums are open Monday through Saturday.

From March 2024 onward, hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., with extended hours until 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The museums are closed on Sundays, with the exception of the last Sunday of the month and certain holy days throughout the year, including Christmas. Final entry to the museum is approximately two hours before closing.

St. Peter's Basilica opens at 7 a.m. year-round, closing at 6:30 p.m. in the winter months and 7 p.m. from April through September.

Be sure to check if there are any museum closures ahead of your visit.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Hotels in Rome
• The Best Places to Visit in Italy
• The Best Italy Tours and Small Group Trips

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Travel Vaccines and Advice for the Vatican

The Vatican, also known as the See of Rome, is a sovereign territory containing Vatican City. It is located in the north part of Rome and easily reached by public transportation.

It is the smallest country in the world. The Pope is the ruler of the Vatican City State and the Vatican. Tourists from all over the world come to see the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, and other sites.

It is a beautiful place to visit for those of the Catholic religion or for those interested in exploring the history of Rome.

On This Page: Do I Need Vaccines for the Vatican? Do I Need a Passport or Visa for the Vatican? What is the Climate Like in The Vatican? How Safe is the Vatican? Visiting the Vatican Museums Embassy of the United Kingdom in the Vatican

Do I Need Vaccines for the Vatican?

See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunisations:

• Tetanus – Wounds or Breaks in Skin – Recommended for travellers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated.
• Rabies – Saliva of Infected Animals – Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals.
• Tickborne Encephalitis – Ticks or Unpasteurised Products – Transmission is widespread. Spread is most common from early spring to late autumn.

See the tables below for more information:

See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now .

Do I Need a Passport or Visa for the Vatican?

A visa is not needed for stays in Italy under three months. Passports must be valid for the duration of a traveller’s stay.

Sources: Embassy of the Vatican and GOV.UK

What is the Climate Like in The Vatican?

Much like Rome, the Vatican has a warm and temperate climate. The hottest month is July with temperatures in the low-20’s. The coldest month is January when it can reach as low as 5 degrees.

How Safe is the Vatican?

The Vatican has a very low amount of crime. Most of the resident population is Catholic clergy. Internal strife is rarely reported. But, there are museums and other areas of the Vatican that are open to the public.

In these sections, pick-pocketing and petty theft are not uncommon. Travellers should take precautions to Ensure they bags cannot be easily accessed.

While there have been threats of terrorism against the Vatican. No attack has been carried out.

Visiting the Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums contain a huge collection of works by Popes, Roman Emperors and famous artists. The museums have about 70,000 works and currently displays 20,000 of them.

The Sistine Chapel has its ceiling painted by Michelangelo and the Stanze di Raffaello by Raphael. Other notable paintings include Leonardo da Vinci’s St. Jerome in the Wilderness, Filippo Lippi’s Marsuppini Coronation, and Perugino’s Madonna and Child with Saints.

There are also sculpture museums, such as the Museo Pio-Clementino and Museo Chiaramonti. There is also the Vatican Historical Museum, which contains a collection of portraits of the Popes from the 16th century to now. The papamobili (Popemobiles) are on display.

Embassy of the United Kingdom in the Vatican

The Vatican is an independent entity within Italy. Any consular issues whilst in the Vatican should be handled through the British embassy in Rome.

British Embassy Rome Via XX Settembre 80/a 00187 Rome Italy Telephone: +39 06 4220 0001 Emergency Phone: +39 06 4220 0001 Fax: +39 06 4220 2334 Contact Form: Click Here

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Hong Kong hits back after Taiwan advises citizens to avoid unnecessary travel to city and mainland China

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The Hong Kong government has condemned Taiwan authorities after the self-ruled island issued its second-highest travel warning for Hong Kong, Macau and mainland China.

Taiwan on Thursday upgraded the travel alert, urging its citizens to “avoid unnecessary travel” to the above places, citing personal safety risks following the enactment of multiple security laws and a recent update to China’s judicial guidelines that allows the death penalty for advocating Taiwan independence.

“Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau have continued to increase and amend relevant national security laws in recent years. There have been quite a few cases of Taiwanese citizens being illegally detained, held, and interrogated when traveling to mainland China,” the Taiwanese government said in a Chinese statement published by the island’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC).

It added that the new punishment guidelines issued by Beijing “seriously threatens the personal safety of Taiwanese citizens traveling to the mainland, Hong Kong, and Macau.”

“The Mainland Affairs Council reminds Taiwanese citizens to consider with caution the necessity of traveling to mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau,” the statement read.

It continued: ” If there is a need to travel to mainland China, Hong Kong, or Macau, it is advised to avoid touching upon or discussing sensitive topics and affairs, filming ports, airports, and military exercise sites, and carrying books related to politics, history, and religion.”

In a statement issued on Thursday night, the Hong Kong government said the MAC’s move was “fact-twisting smears and slanders exposing malicious intentions.”

“The government strongly urges Taiwan authorities to stop smearing the national security law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance . The despicable manoeuvre with politics is doomed to fail,” the statement read.

It said that many countries had enacted legislation to safeguard national security, adding that the city’s security laws had “the international standard for the protection of human rights.”

Following the enactment of the Beijing-imposed national security law, Hong Kong established the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance , a homegrown security legislation known locally as Article 23. It came into effect on March 23 after being fast-tracked through the city’s opposition-free legislature.

Separate to the 2020 Beijing-enacted security law , the homegrown Safeguarding National Security Ordinance targets treason, insurrection, sabotage, external interference, sedition, theft of state secrets and espionage. It allows for pre-charge detention of to up to 16 days, and suspects’ access to lawyers may be restricted, with penalties involving up to life in prison . Article 23 was shelved  in 2003 amid mass protests, remaining taboo for years. But, on March 23, 2024, it was enacted having been fast-tracked and unanimously approved at the city’s opposition-free legislature.

The law has been criticised by rights NGOs , Western states and the UN as vague, broad and “regressive.” Authorities, however, cited perceived foreign interference and a constitutional duty to “close loopholes” after the 2019 protests and unrest .

Death sentence

Beijing published a notice introducing punishment guidelines against Taiwan independence advocates and those inciting subversion last Friday.

According to the notice, “ringleaders” of independence efforts who “cause particularly serious harm to the state and the people” can be sentenced to death.

Other leading advocates could face jail terms ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment, the notice said.

It also stipulated that Chinese courts can hear the trial against defendants suspecting for advocating Taiwan independence even if the defendant is absent.

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Irene Chan Senior Reporter

Irene Chan is a reporter at Hong Kong Free Press and has an interest in covering political and social change. She previously worked at Initium Media as chief editor for Hong Kong news and was a community organiser at the Society for Community Organisation serving the underprivileged. She has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Fudan University and a master’s degree in social work from the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Irene is the recipient of two Society of Publishers in Asia (SOPA) awards and three honourable mentions for her investigative, feature and video reporting. She also received a Human Rights Press Award for multimedia reporting and an honourable mention for feature writing.

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How Paris Hopes the Summer Olympics Will Transform the City—for Good

By Lindsey Tramuta

All eyes are fixed on Paris —the world’s most-visited city—as it gears up to welcome up to 10 million travelers next month for the 2024 Summer Olympics . But the world is paying attention to far more than just the sporting events this year, as the games' flashy new infrastructure projects aim to transform the city: Perhaps most notably, Paris has spent $1.5 billion attempting to clean up the Seine River to open it to swimming—something that pollution has made impossible for the past century . The city aims to open three public swimming spots on the river by next summer—just one of many initiatives that will affect Parisians and travelers far after the games are over.

Yet concerns from city leaders about the broader environmental and economic impact of hosting the Olympic Games led to bid withdrawals and fewer applicants in recent years. Paris 2024 is meant to mark a turning point in Olympic history: The IOC says these will be the first Games to be guided by the Paris Climate Agreement and fully aligned with the Olympics Agenda 2020, a roadmap of reforms established at the end of 2014 to adapt the massive event to the world’s most pressing environmental issues. The ultimate goal? To host the most sustainable Olympics in history—which will in turn shape the way travelers navigate and experience the Paris region moving forward.

From an environmental standpoint, 95% of the Olympic venues will be existing facilities or reusable temporary structures, each powered by 100% renewable energy and all accessible by public transport. By limiting new construction, organizers were able to focus the bulk of their efforts on how the Games will impact the city’s residents—particularly those living in Seine-Saint-Denis, the poorest and most socially fragmented department in France .

“Seine-Saint-Denis is the poorest department in France, chronically under-resourced in terms of public services and sports infrastructure, with difficulties in giving hope to new generations; the Olympics strengthens our ability to nurture that hope.” Karim Bouamrane, the mayor of Saint-Ouen

“It was not about having Paris adapt to a predefined concept, but for the Games to be tailored to the city’s particular challenges and needs,” Marie Sollis, the IOC’s Director for Sustainability, tells Condé Nast Traveler . “In this case, that need is bridging the social and economic divide between central Paris and Greater Paris.”

The Seine-Saint-Denis department, north of Paris—which is also home to Stade de France, the largest stadium in France—will host the 2024 Olympic Games' aquatics center and Olympic Village.

Investing in Seine-Saint-Denis

With 26.7% of its population living beneath the poverty line, Seine-Saint-Denis stands to benefit the most from Olympics investment if all goes according to plan. Of the 4.4 billion euros (about $4.7 billion) spent by the country’s Olympic construction company, Solideo, to develop and restore permanent Olympic structures, 80% is being used to build a new aquatics center and Olympic Village in this department north of Paris. (The area will also host athletics and rugby sevens events in the Stade de France, the largest stadium in France.)

The Olympic Village, a 128-acre site built on former industrial wastelands encompassing three towns along the Seine , Saint-Ouen, Saint-Denis, and L’Ile-Saint-Denis, was designed not only for the 14,000 Olympic and Paralympic athletes who will live on-site during the Games, but also for the 6,000 permanent residents who will move in once they leave. By the end of 2025, the village’s buildings will be transformed into 2,800 permanent priced-capped housing units, 25% of which will be reserved for social housing.

The so-called eco-quarter is built primarily from reused materials, low-carbon timber, and glass, and powered by geothermal and solar energy. In addition to economically and environmentally sustainable lodging, the village will give locals access to 17 acres of green space and new bike paths, house offices, approximately 30 different shops, a daycare center, and a student residence.

On top of that, the influx of cash from both public and private investment has allowed for the renovation of two local schools in Saint-Ouen and the refurbishment of existing pools throughout neighboring towns. In addition to the new Aquatics Center, two temporary pools used for Olympic competitions and warm-ups at the Paris La Défense Arena will be relocated to Seine-Saint-Denis in the months following the Games. These basins, composed of a modular wall system using stainless steel and a white laminated PVC surface, will be repurposed for residents, sports clubs, and students.

“Concretely, this means more infrastructure in an area of France with the fewest facilities for the community, and where 50% of children entering secondary school don’t know how to swim,” says Tania Braga, who leads the IOC legacy department. With support from Paris 2024, the French Ministry of National Education has also launched a 30-minute daily exercise program in over 1,000 primary schools throughout France.

Karim Bouamrane, the mayor of Saint-Ouen, sees the Games as an accelerator for change that would have otherwise taken decades to achieve. “Seine-Saint-Denis is the poorest department in France, chronically under-resourced in terms of public services and sports infrastructure, with difficulties in giving hope to new generations; the Olympics strengthens our ability to nurture that hope.”

The Olympic investment in the neighborhoods has indirectly attracted commercial development to the area as well: Tesla moved its French headquarters to Saint-Ouen, Tony Parker's Adéquat Academy will open an outpost nearby, and the new Saint-Ouen Grand Paris Nord teaching hospital plans to welcome its first students by 2028. H4 Hotel Wyndham Paris Pleyel Resort , a four-star, 700-room behemoth located in Seine-Saint-Denis’ tallest skyscraper, la Tour Pleyel, opens July 8 with a rooftop bar, pool, and 16 different event rooms, targeting business travelers and corporate conventions.

Saint-Denis’ mayor Mathieu Hanotin sees the hotel project as one arm of a broader municipal strategy to put the Pleyel district, as it has been nicknamed, on the tourism map. “With this new positioning, the arrival of [new] metros and the Olympics, we can take our place in the Paris ecosystem,” Hanotin told Le Monde.

The Olympic Village, a 128-acre site built on former industrial wastelands encompassing three towns along the Seine, will be transformed into 2,800 permanent priced-capped housing units—25% of which will be reserved for social housing—by the end of 2025

Can Paris pull off the most sustainable olympics in history?

The local developments, alongside the Games' broader sustainability ambitions , which include cutting its carbon emissions in half compared to past editions in London or Rio, all sounds great on paper. However, whether or not Paris 2024 will live up to the ambitious title of the most sustainable Olympics in history will depend mainly on what happens when all the delegations return home.

By Steph Koyfman

By Todd Plummer

By Rachel Chang

By Caitlin Gunther

“The long-term success of the city’s post-Games ambitions, particularly for socially vulnerable communities, relies on deployment and means. Very few Olympics host cities have been successful on this front,” says James Lima, whose firm JLP+D works on large-scale urban planning and development projects in the US focused on social inclusion. “Paris has shown itself to be a leader in urban transformation and social programs, however, and is perhaps better positioned than most.”

Still, some of the Olympic preparations have sparked controversy. On the French Polynesian island of Tahiti, where surfing competitions will unfold, local surfers, fishermen, and environmentalists have raised concerns for marine life since the beginning of the year when it was announced that Olympic organizers would build a new viewing tower in the reef lagoon at Teahupo’o. Other locals struggled to imagine how their village would sustain an influx of visitors. The IOC responded by scaling back construction and reassuring the community that in-person spectatorship would be limited due to the village's size and the surfing reef's offshore location–thereby minimizing travel-related emissions. But as the AFP reported , “reducing emissions doesn’t necessarily mean preserving the environment.”

Whether we can truly talk about sustainability within the framework of the current Olympics format is perhaps the bigger question to ask as millions of travelers fly into a host city from all corners of the globe–the main source of Olympic Games greenhouse gas emissions, according to Professor Martin Müller of University of Lausanne. And those emissions are significant, particularly when considering the Paris tourism board’s latest report that projects that international flight arrivals will climb 11.4% during the Olympic period (July 26-August 11) versus summer 2023. (Paris 2024 impact goals take these emissions into account.)

“The environmental impact can’t be ignored. But I believe there is something visceral and hopeful about an in-person experience like this,” says Lima. “Maybe the Paris model will inspire a new way.” And finding the right way to come together in peace, particularly when the world is beset by war and conflict, is not only crucial but an important component of the discussion around sustainability.

The real lesson from this effort to overhaul the way the Olympics is carried out is that the tenets guiding it, such as environmental impact, community regeneration and preservation, low-emission transport, local food consumption, and multicultural togetherness, don’t only apply to mega events. They are the same principles informing the future of travel . If Paris 2024 will demonstrate anything, it’s that a more responsible approach to experiencing the world’s greatest destinations is not only possible—it’s the only way forward.

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