Visiting the Vatican: Your Ultimate Guide to the Vatican with getting to the Vatican, things to see in the Vatican, Vatican tickets, a perfect one-day Vatican itinerary, places to stay near the Vatican, Vatican tips, and more!
When you think of iconic places to visit in Rome, the Vatican undoubtedly rises to the top. Steeped in history, culture, and faith, it’s not just the smallest country in the world—it’s a treasure trove of artistic masterpieces, centuries-old traditions, and breathtaking architecture. Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or someone drawn to the sacred, the Vatican has something to inspire you.
The Vatican is more than just a destination—it’s a place where history, art, and spirituality come together in the most awe-inspiring way. From the grandeur of St. Peter’s Square to the breathtaking Sistine Chapel, every corner holds a story that leaves you feeling both humbled and inspired. It’s a place that invites reflection and wonder, where masterpieces of art and centuries of tradition create an atmosphere like no other.
Ready to experience it? Let me help you to visit the Vatican, one of the most extraordinary places in the world.
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Where is the Vatican?
The Vatican is an independent city-state, entirely surrounded by Rome, Italy. It sits on the west bank of the Tiber River and covers just over 100 acres. Despite its small size, it is home to some of the most awe-inspiring sites in the world, including St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel.
How to Get to the Vatican
Getting to the Vatican is easy, and there are several options depending on where you’re staying in Rome.
- Metro: The closest metro station is Ottaviano – San Pietro (Line A), about a 10-minute walk from St. Peter’s Square.
- Bus: Several buses, including buses 64 and 40 go from Roma Termini and stop near the Vatican. If you’re coming from central Rome, this can be a convenient option. Additionally, bus 49 stops in front of the Vatican Museums.
- Train: The nearest train station is Roma San Pietro, which is a short walk to St. Peter’s Square. Trains from Termini Station are quick and frequent.
What to See in the Vatican
There’s so much to explore within the Vatican’s tiny boundaries! Here’s a breakdown of the most essential sites:
1. St. Peter’s Square
Your visit will most likely begin here. St. Peter’s Square, designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, is a marvel of Baroque architecture. The elliptical shape of the square is symbolic, with 284 columns embracing visitors in a warm, welcoming hug. At the center stands an ancient Egyptian obelisk, and on each side, you’ll find two fountains that add to the square’s grandeur.
Pro Tip: Arrive early, especially on Sundays, when the Pope delivers his weekly blessing from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
2. St. Peter’s Basilica
This is the heart of Catholicism. The sheer scale and beauty of the basilica will take your breath away. It’s one of the largest churches in the world and is home to Michelangelo’s La Pietà and the magnificent Dome, which you can even climb for a panoramic view of Rome.
- Opening Times: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM daily (April – Sep); 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM daily (Oct-Mar) – with special hours for Sunday Mass.
- Entry Fee: Free, though you’ll need a ticket to climb the Dome (EUR 10 for the elevator, EUR 8 for the stairs).
- Average Visit Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours.
Pro Tip: Visit the Dome early to avoid long lines, and don’t miss the Vatican Grottoes, the final resting place of many popes. Be prepared for the long queues, security checks, and metal detectors. Consider taking this tour of St Peter’s Basilica, Papal Tombs, and Dome Climb.
3. The Vatican Museums
A treasure trove of art, the Vatican Museums are home to some of the most renowned art collections in the world. The highlight is the Sistine Chapel, but don’t rush through the other galleries. The Raphael Rooms, the Gallery of Maps, and the modern art collection are also breathtaking.
- Opening Times: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (except Sundays, when they are closed).
- Entry Fee: EUR 17 (EUR 4 extra for the audio guide).
- Average Visit Duration: 2 to 3 hours.
Pro Tip: Book a guided tour to skip the long lines and get deeper insights into the art. Otherwise, get the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Entrance Ticket in advance and tour them on your own. The Sistine Chapel is at the end of your visit, and trust me, you’ll want to take your time there.
4. The Vatican Gardens
These peaceful, landscaped gardens are hidden gems within the Vatican. You can only visit the gardens on a guided tour, but it’s worth it for the tranquility and the breathtaking views of the city. A guided tour to the Vatican Gardens always includes the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.
- Opening Times: Tours are typically available from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Entry Fee: From EUR 32 for a guided tour of the gardens.
- Average Visit Duration: 1 hour. But it is always combined with a tour of the Vatican Museums and then it lasts 4 hours in total.
5. The Vatican Grottoes
Beneath St. Peter’s Basilica lies a maze of tombs where many popes are buried (91 popes more exactly!), and some royals like Queen Christina of Sweden and Queen Charlotte of Cyprus. There is also the tomb of St Peter, but you need special permission to see it. The Vatican Grottes are a place of reverence and reflection, and the atmosphere here is quite moving.
- Entry Fee: Included in your visit to St. Peter’s Basilica.
- Average Visit Duration: 30 to 45 minutes.
Pro Tip: To truly connect with the history of the Vatican, take a guided tour. Check out this guided tour.
6. The Tomb of St. Peter (Scavi Tour)
For the most exclusive experience, book a tour to see the Tomb of St. Peter. This underground journey takes you through a series of ancient Roman burial sites, leading you to the actual tomb of St. Peter himself. These tours are limited and require advance booking.
- Entry Fee: EUR 14.
- Average Visit Duration: 1 hour.
A Perfect One-Day Vatican Itinerary
There is so much to see in the Vatican. If you have only one day in the Vatican, I suggest visiting the Vatican Museums, St Peter’s Basilica with the papal tombs, and climbing the Dome of St Peter’s Basilica. Here’s how to spend an ideal day in the Vatican.
Morning (9:00 AM – 11:30 AM): The Vatican Museums
Start your day by stepping into one of the most renowned art collections in the world: the Vatican Museums. With over 9 miles of galleries, it’s easy to get lost in its vastness. But don’t worry—we’ve got the highlights covered. Begin with the Raphael Rooms, where Raphael’s vibrant frescoes will leave you speechless. Then, make your way to the iconic Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo’s magnum opus. The ceiling, with its stunning depictions of Biblical scenes, is truly a work of genius.
Pro Tip: To avoid the crowds, book a guided tour or skip-the-line tickets. This way, you’ll dive deeper into the history and significance of the art, and avoid the long wait at the entrance! A visit to the Vatican Museums takes between 2 and 3 hours. So the best is to start your Vatican visit with touring the Vatican Museums.
Noon (12:00 PM – 1:30 PM): Lunch Near St. Peter’s Square
After a morning filled with masterpieces, it’s time to recharge. Head to Ristorante dei Musei, just a short walk from the Vatican. This cozy spot serves up delicious Cacio e Pepe, a classic Roman pasta made with creamy pecorino cheese and pepper—a must-try for any foodie. If you’re craving something heartier, go for Saltimbocca alla Romana, tender veal with prosciutto, simmered in wine and butter.
Pro Tip: For a more authentic local experience, ask the staff for their recommended wine pairings. The Italian wines will elevate your meal and offer a true taste of Rome.
Afternoon (1:45 PM – 2:15 PM): St. Peter’s Square
Now that you’re fueled up, head straight to St. Peter’s Square. Stand at the center and look up at the grandiose colonnades, designed by Bernini to embrace visitors in a warm, welcoming hug. The square, with its Egyptian obelisk and fountains, is not only visually stunning but also spiritually uplifting. It’s the perfect spot to take a moment to reflect and soak in the serenity of this sacred place.
Afternoon (2:30 PM – 5:00 PM): St. Peter’s Basilica, Papal Tombs & Dome Climb
Step inside St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the largest and most magnificent churches in the world. Be sure to stop and gaze at Michelangelo’s La Pietà, a stunning sculpture that embodies grace and sorrow. Then, head down to the Papal Tombs in the Vatican Grottoes—where you’ll find the resting places of several popes, including the beloved Pope John Paul II.
For the grand finale, climb to the top of St. Peter’s Dome. The 360-degree view of Rome from here is beyond breathtaking. You can take the elevator partway up and then climb the last 300 steps, which will lead you to an unforgettable panorama of the city and St. Peter’s Square below.
Pro Tip: The climb to the Dome is a bit of a workout, but it’s totally worth it! Be sure to bring a bottle of water for the trek up. You can visit all these sites on your own or take this guided tour (the tour lasts 2.5 hours and costs EUR 30)!
Evening (7:00 PM – 9:00 PM): Dinner Near St. Peter’s Basilica
After a day filled with awe-inspiring sights, it’s time to enjoy a hearty Roman dinner. For a truly delightful dinner near the Vatican, I recommend Ristorante La Vittoria, just a stone’s throw away from St. Peter’s Basilica. It’s a charming spot with a warm, inviting atmosphere, where locals and visitors alike come to savor traditional Roman flavors.
Start with the Carciofi alla Romana, artichokes prepared in the Roman style, braised with garlic, mint, and parsley—it’s a perfect introduction to the city’s love for fresh vegetables. For a hearty and satisfying main, try the Coda alla Vaccinara, a Roman oxtail stew that’s slow-cooked to perfection in a rich tomato sauce, making it tender and full of deep flavors.
Pro Tip: Don’t rush through dinner—take your time to savor the flavors and relax. Romans take their meals seriously, and dining here is as much about the experience as the food itself.
Where to Stay Near the Vatican
To make your Vatican experience even more special, stay nearby. Options include:
- Vatican View: A modern hotel with incredible views of St. Peter’s Basilica, perfect for an early morning visit.
- Hotel Sant’Angelo: A charming boutique hotel, 20 minutes from St. Peter’s Square.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit is early in the morning, particularly if you’re visiting the Vatican Museums, to avoid the crowds. The Vatican can get very busy, especially on Wednesdays (Papal audience) and Sundays (Pope’s Mass). If you’re looking for quieter experiences, try visiting on a weekday afternoon, preferably Tuesday and Thursday.
Dress Code for visiting the Vatican
Remember, the Vatican is a religious site, so there is a strict dress code. Both men and women must cover their shoulders and knees when entering St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums. No sleeveless tops, short skirts, or shorts are allowed.
Tickets and Tours To Consider Getting:
- Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Entrance Ticket: Skip the line and access the world-famous collections. (EUR 37)
- Guided Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & Basilica Tour: 2.5 hours of in-depth exploration (EUR 50).
- St. Peter’s Basilica, La Pietà, and Papal Tombs Tour: Explore the basilica and tombs with a guide. (EUR 35)
- St. Peter’s Basilica, Papal Tombs+ Dome Climb: Climb the Dome and explore the underground grottoes with papal tombs. (EUR 25, duration 2.5 hours)
Tips for Visiting the Vatican
- Book in Advance: Avoid long lines by booking tickets online.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be walking and standing a lot.
- Stay Hydrated: There’s a lot of walking involved, so be sure to bring a water bottle.
- Respect the Sacredness: The Vatican is a place of worship, so be mindful of your behavior.
The Vatican is an unforgettable experience, one that combines art, history, and spirituality in the most remarkable ways. Whether you’re admiring the frescoes of the Sistine Chapel or gazing at the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica, every moment spent in this sacred space is sure to leave you inspired and in awe.
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