Planning a trip to Rome and dreaming of visiting the Vatican? You’re in for a treat! Vatican City, an independent city-state within Rome, is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking art and religious sites. This guide covers everything you need to know for Traveling To The Vatican, ensuring a smooth and enriching experience.
saint peter
From the awe-inspiring Saint Peter’s Basilica and Square to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican offers an unparalleled journey through art, history, and faith. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to delve deeper, understanding the essentials will maximize your time and enjoyment.
Your Guide to Traveling to the Vatican
Visiting the Vatican can be an unforgettable experience, but it pays to be prepared. Here’s what you absolutely need to know before you go:
On my first trip to Rome, I regrettably missed the Sistine Chapel simply because I was unaware of the Vatican Museums’ early closing time – a pre-smartphone era mishap! Now, having lived in Rome for years, I’m a frequent visitor to iconic locations like Saint Peter’s Basilica, Saint Peter’s Square, and the Vatican Museums. Beyond personal experience, for 17 years, I helped countless guests plan their Vatican visits while running our Bed and Breakfast.
Based on extensive firsthand knowledge, I’ve learned the dos and don’ts of Vatican visits. By reading these tips, you can navigate your Vatican trip with confidence and avoid unnecessary stress.
Essential Vatican City Facts for Travelers
- Passport Not Required: Entering Vatican City from Italy is seamless, and you do not need a passport.
- Independent State: Vatican City is a sovereign state, distinct from Italy, with a population of just over 500 residents.
- Key Attractions: The main sites are Saint Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums (home to the Sistine Chapel).
- The Pope’s Role: The Pope is the head of Vatican City.
- Not the Pope’s Main Church: Surprisingly, the Pope’s cathedral is not Saint Peter’s Basilica but Saint John in Lateran.
- Accommodation: While you can explore the Vatican and stay in nearby areas of Rome, you cannot stay overnight within Vatican City itself.
Best Time to Visit the Vatican: Timing Your Trip
long lines in saint peters square
christmas in vatican square
Proper attire required sign
Important Tips for Dress Code:
- Strict Dress Code: To enter St Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, proper attire is mandatory. Avoid bare knees, midriffs, and shoulders.
- Acceptable Clothing: Sandals and jeans are generally acceptable.
- Knee-Length Caution: Be mindful with knee-length shorts and skirts, as interpretations of ‘acceptable’ can vary among Vatican guards.
- Scarf or Sarong Suggestion: Consider bringing a scarf or sarong to cover up if needed. Alternatively, wear convertible hiking trousers.
- Last Resort: Vendors outside the Vatican sell scarves and t-shirts if you need to quickly adjust your attire.
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Must-See Attractions When Traveling to the Vatican
The primary attractions for anyone traveling to the Vatican are undoubtedly Saint Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums. You can choose to visit just one or both in a single day, which is quite feasible.
Looking for Michelangelo’s Masterpieces?
Michelangelo’s Pietà is located inside Saint Peter’s Basilica.
Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel is the crown jewel within the Vatican Museums.
Michelangelo
MichelangeloMichelangelo’s Sistine Chapel – Vatican Museums
When planning your day, avoid scheduling another major visit, like the Colosseum or another museum, on the same day as your Vatican visit. Exploring the Vatican thoroughly can be tiring.
Considering seeing both the Vatican and Colosseum in one day? It’s possible! Here’s a guide on how to do it effectively.
For a less stressful experience, consider a “Rome in a Day” Tour that includes the Vatican, Colosseum, and Historic Center. Check out this tour option.
Saint Peter’s Basilica
Saint Peter’s Basilica, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, is one of the largest churches globally. Interestingly, while a basilica, it’s not a cathedral because it lacks its own bishop.
st peters basilica central nave
The main cathedral for the “Bishop of Rome,” the Pope, is actually San Giovanni in Laterano, or Saint John in Lateran. However, the Pope resides in Vatican City and is its head. Confusing? A bit! Think of the Vatican as a grand church with immense historical and artistic significance.
Learn more about the Vatican’s unique status.
Explore Saint Peter’s Basilica in detail, including its history and highlights.
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Climbing Saint Peter’s Dome
dome inside st peters
Reaching the top of Saint Peter’s Dome is rewarding, offering stunning views, but be prepared for crowds and numerous steps. The first level involves 231 steps, with an elevator option available, making it accessible for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues. The subsequent climb to the top is another 320 steps, only accessible by stairs. The staircase narrows as you ascend, becoming single-file and can feel enclosed. If you experience vertigo or claustrophobia, consider skipping the dome climb. Otherwise, the panoramic views of Vatican City and Rome are well worth the effort.
Plan your climb with detailed information on visiting Saint Peter’s Dome.
Michelangelo’s Pietà
michelangelo
Michelangelo’s Pietà, possibly my favorite artwork globally, is an emotional masterpiece located inside Saint Peter’s Basilica. Found on the right as you enter, this sculpture of Mary holding Jesus is profoundly moving. My mother, upon seeing it, remarked on the evident maternal love in Mary’s face. Though once attacked and now protected behind glass, the Pietà remains clearly visible and deeply impactful. Pay close attention to Mary’s expression—it’s truly special in person.
Michelangelo Fact: The Pietà was an early work, created when Michelangelo was just 22. Doubting public attribution, he famously carved “Michelangelo Buonarroti” on Mary’s sash one night—his only signed sculpture.
Vatican Grottoes: Papal Tombs
bernini
Descend beneath Saint Peter’s Basilica to explore the Vatican Grottoes, where numerous popes are interred. Believed to be the burial site of Saint Peter himself, this area became a revered papal burial ground. Visiting the Vatican Grottoes offers a fascinating historical journey. Don’t expect a dark, confined space; it’s surprisingly open and well-lit, though photography is prohibited. Find the Grottoes entrance near Bernini’s Baldachin. Access is free, but note that the standard route leads you out of the basilica, so plan accordingly if you wish to return.
Saint Peter’s Tomb (Necropolis) – Not the Grottoes
The Vatican Grottoes, with papal tombs, are distinct from the Vatican Necropolis, the reputed burial site of Saint Peter. A visit to Saint Peter’s tomb, or a “scavi” tour (from “excavations”), is a remarkable experience highly recommended for those traveling to the Vatican. This delicate archeological site limits daily visitors to 250, in small groups of 12, necessitating advance booking. Photography is not allowed.
NEW FOR 2024! The Vatican Necropolis of Via Triumphalis is now accessible for visitors. This ancient Roman burial site, within Vatican walls, was previously hard to access. Entry is only via official Vatican tours booked through the official website. This is a separate tour from the Basilica and Museums. See a preview in this YouTube video.
The Vatican Museums
Ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican museums
The Vatican Museums are the second major site for anyone traveling to the Vatican, requiring significant time and energy. This complex houses the world’s largest private art collection, with countless pieces not even on public display. Established in 1506 and expanded over centuries, the ‘museums’ comprise multiple interconnected buildings, offering an immense array of art, including paintings, sculptures, and ancient artifacts. The Sistine Chapel remains a primary draw for most visitors.
For in-depth information on the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, visit these dedicated pages:
fennel salad at sorpasso near the vaticanWhere to Eat Near the Vatican
Where to Stay Near the Vatican
Additional Vatican City Highlights
Beyond the Basilica and Museums, your travel to the Vatican includes other noteworthy sights:
Saint Peter’s Square
Saint Peter’s Square, or Piazza San Pietro, often overlooked in the rush to the Basilica, is an attraction in itself.
saint peter
As the only part of Vatican City freely accessible without tickets or queues, it’s perfect for visitors with limited time. You might decide that experiencing the grandeur of St. Peter’s Square is sufficient for your Vatican visit.
Discover more about the history and must-sees of Saint Peter’s Square.
The Swiss Guard
swiss guard at vatican city
Spotting the Swiss Guard at Vatican City’s gates is a unique experience.
swiss guard at the vatican
Their distinctive, colorful uniforms, designed in the early 16th century, are iconic (contrary to myth, not by Michelangelo). Tasked with protecting the Pope and Saint Peter’s Basilica, this well-trained, world’s smallest army is a fascinating sight. You’ll see them at the Basilica but not typically at the Vatican Museums, where modern-attired Vatican guards are on duty.
The Leonine Walls
leonine walls at the vatican
Constructed in the 9th century by Pope Leo IV post-raid on Old St. Peter’s Basilica, the Leonine Walls still stand around Vatican City. Visible around the Vatican, especially in the Vatican Gardens, sections also border Saint Peter’s Square near security and along the route to Castel Sant’Angelo.
Read a concise history of the Vatican for more context.
Vatican Post Office
vatican post office
For sending postcards, the Vatican Post Office is a must. More efficient than Italian post offices, it also offers unique Vatican stamps. Find branches, including one atop Saint Peter’s Dome and another in Saint Peter’s Square.
Other Vatican City Sites
Beyond the main attractions, Vatican City offers more sites worth visiting, though they require tickets and often advance booking (especially for the scavi and gardens). Explore these on their dedicated pages for more details.
Vatican Visit Strategy: Museums/Sistine Chapel or Basilica First?
Vatican tours usually focus on the Vatican Museums, culminating in the Sistine Chapel. Some tours offer a shortcut directly into St Peter’s Basilica from the Sistine Chapel. Currently (2024), this shortcut is generally available only on tours explicitly including the Basilica. Vatican policies can change frequently, so verify shortcut access if it’s important to you by booking a tour confirming basilica inclusion.
If you’re touring the Vatican Museums independently or on a museums-only tour, deciding the order of visiting the Museums and Basilica is key, especially if you plan to see both on the same day.
Vatican Museums Visit Duration
vatican museums pinecone courtyard
Visiting the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel, requires tickets (except on Free Sundays). Even a quick visit will take about 2 hours. Without the Sistine Chapel-to-Basilica shortcut, exiting the museums leads you back to the entrance, a 15-20 minute walk from Saint Peter’s Square and the Basilica entrance.
vatican museums entrance and exit
See a map of Vatican City showing museum and basilica entrance distances.
St Peter’s Basilica Shortcut: Currently, the shortcut from the Sistine Chapel to St Peter’s Basilica is exclusively for tours that include the basilica, typically booked outside the Vatican Museums website. Vatican Museums tours, including the KeyMaster and Extra Time tours, do not offer shortcut access. Always check tour details to confirm if it ends in the Sistine Chapel or Basilica.
View a detailed Vatican City map.
Saint Peter’s Basilica Visit Duration
A visit inside Saint Peter’s Basilica can take 1-2 hours, plus security line wait times (if entering from the front without the Sistine Chapel shortcut). Entry is free, but security lines are mandatory and airport-style.
long lines at saint peter
Security queues can be lengthy, often looping around Saint Peter’s Square.
Considering a Vatican Museums tour? Explore Vatican Museum tour options here.
To minimize wait times at Saint Peter’s Basilica, aim to arrive when it opens at 7 AM. Peak queue times are 10 AM – 5 PM, with potentially long waits even early and late in peak season.
Skipping the Lines at Saint Peter’s Basilica
The easiest way to bypass lines at Saint Peter’s Basilica is via the Sistine Chapel shortcut, available on museum tours that include the Basilica.
If visiting only the Basilica or separately from the Museums, consider these tips:
- Arrive at 7 AM opening.
- Visit during the Low Season.
- Book a St. Peter’s tomb visit.
- Use the Pilgrims’ entrance for prayer, mass, or confession.
Wondering about Vatican bathrooms? Find bathroom locations here.
Brief History of Vatican City eBook
Delve into the Vatican’s rich past with this eBook, uncovering its origins, artistic developments, and path to becoming an independent city-state.
Topics include:
- Vatican origins from Ancient Rome.
- Michelangelo’s pivotal role in shaping the Vatican.
- The Vatican’s establishment as an independent city-state.
Inside the eBook:
- 50+ pages of detailed Vatican history.
- Numerous original, stunning photos.
- Illustrative diagrams and drawings.
brief history of vatican city ebook
Sneak Peek:
brief history of vatican city preview
Get yours for only $15!
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vatican museums spiral staircaseVatican Museum Tickets
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Skipping Vatican Museums Lines
The top question for Vatican travel: How to skip the Vatican Museums line? It’s straightforward:
Guided Vatican Museums Tours
visiting the vatican with a tour
Opt for a guided Vatican Museums tour, which invariably includes the Sistine Chapel and sometimes Saint Peter’s Basilica. Tours typically last around three hours.
Explore various Vatican Museum tour options—group, early access, semi-private, and more.
Can You See Only the Sistine Chapel?
No, direct access to just the Sistine Chapel isn’t possible. You must traverse the Vatican Museums, which takes at least 2 hours to see highlights, as the Sistine Chapel is located at the end of the museum route.
last judgement inside sistine chapel
However, an “Express Tour” is available, quickly guiding you to the Sistine Chapel and ending in Saint Peter’s Basilica. Check out this 1 hour 45 minute express tour. While it still involves walking through parts of the museums, the focus is direct access to the Sistine Chapel and Basilica.
Is Exploring the Museums Worth It?
Absolutely! The Vatican Museums are richly rewarding, far beyond just the Sistine Chapel.
Raphael
They house the Raphael Rooms, Gallery of Maps, tapestries, papal apartments, Etruscan collections, and much more. Discover the top 10 Vatican Museums must-sees.
Consider a guided tour to fully appreciate the museums. Alternatively, use an audio guide or follow these tips for the best self-guided Vatican Museums visit. Remember to book tickets in advance.
If visiting in the morning, consider Saint Peter’s Basilica first due to potentially shorter early lines, then visit the Museums. If starting with the Museums, allow ample time for possible Basilica queues and to enjoy the basilica’s interior in daylight.
saint peter
Explore a Vatican Highlights Tour with St. Peter’s Dome Climb.
Experiencing the Sistine Chapel Without Crowds
For a less crowded Sistine Chapel experience, visiting in the true low season is ideal, though Rome’s Vatican is often busy year-round.
For a truly exceptional, less crowded visit, consider these VIP tours offering nearly private Sistine Chapel access:
Open the Vatican Museums with the Key Master
This exclusive tour offers unparalleled VIP access, accompanying the Key Master as they open the Vatican Museums, including turning on the lights in the Sistine Chapel before public hours. Watch a video to see the experience.
Planning Your Vatican Visits During Your Rome Stay
A typical Vatican visit combines the Vatican Museums and Saint Peter’s Basilica in half a day, easily fitting into a 3-day Rome itinerary.
The Ideal 3-Day Rome Itinerary
For first-time Rome visitors, this 3-day plan covers major attractions like the Vatican, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Spanish Steps, Castel Sant’Angelo, and more. Adaptable for a 2.5-day visit, it also includes extra activity suggestions. See the best 3-day Rome itinerary.
vatican museums spiral staircase
For those adding special Vatican experiences like the Scavi tour, Papal Audience, or Vatican Gardens, integrating these requires careful planning.
Combining Papal Audience with Vatican Museums
Vatican Museums After Papal Audience?
Papal Audience tickets are accessible, often leading visitors to consider the Vatican Museums afterward, assuming a morning event flow.
pope francis greets the crowds
However, this makes for a very long day. Papal Audiences require arrival by 8 AM for good spots, starting around 9:30 AM and ending near noon. Lunch follows, pushing museum entry to around 2 PM. Adding St. Peter’s Basilica after the museums extends the visit to 3-4 hours, making it a tiring day, potentially missing the Dome climb due to time.
Recommendation: Split visits over two days. Attend the Papal Audience and then visit Saint Peter’s Basilica (including the Dome). Visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel on a separate day for a more relaxed experience.
Rome Highlights in 1 Day
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Integrating a Scavi Tour
Vatican Museums and Scavi Tour in One Day?
Scavi tours (St. Peter’s tomb) conclude inside Saint Peter’s Basilica, naturally including it in your visit. Adding the Dome climb is feasible if time and energy permit.
St. Peter
However, the Vatican Museums require 2.5-3 hours, plus transit time from the Basilica—15-20 minutes to the museum entrance. Combined with a 1.5-hour Scavi tour and Basilica exploration, adding the Museums makes for a very full day.
If combining in one day, book the Scavi tour first, then schedule the Museums at least 4 hours later.
Recommendation: Separate visits. Book the Scavi tour and plan to see St. Peter’s Basilica and Dome on the same day. Visit the Vatican Museums on another day for a less rushed experience.
Combining St Peter’s Tomb, Vatican Museums, and Papal Audience
This itinerary definitely requires two days.
Book the Scavi visit first (not available Wednesday mornings). Plan to visit St Peter’s Basilica afterward, as the Scavi tour exits there. Include the Dome climb on this day.
Get Papal Audience tickets, and then book Vatican Museums tickets or a Museums tour for after the audience (though ideally on a separate day for less fatigue).
st peters basilica
Planning for Vatican Gardens
Vatican Gardens and Scavi Tour
Distinguish between Vatican City gardens and papal gardens at Castel Gandolfo. This section refers to Vatican City gardens behind Saint Peter’s Basilica. Learn about Castel Gandolfo gardens here.
If you secure tickets for both the Scavi and Vatican Gardens, congratulations!
vatican gardens turtle fountain
Here’s how to integrate Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica: Book the Scavi visit first. Then, book the Vatican Gardens tour for a different day, planning to visit the Vatican Museums afterward, as Gardens tickets include Museums access. Visit St. Peter’s Basilica on yet another day, following the Scavi tour.
Doing It All: Museums, Gardens, Audience, Scavi, Basilica, Dome
Fitting all these Vatican experiences depends on the Papal Audience (Wednesday mornings) and your Scavi tour time (assigned by the Vatican). Vatican Gardens tours are another limited booking.
vatican gardens and vista of st. peter
Gardens tours run at 9 AM or 11 AM, not on Papal Audience mornings.
Recommendation: Spread visits over 3 days. Or, for two intense days, schedule the Scavi tour after a Papal Audience (if afternoon Scavi tickets are available). Book Vatican Gardens, Vatican Museums, and St. Peter’s Basilica for a separate day. Include the Dome climb with the Basilica visit.
Getting to Vatican City
Transportation to Vatican City depends on your first destination within it. See a Google map of Vatican entrances.
To Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums entrance is on Viale Vaticano. Taxis should be instructed to “Vatican Museums.”
Metro to Vatican Museums
Rome’s Metro Line A (red line) stops at Ottaviano and Cipro, both about a 10-12 minute walk to the Museums.
Ottaviano metro stop in rome
Ottaviano is closest to Rome’s center. Follow the crowds towards Vatican City, then Michelangelo’s walls to the right to reach the Museums entrance. Cipro, the next stop, is also close, offering a less crowded route and access to Bonci’s Pizzarium.
bonci pizza
Bus to Vatican Museums
Buses 492, 49, 23, and 81 are convenient for reaching the Vatican Museums entrance.
To Saint Peter’s Basilica and Square
Saint Peter’s Basilica’s entrance is in Saint Peter’s Square, a 15-20 minute walk from the Vatican Museums. For direct Basilica access, Metro to Ottaviano is best, about a 10-15 minute walk to the Square. Follow signs straight from Ottaviano, not right towards the Museums. Buses 40 and 64 get you closest to St. Peter’s Square.
To Scavi/St Peter’s Tomb
For Scavi tours, taxi is easiest, dropping you at the Swiss Guard entrance left of the Basilica. Bus 64 stops a block away. Metro to Ottaviano requires a 20-minute walk to the Scavi entrance.
Where to Eat Near the Vatican
No dining inside St Peter’s Basilica or Square, except a small snack bar atop the Dome. Vatican Museums offer some cafés. For broader dining, explore Vatican-area breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.
Top tips for visiting the Vatican, by Romewise
Top tips for visiting the Vatican, by Romewise
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