Visiting the Vatican: Everything You Need to Know
Our holiday in Rome was lovely - it was a holiday packed with history, food & iconic landmarks. One of the highlights was our visit to the Vatican. Though we set aside an entire day for it, we still felt that it wasn't quite enough.
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From stunning art to awe-inspiring architecture, the Vatican has so much to offer. If you're planning a trip to Rome, make sure to include this tiny city-state on your itinerary. Based on the questions from our family & friends, we have put together this guide in the form of a Q&A which we think will be useful to anyone planning to visit the Vatican.
How to visit the Vatican?
Visiting the Vatican is straightforward. Most people enter Vatican City via St. Peter's Square, which is open to everyone. To visit places like the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel or St. Peter's Basilica, you'll need to go through security checks.
You can choose between a self-guided visit or a guided tour. We opted for a guided tour and found it extremely helpful in understanding the significance of what we were seeing. It also helped us skip the queues, which can get quite long.
Best time to visit the Vatican
The Vatican can get very crowded, especially during summer and on weekends. Early mornings on weekdays are usually less busy.
If you’re looking to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience, try visiting during the off-season months like November to February. We went in July (peak season), and while it was busy, it was still manageable.
Do you need tickets for the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel?
Yes, you do need tickets for the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. These are not free and must be purchased either online or at the entrance.
Booking online is highly recommended to avoid long queues. Guided tours usually include these tickets as part of the package.
This magnificent ceiling (pictured above) belongs to the Gallery of Maps (Galleria delle Carte Geografiche) in the Vatican Museums. This gallery stretches for over 100 metres and is an absolute visual feast - we were completely blown away walking through it!
What is the Vatican dress code for visitors?
There is a strict dress code at the Vatican. Both men and women must cover their shoulders and knees.
We saw a few people turned away for wearing shorts or sleeveless tops, so it’s best to dress modestly or carry a scarf to cover up.
How much does it cost to visit the Vatican?
Entry to St. Peter’s Basilica is free. However, tickets to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel cost around €17 for adults (online booking fee may apply).
Guided tours range from €30 to €100 depending on the provider. Special tours like early access or after-hours visits may cost more.
What are the top things to see in the Vatican?
Top attractions include St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel & the Vatican Museums.
Don’t miss Michelangelo’s Pietà, the Raphael Rooms and the Gallery of Maps. The sheer amount of art and history is mind-blowing.
Is the Vatican free to enter?
St. Peter’s Square and St. Peter’s Basilica are free to visit. The museums and chapel require a paid ticket.
Even though some parts are free, you’ll still need to pass through security checks.
How to skip the line at the Vatican?
Lines at the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica can be very long, especially in peak season.
We booked a guided tour which helped us skip the queues. You can also buy skip-the-line tickets online.
Can you visit the Vatican without a guide?
Yes, you can visit without a guide, but you may miss a lot of the background and history.
If you’re short on time or want a deeper understanding, a guided tour is definitely worth considering. We found it very helpful.
How to get to the Vatican from central Rome?
The Vatican is easy to reach using public transport. We took the metro from Termini to Ottaviano station and walked from there.
You can also take buses or trams depending on where you're staying. Public transport is cheap and convenient.
How long should I spend at the Vatican?
We set aside an entire day and still felt rushed. To explore thoroughly, you may need two days or more.
If you're just covering the basics, half a day might suffice, but you'll be moving quickly.
Are the Vatican Museums open on Sundays?
The Vatican Museums are usually closed on Sundays, except for the last Sunday of each month when entry is free.
Do check the official website before your visit, as dates and timings can change.
This stunning ceiling (pictured above) belongs to the Gallery of the Candelabra (Galleria dei Candelabri) in the Vatican Museums. The gallery is one of the many long corridors that make up the museum route and is known for its richly decorated ceiling frescoes, detailed stucco work & ornate gilding. The paintings on the ceiling depict religious and mythological scenes in vibrant colour, often with figures of saints, angels & classical philosophers. The gallery itself is named after the large candelabra (candlesticks) that line the central corridor, which you may remember seeing just out of frame.
Can you visit the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica in one day?
Yes, it is possible & that’s what we did. We visited the museums, Sistine Chapel and then St. Peter’s Basilica.
However, it was a long day and quite tiring. If you want to explore at a relaxed pace, split it across two days.
How to book a guided tour of the Vatican?
You can book a guided tour online through official or third-party websites. Prices and options vary.
Make sure to read reviews before choosing a provider. Our tour guide was knowledgeable and made the visit very enjoyable.
Can you climb St. Peter’s Basilica dome?
Yes, you can. There’s a lift that takes you part of the way, but you’ll still need to climb over 300 steps to reach the top.
The view from the dome is worth the effort. You get a panoramic look over Vatican City and Rome.
Is photography allowed in the Vatican?
Photography is allowed in most areas of the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica (pictured below).
However, it is strictly forbidden inside the Sistine Chapel. No photos or videos are allowed there.
Are there Vatican Gardens tours available?
Yes, but they must be booked in advance and usually include a guided tour.
These tours often come as part of a special package that also includes the museums and chapel.
Is the Vatican City a separate country?
Yes, it is an independent city-state, the smallest country in the world by area and population.
It has its own postal system, currency (Euro), and governance, separate from Italy.
Do I need a passport to enter the Vatican?
No, you don’t need a passport. There’s no border control when entering Vatican City from Rome.
But it’s still a good idea to carry ID when travelling around Italy.
What are some tips for visiting the Vatican for the first time?
Book your tickets in advance, wear comfortable shoes and follow the dress code. Start early to beat the crowds.
Give yourself plenty of time. Even with one full day, we felt we only scratched the surface.
Visiting the Vatican was one of the highlights of our Rome trip. We travelled with Jet2 and explored other incredible sites like the Colosseum, Pantheon and Trevi Fountain. If you're planning a trip, don’t miss this awe-inspiring place. Whether you're an art lover, a history buff, or simply curious, the Vatican will leave a lasting impression.
You may also like to check out our posts on our Rome holiday with Jet2, the best things to do in Rome, exploring Rome on a budget, and top souvenirs to buy in Rome to help plan your perfect getaway.
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