Want to visit one of the world’s most iconic churches without wasting hours in line? You’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re coming for the art, the altar, or the dome climb, here’s everything you need to know to visit St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.
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Visiting St. Peter’s Basilica
Rome’s largest church is free to enter, but “free” comes with fine print: the line can stretch a half-mile long, the dress code is rigorously enforced, and Wednesday papal audiences shut the nave until midday.
Here are the most important things you need to know about visiting St. Peter’s Basilica.
St. Peter’s Basilica Ticket Prices & Hours
So, how much does it cost to see St. Peter’s Basilica? Here are the hours and prices.
St. Peter’s Basilica
- Open: 7 am to 7:10 pm
- Closed: Wednesday mornings for the papal audience
- General admission: Free, but expect an hour-long line
- Timed-entry: €7 adult | €4 children 6 – 18 | Free under 7
St. Peter’s Dome
- From April to September: 7:30 am to 6 pm
- From October to March: 7:30 am to 5 pm
- Closed Wednesday mornings for the papal audience
- Stairs: €17 adult | €10 children 6 – 18 | Free under 7
- Elevator: €22 adult | €14 children 6 – 18 | Free under 7
👉 No tickets left on the official St. Peter’s Basilica website? We reserve a limited number of timed-entry tickets ahead of time just for this reason.
Where Is St. Peter’s Basilica & How Do You Get There?
St. Peter’s Basilica is located in St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City, on the west side of the Tiber River.
- Metro: Take Line A (red) to Ottaviano or Cipro station. Walk 10–15 minutes from either.
- By Foot: From Castel Sant’Angelo, it’s a 10-minute walk down Via della Conciliazione.
- Bus: Lines 40 and 64 stop near the Vatican.
- From Vatican Museums: It’s a 20-minute walk around the walls unless you’re on a tour that connects both.
Best Guided Tours of St. Peter’s Basilica
For your time, budget, and interests.
St. Peter’s Dome Climb and Sistine Chapel Combo Tour
5 Hours | €€€
See Rome from above then go deeper into the Vatican’s highlights and Michelangelo’s masterpieces.
Book Now!
Private Skip the Line Vatican, Sistine Chapel, and St Peter’s Basilica Tour
3 Hours | €€€€
Enjoy a tailored VIP Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica experience with a dedicated private guide.
Book Now!
St. Peter’s Basilica Express Tour with Papal Crypts
1 Hour | €
Marvel at Michelangelo’s Pietà, Bernini’s Masterpieces, and Sacred Tombs in St. Peter’s.
Book Now!
Ultimate St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Climb and Tour
3 Hours | €
See Michelangelo’s La Pietà up close and climb the dome for stunning views of Rome and the Vatican.
Book Now!👉 Compare all St. Peter’s Basilica tour options.
Visitor Tips for St. Peter’s Basilica & Mistakes to Avoid
Common Mistakes:
- Showing up in shorts or sleeveless tops – You won’t get in.
- Thinking “free” means “quick” – Entry lines can stretch over an hour without a tour.
- Missing the dome – It closes earlier than the basilica and requires separate tickets.
Traveler Tips:
- Go as early as possible for the least amount of crowds.
- Book a tour that includes the dome. Or better yet, book a combo tour that includes the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica.
- Avoid Sunday mornings, when the church may be closed for papal events or Mass.
How Long Does a St. Peter’s Basilica Tour Take?
If you’re visiting just the basilica, plan on spending 1 to 2 hours, including time to get through security. Add the dome climb, and you’ll want at least 2 to 3 hours to take it all in without rushing. If you’re combining it with the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, expect a full 5-hour experience from start to finish.
👉 Short on time? The Basilica Express Tour squeezes the highlights and papal tombs into 60 minutes.
What to See Inside St. Peter’s Basilica
These are the highlights you shouldn’t miss:
- The Dome: Designed by Michelangelo and completed by Giacomo della Porta. The view from the top of St. Peter’s Square and Rome is unbeatable.
- Michelangelo’s Pietà: One of the artist’s most famous sculptures, completed when he was just 24, is tucked to the right as you enter.
- The Baldacchino: Bernini’s massive bronze canopy over the main altar is a masterpiece of Baroque drama.
- High Altar: Reserved for the pope, this altar sits directly above St. Peter’s tomb and beneath Bernini’s towering Baldacchino.
- La Porta Santa: Pope Alexander VI first opened the holy door at St. Peter’s in 1499, and it’s still only unsealed during Jubilee years.
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Where to Eat Near St. Peter’s Basilica
Here’s where our guides go:
- Borghiciana Pastificio Artigianale | € | Tiny, family-run spot serving homemade pasta.
- Ristorante Arlù | €€ | Refined but friendly, serving traditional Roman dishes.
- Il Sorpasso | €€ | Cool and casual with Roman small plates, good wine, and locals at lunch.
- Bonci Pizzarium | € | Legendary pizza-by-the-slice with wild toppings just steps from Cipro Metro.
👉 For more options, check out our article on the Best Restaurants Near the Vatican.
Attractions Near St. Peter’s Basilica
Here’s what else to add to your Vatican itinerary:
- Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel: A must-see combo. Go early, and book ahead.
- Castel Sant’Angelo: Ancient fortress with sweeping views from its rooftop.
- Borgo Pio: Quaint neighborhood street with charming architecture and quiet corners.
- Via della Conciliazione: The grand processional avenue leading into St. Peter’s Square—worth a few photos, especially at sunset.
Frequently Asked Questions About St. Peter’s Basilica
Yes, general admission is free, but you’ll likely wait in a long line. Guided tours and dome access cost extra.
Only if you’re on a guided tour that uses the Scala Regia. Otherwise, you’ll have to exit the Museums and walk around the Vatican walls.
Not for general entry, but absolutely yes for tours or busy travel seasons.
Yes. If you’re okay with stairs or tight spaces, the view from the top is one of the best in Rome.
Yes, from time to time, we offer promo codes for St. Peter’s Basilica on our dedicated promo codes and discounts page.
Final Thoughts
Arrive early, respect the dress code, and don’t skip the dome. Add a guide if you want crypt access and a shortcut from the Sistine Chapel, then reward yourself with a panino or a rooftop espresso.
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