Did you know that approximately 19,000 people visit the Vatican every day? It can get hectic inside these museums, but there are some ways to get around the crowds. We’ll explain everything you need to know to visit Vatican City from how to get tickets to when to go, the best Vatican tours to take, and more.
Pro Tip: Planning can be tough, but it’s easier to organize your trip when you have all your resources in one place. Create a browser folder and bookmark this post along with our dedicated guide to planning your visit to the Vatican, where you’ll find everything you need. Also, check out our article on the best Vatican tours.
Visiting the Vatican City: What We’ll Cover
Vatican City is the seat of the Roman Catholic Church and the smallest independent country in the world. No matter your religious affiliation, it welcomes all who want to visit—around 19,000 people per day! It is home to some of the greatest works of art in the world.
Visiting the Vatican is an unforgettable experience not only for lovers of art but also of history, culture, and architecture. In this guide, you’ll find information on how to visit Vatican City, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, and more. Here’s what we’ll cover:
- Facts and History of the Vatican City
- Opening hours and tickets
- How long to budget for your visit
- How to get to Vatican City
- What to see at Vatican City
- Guided tour options
- Visiting the Vatican with kids
- Where To Eat Nearby and Inside
Facts and History of Vatican City
Constantine’s Vatican
The early establishment of the Vatican began with Constantine’s St. Peter’s Basilica, which stood where the current Basilica stands today. Jesus gave Simon the name Peter when he first met him and said, “You’re the stone upon which I will build my church.” After Constantine legalized Christianity in A.D. 313 with the Edict of Milan, he quickly began building that church. For Constantine, Jesus would have been as old as George Washington is in relative history to us.
The Vatican’s Name
I have read many versions of how the Vatican got its name. The most likely is that the Etruscan society living in this area referred to it as Vatica prior to Roman settlement. It was a marshy area called Ager Vaticanus. There are a lot of other theories which may well be correct. It is an old word with many possible roots.
The Leonine City
In A.D. 846, Pope Leo IV commissioned a 39-foot wall to be constructed around the old St. Peter’s Basilica and other areas used by the clergy as a protective measure. The Saracens attacked Rome and caused significant damage to St. Peter’s Basilica, which motivated the pope to build out defenses. The area, which was larger than the current Vatican City, was proclaimed the Leonine City and stayed that way for some time.
Sottopassaggio
In 1277, there was a half-mile-long underground passageway and wall that connected the papal residence adjacent to St. Peter’s Basilica to the Castel Sant’Angelo. This was a major fortification for the pope in case of attack.
Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums have residents. You won’t see the pope walking around as you visit, but he’s there. The collection of art is a mix of ancient and Renaissance or Baroque. There is even a modern religious art section.
St. Peter’s Basilica and Tomb
The Basilica of St. Peter is basically the largest and most beautiful gravestone ever built. According to Vatican dogma, it was built on the grave of St. Peter, which you can visit with special Scavi tickets. The Basilica, built during the 16th and 17th centuries, was completed in 1615 with contributions by almost every great Italian artist.
Sovereignty
In 1870, Italy was unified under the leadership of Italian-American Giuseppe Garibaldi. The government of the newly-defined Italy allowed the pope to keep a small area under sovereignty. Pope Pius IX would not agree to the terms until 1929, when the Lateran Treaty was signed under Benito Mussolini, which granted the Vatican sovereignty. This sovereignty extends beyond the Vatican City to other churches, including the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome.
Not ready to book a tour? Find out if a Vatican tour is worth it.
Vatican Opening Hours and Tickets
Vatican Museum Ticket Prices:
- Adult (18+): €20
- Children (ages 6 – 18): €8
- Students (ages 19 – 26): €8
- Members of the clergy: €8
- There is a €5 reservation fee if you pre-book tickets on the Vatican website.
Be prepared to show proof of eligibility at the door. Without that, they’ll either make you pay more or disallow entrance without a refund. Tickets include access to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. If you are looking for solo-visit Vatican tickets, you can check our website for all types of entrance times to suit your preferences.
The Vatican Museum Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 8 am to 7 pm (last entry at 5 pm).
- Friday and Saturday, starting March 1st: Open 8 am to 8 pm.
- Closed: Sundays except for the last Sunday of every month, Jan 1st and 6th, Mar 19th, Apr 1st, May 1st, June 29th, Aug 14th and 15th, Nov 1st, Dec 25th and 26th.
- Free the last Sunday of every month: 9 am – 2 pm (last entry 12:30 pm). Not recommended if you don’t like crowds.
If you’d like exclusive access to the Vatican without the crowds, check out our Exclusive Sistine Chapel After Hours Small Group Tour.
St. Peter’s Basilica Ticket Prices:
- Free for all.
- Climbing the dome costs €8 if you take the stairs or €10 if you take the elevator. I recommend the elevator. Find out more about climbing St. Peter’s Dome.
- The Basilica of St. Peter is free to enter but does not include entry to the Sistine Chapel.
St. Peter’s Basilica Hours:
- From 7 am – 7:10 pm all year
- Closed Wednesday mornings for the papal audience
St. Peter’s Dome Climb Hours:
- From April to September: 7:30 am – 6 pm
- From October to March: 7:30 am – 5 pm
- Closed Wednesday mornings for the papal audience
Tours:
We sell top-rated Vatican tours enjoyed by thousands of customers. The Vatican Museums is a bucket-list place you absolutely should visit at least once with a tour guide.
Vatican Dress Code:
To gain access, you’ll have to abide by the Vatican dress code. Cover your shoulders and try to avoid shorts and short dresses and skirts. We know that Rome gets hot in the summer, we suggest bringing a light scarf to wrap around yourself when you need to. Hats, food, and metal tools like knives and scissors are also not allowed.
How Long To Spend at Vatican City
Short Answer: 3 to 5 hours
This is a great question! The Vatican is an immense complex of artwork. You could spend a few hours inside and see a lot of art or you could spend 3 – 5 hours and really learn the history. It depends on your level of interest.
Most people visiting the Vatican for the first time, without an art-history background, will follow the signs for the Capella Sistina or Sistine Chapel until they get there, snap their photo, and leave. Our goal is to help you have a more enriching experience. Here is a proposed Itinerary:
- Spiral Staircase
- Pinecone Courtyard
- Pio Clementino Gallery
- Gallery of Candelabra, Tapestries, and Maps
- Raphael Rooms
- Sistine Chapel
- St. Peter’s Basilica
If you’re an art aficionado, also visit the Pinacoteca. Further on in this article, you’ll see a more comprehensive list of Vatican must-see artwork. If you’re going to go it alone, be well prepared. Check out our top things to see at the Vatican.
Not ready to book a tour? Find out if a Vatican tour is worth it.
How To Get To Vatican City
Luckily, getting to Vatican City is really easy. Depending on your preferences, you can take the metro, a bus, catch a cab, or just walk.
Metro
These stops are located on the A-line.There are two metro stops (in Italy, the subway is called the metro) located near the Vatican Museums entrance: Ottaviano and Cipro. Make sure you catch the A-line going towards Battistini and get off at either Ottaviano or Cipro.
- Spanish Steps (Spagna) (20 minutes)
- Termini train station (20 minutes)
The entrance to the Vatican Museums is a 5-minute walk from either of these stops. Of course, you can also catch the A-line from many other stops, just check the Rome Metro schedule. You can buy tickets at the metro station or a corner store, but not from the driver.
Pro Tip: Always budget an extra 10 to 20 minutes if you have a scheduled event like a Vatican Tour. This way you don’t have to rush and it’ll give you time for that quintessential morning espresso.
Bus
- From the Termini train station, head outside and get on bus number 64 and get off at P.za Stazione S. Pietro. Getting to the Vatican Museums’ entrance is about a 15-minute walk from the bus station.
- From the Colosseum take the number 81 bus (the bus stop is located right outside of the metro station—B-line). The 81 bus route ends in Piazza Risorgimento, which is a five-minute walk to the Vatican Museums’ entrance.
Both bus routes take about 20 minutes.
Taxi
A taxi ride should cost no more than €20 if you’re staying in the historic center of Rome. When you get in the taxi, tell the driver to take you to the Vatican Museums’ entrance, otherwise, they’ll probably take you to St. Peter’s Basilica.
The most typical way to get a taxi in Rome is to go to a taxi stand. These are located near every major tourist attraction. If you aren’t located near one, you can always order a coffee and pastry at a café and ask the people working there to call you one. From the historical center, give yourself 20 to 30 minutes to arrive (depending on traffic).
Walking
You can easily walk to the Vatican Museums if you’re staying near Piazza Navona or in Campo de’ Fiori. Prati is also within walking distance. Technically, you can walk to the Vatican from basically anywhere in Rome, depending on your level of fitness.
It’s important to take into consideration that you’ll be on your feet for 3 hours or more as you visit the Vatican. I would recommend taking public transport because you’ll be on your feet plenty in Rome.
Pro Tip: A neat trick for using your map app on your phone is to set your course while you’re on wifi on airplane mode. GPS will still show your location while you’re on airplane mode—it won’t reroute you if you go off the route but it will show you where you are.
Popular Vatican Tours
Best Selling Tour
Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel
Without the right access, visiting the Vatican means fighting crowds, long waits, and missing the most significant rooms and works of art. Our privileged entrance tour offers more than just entry—it’s an immersive experience led by a storytelling guide who brings the Vatican to life. Skip the line and explore the Vatican Museums, including the Raphael Rooms, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica with engaging insights that make each moment memorable and meaningful.
Exclusive Value
Vatican at Closing Time with Sistine Chapel
Exploring the Vatican during the day can mean massive crowds and enduring long lines. With skip-the-line access and an engaging guide, you’ll uncover the captivating stories behind the galleries and enjoy the awe-inspiring beauty of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel in a serene setting. Your friendly guide offers a rare perspective, allowing you to experience the Vatican Museums after most visitors have left, making your visit truly extraordinary.
See Prices
Not ready to book a tour? Find out if a Vatican tour is worth it.
What To See at Vatican City
This is a list of the top things to see at the Vatican—an excerpt from our much more elaborate mega-guide on the top things to see at the Vatican Museums written by a Vatican guide. Check it out for more in-depth descriptions, history, and images.
1. Spiral Staircase
The staircase was built by the famous architect Giuseppe Momo in 1932. It was commissioned by Pope Pius XI and was to be created for the new entrance to the Vatican Museums.
2. The Terrace with a view of the Basilica and Vatican Gardens
3. The Pinacoteca (For art lovers)
Pinacoteca means “painting gallery” in Italian and, considering that all the popes have historically been the main patron of the arts for centuries, they don’t disappoint. Be sure to see:
- Transfiguration (Raphael)
- The Annunciation (Raphael)
- Crowning of the Virgin (Raphael)
- St. Jerome (Da Vinci)
- St Matthew (Guido Reni)
- Deposition (Caravaggio)
- The Crucifixion of Saint Peter (Guido Reni)
- Martyrdom of St. Erasmus (Nicolas Poussin)
- Astronomical Observations (Donato Creti)
- Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden (Wenzel Peter)
4. The Pinecone Courtyard
The pinecone courtyard is a massive courtyard that connects the main galleries leading to the Sistine Chapel with the Pio Clementino and Braccio Nuovo Galleries. Reports have been written of jousting tournaments and bullfights taking place under the Borgia Pope AlexanderVI in the 15th century and supposedly Pope Leo X housed his pet elephant, Hanno, here in the 16th century. Be sure to see:
- Colossal Statue of Augustus
- Sphere within a Sphere
- The Pinecone
5. The Pio Clementino Gallery
The collection of classical statues you will see in these galleries was started at the beginning of the 16th century by Pope Julius II. The gallery is named, however, for popes from a much later date: Clement XIV(1769-1774) and Pius VI (1775-1799), who created the current galleries you’ll walk through. Much of the artwork here was taken by Napoleon and returned to the Museum after his defeat. Be sure to see:
- Apoxyomenos
- Apollo Belvedere
- Laocoön Group
- The Belvedere Torso
- The Bath of Nero
- Statue of Hercules in Bronze
- Sarcophagus of Saint Helena
6. The Candelabra Gallery
As the name suggests, this gallery owes its name to the enormous marble candlesticks that you’ll find in each section as you walk down the hallway. The gallery was completely renovated during the pontificate of Pope Leo XIII Pecci (1878-1903), which is what you see today. It was meant to be built so that each piece is like a furnishing for the house. Be sure to see:
- Artemis of Ephesus
- Lapus Lazuli Mosaic
- The Persian Warrior
7. The Gallery of Tapestries
As you walk through the gallery, you will see tapestries on the right-hand side dedicated to stories of the life of the Barberini Pope Urban VIII (17th century). On the left-hand side, are stories from the Bible whose original drawings were executed by the school of Raphael, then woven in Flanders.
- Resurrection of Christ
8. The Gallery of the Maps
By far one of the most over-the-top galleries as far as decor goes, this room is literally a gigantic mural with frescoes on both sides of maps depicting Italy. Pope Gregory XIII, also known as the calendar pope, commissioned this room to be painted so he could accurately study the lands in which he lived and the surrounding areas.
- The Grotesques
- The Ceiling
- Map of Sicily
- Map of Lazio
- Vatican Radio Station (Out of the window to your right)
9. Raphael Rooms
The four rooms known as the Raphael rooms were painted by Raphael and his students between 1508 and 1524. They were commissioned first by Pope Julius II (1503 to 1513), supposedly because he refused to live in the Borgia apartments on the floor below due to his hatred for the man. These rooms were also used by his successors, specifically Leo X the Medici Pope (1512-1521). Be sure to see:
- Room of Constantine
- Vision of the Cross
- Battle of Constantine against Maxentius
- The Victory of Christianity over Paganism (Ceiling)
- Room of Heliodorus
- Liberation of St.Peter
- Encounter of Leo the Great with Attila
- Room of the Segnatura
- The School of Athens
- Room of the Fire in the Borgo
- Fire in the Borgo
10. The Sistine Chapel
This chapel needs no introduction. Originally named Capella Magna (Great Chapel), it was restored by Pope Sixtus IV (pontiff from 1471 to 1484) in 1480. Sixtus IV had famous early Renaissance artists, who lived a generation before Michelangelo and Raphael, paint the fake draperies, the life of Moses and Christ (side walls), and the Pope (above the windows) Sixtus’ nephew. Julius II had Michelangelo paint the ceiling in 1508. Be sure to see:
- The Ceiling
- The Central Panels
- The Side Panels
- The Stories of Moses
- The Stories of Jesus
- The Last Judgment
If you’d like exclusive access to the Vatican without the crowds (an experience few people ever have), check out our Exclusive Sistine Chapel After Hours Small Group Tour.
11. St. Peter’s Basilica
For me personally, there is no church that compares in beauty. It is the ultimate expression of space, beauty, and monumental grandeur. It also happens to have an amazing history to it as well. When you’re there, be sure to see:
- La Pietà
- La Baldacchino
- St. Peter’s Square
Vatican Tour Options
Not sure if a Vatican tour is worth it? Beyond the explanations and local insight, a major advantage of a tour is that it provides you special access to many sites like St. Peter’s Basilica.
Without a tour guide, you will have to exit the Vatican Museums from the entrance where you came in, which means about a mile of additional walking. Many of our tours provide direct access from the Sistine Chapel to St. Peter’s Basilica. Here are our best Vatican tours:
Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum and Vatican Museums (7 hours)
Rome wasn’t built in a day, but with our knowledgeable local guides, you can experience its most iconic landmarks in just one. In 7 hours, you’ll visit the Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon, among many other highlights. Your action-packed day will be stress-free with skip-the-line tickets and transportation included.
See tour itinerary, price, and description
Exclusive Sistine Chapel After Hours Small Group Tour (2 hours)
When Michelangelo painted his masterpiece in the Sistine Chapel, he only ever imagined a small group of people seeing it, not droves of tourists. But overcrowded Vatican tours have changed that. Until now. Experiencing an exclusive Vatican After Hours tour allows you to see the Sistine Chapel the way Michelangelo intended you to see it—alone, without the tourists, and in peaceful contemplation.
Most visitors see the Vatican packed like a subway at rush hour. You’ll see it as it was meant to be seen. Empty. Sacred. Alive.
A handful of people will ever experience this. Are you one of them? Look at the dates for 2025:
- Tuesday 22 April at 6.30 pm
- Friday 16 May at 6.30 pm
- Monday 23 June at 7.30 pm
- Tuesday 1 July at 7.30 pm
- Tuesday 8 July at 6.30 pm
- Friday 26 September at 6.30 pm
- Monday 29 September at 7.30 pm
- Friday 3 October at 7.30 pm
- Friday 10 October at 6.30 pm
See tour itinerary, price, and description
Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel (3 hours)
Thanks to our strong partnership with the Vatican, this tour lets you skip the lines while exploring with a small group and an engaging, knowledgeable guide. It’s one of our most popular offerings, providing an amazing experience at an excellent value. This intimate tour includes all the essential sights, such as the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, Raphael Rooms, and St. Peter’s Basilica.
See tour itinerary, price, and description
Semi-Private Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel (3 hours)
This nearly private tour offers a serene and unique Vatican experience. Alongside just a few other guests, you’ll bypass the admission line with an expert guide. With your enthusiastic guide, you’ll enjoy an intimate look at the stunning artwork and architecture in the Vatican Galleries, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica.
See tour itinerary, price, and description
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our best Vatican tours to take and why.
Visiting the Vatican With Kids
If you want to visit the Vatican Museums with your kids, you’re in luck. The museums are happy to welcome families with children and strollers in tow.
As you explore the collections, there are also plenty of restrooms with changing tables and places to sit and rest. There’s even a private room for mothers to nurse in complete privacy. For a more private experience truly geared toward a younger audience, consider our family-friendly Vatican tour.
Popular Rome Tours
Best-Selling Tour
Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum and Vatican Museums
Seeing the best of Rome in a single day might seem like a big undertaking, but our expertly designed tour makes it effortless with skip-the-line tickets, included transportation, and engaging guides to lead the way. In just 7 hours, you’ll visit renowned sites like the Sistine Chapel, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Pantheon. With fascinating stories at every stop, you can skip the stress and immerse yourself in the vibrant heritage and culture of Rome all in one remarkable day.
See Prices
Best Price!
Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel
Without the right access, visiting the Vatican means fighting crowds, long waits, and missing the most significant rooms and works of art. Our privileged entrance tour offers more than just entry—it’s an immersive experience led by a storytelling guide who brings the Vatican to life. Skip the line and explore the Vatican Museums, including the Raphael Rooms, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica with engaging insights that make each moment memorable and meaningful.
See Prices
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our best Rome tours to take and why.
Places To Eat Inside and Nearby
Like all great Italian museums, you can get coffee and food inside the Vatican Museums. Here are a few recommendations for getting a bite to eat and some refreshments inside and nearby the Vatican.
Inside the Vatican
Caffetteria Centrale: €€ | Coffee Shop—With sub-par reviews that you would expect in a cafeteria-style eatery, this coffee shop and light eatery will get the job done if you want to spend more than 4 or 5 hours inside the Vatican Museums. To find it, look for signs near the Pinacoteca.
Bar: €€ | Quick Snacks—There is a small bar for coffee and pastries located near the Sistine Chapel. Look for the signs as you get close.
St. Peter’s Dome Bar: €€ | Coffee Shop—Yep, you can get coffee on top of St. Peter’s Dome. There is a little bar open basically whenever they want to be open. But if it’s open, stop for a coffee and enjoy the view.
Near the Vatican
Hostaria Dino e Toni: € | Roman Restaurant—Somehow this owner-operated and authentic Roman restaurant has yet to get touristy. They make good food with relatively friendly service, and they may just order for you. Come here for pizza, pasta, and appetizers.
200 Gradi: €€ | Sandwich Shop—Have a big day of sightseeing planned after your Vatican visit? This sandwich shop is perfect. You can get really tasty to-go sandwiches or sit down inside. Super reasonably priced.
La Zanzara: €€ | Bistro—A bit more cool and trendy with a modern spin on Italian classics, this place feels like a French bistro but the food is definitely Italian. It’s great for a cocktail and sit-down lunch.
Where To Stay in Rome
Rome has a rich cultural history and many iconic landmarks to explore. Plan where to stay in the magnificent Eternal City in the best neighborhoods.
It’s best to visit this enthralling withing the country charm
Hey Eric! Thanks for reading our blog. We’re so glad you enjoyed reading!
It was great reading your blog, very nicely executed. You obviously put a lot of effort into it. Keep it up!
Grazie! We’re so glad to hear that you enjoy the blog. Come to Rome soon and join us on tour!
I, being a native of Italy, wasn’t aware of these facts and the way it has been stated is interesting as well as hugely informative. Thanks for the post man… Would be waiting in for more.
Ciao Daniel! We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed reading this post. We offer tons of useful content on travel in Italy! Check out another one of our useful Vatican blogs here, about our best Vatican tours.
Thank you for this informative post! With regards to your Vatican tours, which tour will be the one to get the most out of Vatican City?
Solo traveler by the way. Looking forward to hearing from you soon!
Ciao Darryl! Thanks for checking out our blog. For the most in-depth Vatican City experience, I recommend our Complete Vatican Combo Tour with Sistine Chapel & Dome Climb. This climbs St. Peter’s Dome and provides an excellent skip the line Vatican tour. Hope this helps!
Thank your these tips Tawny. Very helpful and detailed. I will definitely look up in your travel guide and tours next time I come in Rome.
Ciao Sophia! Thanks for reading our blog! Happy to supply helpful information to you. We’d love to welcome you on tour when you come to Rome!
Hello, We have planned a day visit to Rome on 25th Dec. Please suggest if all attractions will be open that day especially the St. Peter’s basilica and the Vatican museum.
Ciao Anu! The Vatican Museums are closed on Christmas. We recommend visiting the Vatican a different day during your stay.
Hello!
It was great reading your blog, very nicely executed. You obviously put a lot of effort into it. Keep it up!
Thanks
My daughter and I are going to our first trip to the Vatican this summer. I wanted to find out if there is a mandatory dress code when visiting. In our country, for example, women in trousers and bare-headed cannot go to Orthodox churches. Thanks for such detailed details.
Hi Tori! Thanks for reading. Yes, there is a dress code – knees and shoulders must be covered.
The Tour Guy always does a great job. Had a trip planned for the Vatican this week but of course it was cancelled due to COVID-19. Anyways, this made it feel like I still went.