The Best Tours of St. Peter’s Basilica and Why + Maps
Brie Greenhalgh
St. Peter’s Basilica is the most recognizable building inside tiny Vatican City and is worth visiting. The question is, what kind of tour should you take of St. Peter’s Basilica and should you combine it with a Vatican Museums tour? Find out what we recommend as the best tours of St. Peter’s Basilica so you can choose the right option for you.
While anyone can enter the beautiful church of St. Peter for free, this megamonument is full of art and history dating back to Michelangelo and beyond. The basilica you see today began construction in 1506 under the direction of Julius II. However, Constantine first built a basilica in this same spot in the 4th century.
Donato Bramante was the main architect, and the colonnades you see around the square today are emblems of his vision. But other great men like Michelangelo, Antonio da Sangallo, and Juan Lorenzo Bernini also played a pivotal role in the iconic structure and art that wows millions of visitors each year.
With a lineage like that, it’s no wonder why you need a tour of St. Peter’s Basilica to fully appreciate the centuries of work that went into designing this incredible building. But don’t take our word for it. See what our customers have to say about our St. Peter’s Basilica tours!
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our guide to St. Peter’s Basilica for more info.
8 Best Tours of St. Peter’s Basilica
So now that you understand how historical the basilica is, let’s dive into what you get on a guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica. Most tours are combined with a Vatican Museum tour, which takes you to see Michelangelo’s other masterpiece: the Sistine Chapel.
These two attractions are the crowning jewels of Vatican City, so it makes sense to learn about them both with a super-knowledgeable guide. Most importantly, these tours include skip-the-line tickets which is absolutely essential for visiting St. Peter’s or the Vatican Museums.
Some tours include climbing the dome or exploring the Papal Crypts. Sound exciting? Then check out any of our St. Peter’s Basilica tours below to make sure your trip is one for the books.
1. St. Peter’s Dome Climb and Sistine Chapel Combo Tour
For the full experience at St. Peter’s Basilica, this tour is your best bet. You’ll start early in the morning to beat the crowds and the heat! This tour takes you straight to the elevator up to the first level for a jaw-breaking, up-close view of Michelangelo’s dome. From there, you’ll step onto the upper terrace for your first glimpse of Rome from above.
Then climb the remaining 320 steps (you skipped 231!) up a narrow, winding staircase for the penultimate view of the Eternal City. Your guide will share the history of this incredible building before taking you back down for a tour of the basilica. Learn about the Baldacchino, St. Peter’s remains, and more as you explore this massive church down to the famous Papal Crypts.
After a break, you’ll head to the Vatican Museums and skip the line for quick entry to see the most important galleries and art collected here. Visit the Pio-Clementino, Raphael Rooms, and most importantly, the Sistine Chapel.
Highlights:
5.5 hours
Skip-the-line entry at St. Peter’s and Vatican Museums
2. Ultimate St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Climb and Tour with Papal Crypts
For those looking to only tour St. Peter’s Basilica from top to bottom, look no further! This guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica starts with an early morning dome climb to avoid the crowds and the heat of the day. Your elevator ticket to the first level is included, so you’ll skip those first 231 steps before climbing the remaining 320 steps.
Not sure you’re up for that? You can still book and simply remain on the upper terrace while the rest of the group climbs to the top. You’ll still get a great view of Rome too. Learn about the history of the basilica and the men who built her before heading down to the main floor.
Explore everything from La Pietá to the mosaics and the bronze Baldacchino canopy built by Bernini himself. Then follow your guide for a tour of the Papal Crypts where popes have been buried for centuries.
Looking for a tour with a little more flexibility? Try this Vatican Museums tour that includes a guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica with start times throughout the day. This is the perfect way to choose how you spend your day in Rome.
You’ll have skip-the-line tickets to the Vatican Museums where you’ll start your tour. With stops at all the main highlights of the Vatican, you’re sure to walk away impressed by Nero’s 25-foot bathtub, the Gallery of Maps, the Raphael Rooms, and more. Of course, you’ll have time to witness the Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo’s Last Judgement too!
Then you’ll be led through an exclusive passage that skips past the basilica entry lines so you don’t waste time getting inside. Learn about the incredible construction of St. Peter’s and the renowned art and tombs inside.
4. Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica Private Tour
Hoping for a private tour of St. Peter’s Basilica? This is one of our top-selling private tours that customers love. It’s the perfect length of time to learn about the best galleries and art at the Vatican before moving on to the Basilica.
You’ll have skip-the-line tickets, and start times throughout the day with a passionate guide who can tailor your tour to your preferences. Want more time at St. Peter’s than the Vatican? No problem. Let your guide lead the way on a private St. Peter’s Basilica and Vatican Museums tour that you won’t soon forget.
5. Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel
If you’d rather make sure you get into the Vatican early to beat the crowds, then opt for this tour. We have several early start times to choose from, and you’ll end your tour at St. Peter’s Basilica where you’re free to wander as long as you like.
With fewer crowds and cooler temperatures inside the vast Vatican Museums, you can easily follow your guide through the Vatican’s galleries and museums. Explore the Pio-Clementino, the Gallery of Tapestries, Raphael Rooms, and Sistine Chapel as your guide brings each location to life.
Then head to St. Peter’s through the group entrance that bypasses the long lines. Enjoy your guided tour of this incredible church that is the center of the Catholic religion and an incredible monument to St. Peter.
6. Rome in a Day with Colosseum and Vatican Museums
If you’re a gotta-have-it-all kind of person, then we have just the tour for you! Our most popular tour in Rome is our Rome in a Day Tour that takes you on a guided tour to just about every major attraction in just 8 hours!
You’ll start with the essential skip-the-line entry at the Vatican Museums for a highlights tour that includes the Sistine Chapel. And of course, you’ll bypass the lines with your guide to head straight to St. Peter’s Basilica for a guided tour of this awe-inspiring church. Next up, you’ll take an air-conditioned van to central Rome and continue your walking tour.
Learn about Piazza Navona’s Fountain of Four Rivers, step inside the indescribable Pantheon, toss a coin in Trevi Fountain, then skip the line at the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Whew! It’s the ultimate day in Rome if you’re short on time or just to get to know the city’s main attractions in one fell swoop.
Highlights:
8 hours
Skip-the-line entry at the Vatican Museums and Colosseum
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