How To Visit St Peter’s Basilica: Tickets, Tours & Tips

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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Your quick answer: Reserve tickets or a tour in advance, cover your shoulders and knees, and set aside at least an hour to see everything. Consider a combo tour with the Vatican Museums to skip re-entry.

Skip to What You Came Here For

• Tickets & Hours
• How to Get to St. Peter’s Basilica
• Best Guided Tours
• What to See
• Tips and Mistakes to Avoid
• Frequently Asked Questions

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

👉 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.

Tour	Duration	Price Range	Why We Love It
St. Peter’s Dome Climb and Sistine Chapel Combo Tour	5 hrs	€€€	Early dome climb, basilica overview, skip-the-line Museums & Chapel
Private Skip the Line Vatican, Sistine Chapel, and St Peter’s Basilica Tour	3 hrs	€€€€	Your pace, your questions, first-entry access, hidden galleries
St. Peter’s Basilica Express Tour with Papal Crypts	1 hr	€€	Straight to the crypts, Pietà, Baldacchino—perfect if time is tight
Ultimate St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Climb and Tour	3 hrs	€€	Early elevator, panoramic terrace coffee stop, full basilica walkthrough

👉 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.

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

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.

Still mapping out your trip to Rome? Explore these resources:

Where to Stay in Rome

Top Things to Do in Rome

All Rome Tours

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