If you’ve ever looked through a Rome travel guide, you’ve probably seen Vatican City listed alongside the city’s major attractions. And while it may seem like just another one of the city’s neighborhoods, Vatican City is actually its own sovereign state. And the smallest country in the world!
Despite its tiny size, there’s a lot to see and experience. From St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums to the iconic Swiss Guard, Vatican City is home to some of Rome’s most famous sights. So, it’s no surprise that it is one of the most popular places to visit in the Eternal City.
That’s why we created a Vatican City travel guide. To help you prepare for your visit with everything you need to know beforehand. Including how long to spend, when to go, what to wear, and the different ticketing options available, so you can make the most out of your experience.
What is Vatican City?
The Vatican City is officially the world’s smallest independent country. Located entirely within Rome, it serves as the spiritual and administrative center of the Catholic Church. With its own police force along with the Vatican’s own post office, it operates as a sovereign state.
Il Vaticano, as it’s known in Italian, is also where the Pope lives. And it is the setting for papal audiences, the Sunday Angelus, and major papal liturgies throughout the year.
What should I see?
Some of its most notable things to see include:
- St. Peter’s Basilica – One of the most important churches in the world. Home to major works of art, including Michelangelo’s Pietà.
- St. Peter’s Square – The enormous piazza in front of the basilica. Designed by Bernini, that’s recognizable for its 284 Tuscan columns and central obelisk.
- Vatican Museums – A huge collection of art and historical artifacts accumulated by the Catholic Church over centuries. It includes various museums, and houses the famous Sistine Chapel, which features Michelangelo’s renowned ceiling frescoes and The Last Judgment.
- The Swiss Guards – The famous colorful guards responsible for protecting the Pope and the Vatican.
How much time do you need to visit Vatican City?
Vatican City may be tiny, but its attractions can easily take several hours to explore. The Vatican Museums alone hold an enormous collection, and visiting them involves a lot more walking than you might expect.
As part of our Vatican City travel guide, here’s how much time we recommend setting aside:
Half-day: roughly 3 – 4 hours
- St. Peter’s Basilica and Square (~1h).
- Make sure to check out Michelangelo’s Pietà, Bernini’s Baldachin, and the iconic columns in St. Peter’s Square.
- Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel (~2-2.5h)
- Focus on highlights like the Gallery of Maps, the Raphael Rooms. And of course, the Capella Magna, otherwise known as the Sistine Chapel.
Full-day: roughly 5 – 6 hours
- Basilica and Square (~1h)
- Explore the basilica’s interior in greater depth at your own pace, before heading outside to see St. Peter’s Square. With more time, you can also make sure to catch the changing of the guard.
- Museums and Sistine Chapel without having to rush (~2.5-3h)
- Take your time exploring the museums and highlights, along with other works like Caravaggio’s Deposition, the Etruscan Museum, and the Collection of Contemporary Art.
- Vatican Gardens (~1-1.5h)
- Enjoy a wander through the landscaped gardens filled with fountains, and monuments. Plus a chance to see parts of the papal enclave that aren’t accessible on a standard museum visit.
Insider Tip: Spending a full day in the Vatican can also give you some breathing room for security checks, walking between sights, and breaks along the way. It’s a good call for those who don’t want to rush.
If you’re interested in a deeper experience without having to manage all of the logistics, or you’re short on time, a guided tour of the Vatican can be a convenient way to see the main sights and highlights while making the most of your visit.
What Should You Wear to the Vatican?
The Vatican has a strict dress code, particularly for entering St. Peter’s Basilica and other of its religious sites. Another one of the most important tips for visiting the Vatican is that shoulders and knees should be covered, no exceptions.
Because of this, we recommend avoiding short shorts or skirts, and choosing tops that cover your shoulders.
Insider Tip: If you plan on visiting in the summer, it can be useful to bring a light layer that you can put on before entering.
What are the ticket options?
Buying your Vatican tickets beforehand can make a noticeable difference to your experience. It will save you from potentially spending hours waiting in line. If you arrive without a reservation, you can still try to purchase tickets on the day, but availability isn’t guaranteed. And during busy periods, the wait can be lengthy. In terms of what gets you where, here’s a general breakdown:
Timed-entry ticket
The standard official Vatican Museums ticket. Available online, and includes admission to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, with entry at a designated time.
You still need to go through security checks upon arrival. However, having a timed-entry ticket means you can bypass the long walk-up line.
Tickets are nonrefundable, so make sure your plans are set before booking.
Skip-the-line ticket
This generally refers to tickets or tours that include reserved entry and allow you to skip the general admission line. A convenient option if you want to minimize time spent waiting at the entrance. These tickets typically include a reserved entry time. This can be especially useful during high season, when lines for visitors without reservations can stretch for hours.
All of our Vatican tours include skip-the-line access.
Guided Tour
A guided tour is a great call if you want a deeper dive into the Vatican without having to worry about the logistics yourself. Having a guide also means you’ll have someone to explain the Vatican’s art, history, and architecture as you move through the museums. So, it’s a great choice if you’re visiting the Vatican for the first time.
Guided tours can also have more availability for last-minute bookings, although booking ahead is still recommended.
What’s the best time to go?
The Vatican is one of Rome’s busiest attractions (and one of the most crowded sights in the city). It is therefore likely you’ll encounter crowds at almost any point throughout the day.
The Vatican Museums are currently open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with the last entry at 6 p.m. If you want to maximize your sightseeing time, we recommend booking one of the earliest available entry slots and arriving with enough time to get through security.
Earlier visits can help you get ahead of some of the day’s crowds. Plus it gives you more time to explore before the museums become busier. If mornings aren’t your thing, later afternoon entry can be another option, but just be prepared for more crowds.
Insider Tip: Whichever time you choose, avoid building a packed itinerary immediately before or after your Vatican visit. Security lines, crowds, and a museum that takes longer to explore than expected can easily throw off your schedule.
The Best Way to Visit the Vatican
As any good Vatican City travel guide will tell you, the Vatican is a must-visit in Rome. But seeing it well can be more complicated than it looks. Between sprawling museums, crowds, lines, and the logistics of navigating such a busy site, a guided tour of the Vatican can take the stress out of the experience while helping you get more from what you’re seeing.
A guided tour is a great way to make the most of your time and to take the guesswork out of planning, especially if you’re visiting the Vatican for the first time.
Check out our Vatican Tours here and find the right experience for your visit!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you take photos inside the Vatican?
Yes, pictures are permitted throughout the Vatican, with the exception of the Sistine Chapel. Flash photography however, is not allowed.
Do I have to be Catholic to go to the Vatican?
No, the Vatican is open to people of all faiths and backgrounds.
How early should I arrive at the Vatican?
To be on the safe side, you should aim to arrive 20-30 minutes before your scheduled entry time.
Can I bring a bag into the Vatican?
Yes, bags are permitted, but they must not exceed 40x35x15 cm.
Ready to explore the Vatican?
Once you’ve planned your visit, let an expert guide take you deeper into the Vatican’s art, history and hidden corners. From early-morning and VIP experiences to complete Vatican tours, private visits and tours of St. Peter’s Basilica, WalksDevour has a whole host of tour options to suit different interests, schedules and budgets.