Vatican City (Citta del Vaticano)

The basics

Some of Rome’s most visited attractions are found in Vatican City. The Vatican Museums often have long lines stretching for blocks along the city walls. To avoid the crowds, consider reserving a small-group or private Vatican tour with skip-the-line access. Vatican City tours generally include visits to attractions like the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Pinacoteca, and the Vatican Gardens.

Things to know before you go

• The pope’s weekly address in St. Peter’s Square (nearly every Wednesday) is wildly popular, so be sure to book official papal audience tickets in advance.

• Vatican City houses some of Italy’s most important artistic masterpieces, including Michelangelo’s Pietà in St. Peter’s Basilica and ceiling frescoes in the Sistine Chapel, plus the museum complex’s Raphael Rooms with works such as the School of Athens fresco.

• You’ll need appropriate attire to enter St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. Wear modest clothing and keep your voice low.

• Security for entering the museum complex and the basilica includes a metal detector, so don’t bring any banned items, such as pocket knives, corkscrews, or umbrellas.

• Vatican City has its own post office that issues official stamps, as well as a banking system that mints coins, though the euro is used for commerce.

How to get there

The most scenic way to enter Vatican City is by foot from the center of Rome. Walk across the Sant'Angelo Bridge to Piazza San Pietro in about 15 minutes. Alternatively, the Ottaviano station on metro Line A is about a 5-minute walk away.

When to get there

Vatican City heaves with tourists year-round. Summer is the busiest time of year, when skip-the-line tickets or a private tour guide are essential. No matter the time of year, Vatican City’s sights are busiest at midday, so plan to visit in the early morning or late afternoon.

The Swiss Guards

Among the most photographed sights in Vatican City are the brightly costumed Swiss Guards, who stand at attention around St. Peter’s Square. This small force of Swiss soldiers is maintained by the Holy See and provides security for the Apostolic Palace and the pope, as it has since 1506.

Ways to explore

Some of Rome’s most visited sights are in Vatican City, and taking on this massive complex can be overwhelming. Join a small-group or private Vatican tour to optimize your time and cover the highlights in a few hours or a full day. Most itineraries include skip-the-line access to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, plus a guided visit to St. Peter’s Square and St. Peter’s Basilica. More in-depth tours also include a climb to the top of St. Peter’s Dome, a visit to the Vatican Grottoes that house the papal tombs, and a minibus ride through the Vatican Gardens.

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessibility varies between Vatican City sights. St. Peter’s Square and St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel are fully accessible, while the Vatican Grottoes and St. Peter’s Dome are not.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, battery pack, small binoculars, sunscreen

What to wear

Hat, comfortable shoes, clothing that covers shoulders and knees

Not allowed

Large bags and backpacks, umbrellas and selfie sticks, food and drinks, knives and sharp objects

Amenities

Restrooms, cafés, gift shops, audio guides, official Vatican City post office

Address

Most visitors arrive in Vatican City through St. Peter’s Square, which sits at the far end of Via della Conciliazione on the Tiber River’s west bank. Some enter the city-state via the Vatican Museums, which connect to St. Peter’s Basilica through an internal passage. Both of these entrances can be reached on foot or by public transportation.

Driving

Driving to Vatican City means taking on Rome’s heavy traffic and stressful parking, so book a tour that includes transportation or take a taxi to St. Peter’s Square or the Vatican Museums entrance.

Public transportation

Take Rome Metro Line A to Ottaviano station, near St. Peter’s Square and the Vatican Museums. ATAC bus 64 stops at Piazza Stazione di San Pietro—about a 4-minute walk from St. Peter’s Square—while bus 49 stops outside the Vatican Museums.

Best times to visit

Vatican City gets very crowded at midday and on Sundays. Visit on weekday mornings or late afternoons to bypass the busiest times of day.

Best days to visit

St. Peter’s Basilica is closed most Wednesday mornings for the Pope’s weekly audience, and the church is packed on Sundays and religious holidays. Avoid those days for a calmer experience.

Best months to visit

Winter—especially January and February—is the best time of year to visit Vatican City’s top sights in relative peace.

Special events

Vatican City buzzes during the Christmas season, when special services are held. Other important holidays include Easter and Pentecost in the spring and autumn’s All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days.