Planning a trip to the Vatican this year? Don’t go unprepared! Check out our blog post below—it’s everything you need to know before you go. Don’t miss our pro tip: pack a picnic lunch!
Essential Guide of What to Visit in Vatican City
The Vatican, by size and population, is the smallest country in the world, but it’s one of the most widely visited religious places. During peak season, 25,000 people make their way through the Vatican’s holy sites.
What to See in Vatican Museums: Must-Visit Masterpieces
Planning a trip to the Vatican Museums requires knowing which masterpieces shouldn't be missed. The Sistine Chapel, Raphael Rooms, and Gallery of Maps top most visitors' lists. The museum complex houses over 70,000 artworks, but these iconic collections represent the pinnacle of Renaissance art and should be prioritized in your Vatican visit planning.
What to Visit in Vatican City: St. Peter's Basilica Guide
No Vatican City visit is complete without exploring St. Peter's Basilica, the crown jewel of what to see in Vatican City. This architectural marvel houses Michelangelo's Pietà and offers dome climbs for panoramic Rome views. Understanding the basilica's visiting hours and access points is crucial for optimal Vatican trip planning.
Planning a Trip to the Vatican: Dress Code and Essential Tips
Modesty is the rule when it comes to visiting religious sites in Italy. At a minimum, men and women should wear clothing that covers both their shoulders and knees. In the hot summer months, this means, at a minimum, a T-shirt and long bermuda shorts that come to the knee.
That said, most people opt for long-sleeved shirts or blouses and long pants or skirts as a sign of respect. If you arrive unprepared, you can purchase a plastic cloak to cover the knees and shoulders, but it can be very hot and uncomfortable during the high summer temperatures.
It’s better to pack one outfit that works for both visits to churches and religious museums as well as upscale restaurants and bars, which often refuse guests not wearing long pants and an appropriate shirt.
Discover the magnificent Vatican Museums with an art historian who can reveal the hidden meanings behind each masterpiece on our private guided tour of the Vatican Museum.
What to Visit in Vatican Museums: Skip-the-Line Strategy
Smart Vatican Museum planning can help you avoid the notorious queues. Early morning entry slots are essential when planning a trip to the Vatican, especially during peak season. Consider entering through the lesser-known Viale Vaticano entrance and booking guided tours for privileged access to key attractions.
Maximize your precious time in the Vatican Museums by joining our private tour of the Vatican Museums. Our expert guides know exactly when and where to avoid the crowds, plus you'll get fascinating insights about the artworks that you won't find in any guidebook. It's the difference between just seeing the Sistine Chapel and truly understanding its magnificence.
Vatican Museums Visitor Guide: Photography Rules and Tips
Many areas in the Vatican allow photographs, including the Vatican Museum and St. Peter’s Basilica, as long as the flash is turned off.
No photography is allowed in the Sistine Chapel, however, and you’ll be asked to put away your phone and camera. This rule is strictly enforced, so don’t try to snap a sneak picture, or you may be asked to leave.
Let our expert guides take you on a private Rome and Vatican in a day tour through centuries of art history in the Vatican Museums, including priority access to the Sistine Chapel.
Vatican Museum Opening Hours and Best Times to Visit
The Vatican is closed on Sundays, except for the last Sunday of the month, when admission is free. Saturdays and the last Sunday of the month are the busiest times, so try to choose a different day to avoid the crowds. Of course, if you book a guided tour of the Vatican, you’ll avoid the long lines.
How to Get Papal Audience Tickets in Vatican City
Every Wednesday when he’s in Rome, the Pope gives a public audience. It’s not exactly a mass, but you have the opportunity to listen to a homily and receive a blessing from il Papa himself.
Tickets are free, but you need to reserve them well in advance. If that’s something you want to see on your trip to the Vatican, talk to your tour provider about reserving your spot.
Where to Relax in Vatican City: Gardens and Picnic Spots
Although you can’t eat or drink while touring the museums, you can definitely pick up some italian cheese, bread, and fruit for a little picnic in the grassy courtyard outside. It’s a great way to enjoy some authentic Italian delicacies and drink in the fresh air and sunshine—and you’ll save money on lunch besides!
Plan Your Vatican Experience and Book Your Vatican Tour
If your trip to Rome is already lined up, get in touch and we’ll help you book a VIP tour of the Vatican to skip the lines and see sights off-limits to the general public. And if you’re thinking of visiting Italy this year and aren’t sure what to see and do, sign up for our free email course to learn all the insider secrets to planning the ultimate vacation to Italy.
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