If you are looking for a Vatican City travel guide that contains recommendations on how to visit, what to see, which tours to book, or where to stay, you’ve come to the right place.
Welcome, traveler! Feel free to use the table of contents and skip directly to the sections that interest you the most.
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Table of Contents
Vatican City: Spiritual and Artistic Treasures
If you’re planning a visit to Rome and working on your itinerary, this guide is for you. Vatican City should be at the top of your bucket list when visiting the beautiful capital of Italy.
Whether you are religious or not, Vatican City is a must-see attraction in Rome. It’s a masterpiece of art and a stunning landmark that will take up at least half a day in your itinerary.
In this Vatican City travel guide, I’ll provide all the essential information you need before booking your tour. You’ll find tips on where to stay, where to eat nearby, what to visit in Vatican City, and how to get there.
How to get to the Vatican City from Rome?
This Vatican City travel guide wouldn’t be complete without offering tips about transportation, right?
Vatican City is located on the west bank of the Tiber River, just north of Rome’s city center. While it is an independent state, it’s easy to reach from Rome.
Getting to Vatican City:
By car
If you have a car (whether your own or a rental), you can easily reach Vatican City. If you’re interested in renting a car during your visit to Rome, check prices here.
However, keep in mind that Rome and Vatican City are very crowded, and finding parking can be a real challenge. I recommend checking and booking parking spots ahead of time. Check parking options here.
Public transportation
If you prefer walking or using public transportation, there’s no need for a car to visit Vatican City. Depending on where you’re staying, you have options like the metro, train, or public bus.
The closest metro station to Vatican City is Ottaviano. From there, it’s an 8-minute walk to the Vatican Museums and a 10-13 minute walk to St. Peter’s Square.
You can find all the public transportation options available based on your starting location by checking this page.
Where to stay close to Vatican City?
There are many ways to get to Vatican City, so you don’t need to stay right next to it. You might want to choose accommodation closer to other major landmarks in Rome.
However, since this is a Vatican City travel guide, if you’re looking for nearby accommodations, make sure to book in advance. Check out your options below:
How to visit Vatican City?
Depending on your preferences and budget, you can either explore Vatican City on your own by purchasing entry tickets or book a guided tour.
Worry not, in this Vatican City travel guide, I’ll share my top recommendations without overwhelming you with too many options.
If you prefer to visit on your own, keep in mind that you aren’t going to get the complete Vatican City experience, especially if you are passionate about religion and art in general.
Visiting on your own
If you enjoy exploring at your own pace, you can buy skip-the-line tickets:
- Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Skip-The-Line Ticket
- Skip the Line: Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Admission Ticket
Important Information: St. Peter’s Basilica is free to visit, but check the schedule for daily visiting hours.
Guided tours
For a more complete experience, I recommend booking a guided tour, especially if you’re passionate about art or religious history. Here are some handpicked tours:
What to see in Vatican City?
Vatican City offers many incredible sites, including St. Peter’s Square, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel. Dedicate at least a full day to explore this unique part of Rome.
St. Peter's Square: Grand Piazza at the Heart of Vatican City
St. Peter’s Square is one of the most iconic spots in Vatican City. The magnificent colonnade by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and the towering Egyptian obelisk create a stunning atmosphere.
The square often hosts papal audiences, making it a place filled with energy and history. Take your time to enjoy the surroundings, take photos, and soak in the atmosphere.
This Vatican City travel guide wouldn’t be complete without mentioning St. Peter’s Square. This is why I will repeat what I already said, don’t rush your visit to the Vatican. There is so much to see and admire.
St. Peter's Basilica: Majestic Renaissance Basilica
St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the most impressive churches in the world. The moment you step inside, you’ll be mesmerized by the stunning frescoes, sculptures, and mosaics.
St. Peter’s Basilica is also one of Christianity’s holiest sites, as it’s built over the burial place of Saint Peter, and many popes are buried here as well.
Even if you’re not an expert in architecture, you’ll quickly see why this basilica is a masterpiece of Renaissance design, crafted by great artists like Michelangelo and Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
For the best experience, consider booking a guided tour or audio guide to learn more about the history and art. And if you love panoramic views, climbing the dome is a must for breathtaking views of Rome.
Vatican Museums: Artistic Riches and Historical Collections
The Vatican Museums are packed with beautiful artwork and historic artifacts. Whether you’re exploring the Pio-Clementine Museum, the Gallery of Maps, or the Raphael Rooms, there’s so much to see.
Personally, I loved the Gallery of Maps—the vivid colors and intricate details were incredible!
What about you? Which museum are you most excited to visit? Leave me a comment below!
Sistine Chapel: Michelangelo's Masterpiece
The Sistine Chapel is a sacred space that serves as the Pope’s official residence, but it’s also an unparalleled artistic wonder. Michelangelo’s frescoes, especially The Last Judgment, make this chapel an unforgettable experience. Even if you aren’t religious, the sheer artistry and history here are awe-inspiring.
I highly recommend taking your time inside to fully absorb the beauty of Michelangelo’s work and reflect on the deeper themes depicted in the art, such as faith and salvation.
Final Thoughts
I hope you find this Vatican City travel guide helpful in planning your trip to Rome. Remember to book your accommodation, transportation, and tours well in advance—Rome is a very popular destination, and things can book up quickly!
For a complete list of what to see and do in Rome, check out my article.