St. Peter’s Basilica tickets & tours

What to bring

• Personal earphones to use with the digital audio guide on your smartphone.
• A valid photo ID that matches the name on your booking (may be requested at entry).
• If you’ve booked Reserved Entry or a Dome access variant, ensure you’ve received your QR codes for both entry and audio guide activation via email. (Check your spam folder or retrieve them online if needed.)

What’s not allowed

• Large bags, luggage, and suitcases. Only small backpacks or personal bags are permitted (no cloakroom available).
• Food, drinks, and smoking are strictly prohibited.
• Animals and infants are not allowed.
• Flash photography, tripods, and filming equipment. (Photography is allowed without flash.)

Accessibility

• The Dome experience involves steep climbs (up to 551 steps) and is not recommended for infants, pregnant visitors, those with mobility issues, heart conditions, claustrophobia, or vertigo.
• The climb is not wheelchair accessible.
• All visitors must pass through airport-style security screening.

Additional information

• There are two queues at the main entrance — a free entry queue and a reserved entry queue. Only if you've selected the reserved entry option at checkout are you eligible to skip the free entry line.
• All visitors must pass through security, so even with skip-the-line access, brief delays can occur when the site is crowded.
• This is an active place of worship—modest attire is required: no shorts, mini skirts, or sleeveless tops.
• If you've reserved your entry, arrive at least 45 minutes before your scheduled time to allow for security checks, especially during peak season.
• The audio guide is available only on smartphones; ensure your device is charged and earphones are ready.
• Minimum recommended age is 6 years. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
• The experience is non-refundable.

Closures & exceptions

• Access to the Vatican Grottoes (Papal Tombs) is not available for 6pm entries—only the Basilica is accessible at that time.
• The Basilica and/or Dome may close without prior notice due to religious events or ceremonies. If access to the Dome or Grottoes is restricted, alternatives will be offered.
• The special access from the Sistine Chapel to the Basilica is closed on Wednesdays and during major celebrations like Easter.

Inclusions #

• Access to Basilica and Papal Tombs

• Digital audio guide

• Digital guidebook

• Reserved entry to St. Peter's Basilica (as per option selected)

• Access to the Dome by lift or staircase (as per option selected)

Exclusions #

• Printed copy of the guidebook

• Live tour guide

• Food and drinks

What to bring

• Bring a valid photo ID or passport for security checks upon arrival.
• Wear comfortable shoes, as the experience involves walking and stair climbing.
• Dress appropriately: shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women; sleeveless tops, shorts above the knee, and miniskirts are not permitted.
• Bring your own earphones/headphones to use a digital audio guide on your smartphone.

What’s not allowed

• Large bags, backpacks, suitcases, and luggage are not allowed inside the Basilica or Dome.
• Flash photography, glass objects, food, drinks, and smoking are not permitted on the premises.
• Animals and pets are not allowed, except for registered service animals.
• Cloakroom service is not available.
• Access to the Vatican Grottoes and explanations in the Basilica are not allowed after 6pm.

Accessibility

• This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
• The Dome climb involves over 551 narrow stairs in a confined space and is not recommended for infants, pregnant women, people with heart conditions, claustrophobia, vertigo, or mobility issues.
• The elevator to the Dome only reaches the terrace level; to access the summit, you must climb an additional 320 steps.
• Minimum recommended age for the Dome climb is 6 years; children up to 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Additional information

• All visitors must pass through airport-style security checks; during peak season, wait times may exceed 30 minutes—arrive at least 15–45 minutes before your scheduled entry.
• The roof and Dome may be inaccessible during bad weather conditions.
• Entry to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Dome may be subject to closure without prior notice due to religious ceremonies or Vatican events. If the underground or Dome is closed, alternative arrangements will be made.
• Similarly, the special access passage between the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica is closed on Wednesdays and may be unavailable during major celebrations like Easter. On such days, your guide will instead lead you to the magnificent Pinacoteca Gallery.
• QR codes for entry are mandatory for tickets; check your email (including spam) before arrival.
• No refunds or date changes are provided for cancellations by the visitor or closures due to religious events.
• Security checks are mandatory at the Basilica. Please expect longer wait times of up to an hour and note that the tour duration may increase accordingly.

Inclusions #

• Reserved entry to St. Peter's Basilica

• Access to Papal Tombs

• Digital audio guide

• Access to the Dome by lift or staircase (as per option selected)

• Guided tour of Basilica (as per option selected)

Exclusions #

• Food and drinks

Follow a Vatican expert along an insider route, from the Museums to the Chapel and straight into Basilica, with zero wait.

• Everything you get: Skip the Vatican ticket lines and explore the Museums with a local expert, covering key galleries and masterpieces. Learn the legends and context behind Michelangelo’s frescoes before entering the Sistine Chapel, then continue straight into St. Peter’s Basilica through a direct internal passage, bypassing the 2-hour public queue.
• Why choose this: A professional guide streamlines your visit with clear context, making this the smartest way for first-timers to see the Vatican’s highlights, while saving hours and avoiding the hassle of re-queuing for the Basilica.
• Upgrades: Go semi-private (max 10 guests) for a calmer, more personal experience.
• Choose early access to beat the crowds, with the option to climb the Dome for sweeping views over Vatican City.

Inclusions #

• Guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with skip-the-line entry

• St. Peter's Basilica Access

• Expert English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, or Japanese-speaking guide (as per option selected)

• Semi private tour with a max group of 10 (as per option selected)

• Early morning tour with St. Peter's Basilica and Dome climb (as per option selected)

• Headphones

Exclusions #

• Gratuities

Learn about the world’s largest basilica and its history as St. Peter’s burial site with an expert guide and priority entry.

• Everything you get: Enjoy a guided tour of the glorious St. Peter’s Basilica with reserved entry, led by a licensed guide in your chosen language. From Michelangelo’s Pietà to the Papal Tombs, uncover the art, rituals, and stories that shaped Catholic history.
• Why choose this: Go beyond what meets the eye—this isn’t just entry, it’s a guided deep dive into centuries of faith, the making of a major pilgrimage site, and hidden spaces most visitors miss. Plus, you skip the long entry lines.
• Upgrades: Add Dome access by elevator to reach St. Peter’s terrace—the easiest way to see Rome from its highest point.

Inclusions #

• Guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica & Papal Tombs

• Expert English, Spanish, French, German or Italian-speaking guide

• Dome access via elevator (as per option selected)

Exclusions #

• Food and drinks

What to bring

• Bring a valid passport or photo ID for security checks.
• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for walking and climbing stairs.
• Dress code: Shoulders and knees must be covered; avoid sleeveless tops, shorts, or skirts above the knee.

What’s not allowed

• Large bags, backpacks, suitcases, and luggage are not allowed inside St. Peter’s Basilica.
• Glass objects, weapons, or sharp items are prohibited.
• Flash photography is not permitted inside the Basilica.
• Shorts, short skirts, sleeveless shirts, and low-cut garments are not allowed due to the dress code.
• Strollers are not permitted inside St. Peter’s Basilica.
• Food and drinks are not allowed.
• Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.

Accessibility

• This experience is not wheelchair accessible and is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.
• The activity is not suitable for children under 6 years of age.
• The Dome climb involves over 300 narrow steps in an enclosed space and may not be suitable for those with claustrophobia or limited mobility.

Additional information

• All visitors must pass through airport-style security checks; allow extra time, especially during peak hours when wait times can be up to 2 hours.
• Meeting point and time may vary depending on the option booked; please check your confirmation details and arrive at least 15–30 minutes before your scheduled start time. Late arrivals cannot be accommodated or refunded.
• Entry to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Dome may be subject to closure without prior notice due to religious ceremonies or Vatican events. If the underground or Dome is closed, alternative arrangements will be made.
• The special access passage between the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica is closed on Wednesdays and during major celebrations like Easter. On such days, your guide will take you to the Pinacoteca Gallery instead.
• The elevator for the Dome only goes to the first balcony; the remaining ascent (320 steps) must be done on foot.
• The tour does not include access to the Vatican Museums or Sistine Chapel.
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve now & pay later options are available.
• Headsets are provided for clear audio during the tour.
• Please ensure you select the correct tour option (Regular Guided Tour or Dome Climb Tour) before booking.
• Photography without flash is permitted in most areas.
• Moderate physical fitness is recommended due to walking and stairs involved.

Castel Sant’Angelo

Accessibility

• Only some areas are accessible for prams/strollers and wheelchairs.
• Visiting with a baby or toddler? Bring a carrier.

Additional information

• Tickets are nominative; bring an ID matching the name on your ticket.

St. Peter’s Basilica

Accessibility

• Wheelchair and stroller accessible via the right semicircle of St. Peter’s Square. For special needs, email accoglienza@fsp.va.
• Sign language tours available—book at least 48 hours in advance at visiteguidate@fsp.va.

Additional information

• The basilica itself is free to enter.
• Dress code: Cover knees and shoulders.
• Security lines can be long, especially at peak times—waits may reach an hour.
• During religious holidays, some areas like the Papal Tombs may close. If so, the Basilica tour will be extended.

Inclusions #

Castel Sant'Angelo

• Fast-track entry

• Digital audio guide in English, Spanish, Italian, German, Chinese & French

St. Peter's Basilica

• Fast-track entry

Explore the essence of Rome’s heritage through two major basilicas, each a treasure trove of art, history, and spirituality.

• Everything you get at Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica: Step inside Rome’s oldest Marian basilica, admire its breathtaking 5th-century mosaics, explore beautifully decorated chapels, and uncover its rich history and sacred artworks with a multilingual audio guide.
• Everything you get at St. Peter’s Basilica: Immerse yourself in the world’s most significant Christian church with a digital audio guide and map covering 27 highlights, including Michelangelo’s Pietà and the Papal Tombs. The digital guidebook (in English) ensures you don’t miss a thing.
• Why choose this combo: Experience two of Rome’s most important basilicas in one seamless booking, unlocking hidden museum areas and in-depth audio guides, while enjoying special savings compared to separate tickets.

Inclusions #

Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica

• Access to Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica

• Audio guide in English, Italian, Spanish, French, or German

St. Peter's Basilica

• Access to Basilica and Papal Tombs

• Digital audio guide

• Digital guidebook

Exclusions #

• Transfers

What to bring

• Bring personal earphones to use with the smartphone audio guide.
• Bring a valid photo ID matching the name on your booking (may be checked at entry).
• Wear comfortable shoes as both experiences involve walking and stairs.
• Dress appropriately for a religious site: shoulders and knees must be covered; short skirts, sleeveless shirts, and see-through clothing are not permitted.

What’s not allowed

• Large bags, luggage, or suitcases; only small backpacks or personal bags are allowed (no cloakroom on-site).
• Food, drinks, smoking, alcohol, and drugs are strictly prohibited.
• Pets and animals are not permitted (except for registered service animals).
• Flash photography, tripods, and filming gear are not allowed (non-flash photography is allowed).
• Access through the Holy Door is not included.
• Infants are not permitted inside St. Peter’s Basilica.

Accessibility

• Neither experience is wheelchair accessible, and some sections involve stairs and narrow passages.
• Both experiences are not suitable for individuals with walking difficulties, heart conditions, claustrophobia, dizziness, disabilities, anxiety disorders, or pregnancy.
• All visitors must pass airport-style security.

Additional information

• At St. Peter’s Basilica, there are two queues at the main entrance, a free entry queue and a reserved entry queue. Only guests with reserved entry can use the reserved line. During peak hours, brief waits may still occur due to mandatory security checks. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Entry to Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica is free, while the ticket covers the audio guide and any additional inclusions.
• Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled entry time for a smooth check-in.
• Entry is only permitted through the reserved entrance line.
• Both basilicas enforce a strict dress code; failure to comply will result in denied entry.
• The basilicas reserve the right to close any section due to force majeure; this does not entitle visitors to a refund.