Things To Do In Vatican City | Detailed Guide to Unique & Budget Experiences at the Vatican

Explore the Vatican Museums

One of the main attractions of the Vatican City is undoubtedly the Vatican Museums, which contain a total of fifty-four separate collections. Covering nine miles of masterpieces, the museums feature works by Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, among others. In total, the collection is estimated to be worth more than 15 billion euros. The Map Gallery, the Sculpture Gallery, the Vatican History Museum and of course the Raphael Rooms are some of the most popular museums in the complex. But if you have the time, all the museums are worth their weight in gold – literally, in many cases.

Hours: Monday–Thursday from 9 AM to 6 PM, Friday–Saturday from 9 AM to 10:30 PM. Closed on all Sundays, except last Sunday of the month, from 9 AM to 2 PM. 

Location: 00120 Vatican City

Tip: Dress appropriately, or you risk being turned away

Marvel at the Sistine Chapel

The Sistine Chapel is an iconic chapel that is officially home to the Pope and contains historic artworks by the legendary Michelangelo. The chapel dates from 1483, when it was officially consecrated under Sixtus IV, although the building was not fully completed until 1508.

When visiting this chapel, the artwork is likely to stand out above all else. On the ceiling of the east side of the chapel, you will see Michelangelo's Last Judgment, the famous fresco depicting the Second Coming of Christ. It is located along the north side of the basilica, not far from the city center.

Hours: Monday–Thursday from 9 AM to 6 PM, Friday–Saturday from 9 AM to 10:30 PM. Last Sunday of the month, from 9 AM to 2 PM. 

Location: 00120 Vatican City

Tip: Switch off your mobiles before you enter as using them is forbidden in the Sistine Chapel. 

Visit St. Peter’s Basilica

St. Peter's Basilica is an iconic church and one of the most prominent ones not just in the entire city, but for the entire Christian World. 

The Basilica features impressive architecture and iconic works of art. The church as it stands today dates from the 17th century, but the site on which it is built once housed an ancient church where Peter is said to be buried. Inside the church you will find several outstanding works of art, including the Pieta, the only work Michelangelo signed. In addition, you will find the St. Peter's Baldachin created by Bernini over the High Altar. 

Hours: The basilica opens at 7 AM and closes at 7 PM in the summer and 6:30 PM in the winter. 

Location: Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City

Tip: St. Peter’s Basilica is an extremely popular attraction and is crowded throughout the year. To avoid crowds, visit during early mornings and evenings.

Climb the St. Peter’s Basilica dome

With its impressive dome, the focal point of Rome's cityscape, and its ornate interior, St. Peter's is sure to please the eye. For many, this is the highlight of a visit to Rome, and for good reason.

Designed by Michelangelo, the dome is spectacular on the inside and outside. We would recommend taking a guided tour of the the Dome, so you can learn all about its history and design. Either way, climbing the cupola is an unparalleled experience. During your climb,  you can enjoy the views of the interiors of the basilica, view the mosaics up close, explore the roof of the basilica and enjoy spectacular views of the city.

Hours: 7:30 AM to 5 PM.

Location: Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City

Tip: If you are claustrophobic, skip the climb as it can prove to be difficult.

Visit the Necropolis

The Vatican Necropolis is the city of the dead beneath the Vatican, where you'll find historic tombs and mausoleums that have been hidden for centuries. The cemetery dates back to the Roman era and you will find remains from the 1st and 4th centuries.

One of the main attractions of this particular attraction is that it is said to be the burial place of St. Peter, one of the twelve apostles and the first pope. In addition, there is the Temple of Emperor Constantine and various Christian and pagan cemeteries. You can book a guided tour of the site. It is located under the basilica, on the south side of the city.

Location: Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City

Tip: This might not be a family-friendly attraction as access to the Necropolis is granted only to those who are 15 years and above.

Visit the Vatican Grottoes

Beneath St. Peter's Basilica lies a collection of ancient and modern tombs known as the Vatican Caves. It is a fascinating area visited by millions of tourists every year. The Vatican Grottoes are a complex of papal tombs that lie beneath St. Peter's Basilica. Inside the grotttes are also ancient works of art and relics preserved for centuries. In addition to the tombs of the popes, there is also the resting place of church dignitaries, monarchs and other important figures from the history of Rome. There are more than a hundred tombs inside St. Peter's Basilica, and most of them lie in the Vatican caves.

Hours: Open between 7 AM to 7 PM from April to September and 7 AM to 6 PM from October to March.

Location: Directly below St Peter’s Basilica

Tip: Visit the St. Peter’s Basilica before you head to the Grottoes to avoid having to stand in line twice. 

Open tour of the Vatican Museums

Enter the Vatican Museums after the official closing time. Explore the museums in a relatively calm and relaxed state as you have overcome the heat of the day outside. Please note that this evening tour is special and only available on limited dates. If you have already visited the Vatican Museums, here is your chance to explore them in a new way.