Top 15 Things to Do in Vatican City

Top things to do in the Vatican City

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

What’s Inside the Vatican Museum?

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.

Book Sistine Chapel tickets

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.

Visit St. Peter’s Basilica

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.

St. Peter's Bascilia Dome Tickets

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.

Explore the Vatican Necropolis

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.

Visiting the Vatican Grottoes

See the Vatican Mosaic Studio

In the late 16th century, Pope Gregory XIII brought Venetian mosaic artists to Vatican City so that they could teach their trade to Roman craftsmen. These artists decorated parts of St. Peter’s Basilica. In 1727, the Vatican Mosaic Studio) was formally established in an unassuming building in Vatican City and talented artists and craftsmen have since been working towards restoring the 10,ooo square meters of mosaics in Saint Peter’s Basilica, while also creating original mosaic masterpieces.

The studio also produces mosaic pieces by commission, which are sold and often given as gifts to visiting heads of state. There is a shop on site, where you can purchase mosaics to take back home, but these don’t come cheap.

Location: Few doors down from the pope’s private residence.

Tip: The area where Vatican Mosaic Studio is located is off-limits to the general public, so you’ll need to visit with an official tour guide.

Stroll along the St. Peter’s Square

Saint Peter's Square is one of the largest and most beautiful squares in the world. It is located in the Vatican, at the foot of St. Peter's Basilica. The square is an important historical and architectural landmark, that is 320 meters long and 240 meters wide, making it big enough to fit more than 300,000 people for liturgies and more significant events.

Admire the Doric colonnades, the 140 beautiful statues, the tall Egyptian obelisk that stands at its center, and other exquisite structures that make it one of the most incredible squares in the world.

Hours: Open 24 hours

Location: In front of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City

Tip: St. Peter's Square is the main landmark of the Vatican, which means there will be large crowds throughout the year. To avoid this, the best time to visit is either early in the morning between 7 AM and 9 AM or in the evening around 6 PM or 7 PM.

Wander through the Vatican Gardens

Walking through the Vatican Gardens, you can come across many small artistic gems, such as statues depicting the Madonna, small temples or shrines, grottoes such as the one in honor of the Madonna delle Guardia from 1917 and the reproduction of the one from Lourdes from 1902.

Other characteristic features of the Vatican Gardens are the fountains and various water features that decorate them. Among the fountains, the Fontana della Galera, the one shaped like a galleon that shoots streams of water from its cannons and the Eagle Fountain are the most impressive ones to lookout for. You will also be able to enjoy an impressive view of the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica from various points in the Vatican Gardens.

Hours: Open Monday - Saturday, 9 AM to 6PM. They are closed Sundays and on Catholic holidays

Location: Via Paolo VI, 29, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City

Tip: You need to pre-book the tours that specifically provide access for the Vatican Gardens, and there are only a limited number of tickets available per day, so make sure you book in advance.

Gardens of Vatican City

Unique things to do in Vatican City on a budget

Here are some special things that you can do in the Vatican city within your budget and enjoy your trip.

Meet the Pope

On your next visit to Rome, plan ahead to take advantage of a visit to the Vatican at a time when you can meet the Pope. When the pope is in town, he makes weekly 90-minute appearances, usually on a Wednesday, to offer blessings, prayers and a religious talk. The event is free, but you must have a ticket.

Attend a mass

Whether you are religious or not, given the stature of St. Peter’s Basilica, attending a mass here would be a surreal experience. Besides, attending the mass would be a unique way to explore the basilica. Mass is held at least five times on a weekday, and more on weekends. However, you can expect bigger crowds on weekends, especially Sundays.

Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica

Take a photo with a Swiss Guard

If you have a good zoom – go ahead and take a photo of the Swiss Guards in their colorful uniforms. Those usually make for great shots. You could also go up to a guard and take a photo with then,. The Swiss Guard is the de facto military of the city that has been guarding the city since 1506.

Send a postcard

Did you know the Vatican City has its own post office? If you're looking for a unique souvenir why not consider sending a postcard back home through the Vatican? Keep an eye out for the yellow post box
There is an official Vatican post office open to everyone, located under the colonnade to the right-hand side of St Peter's Square, open Monday to Saturday from 8:30am to 6:30pm.

Other Interesting Vatican Facts

Top Things to Do in Vatican City at Night

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.

Vatican Night Tours

Take a Stroll

Enjoy a nice walk along the Vatican City. Start off at Ponte Sant'Angelo, and make your way to the Square. Enjoy the night sky and exteriors of the attractions sans the crowds. Take in the grandeur of the St. Peter’s Square. With so much to see and many photo opportunities, walking around the Vatican at night is a pleasant experience.

Food and drink experiences in the Vatican

Here are some dining options for you around the Vatican City

Café-style eatery or the pizzeria: These are the only options inside the Vatican and they are only open during museum hours.
Papa Rex (600 m): Enjoy Roman and Italian cuisine and a live performance for your dinner.
Tre Pupazzi (1.2 km): Enjoy typical Italian and Roman dishes along with some Portuguese wines.
La Soffitta Renovatio (1.3 km): Located near St Peter’s Square, you can enjoy modern Abruzzese food at this restaurant owned by the Di Michele family since the early 1900s.
Il Sorpasso (1.4 km): Head to this classic casual restaurant with outdoor seating for some high-quality Italian food.
L'Isola Della Pizza (1.6 km): This restaurant, pizzeria, and steakhouse founded in 1985 is an absolute must-visit for pizza lovers.
Hostaria Dino e Tony (1.8 km): Looking to just stretch your legs in a relaxed setting? Then this Roman trattoria isthe place for you.
Angrypig Birretta e Porchetta (1.9 km): Try Porchetta, a roast pork that is generally served in a bread roll with vegetables of your choosing and chase down some delicious beers.
Panificio Bonci (2 km): A short hike away from the Vatican, you can taste one of the best pizzas of your life here.
Al Giardino Del Gatto E La Volpe Srl (2.1 km): If you are in the mood for some seafood, head to this innovative Italian restaurant just walking distance from the Vatican.

Frequently asked questions about what to do in Vatican City

What are the best things to do at night in Vatican City?

Since most attractions are closed during the night, the best thing to do would be to take an exclusive night tour of the Vatican Museums or to take a stroll along the St. Peter’s Square.

Is it worth visiting the Vatican?

Yes, a visit to the smallest state in the world is worth it. There is a lot to see at the Vatican, such as the St Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Gardens, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel. Whether you are an art enthusiast, or history buff, or someone who is taken by great architecture, this city is for you.

How many visitors does the Vatican City see per year?

Walking through the crowded Vatican streets means that people will see more tourists than locals. The country receives around 5 million visitors a year, and 20,000 on a single summer day. In addition, almost 2,500 Italians enter the city every day to work in museums and travel agencies. Make sure you plan your visit ahead of time to make the best of your trip.

What is the best time to visit Vatican City?

October and November are great months to visit the Vatican. Temperatures are cool and hotel prices are lower than in the summer months. Crowds are less dense during this period.

Where is Vatican City located?

The Vatican is located within Rome, towards the West bank of River Tiber atCittà del Vaticano, 00120 Vatican City.