Have you already visited the world’s smallest state, which is also a state within a state? We are talking about Vatican City, which you will discover within the capital city of Italy with all its attractions and majestic monuments. In this guide I will share with you Vatican City: Basic Information, Attractions, and Entry. So, if you’re traveling to Rome, definitely don’t miss a tour of Vatican City.
Vatican City: Basic Information
Vatican City is located in the center of Rome and, with an area of 44 hectares, it is the smallest state in the world. Yes, Vatican City is a fully-fledged and independent state with its own flag, anthem, currency, postal service, radio and television station, and even its own army. The head of Vatican City is none other than the Pope himself.
Even though Vatican City is a tiny state, it has so much to offer. From monuments, religious sites, to paintings, sculptures, and majestic buildings and gardens.
TIP: Read our article with tips on where to go for a holiday in Italy.
How to get to Vatican City
Vatican City is easily accessible by both public transport and on foot. It depends on your preferences:
- By Metro: One of the easiest ways to get to Vatican City is to use the Rome Metro. Line A (orange line) will take you directly to Vatican City. You can get off at the “Ottaviano – Musei Vaticani” station. From the station, it’s just a short walk to the entrances of the Vatican Museums, and within a few minutes, you’ll also be at St. Peter’s Basilica.
- By Bus: Many Rome bus lines have stops near Vatican City. Buses number 32, 40, 62, 64, 81, and 982 run from various parts of the city and stop near Vatican City.
- By Tram: Tram line number 19 will take you to Vatican City, specifically to the Piazza del Risorgimento stop, which is close to the main entrances.
- On Foot: If you are in the historic center of Rome, it is also possible to reach Vatican City by walking. The journey can take 20 to 30 minutes from more central areas like the Pantheon or Piazza Navona.
- By Taxi: If you prefer comfort, you can take a taxi or book a private transfer. This option is faster and more comfortable, but also much more expensive than public transport.
Admission
Entry to Vatican City itself is free. However, what you will pay for are individual admissions to the Vatican Museums and monuments. Tickets need to be purchased well in advance, as they often sell out. If you want to avoid queues, get your tickets on the GetYourGuide portal.
The admission price varies depending on whether you buy it online in advance or on-site (which is usually cheaper). However, I would recommend buying tickets online in advance, as they are often completely sold out. The entry price is around 25 euros (630 CZK), depending on the ticket combination you choose or whether you opt for a guided tour.
You can purchase tickets in various forms, namely:
- Vatican Museums + Sistine Chapel (25 euros),
- Vatican Museums + Sistine Chapel + St. Peter’s Basilica (25 euros),
- Papal Audience (free, every Wednesday),
- Vatican Gardens + Sistine Chapel (25 euros).
All entry options, including prices and ticket availability, can be found on the official website.
TIP: You can visit Vatican City for free every last Sunday of the month from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM (last entry is at 12:30 PM). No reservation is needed, but be prepared to queue.
Security Checks
At some locations in Vatican City, you will undergo security checks. They are similar to those at airports and are mandatory for all visitors. Checks are required at these locations or events:
- St. Peter’s Basilica,
- Vatican Museums,
- Sistine Chapel,
- Vatican Gardens,
- Papal Audience or other solemn events.
What to Wear in Vatican City
When visiting Vatican City, it is important to adhere to the principles of modest and respectful dress, as Vatican City is a religious state and site. The most basic rule when visiting St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel, is to cover your shoulders and knees.
Men should wear long trousers and a short-sleeved or long-sleeved shirt. Women should wear long trousers, knee-length skirts, or long dresses, and a top or scarf that covers their shoulders.
Clothing that is see-through, has a deep neckline, or exposed back is inappropriate. Before entering religious spaces, hats or caps must also be removed.
TIP: In Italy, you must not miss Cinque Terre National Park.
What to Visit in Vatican City
If you are planning a visit to Vatican City, I recommend allocating plenty of time and arriving as early as possible in the morning to avoid the rush of tourists.
St. Peter’s Square
St. Peter’s Square is one of the most famous and significant squares in the world. It is located in front of St. Peter’s Basilica and is an important center for Catholic pilgrims and tourists from all over the world.
St. Peter’s Basilica and Dome
The biggest attraction in Vatican City is St. Peter’s Basilica, and you can enter it for free. However, expect crowds and queues, as you will need to go through a security check before entry.
Once inside, you can admire St. Peter’s Dome, the Vatican Pietà, the bronze statue of St. Peter, or Bernini’s works. However, entry to the dome is subject to a fee. If you take the elevator, you’ll pay 10 euros, and if you go by stairs, it’s 8 euros. From here, there’s a magnificent view of Rome.
Vatican Gardens
The Vatican Gardens are one of the most tranquil and impressive places in Vatican City. These extensive gardens cover almost half of the total area of the Vatican City State. However, entry to them is paid and only part of official guided tours.
Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel is one of the most significant cultural and spiritual landmarks in Vatican City. This chapel, located in the heart of the Vatican Museums, is world-renowned for its magnificent frescoes, especially the ceiling depicting the Creation of Adam and the Last Judgment by Michelangelo.
Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums consist of a total of 15 buildings with 30 art collections. The collections include a vast number of artworks originating from various epochs and cultures.
Vatican Postal Service
The Vatican Postal Service is known for its efficiency and quality of service and is popular among stamp collectors worldwide. The Vatican postal service, officially known as Poste Vaticane, was founded in 1929 when Vatican City was officially recognized as an independent state by the Lateran Treaties.
The Vatican Postal Service is so popular that many Romans prefer to send important mail from Vatican City to take advantage of its speed and reliability.
Vatican City: Interesting Facts
- Vatican City has its own national football team.
- Only about 30 women live in Vatican City, and they do not have the right to vote.
- In Vatican City, Latin is one of the official languages, and you might even encounter it when using an ATM, for example.
- Divorce is not possible in Vatican City.
FAQ
How to get to Vatican City?
Vatican City is open to the public and can be visited, usually via Rome. To enter certain areas, such as the Vatican Museums or the Sistine Chapel, a ticket must be purchased.
What are the main tourist attractions in Vatican City?
The main attractions include St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel with its frescoes, the Vatican Museums with extensive art collections, and the Vatican Gardens.
What are the opening hours of the Vatican Museums?
The Vatican Museums are usually open from Monday to Saturday, with the exception of some holidays and special events. We recommend checking the current opening hours in advance and booking tickets online due to high demand and limited capacity.
Can I take photos in Vatican City?
Photography for personal use is permitted in most public areas of Vatican City; however, photography is prohibited in the Sistine Chapel and some other art exhibitions.
How much does entry to the Sistine Chapel cost?
You can visit the Sistine Chapel as part of the Vatican Museums admission, starting from 25 euros.
How long does a tour of Vatican City take?
The length of a Vatican City tour can vary significantly depending on what you want to see. If you want to see everything Vatican City has to offer, plan for a full-day visit. Also, don’t forget to factor in the time needed for security checks upon entry to Vatican City, which can take 20-30 minutes on some days.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
