{"id":20137,"date":"2025-03-10T11:39:34","date_gmt":"2025-03-10T11:39:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.citiestotravel.com\/visiting-vatican-city-is-it-worth-it\/"},"modified":"2026-10-22T19:05:41","modified_gmt":"2026-10-22T19:05:41","slug":"visiting-vatican-city","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.citiestotravel.com\/en\/visiting-vatican-city\/","title":{"rendered":"Visiting Vatican City: Is It Worth It?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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With an area of less than half a square kilometre, Vatican City is the smallest independent state in the world. It is also the centre of the Roman Catholic Church and the pope\u2019s residence and workplace. Despite its small size, you will find some of Rome\u2019s most famous attractions<\/a>, including St Peter\u2019s Basilica<\/a> and the Vatican Museums<\/a>. Many travellers visit Vatican City during their city trip to Rome<\/a> to discover its remarkable art, rich history and impressive architecture. But is Vatican City worth visiting?<\/div>\n

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In this article, I share my experiences of visiting Vatican City. You will discover what you can see, what to expect from your visit, and which tickets and guided tours are available. You will also find practical tips to help you plan your visit. This will help you decide whether Vatican City is a place you want to explore during your city trip to Rome.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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What Is Vatican City?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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With an area of 0.44 square kilometres, Vatican City is the smallest independent state in the world. It is located in the heart of Rome, on the western bank of the River Tiber. Vatican City was established in 1929 through the Lateran Treaties, which were signed on 11 February by representatives of the Holy See and Italy. This made Vatican City an independent state.<\/div>\n

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The Holy See is the central governing body of the Roman Catholic Church and is led by the pope. Vatican City provides the pope with his own territory from which to carry out his duties. Within its borders are St Peter\u2019s Basilica, St Peter\u2019s Square<\/a>, the Vatican Museums and the Vatican Gardens.<\/p>\n

Despite its small size, Vatican City has great historical, religious and cultural significance. Its artworks, historic buildings and architecture are so remarkable that the entire territory was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1984. The Swiss Guard is also an iconic part of Vatican City. Founded in 1506, the guard is responsible for protecting the pope.<\/p>\n

Vatican City has its own government and uses the euro as its currency, although it is not a member of the European Union. This makes it a unique independent state in the heart of the Italian capital.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Is Vatican City Worth Visiting? My Experience<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Over the past ten years, I have visited Rome more than ten times. During these trips, I have also visited Vatican City several times and explored almost all of its major attractions. My opinion is clear: Vatican City is definitely worth visiting, even if you are not religious or know very little about art. The combination of remarkable works of art, centuries of history and impressive architecture makes this small state unique.<\/div>\n

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During my first city trip to Rome, I had about three days to explore the city. I therefore wanted to discover Vatican City in a single day. It is often said that one day is enough, but my experience is that you need to plan carefully. The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel<\/a> in particular require plenty of time if you want to see more than just the most famous highlights. Climbing the dome of St Peter\u2019s Basilica also takes extra time.<\/p>\n

If you are visiting Rome for the first time and are only staying for three or four days, I recommend deciding in advance what you want to see. I like to start at St Peter\u2019s Square and visit St Peter\u2019s Basilica. If time allows, I also climb the dome. From there, you can enjoy beautiful views of Vatican City and Rome.<\/p>\n

Afterwards, you can continue to Castel Sant\u2019Angelo, also known as Castel Sant’Angelo<\/a>, and the nearby Ponte Sant\u2019Angelo. Both are within walking distance of St Peter\u2019s Square and make a great addition to your visit.<\/p>\n

I prefer to set aside a separate part of the day or a full day for the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. This gives you more time to explore the art collections and admire the famous frescoes at your own pace. If you also want to visit the Vatican Gardens, you can take this into account when planning your day. A guided tour booked in advance is required to visit the gardens. Some tickets also include admission to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, so make sure you check exactly what your ticket covers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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These Are the Most Popular Tickets and Tours for Visiting Vatican City<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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What Is There to See in Vatican City?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Vatican City offers a remarkable combination of art, architecture and religious history. The entire state is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are several attractions worth visiting during your stay. Below, I discuss the places I would definitely recommend based on my own experiences.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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St Peter\u2019s Basilica<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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St Peter\u2019s Basilica is one of the most famous attractions in Vatican City. Construction of the current basilica began in 1506, commissioned by Pope Julius II. The church was built on the site where, according to Catholic tradition, the apostle Peter is buried. Within the Catholic Church, Peter is regarded as the first pope.<\/p>\n

Over the centuries, the basilica has become an important religious and architectural monument. Several renowned artists and architects contributed to its construction and decoration, including Michelangelo and Bernini. Their work is reflected in the impressive architecture and numerous works of art.<\/p>\n

The interior is equally impressive. As soon as you enter, you will notice the enormous scale of the building, the marble details and the richly decorated altars. One of the most famous works of art is Michelangelo\u2019s Piet\u00e0, a marble sculpture depicting Mary holding the body of Jesus. The magnificent dome is another striking feature of the basilica and plays a major role in shaping the skyline of Vatican City.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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The Vatican Grottoes<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Beneath St Peter\u2019s Basilica lie the Vatican Grottoes. This underground area contains the tombs of several popes and other important figures in the history of the Catholic Church. One of the best known is the tomb of Pope John Paul II, who was buried here before his tomb was moved to the basilica in 2011.<\/p>\n

The grottoes also contain chapels, monuments and works of art that reflect the history of the Church. For visitors, this is a special place to learn more about the popes and the religious traditions of Vatican City.<\/p>\n

The tomb of Saint Peter is located in the archaeological necropolis, which lies even deeper beneath the basilica. This is a separate site that can only be visited on a guided tour booked in advance.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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St Peter\u2019s Square<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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St Peter\u2019s Square is located in front of St Peter\u2019s Basilica and is one of the most famous places in Vatican City. The square provides the setting for important religious events, but it is also an attraction in its own right thanks to its distinctive architecture. You can generally visit the square for free. However, be aware that security checks or temporary access restrictions may apply during major events.<\/p>\n

The square took on its current form in the seventeenth century under the direction of the Italian architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The two large, semicircular colonnades are particularly striking. They surround the square and resemble two arms welcoming visitors. With this design, Bernini intended to symbolise the Church embracing its visitors.<\/p>\n

St Peter\u2019s Square plays an important role in Catholic celebrations and papal speeches. Thousands of worshippers and visitors gather here on special occasions. The pope\u2019s traditional Easter and Christmas messages, known as Urbi et Orbi, also attract considerable attention. During major events, such as the announcement of a new pope, the square can become extremely crowded.<\/p>\n

Even if you are not religious, St Peter\u2019s Square is worth visiting. You can admire the architecture up close and take in the impressive fa\u00e7ade of St Peter\u2019s Basilica. Take some time to walk around the square and view the colonnades from different angles.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Vatican Museums<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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The Vatican Museums are a large museum complex in Vatican City. They house an extensive collection of artworks and historical objects collected by popes over the centuries. The collection consists of around 70,000 works of art, of which approximately 20,000 are on display.<\/p>\n

During your visit, you will walk through long galleries, historic rooms and various museums. You will discover Greek and Roman sculptures, Egyptian antiquities and Renaissance paintings, among other treasures. The impressive architecture and decorated ceilings are also part of the museum experience.<\/p>\n

The collection has been built up and expanded by various popes. As a result, you will find art from a wide range of periods, from classical antiquity to modern art. One of the best-known parts of the museum complex is the Sistine Chapel, with its world-famous ceiling painted by Michelangelo. This chapel deserves a separate explanation, as it is one of the main reasons many visitors come to the Vatican Museums.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Sistine Chapel<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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The Sistine Chapel is one of the best-known parts of the Vatican Museums. It is named after Pope Sixtus IV, who had the building restored and expanded in the fifteenth century. The chapel is particularly famous for Michelangelo\u2019s impressive frescoes, but other Renaissance artists also created important paintings here.<\/p>\n

Michelangelo\u2019s ceiling depicts scenes from the biblical Book of Genesis, including the famous Creation of Adam. Above the altar is his monumental painting The Last Judgment. The wall paintings by artists such as Sandro Botticelli and Pietro Perugino are also remarkable. They depict, among other subjects, stories from the lives of Moses and Jesus.<\/p>\n

The Sistine Chapel is not only of great artistic importance. It is also where cardinals gather during a conclave to elect a new pope. Smoke from the chimney announces the outcome to the outside world: white smoke means a new pope has been elected, while black smoke indicates that no pope has yet been chosen.<\/p>\n

Please keep the chapel\u2019s rules in mind during your visit. Taking photos and videos is prohibited, and visitors are asked to remain silent. Security staff ensure that these rules are followed.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Carriage Pavilion<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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The Carriage Pavilion, known in Italian as Padiglione delle Carrozze, is a fascinating part of the Vatican Museums. Here, you can discover how popes travelled throughout the centuries. The collection ranges from richly decorated carriages and sedan chairs to historic cars and popemobiles. The pavilion was opened by Pope Paul VI on 19 April 1973 and is located in an underground space beneath the Square Garden.<\/p>\n

One of the most striking exhibits is the golden state carriage, commissioned by Pope Leo XII in 1826. The car collection is equally interesting. Among the vehicles on display are the Citro\u00ebn Lictoria C6, a Mercedes-Benz 460 N\u00fcrburg and the white Fiat Campagnola in which Pope John Paul II was travelling during the assassination attempt in St Peter\u2019s Square in 1981. Several popemobiles are also on display.<\/p>\n

What makes this part of the museum particularly interesting is that it reveals a different side of Vatican history. The carriages and cars show how the pope\u2019s transportation evolved from ceremonial grandeur to modern vehicles.<\/p>\n

During my first visits to the Vatican Museums, I walked past this pavilion without noticing it. It was only on later visits that I discovered the collection. My tip is therefore to look out for the signs pointing to the Padiglione delle Carrozze during your visit. The pavilion is located off the usual route to the Sistine Chapel, making it easy to overlook.<\/p>\n

You do not need a separate ticket to visit the Carriage Pavilion. Admission is included in the standard ticket for the Vatican Museums. However, individual sections of the museum may be temporarily closed, so check the latest visitor information in advance.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Vatican Gardens<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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The Vatican Gardens are a green oasis behind St Peter\u2019s Basilica. They have been used as a place for peace and reflection for centuries and are now also open to visitors. You can only visit the gardens on an organised guided tour that must be booked in advance. Exploring the gardens independently is not permitted.<\/p>\n

The gardens cover approximately 22 hectares, almost half the territory of Vatican City. During your visit, you will discover tree-lined paths, beautifully maintained gardens, statues, small buildings and various fountains. There are also several spots offering beautiful views of the dome of St Peter\u2019s Basilica.<\/p>\n

One of the most striking fountains is the Fontana della Galera, which is shaped like a ship. The Eagle Fountain and the various statues of the Virgin Mary are also distinctive features of the landscape. The combination of nature, art and architecture makes the gardens a very different experience from the busy museum halls.<\/p>\n

Would you like to visit the Vatican Gardens? Book well in advance and check carefully what is included in your ticket. Some guided tours also include admission to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, allowing you to combine several highlights in a single visit.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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How Long Does a Visit to Vatican City Take?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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How long you need to visit Vatican City depends on which attractions you want to see and how much time you want to spend at each one. If you only want to explore the main highlights, you should allow around six to eight hours. If you want to explore the Vatican Museums in detail, climb the dome of St Peter\u2019s Basilica and visit the Vatican Gardens, it is more comfortable to spread your visit over two days.<\/div>\n

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I usually allow a day and a half to two days. This means I do not have to squeeze everything into a single day and can explore the art, architecture and attractions at a more relaxed pace.<\/p>\n

How Much Time Do You Need for Each Attraction?<\/h3>\n

The times below are estimates. The actual duration depends on factors such as crowds, queues and how much time you want to spend at each attraction.<\/p>\n

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel: 3 to 4 hours<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Vatican Museums consist of a large complex with long galleries, historic rooms and extensive art collections. Allow at least three to four hours if you want to see the main highlights. If you want to take your time exploring the artworks, you can easily spend longer here.<\/p>\n

St Peter\u2019s Basilica: 1 to 2 hours<\/strong><\/p>\n

Allow around one to two hours to visit the basilica itself. You should also factor in the security check at the entrance. Waiting times can vary considerably and may increase significantly when it is busy.<\/p>\n

Dome of St Peter\u2019s Basilica: approximately 1 to 2 hours<\/strong><\/p>\n

Allow around one to two hours to climb the dome and enjoy the views from the top, including any waiting time. You can take the lift for part of the climb, but you will still need to climb another 320 steps afterwards. If you choose to take the stairs all the way, there are 551 steps in total.<\/p>\n

Vatican Gardens: approximately 45 minutes to 2 hours<\/strong><\/p>\n

The duration depends on the guided tour you choose. A tour on an open-top bus takes around 45 minutes. You should allow more time for a guided walking tour. When booking, check the duration of your chosen tour and which other attractions are included in the ticket.<\/p>\n

My Advice: Spread Your Visit Over Two Days<\/h3>\n

If you are staying in Rome for three or four days, I recommend deciding in advance which attractions you want to see. You can visit the main sights in one day, but it will be a long day with little time to linger anywhere.<\/p>\n

Personally, I prefer to divide the attractions as follows.<\/p>\n

Day 1: St Peter\u2019s Square, St Peter\u2019s Basilica and the Dome<\/strong><\/p>\n

Start your morning in St Peter\u2019s Square and visit St Peter\u2019s Basilica. If you want to climb the dome, make sure you allow enough extra time. After lunch, you could continue to Castel Sant\u2019Angelo and Ponte Sant\u2019Angelo. These are outside Vatican City, but you can easily reach them on foot from St Peter\u2019s Square.<\/p>\n

Day 2: Vatican Gardens and Vatican Museums<\/strong><\/p>\n

Start with your pre-booked visit to the Vatican Gardens. Depending on the ticket you choose, you can then continue to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. Allow around four to six hours for the gardens and museums combined, depending on the tour and how much time you spend inside the museums.<\/p>\n

This itinerary gives you more time to look around at your own pace. It also means you do not have to fit all the major attractions into a single day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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When Is the Best Time to Visit Vatican City?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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In my opinion, the best months to visit Vatican City are April, May, September and October. Temperatures are usually pleasant during these months for exploring the attractions. In summer, Rome can get very hot, while winter is cooler and rain is more frequent.<\/p>\n

I also visit Rome regularly in June. This can work perfectly well, but you need to be prepared for the heat and crowds. It is a good idea to book tickets for popular attractions online in advance.<\/p>\n

During my first visit to Rome in June, I had already bought tickets for many attractions, but not for Castel Sant’Angelo. I decided to visit it anyway and joined the queue. That turned out to be a mistake. I ended up waiting for around an hour and a half in the blazing sun. I had not brought enough water and was also badly sunburned afterwards.<\/p>\n

Since then, I have paid more attention to temperatures, queues and pre-booked tickets when planning my visits. Especially during the warmer months, I recommend taking plenty of water and avoiding long waits in direct sunlight whenever possible.<\/p>\n

If you prefer fewer crowds, January and February can be interesting months to visit Vatican City. It is generally cooler, and some attractions may be quieter outside busy periods. However, the weather is less predictable, and religious celebrations and special events can still attract large numbers of visitors in winter. The quietest time therefore depends not only on the month but also on the day you visit.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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What Are the Opening Hours of the Attractions in Vatican City?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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The opening hours of the attractions in Vatican City vary by location. St Peter\u2019s Basilica is generally open daily, while the Vatican Museums are usually closed on Sundays. Visiting the Vatican Gardens depends on the guided tour you book.<\/div>\n

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Please note that opening hours may change due to religious services, public holidays and special events. Check the latest information shortly before your visit.<\/p>\n

Opening Hours of St Peter\u2019s Basilica<\/h3>\n

St Peter\u2019s Basilica is generally open daily from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Admission to the basilica is free, so you can enter without an admission ticket. However, you should allow time for security checks and possible queues.<\/p>\n

Opening hours may change during major religious celebrations, and access may be temporarily restricted. Before visiting, check whether any special services are scheduled for the day of your visit.<\/p>\n

Opening Hours of the Dome of St Peter\u2019s Basilica<\/h3>\n

The dome has its own opening hours. During the summer, it is generally open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. In winter, you can usually visit from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM.<\/p>\n

Allow extra time for security checks and the climb. During religious services or special events, the dome may close earlier or become temporarily inaccessible.<\/p>\n

Opening Hours of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel<\/h3>\n

The Vatican Museums are generally open from Monday to Saturday, from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Last admission is at 6:00 PM. Visitors must leave the museum galleries before closing time.<\/p>\n

The museums are closed on most Sundays. On the last Sunday of the month, they are generally open from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, with last admission at 12:30 PM. Admission is free on this Sunday, but it can be particularly busy. This arrangement does not apply on every last Sunday of the month.<\/p>\n

The Vatican Museums are also closed on several public holidays. Check the official calendar in advance if you plan to visit Vatican City during a holiday or at the weekend.<\/p>\n

The Sistine Chapel is part of the Vatican Museums and does not have separate regular opening hours for visitors. You visit the chapel as part of your visit to the museum complex.<\/p>\n

Opening Hours of the Vatican Gardens<\/h3>\n

The Vatican Gardens are not accessible in the same way as the basilica and museums. You can only visit them on a guided tour booked in advance. Available days and times depend on the type of tour and the current schedule.<\/p>\n

The gardens are generally closed on Sundays and official public holidays. When booking, check the date and time of your tour carefully and allow enough time for the visit.<\/p>\n

My Tip for Planning Your Visit<\/h3>\n

If you want to visit several attractions in Vatican City, check the opening hours first and book tickets in advance where necessary. It is particularly advisable to plan ahead for the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.<\/p>\n

Also allow for possible queues at St Peter\u2019s Basilica and temporary changes due to religious services. This will help you avoid arriving at a closed entrance or running out of time to see everything.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Where Is Vatican City Located in Rome?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Vatican City is located in the west of Rome, on the right bank of the River Tiber. It is an independent state entirely surrounded by Italian territory. Despite its small size, Vatican City is close to several of Rome\u2019s famous attractions.<\/p>\n

St Peter\u2019s Square and St Peter\u2019s Basilica form the best-known part of Vatican City. The entrance to the Vatican Museums is on the northern side of the state, along Viale Vaticano. When planning your visit, remember that the museum entrance is not located at St Peter\u2019s Square. You will therefore need to allow time to travel between the two locations.<\/p>\n

There is also plenty to discover outside the borders of Vatican City. Castel Sant\u2019Angelo, for example, is within walking distance of St Peter\u2019s Square. From there, you can walk across Ponte Sant\u2019Angelo towards Rome\u2019s historic centre.<\/p>\n

If you want to visit both Vatican City and the rest of Rome during your city trip, you can easily combine the attractions. However, keep in mind that Vatican City requires more time than you might expect given its small size, especially if you also want to visit the Vatican Museums and climb the dome of St Peter\u2019s Basilica.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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