Things To Do
in Vatican City
Vatican City is the smallest independent state in the world, enclaved within Rome, Italy. It serves as the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church, home to St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the vast Vatican Museums. Its marble palaces, meticulously curated gardens, and Renaissance art span centuries of religious and cultural history.
Though compact in size, Vatican City draws millions of visitors each year who come to admire sacred spaces and world-class masterpieces.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Vatican City and check into your accommodation. Spend the morning exploring St. Peter's Square, taking in the grandeur of the basilica and the iconic columns that form a welcoming embrace. Capture stunning photographs and familiarize yourself with the layout of the city-state.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a nearby café, savoring authentic Roman cuisine. Afterward, take a guided tour of the Vatican Museums, where you will marvel at the extensive collection of art and history, including the famous Raphael Rooms. End your afternoon with a visit to the breathtaking Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo's masterpiece adorns the ceiling.
Conclude your first day with a dinner at a traditional Italian restaurant nearby. Reflect on your experiences while indulging in delicious pasta and wine. As night falls, take a stroll around St. Peter's Square to see the basilica beautifully illuminated.
Dedicate this morning to an in-depth exploration of St. Peter's Basilica. Climb to the dome for panoramic views over Vatican City and beyond, appreciating the architectural brilliance of Michelangelo. Spend time admiring the interior, where intricate mosaics and the grandeur of Bernini's Baldachin await.
After a light lunch, visit the Vatican Gardens, a peaceful escape filled with lush greenery and art. Join a guided tour to learn about the history and significance of this serene area, offering a different perspective of the Vatican. Don’t forget to take plenty of photos among the beautifully manicured landscapes.
As the sun sets, make your way to a nearby pizzeria to experience authentic Roman pizza for dinner. Enjoy the flavors of Italy while soaking in the warm ambiance. End the evening with a stroll along the Tiber River, taking in the serene atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $15-20 |
| ☕Coffee | $2-4 |
| 🚌Public transport ticket (single ride) | $2-3 |
| 💧Bottle of water | $1-2 |
| 🎟️Museum entry | $25-30 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Small, walkable area with world-class art and architecture
- Easy access to St. Peter’s Basilica and Vatican Museums
- Rich spiritual and cultural experiences in a compact setting
- Crowds can be overwhelming and lines long
- Limited dining inside Vatican City walls; most meals are in nearby Rome neighborhoods
- Certain areas have security checks that can add time to visits
- "Buongiorno" - Good morning/Hello
- "Per favore" - Please
- "Grazie" - Thank you
- "Dov'è la Basilica?" - Where is the Basilica?
- "Parla inglese?" - Do you speak English?
- "Quanto costa?" - How much does this cost?
- "Mi scusi" - Excuse me
Places to Visit in Vatican City
Visit one of these nice places.
Massive façade with columns and statues that glow at sunrise and sunset.
A dramatic view of the grand square with the canopy and the Swiss Guard colors.
Architectural courtyards, statues, and light play between the arches.
Michelangelo’s ceiling and Last Judgment; no flash photography inside.
Angelic statues and panoramic river views across the Tiber.
Iconic bridge scene at golden hour with riverside reflections.
Food in Vatican City
Vatican City Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A simple, iconic Roman pasta finished with Pecorino Romano and black pepper.
Must-Try!
A fried rice croquette with mozzarella center—perfect as a snack or light bite.
Rigatoni tossed in a tomato, guanciale, and pecorino sauce.
Jewish-style artichokes fried to a crisp; a Roman classic during season.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A large wholesale/retail market near the Cipro area offering fresh produce, snacks, and quick bites.
Historic market with fresh fruit, vegetables, cheeses, and ready-to-eat snacks—great for grazing.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Modest attire is expected—shoulders and knees should be covered; hats are typically removed indoors.
Speak softly in sacred spaces; avoid loud phone conversations and keep noise to a minimum in queues.
No flash inside the Sistine Chapel; respect restricted areas and guided instructions.
Safety
Tipping in Vatican City
Ensure a smooth experience
In Rome and Vatican-adjacent areas, a small tip for good service is appreciated but not mandatory; commonly 5-10% if service is not included.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; cash is handy for small purchases and markets. In many restaurants, a small 'servizio' may be included.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and crowded; mornings are best for major sights, afternoons can be sweltering; carry water and seek shade.
Pleasant temperatures and manageable crowds; ideal for long outdoor strolls and photography.
Milder days but cooler; some attractions may have shorter hours; dress in layers.
Blooming streets and comfortable temperatures; expect lively outdoor events and crowds.
Vatican City at Night
Hiking in Vatican City
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Historic Roman road with scenic trails and ruins, a short distance southeast of the city center.
Green space with ancient aqueducts and open trails, great for a relaxed hike.
Airports
How to reach Vatican City by plane.
Main international gateway to Rome; rail links or taxis connect to central Rome and the Vatican area.
Secondary airport serving low-cost carriers; accessible by bus and taxi to central Rome.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of visitors travel for religious reasons; visitors come from around the world.
People drawn to ancient history, Renaissance art, and architecture; a cosmopolitan mix.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Italy’s beloved sport; local clubs and facilities are widespread around Rome.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most trattorie offer vegetarian pastas, pizzas, and vegetable sides; look for antipasti of mozzarella, artichokes, tomatoes, and mushrooms, and clearly request vegetarian options.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Vatican City.