Top Tips for Visiting the Vatican: What to Know Before You Visit

The Vatican has always been an intriguing place to visit to me. During my first visit to Rome, however, I encountered some issues when exploring the Vatican I wish I knew before I came. Luckily, I had enough time in Rome to figure out what to do and what not to do when it comes to visiting the Vatican. In the end, I was able to enjoy my time at the Vatican and see everything I wanted to see.

You can avoid a stressful visit to the Vatican, by reading the following tips first!

Here is what you really need to know about visiting the Vatican:

Visiting the Vatican – When to go

While many people and tour groups come early to try to “beat the line,” the Vatican Museums are actually less crowded in the afternoon.

Saturday is probably the worst day to visit St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums as Rome fills up with weekend visitors from all over.

Also notice: The Vatican Museums are closed Sundays, except for the last Sunday of every month – then, they are free. Unfortunately, this is the busiest time you can imagine for visiting the Vatican Museums.

Wednesdays (except for late July and August when the pope goes on vacation to Castel Gandolfo to hold audiences there), the pope holds an audience at St. Peter’s Basilica. In summer, it is usually held in the massive square. In the winter months, it takes place in an auditorium-type hall just to the left of the basilica. During this time, the whole area will be packed with tens of thousands of people who want to attend the pope’s audience.

If you do visit the Vatican on a Wednesday when the papal audience is held in St. Peter’s Square, know that you can still visit St. Peter’s Basilica when the papal audience is over, at around 12 to 1 pm.

The winter months are considered the low season in Rome and are best if you want to visit the Vatican and find smaller crowds. However, between Christmas and January 6, the Vatican is just as crowded as in summer.

Best Time of Day to Visit the Vatican

The best time of day to visit the Vatican is in the early morning, right when it opens. This is usually around 9:00 AM, but it’s a good idea to check the official opening times before your visit. Visiting early in the morning allows you to beat the crowds and enjoy the Vatican’s attractions with fewer people around. It’s also a cooler time of day, which can be more comfortable, especially during the hot summer months in Rome.

Another option is to visit in the late afternoon, as the crowds tend to thin out a bit compared to the midday rush. However, keep in mind that some parts of the Vatican, like St. Peter’s Basilica, may close earlier in the afternoon, so check the closing times for specific attractions you want to visit.

Overall, early morning is often considered the best time to experience the Vatican with less congestion and more pleasant weather.

Papal Audience Tips

If you are one of those privileged to have a papal audience, you will have a memorable spiritual experience. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your visit:

1. Check the Schedule: First, make sure to check the schedule for the papal audience. They are usually held on Wednesdays when the Pope is in Vatican City. However, the schedule can change, so it’s essential to verify the date and time in advance.
2. Obtain Tickets: Tickets are typically required for papal audiences, and they are free of charge. You can obtain tickets through your local diocese or by contacting the Vatican’s Prefecture of the Papal Household. Be cautious of any third-party sellers who may try to charge you for tickets.
3. Arrive Early: Arrive at St. Peter’s Square well in advance. It can get crowded, and you’ll want to secure a good spot. It’s recommended to arrive at least 1-2 hours before the scheduled start time.
4. Dress Modestly: Remember that Vatican City is a holy place. Dress modestly and respectfully. Avoid wearing shorts, short skirts, sleeveless tops, or clothing with offensive slogans or graphics. It’s also customary to cover your shoulders.
5. Stay Hydrated and Wear Sunscreen: Papal audiences can be lengthy, and St. Peter’s Square offers little shade. Be sure to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
6. Respect Security Measures: Vatican City has strict security measures in place. Be prepared for bag checks and security screenings. Avoid bringing large bags, and follow the instructions of security personnel.
7. Learn the Papal Protocol: During the audience, follow the protocol. When the Pope arrives, it’s customary to stand and show respect. You may also want to bring a rosary or religious item to be blessed by the Pope.
8. Listen to Translations: Papal addresses are usually given in multiple languages. Headsets are provided for visitors to listen to translations. Make sure to get one if you don’t understand the language used.
9. Stay Silent and Respectful: During the papal address and prayers, maintain a respectful and prayerful atmosphere. Silence your phone and avoid talking loudly or taking photos when it’s not appropriate.
10. Follow Papal Blessings: If the Pope imparts a special blessing, follow the instructions for receiving it. Often, the Pope’s blessing involves making the sign of the cross.
11. Visit the Vatican Museums: If your schedule allows, consider visiting the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica on the same day as the audience. These are magnificent attractions, and seeing them on the same day can save time.
12. Be Prepared for Weather: The weather in Rome can be unpredictable. Be prepared for rain or shine, depending on the season. Bringing an umbrella or raincoat can be a good idea.
13. Keep Valuables Secure: Be cautious of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas. Keep your belongings secure and be mindful of your surroundings.

Remember that attending a papal audience is not only a tourist experience but also a spiritual one for many people. Show respect for the religious significance of the event, and you’ll have a meaningful and memorable visit.

Here’s how and when to include visiting the Vatican in a 3-day itinerary in Rome.

What to see (St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums, and which to see first)

The most important things people want to see when visiting the Vatican in Rome are St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums. It’s hereby important to remember that the famous pietà by Michelangelo is inside St. Peter’s Basilica, and Michelangelo’s iconic Creation of Adam is located on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel inside the Vatican Museums. (We will specify below what else you can see there).

Most people do definitely want to see both of these unique locations but you can also only visit one or the other. Visiting both in one day is doable if you don’t plan any other big visits into your schedule. You’ll spend many hours wandering through the Vatican and will be completely exhausted after. The only other appointments you should make are for a big dinner and maybe a relaxing massage at a spa.

ST. PETER’S BASILICA

St. Peter’s Basilica is not only the heart of the Vatican but also the largest church in the world. The Vatican is a basilica but not a cathedral, as it does not have its own bishop.

Things to See in the Vatican Museum

In addition to those mentioned above, here are some of the other things not to be missed at the Vatican Museums:

1. Sistine Chapel: The Sistine Chapel is arguably the most famous attraction in the Vatican Museums. Michelangelo’s breathtaking ceiling frescoes, including the iconic “Creation of Adam,” adorn the chapel’s interior. The Last Judgment, also painted by Michelangelo, can be seen on the chapel’s altar wall. The best time to visit the Sistine Chapel is early morning, right after the opening.
2. Raphael Rooms: These rooms, known as the “Stanze di Raffaello,” showcase the work of the renowned Renaissance painter Raphael. The School of Athens is one of the most famous frescoes in this collection.
3. The Gallery of Maps: This gallery features a series of painted topographical maps of Italy created in the 16th century. The detail and artistry in these maps are remarkable.
4. The Gallery of Tapestries: This gallery features a series of large tapestries designed by Raphael’s workshop. The tapestries depict scenes from the Acts of the Apostles and are known for their intricate details.
5. The Egyptian Museum: The Vatican Museums also house an impressive collection of Egyptian artifacts, including mummies, sculptures, and hieroglyphics.
6. The Gregorian Egyptian Museum: This museum within the Vatican Museums is dedicated to Egyptology and features a wide range of Egyptian antiquities, including statues, jewelry, and artifacts.
7. The Pinacoteca Vaticana: This is the Vatican’s painting gallery, featuring an extensive collection of European paintings from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, including works by Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio, and Titian.

These are just a few highlights within the Vatican Museums. The entire complex is vast, and there are many more rooms, galleries, and treasures to explore. 

ST PETER’S DOME

Michelangelo’s dome is located inside St. Peter’s Basilica and will get you one of the most iconic views of St. Peter’s Square. Be warned, the way up to the dome is tiring with many steps. For the first part of the climb, you can choose to take an elevator that will save you 231 steps (the elevator ticket costs you EUR 10).

The last part up to the viewpoint, however, still requires you to climb 320 steps. The stairway also gets narrowed as you go up, so if you cannot handle narrow spaces, this might not be for you. Also be sure to bring enough water! I made the mistake and climbed up the dome without any water with me – and I deeply regretted this carelessness.

THE VATICAN MUSEUMS

Besides climbing up the many steps of the dome at St. Peter’s Basilica, the museums will take most of your time and energy. The Vatican Museums are home to the world’s largest private art collection in the world. It is estimated that the museums house around 70,000 works; but only  20,000 are actually on display. Most of these pieces are among the most important works of art in human history.

Statue called The Nile

How to get tickets / skip the line to the Vatican museums

The Vatican is busy year-round. Even during low season, it’s best to purchase tickets in advance to reduce waiting time. Who wants to spend precious vacation time lining up in front of the gates? Think of all the time that gets lost where you could be eating pasta and gelato!

• Option 1: You can book a skip-the-line ticket. This ticket enables you to bypass the hundreds of people lining to get into the museum, explore the world-class collections at your own pace, admire the breathtaking frescoes of the Sistine Chapel and wander through the Gallery of Tapestries, the Geographical Maps, and the beautiful Raphael rooms. This ticket does not include a tour. You meet the tour guide at a meeting point outside, head inside the museum with the guide to receive your ticket and can explore on your own.
• Option 2: You can book a tour of the Vatican Museums. This tour includes a multi-lingual guide, who leads you through the museums. This tour also includes a guided tour through the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica.
• Option 3: You can purchase an Omnia Pass. This convenient pass is also going to get you a tour with a guide from the Vatican Museums, as above. The Omnia Pass lasts for 72 hours and gets you into 30 Rome and Vatican museums, art galleries and monuments. With the card, you also save over 30% on attraction costs and get fast-track entry to top tourist attractions, such as St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum, and more, plus the Hop on Hop Off Buses.

Can you just visit the Sistine Chapel?

No, it’s not possible to just see the Sistine Chapel.

The Sistine Chapel is the last part of the Vatican Museums. This means, you’ll have to go through the entire museum, which takes around 2 hours if you navigate through it and only see the highlights.

Photo from Wikimedia, You are not allowed to take photos inside the Sistine Chapel

How do you visit St Peter’s Tomb?

At the Vatican, you can go down one level to see an area where some of the popes are buried. There is a lot of history down there and it’s totally worth it going down. There are no photos allowed down in the tomb area, though.

NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH THE VATICAN NECROPOLIS

The Vatican Necropolis is also a burial ground and it is said that St. Peter is buried there. To visit Sant Peter’s tomb, you need to book tickets way in advance as only 250 people a day are allowed to visit in 12-person groups at a time. There are no photos allowed in this part of the Vatican either.

Entrance to Vatican Necropolis

How to plan all your Vatican visits for your trip

To get the most out of your visit to the Vatican, I recommend starting with the museum first as this is the most intense part of the visit. It’s also better to start at the museum because you can take a short passage into St. Peter’s Basilica directly from the Sistine Chapel, the last part of the museums. However, there is no way to get from St. Peter’s Basilica into the Vatican Museums. If you visit the basilica right, you will have to wait in a very long line and then walk all the way to the entrance of the Vatican Museums after your visit. This is not very smart.

People typically spend half a day exploring the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica. These are both easy to book, and easy to fit into a typical 3-day visit to Rome.

What to wear when visiting the Vatican

One of the most crucial things to remember when visiting Rome is the dress code to visit the Vatican. The Vatican enforces a strict dress code policy, requiring visitors to cover their knees and shoulders; those who do not adhere to this rule will not be allowed entry. While wearing long trousers in the extreme summer heat of Rome may seem challenging, it’s worth noting that the Vatican’s interior buildings are well-air-conditioned, ensuring you won’t have to worry about overheating.

The only exception to this rule is when ascending the dome at St. Peter’s Basilica. That’s why I recommend choosing loose and breathable attire for this part of your Vatican visit.

Where are the Swiss Guards?

The Pontifical Swiss Guard is a small force maintained by the Vatican that has been responsible for the safety of the Pope since 1506. The reason why they are so unique is that they still wear the traditional uniform from the 16th century today.

To be honest, I almost missed them on my visit to the Vatican as I wasn’t able to spot a single Swiss guard up until the very end of my visit actually. While they do walk around the entire Vatican from time to time, there is a checkpoint, where two or more Swiss guards patrol every single day. This is right at the exit area of St. Peter’s Basilica, next to the Vatican Post Office.

Pin it and save it for later

After sharing my top tips for visiting the Vatican, this is the most important piece of advice I want to give you lastly. Visit this amazing place and take a moment away from the camera and the phone and just admire this truly beautiful place.