Vatican City may be the smallest country in the world, but it’s packed with incredible pieces of art, beautiful architecture, and a lot of interesting history to discover. It was established as a sovereign entity in 1929 and it serves as the administrative and spiritual centre of the Roman Catholic Church. It has a rich history dating back centuries though, which means there are a lot of things to do in Vatican City, especially for history lovers.
If you only have time to spend one day here, there are plenty of things to do in Vatican City to fill your itinerary with. From wandering through the breathtaking halls of the Vatican Museums to admiring the frescoes in the Sistine Chapel and climbing to the top of St Peter’s Basilica, there’s a lot to take in. Here are some Vatican City highlights that shouldn’t be missed.
How to enter Vatican City
There are no border controls for visitors coming to Vatican City, but you will need to pass through a security checkpoint. The most common access point is through St Peter’s Square, which is open to the public for free, as is St Peter’s Basilica. For the Vatican Museums there’s a separate entrance and you will need a ticket to enter at a specific time of the day.
Entering Vatican City is very straightforward, however if you’re travelling in the peak season then be prepared for longer waiting times at the security checks. I’d recommend starting your day at St Peter’s Basilica when it first opens before continuing on to the Vatican Museums, which are a short walk away from the basilica.
Do you need tickets for Vatican City?
Despite what you read online, you do not need tickets to enter Vatican City. Both St Peter’s Square and St Peter’s Basilica are completely free, but certain attractions such as the Vatican Museums require a paid ticket. It’s a good idea to purchase tickets for the museums online so you can skip the long queues and avoid disappointment.
If you’re interested in attending a papal audience in St Peter’s Square, you will need to reserve a free ticket online. Seating is available but they’re assigned on a first come first serve basis, so try to arrive a couple of hours early if that’s something you need.
Is there food in Vatican City?
Vatican City is very small, so there aren’t too many places to eat physically inside the border. However, you will find endless restaurants and cafes surrounding Vatican City, so you won’t go hungry. If you venture inside the Vatican Museums, there’s a cafe for snacks and drinks. You’ll also find a cafe on the roof of St Peter’s Basilica which you can access if you buy a ticket to climb up the dome.
Best things to do in Vatican City
St Peter’s Basilica
One of the best things to do in Vatican City is to visit St Peter’s Basilica. The basilica was completed in the 17th century and it was built over the tomb of St Peter. Inside visitors can marvel at the dome designed by Michelangelo as well as several famous sculptures from artists such as Bernini. This is a major highlight for people visiting Rome, so you can always expect crowds here throughout the year.
Despite what you read online, there is no entry fee for St Peter’s Basilica. If you want to learn more about the history of the basilica and all of its secrets, it’s highly recommended to take a guided tour of St Peter’s Basilica if you have the time.
St Peter’s Dome
St Peter’s Dome was completed in 1590 and it was designed by Michelangelo. It’s one of the most iconic features of St Peter’s Basilica, but did you know you can climb to the top of it? Visitors have the option of paying to walk to the top or for an additional fee there’s an elevator that will take you partway. The remaining 320 steps will need to be walked up though.
As you make your way up towards the top of the dome, you’ll come face to face with the beautiful mosaics that adorn the inside of the dome. Later, you’ll ascend various sets of staircases until you come to the top. From the viewing platform of the dome you’ll get the best view over St Peter’s Square and Rome in the distance. This is one of the top things to do in Vatican City and really shouldn’t be missed.
Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums were founded in 1506 by Pope Julius II. They’re home to one of the most significant art collections in the world, with over 70,000 pieces that showcase treasures from ancient Rome, Greece, Egypt, and masterpieces from the Renaissance. You can easily spend an entire day exploring the rooms and hallways of the Vatican Museums, so it’s recommended to book the earliest ticket available online.
The biggest highlight of the museums is the Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo. The frescoes on the ceiling are breathtaking to see in person, but unfortunately you’re not allowed to take photos once inside the chapel. It’s still the site of papal conclaves, where new popes are elected, too. Taking a guided tour of the Sistine Chapel is a good way to understand the imagery and meaning behind the frescoes.
Borgia Apartments
Many of the best things to do in Vatican City are located inside the Vatican Museums. The Borgia Apartments are often skipped by visitors, but they’re definitely worth walking around. They were commissioned in the late 15th century and consist of a series of lavishly decorated rooms with vibrant Renaissance art. The apartments were abandoned after the Borgia era, but they were restored in the 19th century and now feature works by Picasso and Van Gogh.
Gallery of Maps
One of my favourite things to do in Vatican City is to walk through the Gallery of Maps inside the Vatican Museums. This stunning 16th century corridor features 40 frescoed maps of Italy. It was commissioned by Pope Gregory XIII and each map shows the different regions of Italy with a high level of accuracy for the time period. There’s also a lot of beautiful gold detailing along the gallery’s ceiling, and it remains one of the most unique sections of the museums.
Bramante Staircase
A very iconic feature of the Vatican Museums is the Bramante Staircase. This striking double-helix staircase was designed to allow non-stop movement without people crossing paths. The original version was built in 1505 and was used for papal access. Sadly, it’s now closed to the public unless you purchase a very expensive exclusive access ticket. However, the museums feature a modern version that was built in 1932 and is now used as the museum’s exit. This is one of the most photographed parts of Vatican City and is not to be missed.
St Peter’s Square
St Peter’s Square was designed in the 17th century and marks the grand entrance to St Peter’s Basilica. It’s a stunning example of Baroque architecture and is framed by two colonnades with 284 columns. At the centre of the square stands an ancient Egyptian obelisk with two fountains on either side. This square is where thousands of people gather for papal audiences and blessings, so visiting it is one of the best things to do in Vatican City throughout the year.
Take a photo of the Swiss Guard
While visiting Vatican City, make sure you keep your eyes peeled for the Swiss Guard. They were established in 1506 by Pope Julius II, making them one of the oldest active military units in the world. The guards are recognizable thanks to their Renaissance colors, which were inspired by the Medici family, and one of the requirements for this position is that they must be a Swiss Catholic man. Beyond their ceremonial duties, the Swiss Guard also ensures Vatican security.
Gardens of Vatican City
The Gardens of Vatican City have a history dating back to the 13th century. They’re a peaceful retreat that covers a large portion of the city-state. Inside the gardens visitors will find a mixture of styles with Renaissance fountains and historic monuments poking out among the lush greenery. Access is restricted though, so if you want to stroll around these historic gardens you’ll need to book a private guided tour.
Is Vatican City worth visiting?
There are many interesting things to do in Vatican City, which is why it’s such an incredible place to visit. There’s something for everyone within the borders of the world’s smallest country, from historic attractions to breathtaking art and lush gardens. If you’re spending 3 days in Rome or more, and you want to explore beyond the many ancient sites in Rome, it’s a good idea to dedicate an entire day to explore Vatican City. It’s an unforgettable experience that everyone should have at least once.
If you have any questions about visiting Vatican City, or you’re interested in learning more about the best things to do in Vatican City, please feel free to reach out via email or through the contact form. You can also get in touch through Instagram or TikTok where I’m always sharing new travel tips.
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