A trip to the Vatican is often on the bucket list of history, spirituality, and art lovers. And although it’s the smallest country in the world, the Vatican is literally a treasure trove that will leave you breathless – and potentially a few euros lighter if, like us, you fall into the classic tourist traps.
If you’re looking for a reason to visit right now, it might be the announcement of reforms and the new direction of the Church under the pontificate of the new Pope, whose approach attracts believers, the curious, and tourists from all over the world. But regardless of faith, the Vatican offers so much that even a full day may not be enough – especially if you don’t plan ahead.
1. Vatican Museums – book in advance
This collection of more than 70,000 works of art (about 20,000 on display) attracts millions of visitors every year. Buy tickets online in advance, ideally early in the morning to avoid crowds and midday heat. The ticket price for adults is around €20, and you can pay extra for a guided tour. A combined ticket also includes the Sistine Chapel – a must-see for every visitor. Tickets can be booked here.
2. The Sistine Chapel – silence is (almost) sacred
Michelangelo’s masterpiece The Last Judgment will leave you breathless, but be prepared – photography is forbidden inside, and guards constantly remind you to be quiet. It may sound strict, but once inside, you’ll understand why. I must admit, after all the sightseeing and crowds, it took me a few minutes to realize I was actually standing in the Sistine Chapel. It’s much larger than you might expect, and the crowds are truly huge.
3. St. Peter’s Basilica
Entrance to the basilica is free, but the line can last up to 90 minutes. We recommend arriving very early in the morning, ideally before 8 AM. Inside St. Peter’s Basilica, don’t miss Michelangelo’s Pietà, Bernini’s monumental baldachin above St. Peter’s tomb, as well as the dazzling mosaics and the bronze statue of St. Peter, whose foot has been worn down by centuries of touch. Also climb to the dome for a spectacular view of Rome and St. Peter’s Square. The climb costs €8 on foot or €10 with the elevator (but you’ll still face 320 steps to the top). The view? Absolutely spectacular.
4. St. Peter’s Square – a place of power, symmetry, and… selfies
With its colossal colonnades and Egyptian obelisk, St. Peter’s Square is where you feel small – yet connected to something greater. If you’re lucky, you may witness a Papal Audience (Wednesday mornings). It’s free, but tickets are distributed in advance. You can request them through the official form on the Prefecture of the Papal Household website and collect them the afternoon before (Tuesday) at the Bronze Door (Portone di Bronzo) on the right side of St. Peter’s Square. Although free, it’s recommended to arrive early due to high demand.
5. A Vatican postage stamp – a souvenir with soul
The Vatican has its own post office and its own stamps. If you enjoy unusual souvenirs, send a postcard from the Vatican – many say their mail arrives faster than from Rome.
6. Forbidden zones: don’t try to “sneak a peek”
Although the Vatican feels like an open destination, many parts of the smallest country in the world are strictly closed to the public – including the Apostolic Palace (the Pope’s residence) and most of the Vatican Gardens, which cover nearly half of Vatican territory. Without prior approval and a special permit, access is not possible, and any attempt to “peek” over fences or through passages is closely monitored by the Vatican guards.
7. Dress appropriately – it’s not a fashion runway
Regardless of the temperature, you must have your shoulders and knees covered to enter the basilica and museums. If you’re in shorts and a tank top, you probably won’t be allowed in.
8. Restaurants and cafés – watch out for tourist traps
Around the Vatican, many restaurants take advantage of crowds and tourists’ inattention – always check the menu and prices beforehand, look at Google reviews, and avoid “promoters” at the door. Or simply cross the bridge and head to local trattorias in Trastevere. We must confess – as travelers who have crossed half of Europe, in the Vatican we made a rookie mistake. We ordered coffee and cake, expecting the usual Roman price, but ended up paying €44 for two people – they brought us the coffee, but we had to fetch the cake ourselves from the counter. Service, by the way, was not included in the price. The price itself wouldn’t have been an issue if the staff had been friendly and the cake fresh. Be smarter than us!
9. A free toilet? Almost a myth.
Most public toilets are paid (which is fine), and those in cafés are often reserved for guests. Museums have the cleanest options, so take advantage while you’re inside.
10. The Vatican is not (only) for believers
Whether you’re religious or not, the Vatican is a place that reminds you of how capable humanity is of creating magnificent things. Take a day, plan ahead, and enjoy the blend of spirituality, history, and art in one extraordinary place.
