Vatican: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Best Time to Visit

The Vatican experiences its highest visitor numbers during summer (June-August) and around major religious holidays like Easter and Christmas. For a more relaxed experience, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of April-May or September-October when the weather is pleasant and crowds are more manageable.

Early mornings (8-9 AM) and late afternoons (after 3 PM) typically see fewer visitors. Wednesdays can be particularly busy due to the Papal Audience, while Mondays often see higher attendance as many Rome museums are closed that day.

Dress Code

The Vatican enforces a strict dress code for all visitors. Shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women. Avoid wearing shorts, sleeveless tops, miniskirts, or revealing clothing. If you’re visiting during summer, consider bringing a light scarf or shawl to cover up when needed. Hats should be removed when entering religious buildings.

The crown jewel of the Vatican Museums, Michelangelo’s masterpiece ceiling took four years (1508-1512) to complete and represents one of humanity’s greatest artistic achievements. The famous “Creation of Adam” is just one of many biblical scenes depicted on the ceiling. The chapel’s west wall features Michelangelo’s later work, “The Last Judgment,” completed in 1541.

While inside, remember that photography is strictly prohibited, and visitors are expected to maintain silence out of respect for this sacred space. Take your time to absorb the incredible details – look for Michelangelo’s self-portrait in “The Last Judgment” where he depicted his own face on the flayed skin of St. Bartholomew.

The world’s largest church and a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, St. Peter’s Basilica stands on the traditional site of the apostle Peter’s burial. The current structure, completed in 1626, features contributions from Italy’s greatest artists including Michelangelo, Bernini, and Bramante.

Don’t miss Michelangelo’s Pietà, housed behind protective glass in the first chapel on the right as you enter. Bernini’s magnificent bronze baldachin (canopy) stands over the papal altar, while the stunning dome, designed by Michelangelo, soars 136 meters above. For an additional fee, you can climb the 551 steps (or take an elevator part way) to the dome’s viewing platform for panoramic views of Rome.

With over 20,000 works on display across 54 galleries, the Vatican Museums house one of the world’s most impressive art collections. Founded by Pope Julius II in the 16th century, these museums showcase masterpieces accumulated by the Catholic Church over centuries.

Key highlights include the Raphael Rooms, featuring the artist’s famous “School of Athens” fresco; the Gallery of Maps, with its stunning topographical depictions of Italy; and the Pio-Clementino Museum, home to classical sculptures like the Apollo Belvedere and Laocoön and His Sons. The spiral Bramante Staircase, designed for Pope Julius II, is another architectural marvel worth seeing.

Designed by Bernini between 1656 and 1667, St. Peter’s Square (Piazza San Pietro) creates a magnificent entrance to the basilica. The vast elliptical space is embraced by two semicircular colonnades, representing the arms of the Church embracing the faithful. These colonnades consist of 284 Doric columns arranged in four rows.

At the center stands a 25.5-meter Egyptian obelisk, brought to Rome by Emperor Caligula in 37 CE and moved to its current position in 1586. Two identical fountains flank the obelisk, creating perfect symmetry. The square can accommodate up to 300,000 people for papal events and is the perfect spot to appreciate the grandeur of St. Peter’s façade.

Located beneath St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Grottoes contain the tombs of numerous popes dating from the 10th century to the present day. This sacred space offers a fascinating glimpse into papal history and the evolution of funerary art over the centuries.

Notable tombs include those of Pope John Paul II, Pope John XXIII, and Pope Paul VI. The grottoes are accessible via stairs inside the basilica and are free to visit. Photography is not permitted out of respect for the sacred nature of this burial site. The area can be crowded, so consider visiting early in the morning or late afternoon.

Vatican Gardens

Occupying nearly half of Vatican City’s territory, the meticulously maintained Vatican Gardens date back to medieval times. These private gardens feature beautiful landscaping, fountains, and sculptures spanning several centuries of artistic styles. Access is restricted to guided tours only, which must be booked well in advance through the Vatican Museums website.

The gardens offer spectacular views of St. Peter’s dome and contain numerous points of interest, including the Lourdes Grotto replica, the Vatican Radio station, and several papal residences. A tour typically lasts about 2 hours and provides a peaceful contrast to the busy museums.

Vatican Necropolis

Deep beneath St. Peter’s Basilica lies the ancient Vatican Necropolis, a Roman cemetery dating from the 1st to 4th centuries CE. This archaeological treasure contains the tomb believed to be that of St. Peter himself, discovered during excavations in the 1940s.

Access is strictly limited to preserve the site, with only 250 visitors permitted daily. Tours must be booked months in advance through the Ufficio Scavi (Excavations Office). The 90-minute guided tour takes you through ancient mausoleums, past pagan and early Christian tombs, to the area directly beneath the papal altar where St. Peter’s remains are believed to rest.

Vatican Mosaic Studio

Founded in 1727, the Vatican Mosaic Studio (Studio del Mosaico Vaticano) is responsible for creating and restoring the thousands of mosaics that adorn St. Peter’s Basilica. Located in a building near the basilica, this workshop continues the centuries-old tradition of mosaic artistry.

The studio produces replicas of famous paintings using a palette of over 28,000 colors of enamel, gold, and stone. These works are often given as papal gifts to visiting dignitaries. Tours are available by special arrangement and offer a fascinating glimpse into this traditional craft that few visitors get to experience.

Attend a Papal Audience

When in Rome, you have the opportunity to see Pope Francis in person during his weekly General Audience, typically held on Wednesday mornings in St. Peter’s Square (or in the Paul VI Audience Hall during winter or inclement weather). The Pope delivers a short message, offers prayers in multiple languages, and gives a general blessing to all attendees.

Tickets are free but required, and can be reserved through the Prefecture of the Papal Household website or by faxing a request. Alternatively, you can pick up tickets from the Swiss Guards at the Bronze Doors entrance (right side of St. Peter’s Square) a day or two before the audience. Arrive early (at least 1-2 hours before) to secure good seats.

Experience a Mass at St. Peter’s

Attending Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica offers a profound spiritual experience, regardless of your religious affiliation. Weekday Masses are held at several side altars throughout the morning, while the main Sunday Mass at the Papal Altar is typically celebrated at 10:30 AM.

No tickets are required for regular Masses, though you’ll need to pass through security. For special Masses celebrated by the Pope (Easter, Christmas, etc.), free tickets must be obtained in advance through the Prefecture of the Papal Household. Arrive at least 30 minutes early, dress appropriately, and be prepared to remain for the entire service out of respect.

Take a Photo with the Swiss Guard

The colorful Swiss Guard, the world’s smallest army, has protected the Pope since 1506. Their distinctive Renaissance-inspired uniforms, allegedly designed by Michelangelo, make them one of the Vatican’s most recognizable symbols. The guards stand watch at various entrances throughout Vatican City.

While the guards are on duty and won’t pose for photos, you can respectfully take pictures from a reasonable distance. The changing of the guard ceremony, which occurs every two hours, provides an excellent photo opportunity. For a more interactive experience, visit on May 6th for the annual swearing-in ceremony of new recruits, when the guards perform in full ceremonial dress.

Best Times to Avoid Crowds

The Vatican Museums receive up to 30,000 visitors daily during peak season, making crowd management essential for an enjoyable visit. Consider these strategies to avoid the worst congestion:

Quick Bites

For a fast meal between sightseeing, these nearby options offer quality food without a long wait:

Sit-Down Restaurants

For a more relaxed dining experience, these restaurants offer authentic Roman cuisine near the Vatican: