Last Updated on December 9, 2024
WHERE IS THE VATICAN?
The Vatican is located in Rome. Yes, it’s not another city far away from Rome—the Vatican is just a few meters away from the other sights of Rome and can be reached by the metro.
Although it is an independent state—the smallest in the world, in fact—no one will ask you for a passport nor will you cross any kind of border.
It is the center of the Catholic Church, and the Pope is the head of state. Even if you are not religious, a visit to the Vatican is worth it to see the famous St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the famous museums of the Vatican.
A visit to the Vatican includes:
- the St. Peter’s Square and the Basilica of St. Peter, which are both FREE, and
- the Vatican Museums, which require a ticket.
TICKETS AT THE VATICAN
*** It is highly recommended to purchase The Vatican Tickets online many days in advance from here ***
Ticket prices for the Vatican museums:
- 31,00 €: adult ticket
- 20,00 €: reduced for children aged between 7 and 18 years
- free: children below the age of 5
You can buy tickets for the Vatican online via Paypal or debit card on this website. They offer “fast-track entry” allowing you to skip the queue. Entrance to the Sistine Chapel is also included.
Remember that St. Peter’s Basilica remains a church, so they ask guests to be dressed “appropriately.” What does this mean? Short shorts, mini skirts, and tank tops are forbidden!
VATICAN OPENING HOURS
You can buy tickets for the Vatican online via Paypal or debit card on this website. They offer “fast-track entry” allowing you to skip the queue. Entrance to the Sistine Chapel is also included.
The opening hours of the St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican are as follows: 7:00 to 19:00 from April to September and 7:00 to 18:30 from October to March.
The Vatican Museums in 2024 are open: from Monday to Saturday from 8.00 to 19.00. Last admission at 17.00.
The museums in 2024 will be closed on Sundays and on the following dates: February 11, April 10, May 1, June 29, August 15 and 16, November 1, December 8, and December 25 and 26.
The closest metro stop for the Vatican is Ottaviano-San Pietro, line A
FREE ENTRY TO THE VATICAN MUSEUMS
If you want to save some euros, remember that on the last Sunday of every month from 9 am to 2 pm the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel are FREE! But arm yourself with patience—the queues are endless. Also, note that the last entry is at 12.30 pm. 
Keep in mind that many people start queuing as early as 7 am. Honestly, in my opinion, I don’t believe it’s worth the hassle just to save some euros.
THE SWISS GUARDS
Certainly, no one visited the Vatican and did not leave without taking a picture of the Pope’s Swiss Guards, who are dressed in colorful uniforms. But why are Swiss Guards in the Vatican? The Swiss Guards have been serving as the official guards of the Pope and the Vatican since the 16th century because of their reputation as skilled and loyal soldiers, and Switzerland’s political neutrality. They protect the Pope, guard the entrances to the Vatican, and provide security during important events and ceremonies. They are also responsible for the safety and security of the Vatican City State.
ARE THERE ENORMOUS QUEUES?
It is estimated that around 20,000 tourists visit the Vatican State every summer. It is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. The queues are a bit scary (especially in St. Peter’s Square), but since the entry is ticket-free and only a simple security check is done, the queues move quickly.
The queues at the Vatican Museums are also famous, but I must say, during my visit, which was on a Friday afternoon in March, I did not find a single person in the queue. It might have been a lucky coincidence, but I would advise anyone to visit in the afternoon.
There is also the option to buy tickets online from here or to go with a group.
My Pretty Travels Tip: just like I said in a previous post about the Colosseum, if anyone approaches you and tells you that you can enter the Vatican Museums without waiting in line, DO NOT PAY IN ADVANCE. They will probably take your money and disappear. It is a very famous scam, unfortunately! The best case scenario (which happened to a friend of mine) is that they’ll put you together with a group, so you will skip the queue, but they will ask you to pay for the ticket that includes the tour (but you won’t have access to the tour!)
Main Attractions within the Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums house some of the world’s most incredible art collections. Here are the must-see attractions:
Sistine Chapel
The crown jewel of the Vatican Museums, featuring Michelangelo’s awe-inspiring frescoes. The ceiling depicts scenes from the Old Testament, including the famous Creation of Adam, while the altar wall showcases The Last Judgement
Raphael Rooms
Four rooms frescoed by Raphael and his pupils. The most famous is the Stanza della Segnatura, depicting the four branches of knowledge: Theology, Philosophy, Justice, and Poetry
Gallery of Map
A 120-meter-long corridor adorned with 40 geographical maps of Italian regions, towns, and cities
Pinacoteca (Art Gallery)
18 rooms showcasing 460 paintings from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, including masterpieces by Giotto, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and Caravaggio
Pio Clementino Museum
12 rooms displaying Greek and Roman sculptures, including the famous Apollo Belvedere and the Laocoön Group
Other Notable Attractions
- Gregorian Egyptian Museum: Ancient Egyptian artifacts
- Carriage Pavilion: Historic papal vehicles
- Ethnological Museum: Over 80,000 objects from around the world
- Collection of Modern and Contemporary Art: Works by Van Gogh, Chagall, and more
- Bramante Staircase: A spectacular double spiral staircase (you can see it in my first picture above!)
Vatican Tour, Should I Take It or Not?
The answer depends on how much time and energy you want to dedicate to your visit to the Vatican. If you have the financial means, a guided tour is definitely a great option. It will help you better understand the artwork, history, and secrets of the Vatican.
Advantages of a Guided Tour:
- Learn More: A tour gives you access to information that might not be available in books or on the plaques around the exhibits. The guide will explain the history behind each piece, providing you with a deeper understanding.
- Avoid the Hassle: The Vatican is enormous, and without a guide, you could wander aimlessly, missing parts of the museum or not seeing the most important works. With a guide, you ensure that you’ll see the best pieces.
- Answers to Your Questions: The opportunity to ask anything you want and learn details that are not mentioned in other sources.
- Maximize Your Time: You’ll have an organized plan that will allow you to cover as much as possible in less time.
Limitations:
- Cost: A guided tour comes with an additional expense, which may not always be feasible.
- Time Pressure: If you like spending more time with a particular piece or exhibit, a guided tour might feel restrictive since the guide follows a set schedule, and you can’t linger on a piece that fascinates you.
If the idea of having a guide who will lead you and help you understand the Vatican in depth excites you, then a guided tour is the best choice for you. However, if you prefer to explore at your own pace and focus on what interests you the most, you can do it by yourself. Either way, take a look at the tours here:
WHERE TO GO AFTER THE VATICAN
A visit to the Vatican and the museums can take from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the crowds, the queues, whether you’re with a tour guide and of course how much time you spend on each artwork. Most people spend a whole day in this tiny country-state, as part of an easy-going schedule. If you’re looking for other attractions to visit nearby, Castel Sant’Angelo is a 15-minute walk.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Let’s address some of the frequently asked questions you might have before you visit the Vatican!
Yes, you can take photos in most rooms! But here’s the catch – flash photography is not allowed. And sorry, selfie sticks are prohibited. As for the Sistine Chapel? Unfortunately, no photos allowed there.
Think “modesty,” and you’ll be fine. As mentioned, bare shoulders, shorts above the knee, and mini skirts are not allowed. This applies to both men and women. If you forget, don’t worry – there are vendors selling scarves and cover-ups outside the Vatican.
Of course! Expect security checks similar to those at an airport. Metal detectors and bag checks are standard. Leave your knives and scissors at home!
Small backpacks are okay, but anything larger than 40x35x15 cm must be left behind. Trust me, you don’t want to carry a heavy bag anyway – there’s a lot of walking to do!
It depends on how much of an art lover you are! Most people spend about 3-4 hours in the museums and the Sistine Chapel. Add another hour for St. Peter’s Basilica. But honestly, you could spend days here and still not see everything!
There are a few cafes and a restaurant inside the museums. But yes, it’s expensive. My tip? Have a quick bite before you enter or bring some snacks with you.
Nope, once you’re out, you’re out. So make sure you’ve seen everything you want before leaving!
Morning or late afternoon tends to be less crowded. Avoid weekends if you can. And if you’re here in the summer, get ready for crowds!
Remember, the Vatican is still a religious site, not just a tourist attraction. So don’t shout, and enjoy all the history and beauty. Happy exploring!
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