Located in the heart of Rome, Vatican City is the centre of the Catholic Church and one of the most-visited tourist destinations in the world.
Practical details
- Name: The Vatican City
- Address: Vatican City, Casa Santa Marta, 00120, Rome, Italy
- Official website: www.vatican.va/content/vatican/en.html
- Opening hours: The museums are open from 9 am to 6 pm, with the final entry of the day, at 4 pm.
Tickets and prices
Online (full-entry) Vatican City tickets cost €17, or you can pay €5 extra for a “Skip the Line” ticket. There are various other ticket and pricing options – for example, you can opt to book a tour (or “fast-pass”-style ticket) from a private company. If you’re here between the months of April and October, book a guided after-hours tour to avoid the busiest of crowds.
Dress code
Keep in mind that there is a strict dress code for visiting Vatican City: no bare shoulders, no shorts, and no hats. Wearing revealing clothing of any kind will prevent you from being able to get into the Vatican.
Why should I visit?
It’s the spiritual centre for over one billion followers of the Catholic Church and houses one of the world’s most impressive art collections. Even if you are not religious, it is well worth a visit.
How to get there
Metro
The Vatican is located off Metro Line A (in the direction of the Ottaviano, Battistini, or Cipro stations).
Bus
Bus 49 stops right in front of the Vatican Museums.
Tram
The tram (19) stops at Piazza del Risorgimento, about a 15-minute walk from Vatican City.
If you are looking for somewhere to stay close by, check out hotels near St. Peter’s Square.
Background of the Vatican City
Easily one of Rome’s most popular tourist attractions, Vatican City is the seat of the Catholic Church. It’s the world’s smallest sovereign state (The Vatican City population is under 600), and the Pope resides here.
The Vatican is also home to the Vatican Museums, which boast a huge private art collection featuring over 70,000 works from some of the most famous artists in the world, like Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, and more. Highlights include the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica.
Best time to visit
Vatican City is almost always busy — it’s pretty much impossible to beat the crowds. Your best bet is to go during the week (especially on a Tuesday or Thursday), during or right after lunchtime.
Most tourist groups arrive first thing in the morning, so, if possible, avoid the Vatican at this time. Note that Saturday is the busiest day by far. If you want to see the Pope, plan a visit on Wednesday when he gives a papal audience.
Who should visit Vatican City?
Catholics, art lovers, and history enthusiasts should make it a point to visit Vatican City.
Is it accessible?
For the most part, Vatican City is accessible for people who use a wheelchair. The Vatican offers free entry to disabled visitors. These tickets cannot be booked online — rather, they’re issued on-site at the Special Permits and/or Reception desks in the museums.
For visitors who require a guide dog, the Vatican Museums must be notified in advance, guide dogs must be kept on a lead and wear a muzzle.
Top tip for a first-time visitor
Booking your tickets (and tours) well in advance will save you a ton of time standing in line. Lines for people who don’t purchase tickets in advance are almost always twice as long, if not more.
Disclaimer: prices and information are correct as of 14.06.2023 and may vary with time.
