A Practical Guide to Visiting the Vatican: Tips from you Local Walkative Guide

Planning a trip to Vatican City and not sure where to begin? You’re in the right place!

                                                                   

In this guide, we’ve gathered everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to the smallest country in the world — from opening hours to dress code, ticket tips, and hidden gems. Whether you're here to marvel at Michelangelo’s masterpiece in the Sistine Chapel, admire the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica, or simply catch a glimpse of the Pope, this practical Vatican guide will help you get the best out of your visit.

And don’t forget — if you want to truly understand the fascinating story of this sacred city, join our Secrets of the Vatican Tour! Walkative expert local guides will give you the essential context to fully appreciate the Vatican’s history, power, and spiritual significance — from its ancient Christian roots to its modern-day role in global affairs. After our tour, you’ll be well-prepared to explore further and delve deeper into its artistic and spiritual treasures.

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☀️ Before You Go: What to Know Before Visiting the Vatican

• Hot days and strong sun – Summer in Rome can be scorching! Avoid the midday heat and bring a reusable water bottle, hat, sunscreen, and good walking shoes.

• Free drinking water – Rome has fantastic drinkable water fountains, including:
  • Sparkling/still water vending fountains are available around Vatican: near Ottaviano metro station (corner of Via Giulio Cesare and Via Ottaviano) and Piazza della Città Leonina.

  • Traditional nasoni fountains can be also found around, for example in Largo del Colonnato, next to St. Peter’s Basilica.

• No border checks – The Vatican is technically its own state and not part of the EU or the Schengen Area, but you don’t need your passport or to pass any formal border. Only simple security checks apply at the basilica and museums.

• Toilets – You’ll find restrooms before/after visiting St. Peter’s Basilica and inside the Vatican Museums. Public toilets are also nearby at Piazza del Risorgimento and Viale Giuseppe Ceccarelli (by Castel Sant’Angelo).

 

🚇 Getting to the Vatican

• By metro: Take Line A to Ottaviano station. From there, it’s a short walk down Via Ottaviano straight to Via di Porta Angelica and to St. Peter’s Square.

• To the Vatican Museums: The entrance is on Viale Vaticano, west of Piazza del Risorgimento.

• By tram and bus: Tram 19 and several buses stop at Piazza del Risorgimento (near entrances to both Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica).

• From the south: Use Via di Porta Cavalleggeri – ideal for those arriving by bus or on foot from Trastevere.

🕊️ Note: 2025 is a special Jubilee Year, meaning the Vatican will be hosting extra religious events and pilgrimages — be prepared for bigger crowds and possible changes to access. More info: iubilaeum2025.va

 

✝️ How to Visit St. Peter’s Basilica

a. Opening Hours

• April–September: 7:00–19:00

• October–March: 7:00–18:30
  🕗 Best times to visit: Early morning (7:00–9:00) or late afternoon, closer to closing times (after 16:00). During lunch hours (13:00–14:00), tour groups are scarce — another great window to visit. Remember to always double-check hours, especially around religious holidays!

More information about the events and the schedule of the holy masses you can find on the official website of St. Peter’s basilica here: https://www.basilicasanpietro.va/en  

 

b. Important Tips

• Entrance is free, but security lines can take up to 2 hours. Skip-the-line options are available with guided tours booked in advance.

• Etiquette and Dress code: Visitors are expected to maintain silence, especially in chapels and during Mass. Please respect areas reserved for prayer and pilgrimage. Both men and women must cover their shoulders and knees, and men are required to remove their hats inside the basilica.

• No trolleys, large bags or backpacks are allowed inside, and there’s no cloakroom. You can use the Vatican Museums’ cloakroom for free.

• Dome access: To see the panoramic view from the dome requires a separate ticket to enter (not included in basilica access). Narrow stairs only — be prepared!

• Don’t miss: The Vatican Grottoes, where many popes are buried (free entry via the staircase behind the Papal Altar).

• Want to visit St. Peter’s Tomb? The ancient underground Necropolis has strictly limited access only with specific guided tours. Note: early reservation recommended. For more info visit: https://www.basilicasanpietro.va/en/products/the-necropolis

c. When Can You See the Pope?

• Papal audiences are traditionally held on Wednesdays at 9:00 whenever the pope is in Rome (free, but necessary to register in advance)

• Sunday Angelus is held every Sunday at 12:00 PM from the window of the apostolic palace overlooking St. Peter’s square. For this event it is recommended to enter the St. Peter’s square well on time to reserve a spot. The event itself includes a small sermon held by the pope and the Urbi et Orbi- blessing to the city and the world.

• Major liturgical events during Easter, Christmas, and special holy days

🎨 How to Visit the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

a. Opening Hours

• Monday–Saturday: 9:00–18:00 (last entry 16:00)
  Some guided tours and pre-booked access starts already at 7:00-8:30 AM.

• Closed on Sundays except the last Sunday of each month when entry is free (9:00–12:30). But be prepared for crowds and queuing!
  

👉 Best times to visit: Early morning, right after the opening and midweek (Tuesdays and Thursdays are usually quieter).

b. Helpful Hints

• Book online in advance to skip long lines.

• Vatican Gardens are not open to the public and can only be visited on guided tours. You can book a combo garden + museums tour.
• For more updated information, visit the official Vatican museums website: https://www.museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani/en.html

🤫 A secret tip: at the end of the Vatican museums’ tour, you can try to use the right side exit door to reach St. Peter’s Basilica straight from the Sistine chapel without queuing again outside. Officially this entrance to the St. Peter’s basilica is reserved only for tour groups, but many people also sneak in this way as it saves a lot of time and walking. Note that when you exit via this door, you cannot return to Vatican museums anymore. If you have luggage or an audio guide with you, you have to use the left left side door which leads back to the entrance of the museums. 

Let Us Be Your Guide!

Still have questions about what to visit, when to go, or where to eat nearby? That’s what we’re here for! Walkative guides are always happy to share their favorite restaurants, gelato shops, photo spots, and tips on avoiding the crowds.

Join our Secrets of the Vatican Tour for the perfect introduction to this incredible place. We’ll set the scene, share the stories, and help you uncover the fascinating layers of this sacred city.