Museums & Attractions

Top 10 Must-See Attractions in Vatican City

When visiting Rome, one must-visit place is the Vatican City. It’s known to be the smallest country in the world! With its stunning art and architecture, rich history, and religious significance, the Vatican City attractions are a sight to behold. Vatican City can be enjoyed by every visitor regardless of age, budget, travel style, and religious affiliation. This easy Vatican City travel guide highlights the top attractions in Vatican City, so you can enjoy the best sites without missing a thing.

1. St. Peter’s Basilica

St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the biggest and most important Vatican landmarks. It was built where Saint Peter, one of Jesus’s friends and followers, is believed to be buried.

Some interesting facts about St. Peter's Basilica that you must know:

The church covers almost 6 acres of space!
The huge dome on top was designed by Michelangelo.
Inside, you’ll find famous statues and decorations, like La Pietà and a giant bronze canopy.

Tips for Visitors: It’s free to enter, but it can get crowded. Go early or later in the day. Want a great view of the city? Climb up to the dome for a small fee for an unforgettable experience of Vatican City sightseeing.

Book your Rome St. Peter’s Basilica and Cupola Guided Tour to skip the lines at St. Peter’s Basilica.

2. The Vatican Museums

These museums are famous sites in Vatican City full of amazing art and history! They were started over 500 years ago and are now one of the most popular Vatican City attractions.

Must-See Spots:

The colorful Raphael Rooms.
The giant painted maps in the Gallery of Maps.
Ancient statues and treasures in the Pio-Clementine Museum.
The stunning Sistine Chapel.

Visitor Tip: The lines here can be long! Want to know how to skip the lines at the Vatican Museum? Book your tickets online early or join the Vatican Museums Self-Guided Audio Tour.

3. The Sistine Chapel

One of the best places to visit in Vatican City is the Sistine Chapel. This is where you’ll find one of the most famous ceilings in the world, painted by Michelangelo. It’s also the place where new popes are chosen.

Visitor Tips: You can only get here through the Vatican Museums. It’s a quiet place, so talking is not allowed. Dress respectfully, and no photos are allowed inside. Want to learn more? Check out our Complete Guide to the Sistine Chapel.

4. St. Peter’s Square

This giant open space is right in front of St. Peter’s Basilica. It’s one of the most famous sites in Vatican City, where people gather to see the Pope and enjoy the view of the church.

What to Look For:

A tall obelisk from ancient Egypt.
Two big fountains.
Giant columns shaped like welcoming arms.

Visitor Tips: It’s open all day and night! Go early in the morning or at sunset for fewer crowds and great photos. You might even catch the Pope’s Sunday blessing.

5. Vatican Gardens

These beautiful gardens rank among the top Vatican City attractions. They are full of trees, flowers, fountains, and cool sculptures. It’s like a secret park inside the city.

Visitor Tip: You can only visit on a guided tour, and it needs to be booked ahead of time. The tour often includes the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel too.

6. Apostolic Palace

This big building is where the Pope lives, and it also has some very old libraries and chapels. It's one of the main Vatican landmarks.

Fun Fact: Important decisions for the Catholic Church are made right here. It's full of history and tradition, making it a top Vatican tourist attraction, especially for Catholics.

Visitor Tip: Most of it isn’t open to visitors, but sometimes there are special tours. Keep an eye out!

7. Vatican Necropolis (Scavi Tour)

This is one of the most unique Vatican City sightseeing experiences. Underneath St. Peter’s Basilica is an ancient cemetery where Saint Peter is believed to be buried.

Key Facts:

You’ll see real Roman tombs from over 1,900 years ago.
You’ll walk right under the church!

Visitor Tips: You have to book this tour ahead of time. Only a few people are allowed in each day, making it very special.

8. Vatican Library

One of the most important things to do in Vatican City is visit the Vatican Library. This library is super old and filled with rare books and manuscripts. Some are more than 1,000 years old.

Historical Importance: It’s one of the oldest libraries in the world and holds very important documents from history.

Visitor Tips: Only researchers can see most of it, but sometimes there are exhibits for the public.

9. The Vatican Apostolic Archive

This place used to be called the “Secret Archive.” It has old letters and papers from popes and kings from hundreds of years ago. There are even letters from famous artists like Michelangelo and documents from major events in world history.

Visitor Tips: Tourists can’t go inside, but sometimes there are exhibits to see parts of it.

10. Vatican Swiss Guard Headquarters

The Swiss Guards are the Pope’s bodyguards. They’ve been protecting the famous sites in Vatican City since 1506.

Key Features:

Their colorful uniforms were inspired by clothes from the Renaissance.

You can see them standing guard or doing a cool changing ceremony.

Visitor Tip: You can’t go inside their headquarters, but you can watch the guards near the entrances to Vatican landmarks like St. Peter’s Basilica.

FAQs About Visiting Vatican City

1. What is the best time to visit Vatican City?

Try going in October-November or March-April. The weather is nice, and the crowds are smaller. For more help, check out our best Rome travel tips.

2. Do I need to buy tickets in advance for Vatican City attractions?

Yes! Places like the museums, gardens, and the Scavi Tour get booked quickly. Plan. For a combined visit to Rome and the Vatican City, book the Explore Rome Self-Guided Tour Discovery Pack Top-Rated.

3. Is there a dress code for visiting Vatican City?

Yes. Wear modest clothes. No shorts, tank tops, or short skirts. You’ll need this, especially for churches and chapels.

4. Can I visit Vatican City on a budget?

Yes! St. Peter’s Basilica and the square are free. Save money on museums by booking early or visiting on discount days. Want more ideas? Check out things to do in Rome.

5. How long should I plan to spend in Vatican City?

You can see the main sites in one day, but if you love art and history, two days is even better. There are so many Vatican tourist attractions; you’ll want time to enjoy them all.

Conclusion

Vatican City is small but filled with big adventures. From exploring giant churches to spotting ancient art and peaceful gardens, there’s something fun and interesting around every corner. These Vatican City attractions are perfect for young travelers, solo adventurers, and group tours. So, grab your camera, plan your route, and get ready to explore one of the most amazing places in the world.

Final Tip: Be respectful, dress appropriately, and enjoy every moment of your visit. These Vatican City attractions are full of stories and history waiting to be discovered.