You might not know but Vatican City actually is the world’s smallest country by both area and the population. But despite being so tiny country, it has actually a lot of places and things that you should add in your bucket list. Located entirely within the city of Rome, Italy, Vatican City is the spiritual and administrative center of the Catholic Church and the home of the Pope.
Despite its size of just around 49 hectares, Vatican City is filled with world-famous landmarks, historic buildings, priceless works of art and centuries of religious history. From St. Peter’s Basilica to the Sistine Chapel, if you are a historic nerd, then Vatican city might be a great place to visit for you.
So, here are 10 of the best things to do in Vatican City if you are planning to visit the country.
1. Visit St. Peter’s Basilica
One of the first places you should visit in Vatican City is St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the most famous churches in the world.
The enormous Renaissance-era basilica dominates St. Peter’s Square and is renowned for its extraordinary architecture, artwork and religious significance. The building that stands today was constructed over several centuries and involved some of the greatest artists and architects of the Renaissance.
Inside, visitors can admire impressive works of art, elaborate chapels, enormous columns and beautifully decorated ceilings. One of the most famous artworks inside the basilica is Michelangelo’s Pietà, a marble sculpture created when he was still a young artist. The sculpture depicts Mary holding the body of Jesus and is considered one of Michelangelo’s masterpieces.
The sheer scale of St. Peter’s Basilica is also remarkable. Its massive interior can accommodate thousands of people, making it one of the largest churches in the world.
💡Travel tip: Give yourself plenty of time to explore the basilica rather than simply walking through it. The architecture and artwork are worth taking much time to appreciate.
2. Climb to the Top of St. Peter’s Dome
If you want to get the best view of Rome, climb to the top of St. Peter’s Dome.
Designed in large part by Michelangelo, the dome is one of the defining features of the Rome skyline. Visitors can climb up toward the top and enjoy increasingly impressive views at high.
From the viewing area near the top, you can look across Vatican City and much of Rome. You can also see St. Peter’s Square from above, providing a completely different perspective of the famous landmark. But the climb involves stairs, so could be challenging, particularly toward the upper sections, but the panoramic view makes it a worth it place to visit.
3. Explore the Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums are among the most important museums in the world and are an essential stop for anyone interested in art and history. The museums contain an enormous collection of artworks and historical objects accumulated by the Catholic Church and the papacy over centuries.
As you walk through the museum complex, you will encounter elaborate galleries, sculptures, paintings, tapestries, ancient artifacts and beautifully decorated rooms. Some of the highlights include the Gallery of Maps, the Raphael Rooms and numerous collections of classical and Renaissance art.
The museums are so extensive that it is impossible to appreciate everything during a single short visit. For many visitors, however, the Vatican Museums are about more than individual artworks. The buildings, corridors and decorated ceilings themselves form part of the experience.
4. See Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel
No Vatican City itinerary would be complete without visiting the Sistine Chapel. The chapel is famous around the world for its magnificent ceiling painted by Michelangelo. The artwork includes numerous biblical scenes, with The Creation of Adam being perhaps the most recognizable.
Michelangelo worked on the ceiling during the early 16th century, creating one of the most celebrated achievements in Western art. The chapel is also historically significant because it is where papal conclaves take place. When a new pope needs to be elected, cardinals gather inside the Sistine Chapel for the election process.
Even if you are not particularly interested in religious history, seeing the extraordinary artwork inside the chapel should get a visit once.
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5. Walk Around St. Peter’s Square
Before or after visiting St. Peter’s Basilica, spend some time exploring St. Peter’s Square. The enormous square was designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini during the 17th century and is surrounded by an impressive colonnade.
The curved rows of columns create a dramatic sense of symmetry and lead the eye toward the basilica. At the center of the square stands an ancient Egyptian obelisk, which adds another layer of history to the setting. The square is also where major papal events and religious celebrations take place.
Even when there is no major event happening, simply standing in the middle of the square and looking toward St. Peter’s Basilica can be one of the most memorable moments of a Vatican City visit. It is also an excellent place to take photographs of the Vatican’s architecture.
6. Visit the Vatican Gardens
For a quieter side of Vatican City, consider visiting the Vatican Gardens. Covering a significant portion of the country’s tiny territory, the gardens contain landscaped lawns, trees, fountains, sculptures and religious monuments.
The gardens provide a striking contrast to the busy crowds around St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums. If you enjoy gardens, architecture and peaceful surroundings, they can provide a completely different perspective of the world’s smallest country.
The combination of greenery, historic structures and views of the Vatican’s buildings makes the gardens particularly interesting for travelers who want to explore beyond the most famous landmarks.
👉 Though access is limited and usually requires a guided tour or special ticket booked in advance.
7. Discover the Vatican Necropolis and St. Peter’s Tomb
If you are interested in ancient history, the Vatican Necropolis offers a fascinating glimpse into the history beneath St. Peter’s Basilica.
The necropolis is an ancient burial area located underneath the basilica. Archaeological discoveries in the area have played an important role in understanding the site’s history and its connection with early Christianity.
Tradition holds that St. Peter, one of the apostles of Jesus and the first pope according to Catholic tradition, was buried in this area. Though access to the necropolis is more restricted than many other Vatican attractions, and visits generally need to be arranged in advance.
For visitors who manage to take the tour, however, the experience offers something very different from simply visiting the basilica. Instead of grand Renaissance architecture, you get to explore an archaeological site and learn about the layers of history beneath one of the world’s most famous churches.
8. Attend a Papal Audience or See the Pope
For many visitors, seeing the Pope is one of the most meaningful experiences they can have in Vatican City.
Depending on the papal schedule, visitors may be able to attend a Papal Audience, a public gathering where the Pope addresses pilgrims and visitors. Papal events can attract large crowds, so it is important to check the official schedule and understand the arrangements before planning your visit.
Another important location is St. Peter’s Square, where major papal celebrations and public appearances may take place. Even if you are not Catholic, witnessing one of these events can provide a fascinating insight into the religious and cultural importance of Vatican City.
Because Papal schedules and events can change, always check official information before making your plans.
9. Wander the Gallery of Maps
One of the most stunning (and often overlooked) spaces in the Vatican Museums is the Gallery of Maps. This 120-meter-long corridor features 40 large-scale frescoed maps of Italy, painted in the late 16th century. The ceiling is equally spectacular, and the combination of geography, art, and history makes it a favorite among visitors who take the time to linger.
What makes the Gallery of Maps particularly interesting is that these maps are not simply functional geographical drawings. They are works of art that provide a glimpse into how Italy was understood and represented hundreds of years ago.
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10. Look for the Swiss Guard
One of the most recognizable sights in Vatican City is the Pontifical Swiss Guard. The Swiss Guard is responsible for protecting the Pope and certain areas of the Vatican and has served the papacy since the early 16th century.
The guards are famous for their distinctive Renaissance-style uniforms, which make them particularly easy to recognize. Seeing members of the Swiss Guard is often an unexpected highlight for first-time visitors to Vatican City.
While photographing them from permitted public areas can be part of the experience, visitors should always follow instructions from Vatican security and avoid interfering with their duties. The Swiss Guard also adds another fascinating historical dimension to Vatican City, where centuries-old traditions continue alongside modern institutions.
Best Time to Visit Vatican City
The best time to visit Vatican City generally depends on your priorities. Spring and autumn are popular periods because Rome’s weather is often more comfortable for sightseeing. Summer can be particularly busy and warm, while winter may offer fewer crowds but cooler weather.
If you want to explore major attractions such as the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica, arriving early can make the experience more comfortable. It is also important to remember that Vatican City can become extremely busy during religious celebrations and major events.
💡👉 Checking the Vatican’s official calendar before your trip can help you avoid unexpected closures or large crowds.
How Long Do You Need in Vatican City?
Although Vatican City is the world’s smallest country, you should not assume that you can see everything in a few minutes. But it has so many places to visit and so many things to offer. But for a slow guy like me, if you want to stay somewhere and like to slowly discover things, then 1-2 days would be more than enough to explore Vatican city.
Since Vatican City is surrounded by Rome, you can visit it as part of Rome itinerary.
FAQs
The following are the most frequently asked questions asked about Vatican City among the travellers.
Is Vatican City worth visiting?
Yes. Vatican City is one of the most unique destinations in Europe and contains some of the world’s most famous religious, historical and artistic landmarks. St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel alone make it a worthwhile destination.
What is Vatican City famous for?
Vatican City is famous for being the world’s smallest independent country, the headquarters of the Catholic Church and the residence of the Pope. It is also known for St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican Museums and its extraordinary art collection.
Can tourists enter Vatican City?
Yes. Tourists can visit several major areas of Vatican City, including St. Peter’s Square, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums. However, some areas have restricted access and may require advance arrangements.
How many days do you need in Vatican City?
Most travelers can visit the major attractions in a day, although the amount of time required depends on how extensively you want to explore. Since Vatican City is located inside Rome, many visitors include it as part of their Rome sightseeing itinerary.
Is Vatican City a separate country?
Yes. Vatican City is a sovereign independent state and is widely recognized as the world’s smallest country by area and population.
