With over 5 million annual visitors, the Vatican City is a sought-after destination in Rome, boasting significant spiritual and artistic treasures. Whilst technically considered a sovereign country or city-state independent from Italy, its convenient location within Italy’s capital makes this UNESCO World Heritage Site a worthwhile visit for nearby travellers. Not only is it the smallest country in the world, it’s also one of the most sacred places in Christendom, rich in ecclesiastical culture. With our foolproof guide, you can make the most of your trip to Vatican City, with top tips on how to avoid scams when purchasing Vatican tickets, and which attractions you won’t want to miss.

Top Vatican City Attractions

Vatican City isn't just a single attraction, but a collection of landmarks spread across a small city-state. While some sites are freely accessible, others, like St. Peter's Basilica Dome, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, require tickets.

St Peter’s square

Piazza San Pietro, lies before the basilica, is one of the largest and most beautiful squares in the world. It features impressive colonnades designed by famous architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Entrance to the square is free, with no ticket required.

St Peter’s Basilica

St Peter’s Basilica is the main church of Vatican City and considered the largest in the world. The basilica attracts visitors from all across the globe, with its liturgies at times drawing audiences of more than 80,000 people. Access to the main floor is also completely free and ticketless, but you will have to pass through a strict security control.

St Peter’s Dome

St Peter’s Dome, located unsurprisingly at the top of the church, has one of the best views of Rome, although the climb up the stairs is certainly not for the faint-hearted. Luckily, there’s also a lift available for a small additional cost! Tickets must be purchased inside the church on the day, as there is no option to book online or in advance. We recommend arriving early in the day to avoid queues!

Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel

Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel are amongst the most sought-after sites at the Vatican. The renowned Sistine Chapel is actually located within the expansive Vatican Museums, so you can’t enter the chapel without first purchasing Vatican Museum tickets. In any case, we would strongly recommend you visit the museums: with 26 rooms in total and around five miles of corridors, they contain nearly 70,000 art works collected by the Catholic Church, dating back thousands of years. You can purchase your Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel tickets in person, or search for Vatican Tickets Skip the Line on the official website to book online; this option costs slightly more than booking in person but ensures you won’t have to wait around in a queue to buy your tickets, allowing you to plan your day better. Don’t be conned into paying more for other “skip the line” tickets sold online: all tickets sold in advance directly by the museum have a designated entrance time, meaning they all allow immediate entry without queuing.

Vatican Necropolis

The Vatican Necropolis lies beneath the Vatican City, an ancient burial ground with limited access believed to be the resting place of St Peter, one of Jesus’ Twelve Disciples and a prominent figure in the early Christian Church. Explore the winding network of mausoleums and graves in a small guided visit, with Vatican tour tickets directly available from the Excavations Office. This sacred site is not a part of standard Vatican City tours, so you will have to send a special request to access it.

Vatican Gardens

Vatican Gardens are stunning, carefully landscaped gardens that lie across Vatican Hill, behind the Basilica. In order to take in the captivating sights of these vast gardens, you will need to purchase a ticket. The best way to do so is online on the official website. This beautiful outdoor attraction is not one to be missed!

Tricks to get tickets if sold out

If Vatican tickets official for the Vatican Museums are sold out on the official website, you could look on ticketing platforms such as Tiqets. Be aware that these tickets will probably cost more than buying direct. However, it is likely to be a preferable option to standing in line on the day to purchase a ticket in person. Another trick is to opt for an entry ticket + meal option, sold on the official website, a cheaper option than paying for a tour with an external tour guide. If interested in the latter, we recommend LivTours which offer specialised tours with specific focuses, such as a tour focused on the Sistine Chapel, or tours designed for kids with kid-friendly games and insights.

Stick to the dress code

Finally, remember to obey the strict dress code for the Vatican City. It is a religious area, so knees and shoulders should be covered to enter, especially if you are planning to go inside the Basilica. Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts are also preferable if the weather allows. However, if you haven’t packed appropriate clothing, don’t worry: you can buy plastic cloaks on the day to wrap around yourself in case it’s needed.

By understanding all that Vatican City has to offer and how to enter its main attractions, you’ll be fully prepared for an awe-inspiring day out! Don’t be fooled into paying more than necessary, by following our handy tips on booking official tickets for ticketed attractions and avoid being conned into paying for those that are ticketless. The Vatican City is truly a unique place, so prepare yourself for a memorable visit to this iconic destination. Enjoy your trip!

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