Vatican Travel Guide: What to Do

What to do in Vatican? Main activities and attractions

St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel are the top cultural highlights that attract millions of visitors each year. St. Peter’s Square, with its iconic colonnade and papal balcony, serves as both a spiritual and architectural marvel. Inside the Vatican Museums, masterpieces by Michelangelo, Raphael, and Leonardo da Vinci fill luxurious halls and galleries. The Sistine Chapel’s ceiling is a must-see monument of global art history, drawing beholders to gaze upwards in awe. A walkthrough of these sites is not just cultural—it is a deep encounter with religious and historical richness distilled in one compact territory.

Beyond artworks and landmarks, a travel to Vatican includes serene gardens and hidden enclaves rarely accessible to the general public. The Vatican Gardens offer botanically curated paths, ancient sculptures, and panoramic views of Roman rooftops. For food lovers, local trattorias around the Vatican serve Italian classics such as fresh pasta, espresso, and gelato. While Vatican itself has no eateries, its surroundings provide a gastronomic extension to the pilgrimage. Attending a Papal Audience on Wednesdays is also a unique spiritual activity, giving travelers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the Pope in person.

Unusual and off-the-beaten-path experiences in Vatican

While most visitors focus on St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums, a travel to Vatican can reveal lesser-known experiences that offer a deeper understanding of this singular territory. Start with the Vatican Necropolis, located beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. This archaeological site contains ancient Roman tombs and what is believed to be the grave of Saint Peter himself—a solemn and historically rich place accessible by guided tour only with advance booking.

Another hidden gem is the Passetto di Borgo, a secret elevated passageway connecting Vatican City to Castel Sant’Angelo. Once used by Popes to escape danger, parts of this historic corridor can occasionally be visited through special cultural events or guided tours. For a moment of tranquility, consider visiting the Vatican Library’s public exhibition rooms, where rotating displays of illuminated manuscripts and rare texts unveil the Church’s scholarly heritage.

The Papal Villas of Castel Gandolfo, technically Vatican territory but located outside Rome, offer another off-the-radar adventure. Open to visitors seasonally, they combine lush gardens, Baroque architecture, and a taste of papal retreat life. Finally, art enthusiasts can enjoy an early entry ticket to the Vatican Museums, which permits viewing the Sistine Chapel in relative solitude—an emotional and spiritual experience far from the usual crowds.

These atypical discoveries remind us that Vatican, despite its small size, holds infinite corners for those curious enough to look beyond the main attractions.

When to visit Vatican? Best travel periods

Essential practical information for traveling to Vatican

📋 Formalities and visa

EU, US, and UK citizens do not need a visa to visit Vatican for stays under 90 days. As Vatican does not operate its own border controls, travelers enter through Italy, and a valid passport or EU national ID card is sufficient for entry. No additional documentation is required for tourism purposes.

🚗 Driving rules

Driving is restricted in Vatican City; vehicular access is permitted only to authorized personnel. For general tourism, there is no need for a car, and driving licenses (including international ones) are not applicable within the territory. Surrounding areas in Rome apply Italian road regulations.

🔌 Electricity

Vatican uses the same electrical standards as Italy: Type C and F plugs, 230V voltage, and 50Hz frequency. Travelers from the UK or US will need a power adapter and possibly a voltage converter depending on their device.

📱 Mobile network and internet

Vatican has full mobile coverage via Italian networks. Major providers like TIM, Vodafone, and WindTre operate in the area. SIM cards can be purchased easily in Rome, with plans averaging €10–€20 for data and calls.

⚠️ Safety and areas to avoid

Vatican is considered very safe for tourists, with high security and constant surveillance. The surrounding area in Rome is generally secure, though common precautions should be taken against petty theft or pickpocketing, particularly in crowds. Emergency number in Italy is 112.

🚫 Prohibitions and regulations

Smoking is not permitted inside religious buildings and museums. Photography may be restricted in certain chapels. Sharp objects, alcohol, and banners are prohibited at entrances, especially during large events.

🤝 Cultural codes and behavior

Respectful attire is mandatory—no shorts or sleeveless tops inside churches. Visitors should remain silent or speak quietly in sacred spaces. Gestures of reverence and politeness toward clergy and in ceremonies are expected. Avoid disruptive behavior.

🕌 Respect for religious traditions

The Vatican is the global center of Catholicism. Visitors should behave respectfully during mass or papal events. Religious holidays like Easter and Christmas feature sacred ceremonies with large pilgrimages. Access may be limited during these times for logistical or security reasons.

Sources: Foreign Office, Embassy in Vatican, Vatican National Tourism Office. Last updated: January 2025