Top Things to Do in Vatican City Italy
If you are planning a trip to Vatican City and looking for the best things to do, see, and eat while visiting, you are in the right place. A visit to the Vatican is often at the top of itineraries for Italy. The Vatican is a museum complex full of famous frescoes and statues, the Pope’s balcony, amazing altars, an arcade of columns, fountains, and gardens. Browse the list of must-see attractions, off-the-beaten-path experiences, outdoor activities, and museums to create your personal Vatican City bucket list. Then, plan the itinerary for your Vatican City trip with these top things to do, see, and eat. Enjoy your time out of the office!
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READ Things to Do in Rome Italy
Things to Do in and Around Vatican City Italy
Send a postcard from the Vatican post office
Attend the Wednesday audience with the Pope
See Michelangelo’s statue of Moses at Saint Peter in Chains
Check out Saint Peter’s tomb
Visit St Peters Basilica
Explore the Vatican Museums, and don’t miss the Creation of Adam
Gaze at the Last Judgement in the Sistine Chapel
Relax next to the fountain in the Courtyard of the Pigna
Photograph the Pope’s balcony
Visit St. Peter’s Square for the Pope’s blessing
Check out the Vatican Obelisk
Walk the Vatican walls
Attend Sunday mass
Photograph the Sfera con Sfera, the golden orb
See Michelangelo’s Pietà
Walk the Gallery of Geographic Maps
See St. Peter’s Baldachin
Climb to the top of the Basilica for rooftop views
Take a photo of the Swiss guard
Relax in the Gardens of Vatican City
Photograph the statue of St. Paul
Explore the Belvedere Courtyard
See St. Peter’s Square at night
Wander the columns of the arcade
Photograph St. Peter’s from Via Della Concillazione
See the Pope’s residence
Check out Raphael’s frescoes in the Raphael Rooms of the Palace of the Vatican
Walk the Bramante Staircase
Explore the Vatican Scavi necropolis, the site of St Peter’s tomb
Take the Angels and Demons tour
Tips for Visiting Vatican City Italy
The lines to visit the Vatican Museums are LONG. Purchase skip-the-line tickets online. Check out the website map and develop a plan. The crowds are massive and you will likely move slowly. There is a dress code, no bare knees or shoulders. The Pope speaks to the public twice a week: Wednesday at 10:30am and Sunday at noon. Seats are first to come first to serve, and arrive at least 3 hours early. Photos are not allowed at the Sistine Chapel and the policy is enforced.
Check the Vatican website for current events.
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