St. Peter's Basilica dome and Vatican City aerial view

Vatican City & St. Peter's Basilica

Rome, Italy

SpiritualArts CultureHistoryPilgrimage
Would you do this?
Duration3 hrs
EffortModerate
BudgetMid-Range
StyleSelf-Guided
OpenMon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Best monthsJan, Feb, Mar, Oct, Nov
StatusMust-See

About This Activity

St. Peter's Basilica is free to enter — its vast interior holds Michelangelo's Pieta and Bernini's bronze baldachin, and the climb to the dome (551 steps or elevator partway) rewards with sweeping Rome views. The adjacent Vatican Museums require a separate timed ticket (€20 online) and house 54 galleries culminating in the Sistine Chapel. Budget 4-5 hours total for both. Book Vatican Museum tickets weeks ahead in peak season.

Seasonal note: Fewer queues off-season; book online year-round

See This in an Itinerary

This activity appears in 132 of our curated itineraries.

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Best 3 Days in Italy — Temples & Shrines (Saturday Start)

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Best 3 Days in Italy — Pilgrimage (Saturday Start)

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Best 5 Days in Italy — Temples & Shrines (Saturday Start)

Rome → Florence → Venice → Sorrento

Day 1 · 4 cities · 8 activities

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