Things to do in Vatican City

The Vatican City is a walled enclave standing within the city of Rome. The Vatican may be small, but there is much to see and do here. Dedicate an entire day to your visit to the Holy See and if you would also like an audience with the Pope, a Wednesday may be the best day for your visit.

Sistine Chapel

Many expect the Sistine Chapel to be located at St. Peter’s Basilica but it is actually the end point of the museums. The Sistine Chapel may be what most visitors come to the Vatican City to see but you will need to pass through all the exhibits of the Vatican Museums first. At the Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo’s ceiling is absolutely spell-binding but do not miss his mural rendering of the Last Judgment either

St. Peter’s Basilica

St, Peter’s Basilica is built atop St. Peter’s tomb and does credit to its status as one of the most important churches in Christendom. A structure of high historical, architectural and artistic merit, the basilica is located at the head of gigantic St. Peter’s Square which is large enough to house 2 mammoth fountains and enough people to be a suitable location for the Pope’s general audience every Wednesday.

The Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums are a treasure trove of masterpieces by the foremost Italian masters of all times. Though often regarded only as corridors leading to the Sistine Chapel, this is doing them an injustice for the exhibits merit a visit for themselves. From walls, to ceilings, to floors, every square inch of the museums has been used up to display the priceless works of art collected by the Vatican over centuries.

The Necropolis

A little known attraction, this is one of the most unique things to do in Vatican City. By booking well in advance, you can join a tour of the catacombs under St. Peter’s Basilica to visit the ancient maze of streets housing graves of Popes, frescoes and St. Peter’s final resting place. This has been described by many as a pilgrimage and an almost spiritual experience.

Audience with the Pope

Thousands of locals and tourists gather in St. Peter's square every Sunday afternoon and Wednesday morning for a glimpse of the Pope giving a blessing or holding a general audience. Some Wednesdays the audience is held at the Sala Nevi, to enter which you will require a ticket which can be booked online or at the Vatican City.

Vatican Gardens

Edging the northern and Western corners of Vatican City are over twenty hectares of gorgeous gardens. If your inclinations lie this way, you can tour the gardens by booking yourself on an official tour run by the Vatican City on select mornings each week. The tour returns you to the Vatican City visitor centre from where you can directly begin your visit to the museums.

The Swiss Guard

The Swiss Guard is made up of an elite set of soldiers meeting an extensive set of criterion regarding age, nationality, education and religious associations. Distinguished easily by their elaborate costume, a picture with some of the guard makes for an excellent holiday souvenir.