Whether you’re an art lover or simply fascinated by the Catholic religion, Vatican City is a must-visit. The smallest independent country in the world, it welcomes thousands of visitors every day!
Aside from its incredible sights, Vatican City is home to one of the largest art collections in the world. Visiting this cultural destination can be overwhelming if you don’t plan ahead.
1. Get a Guided Tour
When it comes to the Vatican Museums, there's nothing like visiting with a guide. They'll point out the most important works of art and historical significance.
There are many different options to choose from, all of which depend on the length and style of tour, group size, inclusions, and price. It's also important to consider what time of day you want to visit the museums.
It's best to book a tour that operates at 9 am (or even earlier) so you can get into the Vatican Museums before they open to the general public. This will allow you to avoid the ticket and security queues and ensure a smoother tour.
If you're a fan of religious art, you might want to consider a longer tour that includes the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica. This will give you more time to explore the highlights and will allow you to see things like the Gallery of Maps, Raphael's Rooms and more.
2. Book a Fast-Track Tour
Every year millions of people flock to Vatican City, drawn by its rich culture and plethora of religious attractions. This makes it an incredibly busy place, with queues often stretching around the buildings and lasting up to two hours during the summer months!
One of the easiest ways to cut down on queue time and maximise your time in this fascinating city is to book a fast-track tour. These tours skip the lines at some of the city’s most popular attractions, allowing you to browse the galleries independently on your own schedule.
For example, the Vatican Museums are a must-see for everyone visiting Rome and boast over 700,000 works of art, from medieval to modern. Purchasing a Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel fast-track ticket enables you to skip the line and visit these highlights at your own pace.
3. Avoid the Crowds
If you’re planning on visiting the Vatican, it’s a good idea to plan your visit well ahead of time. The crowds can be enormous, so make sure you’re organized enough to avoid missing out on important parts of your tour.
There are a few things you can do to make your trip less stressful, including booking tickets in advance and choosing the right day for your trip. Also, book a guided tour so you can skip the lines and get more out of your visit!
Another tip to keep in mind is the dress code at the Vatican Museums. Men must wear long pants and women must wear skirts that are knee-length or longer.
If you want to avoid the crowds, try visiting the Vatican Museums in the afternoon or early morning. This will give you more time to explore, and it’ll be much cooler!
4. Plan Your Time
The Vatican is a beautiful, spiritual place that is packed with gorgeous art and architecture. It can be overwhelming if you’re not properly prepared, so it’s best to do a little research and plan ahead.
One of the best things to do when planning your time in Vatican City is book a tour. It’s the best way to see all the highlights without having to worry about navigating the crowds.
You can even get a private tour, which will be much more exclusive and geared towards families.
If you’re an art aficionado, the Vatican Museums are definitely worth checking out. They’re home to an immense collection of artwork that ranges from classical antiquities to modern religious art.
However, be sure to take your time and don’t rush to the Sistine Chapel. There are plenty of other great sites in the area to explore. You’ll be glad you did! Don’t forget to also climb the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, which is a very popular destination!
