- Book Vatican Museums tickets online in advance to skip the long queues
- St Peter's Basilica is free, but expect security queues
- Cover shoulders and knees to enter the basilica and Sistine Chapel
- Visit as part of a Rome trip; the Vatican is within walking distance of the centre
- Airports
- No airport; fly to Rome Fiumicino (FCO) or Ciampino (CIA)
- Flight time
- about 2h30 from London to Rome
- Best time to go
- October-November and February-April; avoid weekends and Wednesday mornings for the museums
- Currency
- Euro (€)
Vatican City is the world's smallest independent state, just 44 hectares surrounded by Rome, yet it holds some of the most visited sights on earth. St Peter's Basilica, with Michelangelo's dome and Pietà, rises above Bernini's colonnaded square, and the Vatican Museums lead through miles of galleries to the Sistine Chapel and its famous ceiling. It is the seat of the Pope and the spiritual centre of the Catholic Church, and Pope Leo XIV, elected in 2025, leads services here.
You will visit as part of a trip to Rome, about two and a half hours' flight from the UK. The Vatican is one hour ahead of the UK and uses Italian plugs (types C, F and L). See our Rome guide and Italy guide for planning the rest of your trip, and our Europe guide for more ideas.
Entry requirements
There are no border checks between Rome and Vatican City, and you reach it through Italy, which is in the EU and the Schengen area. British passport holders can usually visit Schengen countries visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Your passport should have been issued within the last 10 years and be valid for at least three months after you leave. The EU's Entry/Exit System registers your fingerprints and photo when you arrive in Italy. Rules change, so check GOV.UK foreign travel advice before booking.
Where to go in Vatican City
St Peter's Basilica and Square
Entry to the basilica is free, though queues for the security check can be long. Inside, see Michelangelo's Pietà, Bernini's bronze baldacchino over the papal altar, and the tombs of popes below in the grottoes. For a fee, you can climb to the top of the dome, partly by lift, for one of the best views in Rome. St Peter's Square, framed by Bernini's colonnades, is free to wander at any time.
The Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums hold one of the world's great art collections, from classical sculpture such as the Laocoön to the Raphael Rooms, the Gallery of Maps and modern religious art. Allow at least three hours, and longer if you love art.
The Sistine Chapel
The visit to the museums ends at the Sistine Chapel, with Michelangelo's ceiling frescoes and his Last Judgement on the altar wall. Silence is requested and photography is not allowed. It can only be visited with a museum ticket.
The Vatican Gardens and papal audiences
The Vatican Gardens can only be seen on guided tours, which should be booked in advance. When the Pope is in Rome, the general audience is usually held on Wednesday mornings, in St Peter's Square or the Paul VI Hall; tickets are free but must be requested in advance. The Angelus blessing is given from a window over the square at noon on most Sundays.
Best time to visit Vatican City
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Spring (March-May) | Pleasant weather but very busy at Easter, when papal services draw huge crowds |
| Summer (June-August) | Hot, often 30 °C+, and crowded; long queues in the midday sun |
| Autumn (September-November) | Warm and slightly quieter, especially in November |
| Winter (December-February) | Cool and quieter outside Christmas; Midnight Mass and Christmas events |
Book the first museum entry of the day, or a late afternoon slot, and head straight to the Sistine Chapel before working back through the galleries.
Getting to Vatican City from the UK
Fly to Rome Fiumicino, which has frequent flights from London and many UK regional airports on British Airways, ITA Airways, easyJet, Ryanair, Jet2 and Wizz Air, or to Ciampino, used mainly by Ryanair. From Fiumicino, trains reach Roma San Pietro station, a short walk from the Vatican, in about 30-40 minutes, often with one change. From central Rome, Metro line A to Ottaviano or Cipro brings you within a 10-minute walk.
Getting around
The Vatican is small enough to walk around, and you will spend most of your time inside the basilica and museums. From central Rome, the walk along the river or across the Ponte Sant'Angelo by Castel Sant'Angelo takes about 20-30 minutes. Buses and taxis also stop near St Peter's Square.
Money and costs
The Vatican uses the euro and mints its own coins, prized by collectors. Entry to St Peter's Basilica and the square is free; Vatican Museums tickets cost around €20-30 when booked online, including a booking fee, and the dome climb costs extra. Guided tours cost more but often include priority entry. Food and accommodation will be at Rome prices; allow about €120-180 per person per day for a mid-range Rome trip including accommodation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the dress code for the Vatican?
Shoulders and knees must be covered to enter St Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. Avoid low-cut tops, short shorts and hats; staff do turn people away.
Do you need to book the Vatican Museums in advance?
It is strongly recommended. Booking online lets you skip the ticket queue, which can take hours in peak season.
When are the Vatican Museums free?
Usually on the last Sunday of each month, but expect enormous queues. The museums are normally closed on other Sundays and on religious holidays.
How long do you need at the Vatican?
Plan at least half a day for the museums, Sistine Chapel and St Peter's, or a full day if you want to climb the dome and take your time.
Written by
Emma City breaks & deals editor
Emma plans city breaks the way other people plan the weekly shop: on a budget, with a spreadsheet and a backup plan. She covers city guides and deal-hunting.
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