Visiting the Vatican: a complete guide with practical tips and curiosities about the new Pope

The Vatican is one of those places that you feel before you even see it. It's small on the map, but huge in history, faith and art. I've visited it twice - the first time in 1998, with the eyes of a curious young girl, and the second time in 2020, with the more attentive eye of someone who likes to understand what's behind the monuments. With the recent election of the new Pope, I thought it was the perfect time to share this practical guide on how to visit the Vatican - with everything you need to know and some tips on how to get the most out of it.

What is the Vatican?

The Vatican is the smallest country in the world, at just 44 hectares, and is completely surrounded by Rome. It is the spiritual center of the Catholic Church, where the Pope lives and where historic moments such as conclaves, celebrations and papal audiences take place.

It also has:

• One of the largest churches in the world (St. Peter's Basilica)

• One of the most visited museums in Europe

• The famous Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo's frescoes

• Its own guard (the Swiss Guard), currency and post office

What to see in the Vatican?

St. Peter's Basilica

Imposing on the outside and majestic on the inside, St. Peter's Basilica is free to visit, although there is always a queue. It's well worth it.

One of the most curious traditions is to touch the foot of the statue of St. Peter, which has been worn down over the centuries.

Not to be missed:

• Michelangelo's Pietà, on the right at the entrance

• Bernini's baldachin on the altar

• Climbing the dome (€7 stairs or €10 elevator): the view of Rome is unforgettable

Vatican Museums

It's a visit apart and worth every minute. More than 50 galleries and museums with works by Raphael, Caravaggio, Giotto, classical sculptures, tapestries and much more.

Tip: Buy tickets online in advance. The queues are huge.

Sistine Chapel

The last room on the museum tour. This is where the conclaves take place and where Michelangelo left us open-mouthed with the most famous ceiling in the world: "The Creation of Adam".

📸 No photos or videos allowed.

St. Peter's Square

The circular square with colonnades by Bernini is a symbolic place, where papal audiences are held and where thousands gather at important moments for the Church.

Tickets and tricks to avoid queues

• Entrance to the Basilica: free, but with a long line (go early)

• Museums + Sistine Chapel: paid ticket (buy online in advance)

• Closed on Sundaysexcept last Sunday of the month, which is free (but overcrowded)

• Official guided tours or with audio guides are a good option to avoid confusion

Dress code and etiquette

The Vatican is a religious space and there are rules to respect:

• Covered shoulders and knees (for men and women)

• No hats inside the Basilica

• Silence and respect, especially in the Sistine Chapel

• Avoid selfies and flash photos

How to get to the Vatican?

• Metro: Line A - station Ottaviano - San Pietro

• On foot: about 20-30 minutes from the historic center

• Buses: several lines pass nearby

Avoid unofficial tourist cabs - many charge inflated prices.

Curiosities about the new Pope

In 2025, the world witnessed the election of a new Pope, a moment that attracted global attention to the Vatican.

Some interesting facts:

• The conclave is being held in absolute secrecy, with only cardinals voting

• The choice of papal name says a lot about the line of the new pontificate

• The famous "white smoke" is still a sign today that there is a new Pope

I'll soon be updating this section with more details about the new Pope, his journey and what we can expect from this new phase of the Church.

Practical tips from visitors

After two visits (1998 and 2020), these are my suggestions:

• Go early to climb the dome before the crowds

• If you go to museums, online booking and avoid queues

• Take water and something to eat (the cafés in the area are expensive and touristy)

• Use comfortable clothes: you'll be walking a lot, especially in the museums

• Avoid unlicensed street guides - there are many near the entrance

Travel insurance: yes, even for Rome!

Traveling within Europe may give you a false sense of security, but you're not immune to unforeseen events. Good insurance covers everything from medical emergencies to cancellations or lost luggage.

👉 This is the travel insurance I use and recommend

Related articles about Rome

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• 3-day itinerary in Rome: practical, with local tips and well-kept secrets

• Alternative Rome: authentic neighborhoods and markets (Coming soon) 

• What to avoid in Rome: common tourist mistakes (Coming soon) 

• Where to eat well in Rome (without falling into traps) (Coming soon) 

👉 Discover the best accommodation in Rome 

Is it worth visiting the Vatican? My answer

The Vatican is much more than a tourist attraction - it's a place where history, art and spirituality intersect in a unique way. With the right tips, you'll be able to avoid the queues, make the most of your time and leave with the feeling that you've seen something really special. And with a new Pope in the Vatican, the energy these days is even more special.