Super Important Tips - Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting Vatican City

A visit to Vatican City is worth your time whether you are Christian or not. There are many things you can enjoy in this city like Vatican museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, Sistine Chapel, and beautiful architecture. Read on to learn everything you need to know before visiting Vatican City. 

Super Important Tips - Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting Vatican City
[image: unsplash by arim Ben Van]

How Do You Get There?

Once you are in Rome, there are different modes of public transportation you can consider like train, bus, or metro. If you choose to travel by train, you need to drop off at St Pietro, and St. Peter's square is just about a 10 minutes walk from the station. You can walk if you’re close or take a taxi. You can also use the metro to get to the Vatican and this option allows you to see different places. 

The Vatican is Outside Italy

On a map, it seems Vatican City is a district of Rome, but you officially leave Italy to get to the city. The Vatican City is built on an area of 110 acres, consists of a population of fewer than 1000, and is independent. It’s the smallest sovereign state that exists on the planet. While the Vatican was part of Rome for about 2000 years, in 1929, it was declared independent. This means when you visit Vatican City, you will enter another country, and no visa is necessary. Additionally, you only need a few hours to see this entire country. 

Expect Long Queues

Vatican City is popular with many visitors, and the lines to enter different places can be very long. Standing long hours in the queue to buy a ticket can be frustrating, especially when you’re standing in the hot sun during summer. To avoid this scenario, it’s important to get tickets for the Vatican online. It’s a good idea to plan and buy all the tickets you may need beforehand so that you don't stand in long queues when you get there. 

Know the Dress Code

Since Vatican City is an independent nation, it has its set of rules including a dress code. All visitors entering the city must be dressed in a way that befits entrance to the holy place. The city is synonymous with the Roman Catholic Church, and visitors are expected to show respect when they visit certain places like Saint Peter’s Basilica. You are not allowed to enter the city scantily dressed. Make sure your shoulders and knees are covered and know that sleeveless tops and shorts are not allowed.

When you’re indoors, you should remove hats and sunglasses. Also, avoid bringing banned objects that include knives, umbrellas, backpacks, and other sharp items. Lastly, video cameras, food, and drinks should be put in the museum's cloakroom. 

Number of Visitors Allowed

The 2000-year-old cemetery underneath the basilica is very popular with visitors since it is the place where Peter was crucified. It’s also said that his tomb is still there. If you want to enter this place, you should know that only 250 visitors are allowed per day, so you must book in advance. The museums also attract huge crowds, but you can avoid them by timing your visit. Winter is the season when the Vatican is least crowded. You should avoid the busiest day when you visit in summer. Wednesday and weekends are the busiest times. 

The Vatican City is Popular With Scholars

Vatican City is a popular destination for scholars. The Vatican Library has extensive literature about the Roman Catholic religion and many documents found there are more than 2000 years old. The good thing is that the Vat is open to anyone. If you want to visit the Vatican city, you should check whether you need a visa from your country. Research other things like transportation and accommodation before booking a trip to the city.  

It’s Easy to See the Pope

When you visit Vatican City, you need to reserve a day to see the Pope. This is free and papal audiences usually take place every Wednesday, and they can last for about two hours. You can book your ticket by phone or fax, and you must collect it on Monday morning or Tuesday at the Bronze Door. The audience is held on Saint Peter's Square in summer and Audience Hall during winter. The Pope also appears in his window every Sunday at noon for about 30 minutes.  

Vatican City is famous for its rich history of the Roman Catholic Church, beautiful architecture, and other attractions. It attracts millions of visitors every year, and it is usually crowded. If you want to visit this famous city, you must plan your trip in advance. By following these tips, you can enjoy a stress-free experience when you visit the Vatican.