The First-Timers Guide To Visiting The Vatican In Rome: What To See, Do And How To Get There

If it’s your first time in Rome, the Vatican is one of those places you can’t skip—but it’s also one of the easiest to get wrong. Between the queues, crowds and sheer scale of it all, it’s not exactly a “wander in and see what happens” kind of experience.

Technically its own independent city-state, the Vatican is home to some of the world’s most famous landmarks, including St Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. This is the first-timer’s guide to navigating it all—what to see, how to get there and the key tips that will make your visit a whole lot smoother.

What To See And Do At The Vatican

St Peter’s Square And St Peter’s Basilica

Image credit: Viator | Website 

St Peter’s Square is your starting point—the vast, open plaza framed by Bernini’s sweeping colonnades, designed to welcome visitors from every direction. It’s worth taking a moment here before heading inside, especially early in the morning before the crowds peak.

St Peter’s Basilica is the main event. It’s one of the largest churches in the world, and the scale alone is enough to stop you in your tracks. Entry is free, but there is a strict dress code—shoulders and knees must be covered—and queues can be long, so arriving early makes a big difference.

If you’re up for it, climb to the top of the dome. It’s a bit of a workout, but the views across St Peter’s Square and over Rome’s rooftops are easily some of the best in the city. Inside, take your time to look around, then finish with the Vatican Grottoes beneath the basilica—just leave these until last, as the exit leads you out.

Vatican Museums

Image credit: Romewise | Website

The Vatican Museums are vast— think kilometres of corridors, dozens of galleries and more art than you’ll realistically ever get through in one visit. You won’t see it all, and you don’t need to. The key is to go in with a rough idea of what you want to prioritise.

Tickets are required, and booking ahead is essential. Mornings tend to be busiest with tour groups, so a mid-afternoon visit can sometimes be a better option if your schedule allows. If you’re short on time, a guided tour can be worth it just to help you navigate the highlights.

Inside, expect everything from intricate tapestries to towering sculptures and fresco-covered halls. Some of the standout stops include the Gallery of the Maps, the Tapestries Gallery and the Museum Pio Clementino. It’s impressive, a little overwhelming and very easy to lose track of time.

The Sistine Chapel

Image credit: Vatican City Guide | Website

At the end of the Vatican Museums, you’ll find the Sistine Chapel—arguably the most famous room in the world. Built in the 15th century, it’s best known for Michelangelo’s ceiling, a sprawling masterpiece that draws your eyes up the moment you walk in.

It’s crowded, it’s closely monitored (no photos, no talking), and you’ll likely be shoulder to shoulder with other visitors—but it’s still worth it. Give yourself a moment, look up and take it in properly before you’re ushered along.

Vatican Gardens

Image credit: Vatican City Guide | Website

If you’re after something a little calmer, the Vatican Gardens offer a completely different side of the experience. Covering more than half of Vatican City, they’re filled with sculptures, fountains and a mix of English, French and Italian garden styles.

Access is by guided tour only, which keeps numbers lower and the atmosphere noticeably more relaxed—ideal if you want a break from the crowds.

How To Get To The Vatican

The easiest way to reach the Vatican is by metro. Take Line A and get off at either Ottaviano or Cipro—both are around a 10–12 minute walk from the Vatican Museums entrance on Viale Vaticano.

If you’re coming from central Rome, Ottaviano is usually the most straightforward stop. From there, simply follow the crowds towards the Vatican walls and continue along until you reach the museum entrance.

Taxis are also an easy option—just ask for the Vatican Museums—and if you’re staying nearby, it’s well within walking distance from areas like Prati or Centro Storico.

A Few Things To Know Before You Go

There’s no real “quiet” day at the Vatican—it’s Rome’s most visited site, and it shows. Weekends tend to be busier, and Wednesdays can draw larger crowds thanks to the Papal Audience. The Vatican Museums are closed on Sundays, except for the last Sunday of the month when entry is free—and extremely crowded.

Wear your comfy shoes, bring water, and don’t try to see everything in one go. Focus on a few key highlights and you’ll get far more out of it.

Once you’re done, reward yourself with a slice of pizza nearby—you’ve earned it.

Limits, sub-limits, conditions and exclusions apply. This is general advice only. This product is distributed by Australian Health Management Group Pty Limited (ABN 96 003 683 298, AR 266711) and administered by Travel Insurance Partners Pty Limited (ABN 73 144 049 230, AFSL 360138). Travel insurance is underwritten by Zurich Australian Insurance Limited (ABN 13 000 296 640, AFSL 232507). Please consider your own needs and the Combined FSG/PDS to decide if this product is right for you. For information on the Target Market and Target Market Determinations, visit ahm.com.au/travel-insurance/forms-and-guides.