Southern EuropeVatican City is the world's smallest country and the centre of Catholicism. It sits entirely within Rome and has major collections of art and history. This guide also covers the nearby Borgo and Prati neighbourhoods.
Why go
St. Peter's Basilica
The Vatican Museums
The Sistine Chapel
Getting there
By air
- The closest airport is Rome's Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO). The Vatican's heliport is only used by the Pope.
By land
- Bus 64 runs from central Rome to the southern end of the Vatican, near St. Peter's Basilica and Square. Guard your valuables because pickpockets operate on this bus.
- Bus 46 runs from western Rome to St. Peter's Basilica and Square.
- Bus 49 runs from western Rome to the northern end of Vatican City. The Vatican Museums entrance is in the wall beside the bus stop.
Getting around
Car
Visitors need permission from Vatican authorities to drive inside Vatican City. Permission is very unlikely for an ordinary visit. The Vatican's road network is small, and you do not need a car to see it. Some streets in Borgo and most streets in Prati have one-way traffic. Finding an available street parking space can be difficult. Large car parks are southeast of St. Peter's Square and beneath Piazza Cavour.
What to see and do
St. Peter's Basilica
One of Vatican City's main sights; the Pope is presented from its central balcony after his election.
Vatican Museums
Explore collections of artwork in Vatican City.
Sistine Chapel
A major Vatican sight and the place where cardinals gather to elect a new Pope.
Take a guided tour
A guided tour can help you get more from the Vatican's collections.
Attend Mass
Everyone is welcome to attend this Catholic church service, though receiving Holy Communion has religious requirements.
Collect Vatican coins
Their designs feature popes, saints and Bible scenes, offering a way to learn about Vatican history and the Catholic faith.
Food and drink
Vatican Museums cafeteria
A cafeteria-style restaurant inside the museums, open during museum hours and until about one hour after closing.
Vatican Museums pizzeria
An option for food during your museum visit, open during museum hours and until about one hour after closing.
Vatican Museums bar
Open during museum hours and until about one hour after closing.
Money
Euro (EUR)
- Vatican euro coins are rare and can be worth more than their face value. Consider keeping them instead of spending them.
- The Vatican sells postage stamps, souvenirs and publications.
- St. Peter's Gallery sells religious souvenirs and tickets that let you bypass the Vatican Museums queue.
Typical costs
- Food inside the Vatican Museums is described as somewhat overpriced.
- St. Peter's Gallery is described as an expensive souvenir shop.
Language
- Italian is an official language and the Vatican's main working language.
- Latin is an official language, used for church documents and announcements.
- Visitors can get by with English.
Staying safe
- Watch your belongings at all times, especially on bus 64.
- Stay together when travelling with friends or family in crowds.
- Supervise children closely so they do not get lost.
- Ask Vatican police, known as the Gendarmerie, if you need help.
Local customs
Do
- Be polite and respect Catholic beliefs and practices.
- Wear clothing that covers your knees and avoid sleeveless shirts, shorts, flip-flops and trainers. You may be refused entry if you do not follow the dress rules.
- Ask respectfully before photographing Swiss Guards.
- Everyone may attend Mass, but receive Holy Communion only if you are a baptized and confirmed Catholic. A blessing may be possible instead.
Don't
- Do not photograph or film inside the Sistine Chapel.
- Do not use flash or bring selfie sticks, professional photography equipment or tripods.
- Do not smoke; you risk a fine or other discipline.
- Avoid discussing controversial religious subjects, such as birth control.
Staying healthy
- Vatican City has no hospitals or medical clinics. Go to a hospital or clinic in Rome if you need medical care.
- To use the Vatican Pharmacy, bring a prescription, identification and a permit from the Vatican registry office.
- The Vatican Pharmacy does not sell products that conflict with Catholic teaching, such as contraceptives.
- The pharmacy accepts online purchases but ships only within Italy.
Where to stay
- There is no visitor accommodation inside Vatican City.
- Many hotels are available in Rome's surrounding Vaticano neighbourhood.
Airports, metros and trains in Vatican City
Trains
- Rail network
- 0.3 km
People and safety in Vatican City
Religion
Most people are Christian. Mostly one faith.
- Christian100%
LGBT+ travellers
Legal in law, risky in places
- Same-sex marriage is not recognised.
Check your own government's travel advice before you go, and be careful with public displays of affection and dating apps.
Who can visit without a visa
Travellers from 93 of 198 countries can visit Vatican City easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Visa not required93
- Visa required105
Who can visit easily, by part of the world
For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Europe43 of 45 countries
- Americas26 of 35 countries
- Oceania10 of 14 countries
- Asia12 of 50 countries
- Africa2 of 54 countries
Questions
Is Vatican City part of Rome?
It is an independent country entirely surrounded by Rome.
How can I reach St. Peter's Basilica by bus?
Take bus 64 from central Rome or bus 46 from western Rome. Watch your valuables closely on bus 64.
What should I wear?
Avoid sleeveless shirts, shorts, flip-flops and trainers, and make sure skirts cover the knee. You can be refused entry for unsuitable clothing.
Can I take photos?
Photography and filming are allowed except in the Sistine Chapel. Flash, selfie sticks, professional photography equipment and tripods are not allowed.
Can I get by with English?
Yes. Italian is the main working language, but visitors can get by with English.
Can I buy food inside the Vatican Museums?
Yes. There is a cafeteria-style restaurant, a pizzeria and a bar, open during museum hours and until about one hour after closing.
Can I stay overnight in Vatican City?
There is no visitor accommodation inside Vatican City. Many hotels are in Rome's surrounding Vaticano neighbourhood.
What should I do if I need medical help?
Go to a hospital or clinic in Rome, as Vatican City has neither. The emergency number is 112.
Can I attend Mass if I am not Catholic?
Yes, everyone is welcome. You should receive Holy Communion only if you are a baptized and confirmed Catholic.
What currency does Vatican City use?
It uses the euro. Vatican euro coins are rare and can be worth more than their face value.
Reviewed by @snuck