Saint Peter Basilica behind Sant'Angelo Bridge, over the Tiber river
The Vatican is the global hearth of the Catholic faith and serves as a pilgrimage spot for many Catholics and Christians. But there are enough reasons to visit it, even if you’re not religious.
Since the Vatican is located inside the city of Rome (and hotel service is not offered within the city), there is no other choice but to plan the trip together with the visit to Rome.
We suggest to stay for a minimum of one week, in order to visit Vatican’s main attractions (Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica), but also the endless sights in Rome.
Pay attention to restrictions in terms of dress code. It is mandatory to dress soberly. Shoulders and knees must be covered.
How to best experience Vatican City?
Discover tickets, tours, and activities for Vatican City through these providers:
Most popular city pass for visiting Vatican City
Omnia Card 24h
/5Visit the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel with the 24 Hour Omnia Card. Ride the hop-on hop-off bus for free and see the best of Rome
As low as
€70
on Tiqets.com
Omnia Card 72h
/5Book online to make the most of Rome and Vatican City with the 72-hour Omnia Card
As low as
€149
on Tiqets.com
Vatican City Pass
/5Visit St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums!
As low as
€81
on Tiqets.com
Go City Rome Explorer Pass
/5Save up to 50%* on entry to 2-7 top Rome attractions, tours and activities with Go City. Choose from over 45 options including the Pantheon, Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum and more!
As low as
€84
on GetYourGuide.com
Top things to do & see in Vatican City
Select the following sights and activities to discover best tickets and tours available in Vatican City.
The Vatican City
| Country | Vatican City State |
| Time in the Vatican City |
UTC+1 (CET) Summer (DST) UTC+2 (CEST) |
| Language spoken | Italian (not officiallly enacted) |
| Currency | Euro (€, EUR) |
| Airports | Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (22 mi, 35 km) Ciampino Airport (7.5 mi, 12 km) |
The Vatican City (officially Vatican City State) is an independent city state . It is the smallest State in the world.
Important religious and cultural sites are located here, like St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums.
Where is the Vatican City?
The Vatican City, also called the Holy See, is a tiny sovereign independent State. It is surrounded by Rome. Visitors enter Vatican City through St. Peter’s Square.
When was Vatican City founded?
Vatican City was established in its current form as a sovereign nation with the signing of the Latheran Pacts in 1929. On 11 February 1929, when the Lateran Treaty between the Holy See and the Kingdom of Italy was signed by Prime Minister and Head of Government Benito Mussolini on behalf of King Victor Emmanuel III and by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Gasparri for Pope Pius XI. The treaty, which became effective on 7 June 1929, established the independent state of Vatican City and reaffirmed the special status of Catholic Christianity in Italy.
Why Vatican City is not a country?
In many ways it has the same characteristics as an independent state but is the Holy See – the office of Papacy – that is recognized in international law and diplomacy. The Vatican City is under the control of the Holy See, but the Vatican’s City diplomats represent the Roman Catholic Church, not the Vatican City.
Swiss Guards.
The Swiss Guards have guarded Vatican City since 1506. Today, they still dress in the traditional and iconic orange, yellow, red and blue uniform. It takes 30 hours to create each uniform. These guards make up one of the most skilled armies in the world. They are just 135 so they represent the smallest army in the world. They are tasked with protecting the Pope and the Apostolic Place. The Swiss Guards also carry out cerimonial duties, such as a guard of honor at receptions and audiences.
To be part of this tiny army there are strict requirements to be met. Guard recruits must be Roman Catholic Swiss nationals, between 19 and 30 years of age, singles, high school graduates, at least 174 cm tall and their application must be endorsed by their local parish priest. They must have completed Swiss military service.