The Vatican might be the smallest country in the world, however at any one moment in time it can be visited by over 20,000 visitors a day who are all drawn to its illustrious museums and gardens. Don’t let the busy crowds deter you though, as this guide will help you decide the best time to visit and how long you’ll need to spend there. Whether you plan on independently navigating your way through the Vatican or are choosing to join a tour, the 7.5 kilometer stretch of museums will require at least a couple of hours to see properly.
Best time to visit the Vatican
Not surprisingly, the summer months remain the most visited times of the year to head to the Vatican. The busiest months which will see you waiting in long lines are between mid-March and early November so if you can, try to avoid these months. Instead, plan your trip from mid-November onwards leading on to early march as you’ll find the Vatican to be much quieter and devoid of those dreaded lines. If you do plan on going in summer however, it is recommended not to visit on the busier days, this being Wednesdays (unless you were wanting to see the Papal Audience) and the last Sunday of every month when the tickets are free. Skip the idea of going to the Vatican in the morning as that is generally the thought process of everyone attending that day, and instead go in the afternoon.
How long do you need to spend at the Vatican?
It is recommended that you allow a full day for the Vatican, so even if you don’t plan to spend the whole day there, try not to plan any other attractions that day as you’ll need at least 3 hours to explore the countless museums, gallery rooms and gardens on the site. If you are planning to visit the Vatican on your own, it can take around 2-3 hours and you do have the luxury of setting your own pace. A great tip is to plan beforehand to prioritise what you want to see the most. Alternatively, most tours conducted by tour operators are around 3 hours and will include seeing the most popular areas, as well as some lesser known and visited quarters.
What are the must-see spots for your trip to the Vatican?
First and foremost, the Sistine Chapel which is regarded as one of the holiest chapels in the world is a must view attraction. The sacred paintings and the home of the Papal elections is usually on the very top of everyone’s Rome bucket list and for good reason. Next, it wouldn’t be a trip to the Vatican without setting foot in St. Peter’s Basilica, another iconic location. The Pinacoteca is a gallery filled with some of the greatest renaissance artwork of all time and features illusive paintings from Raphael and Caravaggio. Most people don’t bother heading here as it is in the opposite direction to St. Peter’s Basilica, but the walk is well worth it! The residence of the Pope, the Papal Apartments is also not to be missed. The Borgia Apartments for example, was used by Pope Alexander VI in the 15th century and is a lavishly fitted suite of rooms with frescoes by master artist Pinturicchio. In essence, to have your perfect day trip to the Vatican is definitely a possibility if you plan ahead and allow yourself enough time to view the wonders of the affluent Vatican City.
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