Being the size of a golf course, the Vatican as a tourist-destination would seem like there’s not much to do besides going inside of St Peter’s Basilica (make sure you are dressed appropriately if you want to get inside!). There’s a few more crucial activities which you can’t miss out on during your visit:
1. Go to Mass/Angelus to see the Pope
Seeing the pope is something you’ll never forget! The pope rides into the Vatican and through the crowd waving and kissing babies before he addresses the thousands of people who’ve come to hear him speak, language by language.
It’s fairly short, however you may have to wait a while for your preferred language to be spoken!
Mass happens on Sundays at 11am, however make sure you get there early for a good spot! Also, check the official website to make sure the Pope doesn’t happen to be on a State Visit in another country during your trip!
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2. Do the Vatican Museums Tour
It’s THREE hours long, but if I can still appreciate it after 6 visits, you can absolutely do it once. Prices start at 16 Euros, 23 Euros with Audio Guide. More information on tours and entrance fees/rules here.
My favourite part is the Maps room, filled with old maps of Italy with the most stunning ceiling. ?
3. Gaze up in the Sistine Chapel
There’s something so special about being inside the Sistine Chapel, gazing at the works of Michelangelo that took him 4 years to finish.
The experience could be a serene experience if it wasn’t for the hordes of people inside, and the Guards yelling “Silencio!”.
4. Climb St Peters Basilica for amazing views of Rome
Climbing St Peters Basilica was probably my favourite thing I’ve done in Rome/the Vatican! You get your tickets near the entrance of the Basilica (right-side) and can choose whether to take the stairs all the way up or take the elevator to the top of the basilica – the base of the Dome. After getting to the top of the basilica, you then climb a narrow winding staircase to reach the top of the Dome and have magnificent, unparalled views of Rome.
Being on top of the most famous building in the world is magnificent and something I really appreciated, taking my time to really just gaze out at the eternal city.
5. Send yourself or someone you love mail from the Vatican’s Post Office
The Swiss run the Vatican post office, so your mail will not only travel faster than if sent from within Rome, but it gets a unique stamp! It is also said that many citizens of Rome will make the trip over to the Vatican to send their post as they don’t trust the Italian postal service – so, Do as the Romans do.
But most importantly – enjoy your time in this unique ‘country’!
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4 thoughts on “5 Must-Do Activities inside the Vatican City”
St. Peters is so big, it is ridiculous!
Vatican City is oen of the best tours that I’ve been to in my whole life. The gurgling fountains, cobbled roads and rustic neighbourhood is something quite brilliant and still underrated!