The Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica were two of the highlights of our Rome visit. Both are incredibly impressive, but they’re also massive. Here’s exactly what we’d prioritize, what we thought was worth it, and what we would do differently next time.
Vatican Museums
Our biggest tip: Book the earliest entry time available.
We purchased our 8:00 AM timed-entry tickets on January 2 for a May 25 visit, so if you’re traveling during peak season, book as soon as tickets become available.
We got in line at 7:30 AM and entered right at 8:00 AM. We were able to walk through many of the galleries with very few people around us – which was amazing after seeing some videos with really crowded areas. By the time we reached the Sistine Chapel, crowds were definitely building, but it was still much more manageable than later in the day.
At a minimum, purchase Skip-the-Line tickets in advance. We arrived at 7:30 AM for our 8:00 AM entry and the standby line was already enormous. People begin lining up early in the morning (like 6AM!), and by the time we arrived the queue stretched down the entrance street, around the corner, and continued well beyond our sightline. Even if you don’t book a guided tour, advance skip-the-line tickets are well worth it.
Don’t Miss These Highlights (in walking order)
- Pinecone Courtyard
- Pio-Clementino Museum (including the Laocoön and Apollo Belvedere)
- Gallery of Maps
- Gallery of Tapestries
- Raphael Rooms
- Sistine Chapel
- Bramante Staircase
Important: Photography is allowed throughout most of the museums, but photos and videos are not permitted inside the Sistine Chapel, including Michelangelo’s Last Judgment.
Audio Guide Review
We used the official audio guide and thought it was excellent. You simply enter the number associated with each room or artwork and can listen to concise explanations as you move through the museums. It helped us focus on the highlights without feeling overwhelmed.
That said, if you’re someone who really wants to understand the history, symbolism, and stories behind what you’re seeing, a guided tour is absolutely worth considering. There is so much knowledge packed into the Vatican that it’s impossible to absorb it all on your own. Some guided tours also offer access earlier than the first standard ticketed entry.
Guided Tours I recommend:
- Skip the line: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peters Tour
- Early Morning Vatican, Sistine, St. Peter’s Semi or Private Tour
- Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s Basilica Group Guided Tour
Dining & Shopping
There are numerous gift shops, cafés, and places to grab a meal throughout Vatican City and near the museum exits. Here are a few restaurants nearby:
Perfect post-museum break:
- Dolce Maniera
- Forno Feliziani
- Old Bridge Gelateria (excellent)
Quick Lunch:
- Pizzarium Bonci – best pizza by the slice
- 200 Gradi – fantastic sandwiches
- Panino Divino – quick & tasty
Vatican Museum Hours
- Closed: Sundays (except the last Sunday of most months)
- Free Admission: Typically the last Sunday of the month, though hours are limited and crowds are heavy
Always verify current schedules before your visit.
St. Peter’s Basilica
Even after seeing the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica was one of the most impressive places we visited in Rome.
What Not to Miss
- Michelangelo’s Pietà
- Bernini’s Baldacchino
- The Papal Altar
- St. Peter’s Tomb area (if open)
- The Dome
Climbing the Dome
The dome climb offers some of the best views in Rome and was one of our favorite experiences.
Visitors have two options:
Option 1: Elevator + Stairs
- Take the elevator to the roof level.
- Climb approximately 320 additional steps to reach the very top.
Option 2: Full Stair Climb
- Climb approximately 551 steps from the basilica level to the summit.
The climb is broken into several sections, making it easier than it sounds. Along the way you’ll find places to stop, rest, and take in the views.
One of the highlights comes before the final climb, when you can walk around the interior of the dome and look down into St. Peter’s Basilica from above. It’s also the closest view you’ll get of the incredible mosaics that decorate the inside of the dome.
From there, those continuing to the summit will climb through increasingly narrow and sloped passageways before emerging onto the outdoor observation deck at the top.
My mom and aunt (both 69) chose the elevator option and enjoyed the roof level and interior dome views but decided not to continue to the summit. The final section is noticeably steeper and tighter, so it’s worth considering your comfort level before committing to the last climb.
Audio Guide vs. Guided Tour
We also used the audio guide inside St. Peter’s Basilica. While informative, we found some of the explanations longer and more detailed than we wanted.
For visitors who truly want a deeper understanding of the basilica’s history, artwork, and symbolism, we’d recommend booking a guided tour. If you’re looking to simply appreciate the highlights, the list above will help you see the most important sights in a relatively short visit.
Final Thoughts
If you can only do a few things in Rome, put both the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica near the top of your list. Book early, arrive as early as possible, and decide ahead of time whether you want a self-guided experience or a deeper dive with an expert guide.
HappiLee Well-Traveled 
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