Just a few minutes’ walk from Rome’s historic centre lies the world’s smallest state – the Vatican.

Within an area of less than half a square kilometre, you’ll find some of the most significant sites in the Christian world, including St Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.

View the nearest hotels to the Vatican

But the Vatican is not just another Roman landmark.

Many visitors spend half a day or even a whole day here, and it is here that issues such as booking tickets, queues lasting several hours, papal audiences, climbing the dome of the basilica or visiting the Vatican Gardens are most commonly encountered.

👉 That’s why we’ve put together a separate, detailed guide to the Vatican, where you’ll find:

• tips for visiting St Peter’s Basilica without long queues,
• tickets to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel,
• information on papal audiences,
• transport, prices, safety and practical tips,
• recommended itineraries depending on whether you have 2 hours, half a day or a full day.

The Vatican’s most famous sights

• St Peter’s Basilica
• The Vatican Museums
• Sistine Chapel
• St Peter’s Square
• The Vatican Gardens

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